Online Slots UK

Types of Online Slots

Finding the best slots to play online is easy. It just takes a little bit of time and effort. Our casino experts recommend doing your research first. This includes reading slot reviews, watching gameplay on Youtube and playing slots in demo mode. Playing slots for fun is especially helpful – it allows you to thoroughly experience the game and its features.

One more way to find the best slots for you is to choose them based on your bankroll. If you have a limited budget, look for slots with bonuses and free spins, which will extend your gameplay and provide you with additional chances to win. Finally, you can filter games based on your preferred structure, layout, and graphics.

Below you’ll find the slots categories available at online casinos.

What are Online Slots?

Online slots are modernised versions of the classic fruit slot machines. Instead of having to dress up and travel to a land-based casino, you can now play these games online from the comfort of your home. All you have to do is sign up with your preferred online casino, and you’re all set.

Like the original pub slots, the new online slots also have reels and paylines. When you place your bet and hit the spin button, the reels start spinning, and if you match identical symbols on an active payline, you’ll collect a payout as shown in the slot’s paytable.

Compared to the old-school classic fruit machines, today’s online slots come in so many different themes and reel configurations that finding your favourite will be a piece of cake. Some of them you can even try out for fun in demo mode before playing for real money. Plus, all modern slots are built from the ground up using advanced HTML5 technology, making them perfect for playing on the go.

Moreover, some top game developers release new slots weekly or monthly, so there’s always something new and exciting to look forward to. Further down this page, we’ll talk more about the types of slots you can play, but for now, we’ll tell you how to spot your next favourite online game.

Why Should You Play Online Slots?

It’s easy to see why online slots are so trendy. They are easy and fun to play, don’t require special skills or preparation, and on top of that, you can win real money! Here are some other reasons why players choose to play slots online:

• Convenience – not only can you play all your favourite slots online from the comfort of your home, but you can also discover new releases all at the same time. Plus, many of them you can play in demo mode before spending your own cash.
• Assortment – a wide selection of slots is a good reason alone to try online slots. There are thousands of games available at online slots sites, enabling you to pick and choose titles with the best odds, the most vivid graphics and the most entertaining gameplay right on the spot. For inspiration, you can visit our slot reviews to see what’s currently trending in the UK.
• Compatibility – most if not all the current slots are developed using groundbreaking HTML5 technology, making online slots compatible with all the latest Android, iOS and Windows mobile gadgets. This means you can also play on the go from any location via your phone or tablet.
• Bonuses and special features – feature-rich slots with bonuses are always fun to play. They come with free spins and other special features that could significantly enhance and extend your gameplay. Better yet, playing games at casinos with various bonuses can further boost your winning chances.

These are just some of the perks of playing slots at online casinos. To find some of the best slots sites, visit our handy toplist of the best online casino sites in the UK.

What Makes a Good Online Slot Game?

Finding a good online slot game is pretty easy, but if you’re new here, we’ll tell you exactly what to look out for when looking for your next favourite online casino slot. Here goes.

• Captivating theme – the easiest place to start is to choose games based on slot themes. Hundreds of slots are out there featuring dragons, ancient Egyptian gods and mythological creatures. Colourful visuals, gripping soundtracks and fun characters are some of the elements that make games highly immersive. You can also choose games based on films, cartoons, comics, TV shows and even popular rock or heavy metal bands – branded slots are also abundant.
• Bonus features – a mix of dynamic bonus features is what brings a slot to life, but not only that. They can also extend your gameplay, help you hit the top jackpot and, in general, provide you with some fun-filled gameplay. Look out for games with free spins, respins, win multipliers, walking wilds, gambling wheels, and special bonus games – all of them will add to the experience and help win big.
• Jackpots – talking about thrilling action and big wins, why not look for slots with progressive or in-game jackpots. Admittedly, jackpot games aren’t always better than regular slots, but the possibility of hitting a multi-million cash prize will add an extra layer of excitement to your gameplay.
• Key stats – high RTP slots mean a better return on your investment. We’re not saying that games with an RTP below the current industry average of 96% are not worth playing, but the higher the RTP level, the better the payouts. Progressive jackpots, for example, have much lower RTP, yet they’re some of the most popular games worldwide. Look out for the best rate for you – some developers might release games with customisable RTP levels. When it comes to volatility, again, this depends a lot on your playing style and budget. Low volatility offers frequent but smaller wins and vice versa; medium and high volatility slots offer bigger payouts but less often.
• Betting limits – min and max betting limits are as important – they refer to the value you can bet on your preferred slot. The bigger the range of bets available, the better for your budget. If you’re playing a jackpot slot, you’ll probably want to bet max to have a better chance at hitting it – you can only bet the absolute top stakes to hit the jackpot in some slots.
• Mobile format – mobile slots are not a new concept and thanks to advanced HTML5 technology, most online slots today are mobile-friendly. So if you’re out and about often, look for slots compatible with the latest Android, iOS and Windows gadgets, including phones and tablets.

What are Slot Reels

Slot reels are the foundation of any online slot. Every slot machine comes with a set of reels which are vertical columns that spin and reveal symbol combinations whenever you hit the spin button. Most classic slots have a 3-reel setup, while modern slots feature a layout of 5, 6 or 10 reels. The number of reels contributes to the overall look and feel of the slot, and while it doesn’t impact the payout percentage, it does affect the outcome of your spin due to different numbers of paylines.

Because of the increased number of reels, 5-reel and 10-reel slots, for example, have a greater number of paylines than 3-reel slots, giving you more opportunities to hit a win.

What are Slot Paylines

Like reels, slot paylines are an integral part of any online slot. They are straight, vertical, diagonal or zigzag patterns programmed to identify a win. Depending on the game, you’ll often need to line up several identical symbols on an active payline from left to right on adjacent reels to win.

Today’s most popular video slots have multiple paylines running into tens and thousands of winning lines, including slots with win-both-ways or Megaways mechanics. The latter can offer 117,649 incredible win ways on every spin.

You’ll find that most slots have this information displayed in their paytable. Within the slot’s rules, the developer will also tell you in which direction you need to line up winning symbols to score a win, so be sure to check that before playing.

Symbols and Special Features in Slot Machines Explained

Symbols in slots are the special icons that award a payout according to the paytable when you create a win on an active payline. When it comes to special slots features, these are some of the most common symbols you’ll encounter:

• Standard symbols
• Wild symbols
• Scatter symbols
• Bonus symbols
• Multiplier symbols

In classic slots, symbols usually depict fruit, lucky sevens, diamonds, stars, and BAR icons, but symbols in many modern slots are more elaborate. Many developers today use character symbols to enhance the slots’ themes visually. These picture symbols usually act as the highest-paying symbols, a combination of which could see you winning some fantastic payouts in just a spin. Special symbols, like wilds and scatters, don’t always have a monetary value but can activate special bonus features like free spins, respins or other bonus games. Let’s take a closer look.

Standard Symbols

Standard symbols are the high-paying and low-paying symbols from the paytable. They don’t usually have the powers to trigger bonus rounds, but they can award a payout when you hit a winning combination. In most slots, the low-paying symbols are represented as playing card icons such as A, K, Q, J and similar, but they can also be depicted as runes or other critters, depending on the theme. The same goes for the high-paying symbols. They can be simple icons or represented by characters related to the theme.

Wild Symbols

Wilds, also known as substitutions, are some of the most popular bonus symbols. They may or may not have a monetary value, but they are handy when building winning combinations. If they land as part of a potential win, wilds will almost always substitute for other regular symbols to improve the prize-winning payline. In addition, wilds can take many different shapes. Some of the most popular include walking wilds, expanding wilds, multiplier wilds, sticky wilds and stacked wilds.

Scatter Symbols

Scatters are your best friends in any slot game. Like wilds, they don’t always pay, but they’ll help you activate free spins, respins or other special bonus rounds in most games. Typically, you’ll need to land at least three scatters anywhere on the reels in the base game to trigger a bonus game, but in some cases, they’ll need to hit specific reels to reach the next level. In many slots, scatters also work as retriggers, meaning that if you land a scatter during the bonus round, you’ll retrigger the current bonus round.

Bonus Symbols

Bonus symbols are very similar to scatters because they’re also responsible for triggering a bonus game. Bonus symbols are less common in classic slots but appear regularly in modern slots. For example, landing six or more bonus symbols will trigger a jackpot bonus game or a jackpot wheel in jackpot slots. In other slots, bonus symbols may trigger other special mini-games like the famous Link & Win feature.

Multiplier Symbols

Multiplier symbols or win multipliers are quite trendy, but not all games have them. As the name suggests, depending on the game, they can increase your bets by a preset value. Some games may come with multipliers of 2x, 10x, 100x and more; others might have progressive or persistent (sticky) multipliers. These usually come into play during bonus rounds, but some games might also have small-value non-progressive multipliers added in the base game.

Free Slots vs. Real Money Slots

Free slots are the same real money slots that you can try for free in demo mode before you spend your cash. The primary purpose of free slots is to allow you to experience the slot in full with no risks involved. When you play slots in demo mode, you can still access the exact same features, trigger bonus rounds and win, but not in real money. Playing slots in fun mode is one of the best ways to learn about the slot’s mechanics and how it works. It’s also a great way to test new releases, and you’ll find that most online casinos allow players to try their slots for free.

Best Online Slots Games

With an infinite amount of games, how do you even begin to decide what are the best slots to play online. We feel your pain so we sent our slots team to do the digging. They say the top 10 online slots below are a good place to start.

1. Starburst

This gem of a game is one of the most recognisable slots in the iGaming industry. Players just can’t get enough of its dazzling gem-encrusted theme and win both ways expanding wilds. It’s also a medium variance slot meaning that the wins here are frequent. And despite the lack of in-game bonus features, Starburst is still one of the top online slots from NetEnt.

2. Gonzo’s Quest

Beautifully crafted, equipped with tumbling reels and increasing multipliers, Gonzo’s Quest is one of the best slots to play online. It’s highly entertaining, with frequent payouts and beautiful Aztec jungle theme. Just like Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest slot is not a game of many special bonuses and yet it’s stolen many players’ hearts.

3. Mega Fortune

Known as the millionaire-maker slot, Mega Fortune is well-known among the slots enthusiasts. It’s all about the luxury here. The yachts, the sparkle, the champagne. NetEnt sure knows how to create immersive gameplay. And with 3 jackpots up for grabs, it never stops featuring among the top 10 online slots to play in the UK.

4. Book of Dead

If we had to list the best online slots in the UK, the Book of Dead slot would make the cut. The graphics here are stunning. This high variance game comes with many in-game bonus features to help you win including free spins, expanding wilds and scatter symbols. A risky game though. Just like the many other online slots by Play’n GO.

5. Immortal Romance

Immortal Romance is such a vivid online slot and one of the top slot games from Games Global. It comes with 243 pay lines, a multifold of bonus features and big payouts. The supernatural vampire theme is exceptional too, expertly executed with detailed graphics and an eerie soundtrack. We can’t fault this game.

6. Mega Moolah

Games Global’s Mega Moolah is another record-breaking slot game that could bring you many riches. It’s rigged with 4 progressive jackpots: Mini, Minor, Major and Mega. Each starts at 10, 100, 10, 000, and 1 million respectively. And because the slot pays out randomly, you can win on any spin. As a rule of thumb, the higher you bet, the bigger the payout.

7. Vikings Go to Hell

A strong favourite by Yggdrasil is the hardcore Vikings go to Hell slot. The last but not least in their Viking-themed trilogy, the slot is brilliant, beautiful and extremely high-risk. It’s not your ordinary gentle game from Yggdrasil’s slot collection. But if you think you can handle the pressure, then join the Vikings, collect your rage points and go battle the fallen angel.

8. Jokerizer

This Yggdrasil slot grows on us each time we play it. It’s fun, well made and pays both ways but comes as a high variance game. It has one special in-game feature, the Jokerizer Mode, to help you win some cash. If you are lucky, you can win 600x your bet here. Don’t expect to win too often but do give this slot a spin. Jokerizer a players’ favourite for a good reason.

9. Blood Suckers

Slots players love the vampire-slaying Bloodsuckers. With endless payouts and rewarding bonus features, it makes a fun and spooky gameplay. More so, the slot comes with lots of great in-game features and a 5-level bonus game. Here you could land a 2x or 3x multiplier, depending on your luck.

10. John Hunter Series

We’re super excited about John Hunter since we haven’t had the chance to mention any of the Pragmatic slots yet. The adventurous Indiana Jones inspired online game has spawned many sequels. John is an avid traveller and treasure hunter, and his series of slots have seen him seek out the Mayans, Aztecs, Egyptians & more! This slot series is where the real treasure lies.

1. NetEnt

The software leader in the gaming industry, NetEnt has been developing some of the most exciting online slots for over 20 years. During which, the developer has brought to life Starburst and Gonzo’s Quest, two of the most loved slots around. Today, they continue to strengthen their brand by releasing slots chock-full of unique features and ground-breaking bonus games. Jumanji and Planet of the Apes are both good examples as are the vampire-slaying slots Bloodsuckers I and II. And let’s not forget their millionaire-maker pooled jackpots such as Mega Fortune, Hall of Gods, Arabian Nights, and Mega Fortune Dreams.

2. Yggdrasil

As an up and coming games studio, Yggdrasil has been breaking the glass ceiling since 2013. Starting with their mysterious brand name, they’ve been indulging slots players with amazing Nordic and Egyptian themes. Their cold and icy Viking trilogy with the latest Vikings Go To Hell title was well received by players around the world. The stunning Valley of the Gods didn’t go unnoticed either. Featuring stunning graphics and the 3,125 ways to win mechanism, the slot has been a major hit since its release. We are excited to see what’s coming next from this player-focused games studio.

3. Play’n GO

Due to their immersive gameplay and mobile-friendly content, Play’n GO is represented in many casinos across the world. The Book of Dead slot, a fetching replica of Book of Ra, is the definition of Play’n GO provider. Ever since its release, the game has been a testament to the developer’s endless love for slots. Their collection has all kinds of video slots. From easy to play slots to exceptional games with daring gameplay. Such is the Queen’s Day Tilt slot with a moving grid and wild falls for endless wins.

4. Games Global

Operating since 1994, Games Global has created many titles that we all know and love. Take the vampire-themed Immortal Romance, for example. Packed with exciting features, the 243 ways to win slot is an iconic release that has stood the test of time. With new online games released every month, their slots collection is endless. Whether you like fantasy or TV show themes, you’ll find them here. The latter include Terminator and the Love Island slot among many. Games Global is also at the top of the leaderboard in the progressive jackpot slots category. Their Mega Moolah progressive jackpot slot holds the record for the biggest ever online slot payout of £13,209,300. Need we say more?

5. Quickspin

With Quickspin you can experience both real money casinos and social gaming. Co-founded in 2011, the stylish new kid on the block has already been praised for its exceptional impact on the gaming industry. Their main goal to deliver superior games right to your desktop (and mobile) is the main driving force behind this Swedish brand. Eastern Emeralds, Sticky Bandits and Spinions Beach Party are just a few of their slots loved by British players and worldwide punters alike. The great news is their library keeps growing rapidly. New exciting mobile-optimised slots titles are added as you read.

🌟 JohnSlots: Your go-to Source for Online Slots

At JohnSlots, we consider ourselves more than just casino experts – we are also experts on the casino games available on these platforms. The area in which we excel is undoubtedly online slot machines. Whether it’s video or Megaways, jackpot or demo slots, we can quickly determine whether a game is worth recommending to our readers.

But what use would all our knowledge and experience have if we did not turn it into online slot reviews?! These reviews are worth your attention and trust, and here’s why that’s so:

✅ Extensive number of slot reviews

Our website currently features over 1,500 online slot reviews with in-depth information about all game features, themes, RTPs, bet limits, etc. This number is continuously growing, as each of our expert reviewers usually take up between 10 and 20 slot reviews per month. That means all popular slots are already covered on JohnSlots, so you will find reviews of:

• New slots
• Popular slots
• Best RTP slots
• Megaways slots
• Jackpot slots
• Real money slots
• Free play slots

Not only can you learn more about free play slots, but you can also test them only at JohnSlots. We offer over 1,000 completely free demo slots. So, read our guides and then take a look at the games that leave the best impression.

✅ Expert reviews

We would never betray your trust by publishing reviews that are not completely accurate. To ensure each slot review features information of real value to you as a reader, we work with a team of expert casino reviewers with over 50 years of combined experience with slot reviews. Our meticulous review process includes 16 hours of data collection and verification and 8 hours of research per review. This allows us to create guides that provide a detailed overview of all essential slot features and a professional opinion of each game.

✅ Safe and secure gameplay

It’s not enough to just review the features of an online slot to determine if it’s safe and secure for users. Our team of expert reviewers also focused on the software provider that created the game and the security features it uses to ensure that players’ funds and winnings are secure throughout the gaming experience. We only recommend the slots that pass our security testing.

✅ Transparent payouts

An essential part of each slot machine review is the game’s RTP. We usually recommend games with RTPs of at least 95% for those looking for a decent return, but we ensure that we mention the exact percentage, even if it’s lower. This helps us give readers an idea of how much they can expect to return for each losing wager on a specific game.

✅ Exclusive slot promotions

Considering each of our 12 casino experts works on up to 15 online casino platforms a month, we review quite a few bonuses that may or may not be connected to a specific slot. If we find a casino bonus linked to a slot, we can provide information on the qualification process and the bonus details to ensure you learn how to qualify and use the bonus. This is usually the case with bonuses with free spins, but you can always use bonus cash to play slots, too.

✅ Constant updates

Our lists are updated regularly to include new releases and slots that have received the most attention from players. This means you can use our platform to learn about new slots, their features, themes, and linked bonuses that have received a thumbs-up from expert casino reviewers. Moreover, if a game receives a redesign or a spin-off, we’ll tell you all about it so you know what to expect when you spin the reels for the first time!