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Online Slots and Slot Games
Are you interested in learning more about online gaming? I’ve put together a guide on the best online slots. From selecting to playing, here is everything you need to know about online slots and slot games.
How to Play Slots at a Casino Site
Once registered with your Canadian dollar online casino of choice, you can fund your account and start playing. If you’re new to the industry and aren’t sure where to begin, don’t worry – I have you covered. Here are step-by-step instructions to help you deposit money and start playing.
- Read the bonus terms. Before you make your first deposit, pick the welcome or deposit bonus you want to claim and read its terms carefully. If there is a minimum deposit required to play, make sure you have the funds available.
- Head to the cashier. The next step is to navigate to the casino’s deposit page. You can usually find this via ‘Deposit’ buttons from the homepage of the website and your profile.
- Decide how much and how to pay. Once you’ve made it to the deposit page, you need to do two things. First, you must decide how much money you want to deposit. Second, you need to decide how you’ll be paying. Casinos typically offer a variety of payment methods – read through the options and pick the one that is best for you.
- Complete the deposit, then return to the casino’s main page. You’re almost ready to play! Submit the deposit request. The funds should be added to your account almost immediately. When they have been credited, return to the main page of the website.
- Navigate to the slots page. Your next step is to pick out the real money slots you want to play. You can do this by clicking on the ‘casino’ or ‘slots’ section, usually available from the operator’s main page.
- Check through the different slot categories. Most online casinos have separate sections of the website for different kinds of slots. It is common to see a ‘top games’ page, for example, as well as a ‘new’ or ‘featured games’ section and even pages dedicated to table and live casino games.
- Pick a game that seems interesting and play! You’re all done. Let the slot load and start spinning.
What Types of Slot Games Are Available?
You know how to find the games lobby, but what category of slot should you explore? There are six sections to consider as you pick the perfect title:
- Classic Slots
- Video Slots
- Multiple Payline Slots
- Progressive Jackpots
- Megaways Slots
- 3D Slots
🎰Classic Slots
Classic slots are straightforward games typically consisting of three reels. When you click the spin button, the reels should start spinning. If you land three of the same symbol, you’ve won! A good example of this is Mega Joker by NetEnt.
🕹️Video Slots
Video slots are similar to classic slots but with more reels, rows, and features. When you imagine what it’s like to play slot games for real money, this is probably the kind of game you envision. Rich Wilde and the Book of Dead by Play’n GO is one of the most popular titles of all time in the video slot category.
🪙Multiple Payline Slots
Multiple payline slots are a kind of video slot that have more than one payline. Paylines refer to reel combinations you must meet to win, so the more paylines in a game, the better. Big Bass Bonanza by Pragmatic Play is an example of a multiple payline slot that has 10 ways to win.
💰Progressive Jackpots
Progressive jackpots are slots with prize pools that grow with every bet. One of the most popular examples is Mega Moolah by Microgaming.
💵Megaways Slots
Remember when I said the more paylines, the better? Megaways slots offer players up to 117,649 of them! Bonanza Megaways by Big Time Gaming is an excellent example.
🎞️3D Slots
3D slots are video slots with 3D imagery to improve immersion. Fantasma Games’ Fortune Llama is a bright and refreshing option!
How to Choose An Online Slot
When you’re ready to play your first slot, you might be a little overwhelmed by all of the options. There are three main things to remember:
- Available bonuses: Some online casinos offer things like free spins on specific games to encourage players to play. If you do find a bonus on the game of your choice, familiarize yourself with the term and pay particular attention to the wagering requirements before deciding to claim it.
- Return to player (RTP): RTP measures what percentage of the money players bet is returned to them on average and over time. A higher RTP is always better.
- Slot volatility: Volatility measures the game’s payout frequency and amount. Slots with low volatility typically pay smaller amounts more consistently than high-volatility games, which typically pay higher amounts less often.
Pros and Cons of Playing Slot Games for Real Money
There are a few things to consider when playing slot games for real money. Here are the most important pros and cons to keep in mind.
Pros:
- Real money wins
- Wide variety of themes
- Awesome bonuses and promotional offers
Cons:
- Risk of losing money
- Slow withdrawals
Top 10 Most Popular Slot Games in Canada
To help our fellow Canadians get started, I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 most popular slots in the country. Give these a try for free in demo mode and if you like them, refer to my 3 points above before you decide to play with real cash.
1. Starburst by NetEnt
This slot is both jewel-themed and space-themed, so jewels in space. Although the extra features are pretty basic, it’s a popular choice among players, due to its low volatility and high RTP.
2. Immortal Romance by Microgaming
Immortal Romance is a vampire-themed favourite. This classic slot has medium to high volatility, a captivating storyline and unique bonus rounds that add to the atmosphere.
3. Sweet Alchemy by Pragmatic Play
If you enjoy the vibrant colours of candy-themed slots, this is the game for you. It has medium volatility and plenty of visually stimulating exploding candy mechanics.
4. Book of Dead by Play’n Go
This classic Ancient Egypt-themed game is beloved by casino players and often included in casino bonuses. It has high volatility so it’s perfect for players looking for a high-stakes adventure.
5. Big Bass Bonanza by Pragmatic Play
One of my personal favourites, Big Bass Bonanza immerses you in a relaxing fishing theme. Medium volatility, decent RTP, fish-catching features, what’s not to enjoy?
6. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy by Light&Wonder
If you were a fan of this hilarious movie, you’re in for a treat. This humorous-themed slot is a joy to play and has medium volatility so it strikes a nice balance between risk and reward.
7. Family Guy by IGT
I love Family Guy so you can imagine my excitement when I discovered this medium volatility slot. The best part is the bonus rounds, which are based on the characters and scenes from the show.
8. King Kong Fury by Yggdrasil
Another movie classic, this slot follows the epic King Kong theme and has medium volatility. Although not one of my favourites, our Canadian players seem to enjoy it, probably due to its features which are surprisingly easy to trigger.
9. Monopoly Mega Movers by SG
Based on the classic board game, this medium volatility slot has 5 jackpots! It also has many other mechanics to enjoy so this feature-packed slot is definitely worth a try.
10. Deal or No Deal by Red Tiger Gaming
I’m ending the list with this game show classic. It has medium volatility and standard features, but what makes it stand out is its bonus rounds. As with the show, you get to pick between boxes to potentially land big prizes.
What Bonuses Can You Get for Playing Slot Games?
For many players, the best part of playing slot games is the bonuses that sometimes come with them. There are four common bonuses to keep in mind:
- Free Spins
- Deposit Bonuses
- No Deposit Bonuses
- Seasonal Slot Bonuses
Free Spins
Free spins bonuses revolve around, as the name suggests, free game spins. These promotions offer players a fixed number of free spins which are automatically used when they open the game in question. Free spins are sometimes offered in combination with deposit or no deposit bonuses.
Deposit Bonuses
Deposit bonuses are promotions that offer the player some kind of monetary advantage for funding their account. Common kinds of deposit promotions include match bonuses. These standard casino bonuses consist of the casino matching player deposits by a certain amount. The more you deposit, the bigger the bonus.
No Deposit Bonuses
A no deposit bonus, on the other hand, refers to bonuses that allow you to play without spending any of your own money.
Seasonable Slots Bonuses
Seasonal slot bonuses are popular around major holidays in Canada and the wider world. Free spins on Santa and winter-themed games, for example, are especially popular around Christmas.
What Are Slot Tournaments?
Slot tournaments pit players against each other in a friendly game of chance. At the end of the promotion, players who have won the most win some kind of prize. These range from free spins to physical items.
How Do Slot Tournaments Work?
Slot tournaments are hosted by specific casinos or software developers, typically on one of the best slots sites. To play, players only need to open the slot and start playing. Your scores should be automatically tracked throughout the competition. Many tournaments even offer leaderboards with real-time point counts! Once the tournament ends, the players with the most points win.
Most Popular Slot Game Themes
From movie-themed slots and classic fruit machines to Viking-themed ones, I’ll take you through the most common slot game themes and which are the best titles within that category. The newest online casinos will all have the latest titles in each category stocked for your spinning pleasure!
💎Jewel Themed Slots
As Marilyn Monroe sang ‘Diamonds are a girl’s best friend’ and they are also one of the most common slots themes. This is probably due to the close connection between precious jewels and money (which include gold and silver).
📺Movie and TV Themed slots
To capture some of a movie or TV franchise’s audience many slot game creators join forces with the big movie studios to transport popular shows/movies into slot games.
🏹Viking Themed Slots
Maybe it’s due to the fact that most online casino operators, such as Betsoft and Betsson, are from Scandinavia. Or maybe it’s the fact that Vikings liked to raid towns and villages in search of gold and treasure. I’m not really sure but what I do know is that there is a ton of Viking-themed slots out there from the realistic-looking to the cute-cartoony type.
🍉Fruit Themed Slots
Given that slot machines are also known as fruit machines it’s no surprise that many slot games and casinos have a fruity theme going on. Let’s also not forget that one of the most common casino symbols is a pair of cherries.
🍀Irish Themed Slots
From four-leaf clovers to pots of gold sitting at the end of rainbows many Irish symbols are considered to be lucky. Considering that most people who gamble tend to believe in luck, basing games around lucky charms and symbols is a clever way to go. With so much inspiration to draw from it’s no surprise that casino game providers use these Irish icons and folklore characters within their slot games.
🛸Space Themed Slots
For decades people have been fascinated with space from stars, the possibility of alien life, and other planets. This interest has transferred to movies, TV series, amusement parks, interior design, and even slot games. From the realistic to cute animated aliens, there is a wide variety of space-themed slots to suit every player.
🎅Christmas Themed Slots
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas is associated with friends, family, good food, and togetherness. There are also lots of famous Christmas symbols that lend themselves perfectly to slots, such as Santa, presents, candy, snow, and polar bears.
🎃Halloween Themed Slots
Keeping with the holiday spirit, Halloween is another common theme in slot games. With its enchanting storylines and captivating icons, it’s no wonder there are so many spooky slots. So, if Halloween is your bag of tricks why not enjoy some spins on those devilish slots?
What is The House Edge When Playing Online Slot Games?
The ‘house edge’ refers to the advantage casinos have over players. It is measured as a percentage and applied over time. Everything is a business, and the world of online slot games is no exception. Casinos don’t host games for free. It’s important to note that slots often have higher house edges than any of the other casino games. This means that casino profits more off the money you spend on slots than it does other games.
Who Makes Slot Games?
There are many incredible slot designers on the market. The best online slots are reliable, fair, attractive, and have excellent bonus features. Some providers are more well-known for checking all of the boxes than others. In general, NetEnt, Games Global/Microgaming, Quickspin, and Pragmatic Play are the top software developers in the field.
My 3 Tips for Playing Slots
Before you find your next favourite game and start playing, keep my top three simple but effective tips in mind:
- Do some research into the game before you play it.
- Pick a slot with bonus features that suit your gameplay.
- Keep your budget in mind, practice responsible gambling, and remember to only bet what you can afford to lose.
Online Slots FAQ
What is an online slot?
An online slot is a type of casino game that can be played on a computer or mobile device. There are many different types of online slots, and they all have their own unique features and gameplay. Some of the most popular online slots include:
– Progressive slots: These slots have a jackpot that increases every time someone plays the game. The more people play, the higher the jackpot gets.
– 3D slots: These slots offer realistic graphics and sound effects.
What are the benefits of playing online slots?
One of the main benefits is that you can play from the comfort of your own home. You don’t have to travel to a casino or other location to play. You can also play at any time of day or night that you want.
Another benefit is that online slots often have better odds than physical slots. This means that you have a better chance of winning when you play online.
What are the risks of playing online slots?
Perhaps the most obvious is the risk of losing money. While slots can be a fun and exciting way to gamble, they can also be very costly. Players can quickly lose large sums of money if they do not manage their bankrolls carefully.
Another risk of playing online slots is the risk of becoming addicted. Gambling addiction is a very real problem for many people, and it can be very difficult to overcome.
What is the house edge for online slots?
In general, the house edge for online slots is typically between 2% and 10%. This means that for every $100 wagered on an online slot game, the casino can expect to make an average profit of between $2 and $10.
What is the payout percentage for online slots?
The average payout percentage for online slots is between 92% and 96%. This means that for every $100 wagered, the player can expect to receive back between $92 and $96 on average.
