Updated: 2024
How do Online Slots Work? [RNG Explained]
Every online slot machine uses a Random Number Generator (RNG) computer software. This RNG generates sequences of numbers and symbols that cannot be predicted. These sequences are generated in intervals of milliseconds through a combination of algorithms.
Basically, the Random Number Generator in slots means anything can happen anytime: each spin is completely random, unpredictable and completely independent of previous or future spins.
Even if you have just hit the jackpot, you still have the chance to win big or even another jackpot on your next spin.
Alternatively, you could be spinning the reels of a slot game for hours without winning anything. The machine doesn’t know how long you’ve been playing and how much money you’ve lost or won so far.
The slot machine has no idea if you have just won a huge jackpot on your last spin.
The moment you spin the reels on a slot machine, the RNG starts throwing out numbers and symbols in the order of hundreds per second. The number and symbol the RNG is on at the fraction of the second you click spin, determines the numbers and symbols the reels will land on. That’s really the one and only thing you can do to influence the outcome: timing.
All casinos that offer online slots in the UK use RNG’s to determine the outcomes of their many various slots games. Each slot game has a predetermined winning outcome percentage around which the RNG’s revolve. This is known as the return to player (RTP).
RTP of Online Slots
The Return to Player (RTP) is the programmed payout of any slot game. It is also known as the house edge, the advantage the casino has over the player in terms of winning the game. You’ll notice that in all slot games the casino holds the winning advantage, the key is knowing by how much. Choosing the highest RTP slots to improve your odds of winning is the best course of action here.
How to Calculate RTP
A slot games RTP is worked out as a percentage and displayed as such. For example, let’s take a look at the RTP of the Dead or Alive slot game.
RTP: 96.82%
For every £100 wagered
You earn: £96.82
It is of huge importance to understand that the RTP of a slot game is theoretical and is based on the game’s lifetime, not on a single playing session. Also, online slot machines do not pay fixed amounts at regular intervals. Some players can win a much higher amount than the RTP suggests while others way below it.
You should use slot RTP values to get a general idea of how much money you’re likely to make playing a certain slot machine over a period of time.
The higher the RTP percentage, the better value for you as a player.
How to Find Out the RTP?
First, take a look at our list of slots above, we have stated the RTP for each game.
If you haven’t found the game that interests you: slot sites state the RTP’ s of each game in their descriptions or terms of conditions. Sometimes this information can be harder to find or more time-consuming. As such, a quick Google search on the name of the slot game followed by RTP will give you the value.
As a general rule of thumb on slots’ RTP’ s:
- 97% and above = high value
- 92-97% = average value
- 92% and below = lower value
Slots Tip! You should use RTP’ s as an indicator and not as a deciding factor on whether a slot game will be profitable and worth your time. The return to player value does not take into account how the money is being paid out.
An excellent example is Mega Moolah slot. It is one of the most popular online slots in the UK, holds the record-high jackpot payout of £13.2 million, yet it only has an RTP of 88.12%.
Different types of slot games have different RTP values depending on their features. As such, the RTP should be looked at as part of the big picture and not on its own.
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Read MoreTypes of Bonuses – Play Free Online Slots
Wouldn’t it be nice to play some free slot games? Without a need to deposit money, yet able to withdraw any possible winnings is the ideal world for players. Thankfully, such a bonus can be found and used at several online casinos.
In fact, the competition is so fierce among online casino sites, that they offer different bonuses to attract new players. You should read the terms and conditions of each bonus to understand its rewards and how to access them. Some of the most common bonus offers are:
Welcome Bonus – in one way or another, all online slot casino operators provide some form of welcome bonus to its new players. This usually comes in the form of a 100% free deposit match up a certain amount and comes with some wagering requirements.
No Deposit Bonus – an attractive bonus for many casino players who don’t have to deposit money in order to actually spin the reels. No deposit online bonuses do usually come with pretty high wagering requirements in order to protect themselves. They are also much lower in the amount of bonus money than a welcome bonus.
Free Spins – another bonus used by online slot casinos to get a competitive edge is to offer free spins on specific slots for its members. Most of the times, these free spins do come with some wagering requirements.
However, there is a growing trend for no wagering bonuses so you can find a bonus with free spins where you have access to your winnings instantly. You basically get to play free online slot games and keep the winnings. An example of a casino with such a promotion is Betsafe.
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Slots Game Types for the UK Players
Online slots games are based on computer programming and software. As you are probably well aware, tremendous and continuous progress has been made in the computer programming field in recent years.
This constant progression and innovation is reflected in the various slot games themes and gameplay styles. Some of the most popular types of online slot games:
- 3 reel classic slot machine – based on the traditional physical slot machine, this game features 3 lines. You simply have to match 3 symbols across the top, middle, or bottom line to win.
- 5 reel slots – more reels means more possible paylines and more opportunity for a cash prize. They are also more attractive looking and thrilling than the 3 reel slots.
- Progressive slots – these are the games that tend to have a lower RTP, such as Mega Moolah, but with higher rewards. It returns less money back to the players because part of the losing funds are added to increase the value of the jackpot.
- Mega spin slots – if you have more than just one favourite slots game and find it difficult to decide on which one to play, mega spin slots takes care of that for you. With mega spin slots, you can play multiple slots games at the same time and they are all on the same screen. More often than not these have progressive jackpots.
- Multipliers – this is a pretty common type of slot games, where you can multiply your winnings twice, three times or even up to a hundred times.
Minimum And Maximum Bets
One of the main reasons online slots are so popular in the UK is that they are accessible to anyone, regardless of their bankroll.
You can have £5 or £1000 in your account and still stand the same chance to win a jackpot.
The minimum and maximum bets depend on the coin value and the number of paylines in a slot game. These values vary from game to game so you should look at each slot game individually.
The coin value is how much you want to bet on a payline. It usually ranges from £0.01 to £5.00.
A payline is a combination of numbers or symbols that returns a win to the player. The original 3-reel slot game only has one payline and that is if you match three symbols horizontally. The modern day 5-reel slots usually feature 20 paylines. There are also 7-reel slots and multi-payline slots that can have paylines in the hundreds or even thousands.
To determine the minimum and maximum bets of a slot game, simply use the formula:
(Coin Value) times (x) (Number of paylines) = value of bet
For example, using a 5-reel online slot game with 20 paylines and coin values from £0.01 to £0.05, the minimum bet would be £0.20 and the maximum £100.
Who Makes Online Slot Games? [Most Popular Providers]
You’ve probably seen the same slot games across various online casino providers. That is because online slot games are not created by the casinos themselves. Instead, there are software development companies that build and develop online slot games.
These game providing companies have built loyalty and a following base of their own. Most reputable companies that you are very likely to come across when browsing for the best online slots are:
When you play online slots in the UK and you see the above game providers mentioned, it doesn’t mean you are more likely to win. It just means that you are likely to have excellent playing experience. It also vouches for the safety and credibility of the online casino site.
For example: a casino site that provides NetEnt slot games to its players is most likely well-established and fully-licensed.
Keep in mind that the online slots industry is still relatively new, with a little over 20 years of history. In recent years, it exploded in popularity, overtaking the brick and mortar casinos. It is still a growing market for both the players and the slot games software development companies. Numerous new slot games providing companies have entered this market in the last few years, with more likely to be launched in the near future.
Slots Tip! You should not simply ignore an online slot game because you’ve never heard of its providing company.
Instead, you should look up that particular game provider company and learn about it to have a better understanding of it. Read other players’ reviews on review sites or social media. You can also play most of their games in free mode, where you will not win or lose money because you don’t play with real money.
Advantages and Disadvantages
So what are the ups and downs of playing at online slots? Let’s take a closer look.
Advantages
● Wide range of slot games – not all land-based casinos have an extended selection of slot games. Instead of spending time and money on travelling to and from such a casino, you can do that from just a click of the mouse.
● Bonuses and free spins – who doesn’t like free stuff? Online slot casinos regularly reward its new and existing users with free stuff in the form of bonuses and free spins.
● Mobile friendly – in modern day, smartphones are more of a necessity than a luxury. Online slots are mobile friendly so the modern day gambler has access to them from his phone, on the go.
● Anytime and anywhere – there are no working hours for online slot casinos so you can play in the middle of the night if you feel like it. You can play from the comfort of your own home or anywhere as long as you have an internet connection.
Disadvantages
● Payout times – in online slots you have to wait to get your money. Depending on the payment method, this can take from a day up to a week. This can be frustrating for players who are used to cashing out their winning chips at the casino cashier (cage).
● Over gambling – it can be easier to overspend on online slots than in a land-based casino. You can add funds using a debit/credit card or other methods without leaving your chair or touching anything. You don’t have to walk to an ATM, insert your card, PIN etc. The lack of physical money in online slots can make you spend more money as you risk losing track of your spending limits.
Online Slots Sites Breakdown
Online casinos divide the selection of slot games into various categories, some of the most popular being:
- New slots
- Popular slots
- Exclusive slots
- High jackpot slots
Most online slots sites prefer to showcase their exclusive games first. This is what makes them unique and if you want to play an exclusive slot, you have to be a member. Then they prefer to highlight some slot games with huge jackpots as these tend to catch players’ eyes.
In such a highly competitive industry, it is important for an online slot website to look attractive and be user-friendly. It should also be persuasive but not invasive in recommending slot games that are deemed ‘new’ or ‘hot’.
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