Online Slot Reviews: Find the Best Slots to Play in 2024
Welcome to the PokerNews Online Slot Reviews!
Our casino experts have reviewed over 100 slot games to give you the lowdown on the good, the bad, and the sometimes ugly in the world of online slots.
You'll find our slot reviews in the links below, plus clicking on any of these games will allow you to play these games at the best online casino in your location. If real money casino games aren't available in your region, then you can play for free at a social casino or sweepstakes casino site.
The Best Online Slots - Top Rated Games for 2024
Without further ado, here are the best slot games we've reviewed! Click to read our review in full, and then play these games with a bonus at the best casino in your location:
The PokerNews Slot Reviews - How We Review Slot Games
Our review process is thorough and unbiased, and each member of the PokerNews Casino team plays the games we review, to understand what it's like to experience as a player. We also include an 'editor's comment' from our writer, giving their personal opinion on any noteworthy features.
We play each game extensively to understand its mechanics, features, and overall entertainment value. Much of this comes down to the personal opinion of our editors, but we try to be fair and give our users a balanced review of what we like and what could be improved.
When reviewing an online slot, I look for anything that grabs me outside of the usual slot mechanics - great sound effects, a wild bonus round, or extravagant multipliers!
Sam Coyle, Senior Casino Manager, PokerNews
Our slot reviews cover a wide variety of slot games, from classic fruit machine slots, to more modern video slots, and themed games including Viking, Egyptian, and Mexican themes! We also look to test the biggest and best slot games from the major game software providers, like NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, IGT, and Playtech - in fact we have a separate page which covers slots software in detail.
Pragmatic Play Slots
NetEnt Slots
IGT Slots
Reviewing Online Slot Features
Our slot game reviews are based on several key criteria:
- ✅ Return to Player %: We consider the RTP to determine the potential payout.
- ✅ Slot Volatility: We evaluate the game's risk level and payout frequency.
- ✅ Gameplay, Graphics, and Sound: We assess the visual aspects of the game, how to play, and any standout sound effects.
- ✅ Bonus Features: We examine the variety and quality of special features, such as Wilds, Multipliers, Free Spins, and other features.
In addition, each of our reviews includes a breakdown of where the slot game can be played online, including the best online casinos in various locations. So, once you find a game you like, you can immediately click through and play!
PokerNews Featured Slot Reviews
Here are some of our top-reviewed slot games:
Our comprehensive slot reviews aim to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. We encourage you to explore our reviews, play responsibly, and enjoy the exciting world of online slots.
How to Choose a Slot Game
Whether you're a seasoned slot player or a newcomer to the world of online casinos, choosing the right slot game can significantly enhance your gaming experience. With countless options available, it's essential to understand the key factors that can help you make an informed decision. This guide will walk you through how to choose a slot game and highlight the features you should be aware of.
Understanding Return to Player
RTP, or Return to Player, is a percentage that indicates the average amount of money a slot machine returns to players over a significant number of spins. For example, a slot game with an RTP of 96% will, on average, return $96 for every $100 wagered. However, it should always be remembered that this estimated return is an average based on thousands and thousands of spins, so it's not a guarantee of return from the amount you wager.
Why is RTP Important?
A higher RTP means better chances of getting returns on your wagers over time. While RTP is not a guarantee of winnings, it gives you an idea of a game's payout potential. Generally, slots with an RTP of 95% or higher are considered favorable although you may find slot games with a lower RTP have additional bonus features that provide other routes to win.
Let's look at some example RTP percentages:
| RTP Band | Description |
| 96-98% | Excellent RTP, often found in popular slots. |
| 94-95% | Average RTP, still fair but not as high as top-tier games. |
| Below 94% | Low RTP, higher house edge. |
These amounts are shown for illustrative purposes only and shouldn't be used as an indicator of success for any slot games with a particular percentage.
High RTP Slots - Read Our Reviews
> Find our more about RTP with our full guide.
Slot Volatility and Why It's Important
Volatility, also known as variance, refers to the risk level associated with a slot game. It determines how frequently wins occur, and the 'level' of these wins when they land. There are three types of volatility:
- Low Volatility: Frequent, smaller wins.
- Medium Volatility: Balanced frequency and payout size.
- High Volatility: Infrequent, larger wins.
How Volatility Affects Your Play
Whether you choose to play low or high volatility slots, can make a big difference to your enjoyment and how you tackle games. For example, Low Volatility slots are often described as being ideal for players seeking 'steady' gameplay or if you want to play on a more casual basis. In comparison, Medium Volatility slots are more suitable for players looking for a balance between risk and reward, and High Volatility slots tend to be played by those betting larger amounts in the hope of striking it lucky with a larger win.
When it comes to your approach, you should think carefully about the amount you are betting and how comfortable you are with slot gameplay. It's always a good idea to choose low volatility slots if you are playing with smaller amounts or are less familiar with the mechanics of slot games in general.
> Find out more about why volatility in slots is important.
Slot Themes and Graphics
The theme of a slot game can greatly enhance your enjoyment. Whether you prefer adventure, mythology, fantasy, or classic fruit slots, you can usually find something that appeals to you. Engaging themes can make gameplay more immersive and entertaining.
When it comes to graphics and sound, playing a game with high-quality graphics and sound effects can elevate your gaming experience, alongside traditional slot gameplay and the bonus features you can find.
> Read more about slot themes and find your favorite!
Slot Game Mechanics and Bonus Features
Understanding the basic mechanics of a slot game is crucial. Most slots have a standard setup of reels and rows, and most slot games are played on a specific grid (like 3 x 5 for example). It's also worth knowing about paylines, which are the lines on which winning combinations must land to yield a payout. Most slot games will display the number of paylines that are possible to make, so the more paylines the better.
Different slots offer various betting options, allowing players to adjust their bet size per line. Understanding how to configure your bets can help manage your bankroll and maximize your winning potential.
Slot Game Bonus Features to Look For:
Wild Symbols
Wild symbols can substitute for other symbols (except scatters and bonus symbols) to help form winning combinations. Some games feature expanding wilds, sticky wilds, or stacked wilds for even more winning potential.
Scatter Symbols
Scatter symbols often trigger bonus features such as free spins or mini-games. Unlike regular symbols, scatters do not need to be on a payline to win, as they can appear anywhere on the reels.
Multipliers
Multipliers increase your winnings by a specified factor (e.g. 2x, 3x). They can appear during base gameplay or in bonus rounds, significantly boosting your payouts.
Bonus Rounds and Free Spins
Bonus rounds and free spins add excitement and extra winning opportunities. They are usually triggered by landing a certain number of scatter symbols or through special bonus symbols.
Progressive Jackpots
Progressive jackpots are special jackpot prizes that increase each time the game is played but not won. A small percentage of each bet contributes to the progressive jackpot pool.
Our tips for playing progressive jackpot games are being aware of the rules around placing bets as sometimes, to be eligible for the jackpot, you need to place the maximum bet. There are also often multiple specific conditions for winning the jackpot, so it's worth reading the rules of a jackpot slot carefully before placing a wager.
> Check out our full jackpot slots guide for more games!
Online Slot Review FAQs
What is RTP and why is it important?
RTP, or Return to Player, is a percentage that indicates how much a slot game pays back to players over time. A higher RTP means better chances of returns on your wagers.
What is slot volatility?
Slot volatility refers to the risk level of a game. Low volatility slots offer frequent, smaller wins, while high volatility slots offer larger, less frequent wins.
What are progressive jackpots?
Progressive jackpots are special prizes that increase each time the game is played but not won. They can offer life-changing payouts.
How do I choose the best slot game for me?
Consider factors such as RTP, volatility, theme, and special features. Our reviews can help you find a game that matches your preferences.
Are online slots fair?
Yes, online slots from reputable providers are regularly audited for fairness. Always choose games from well-known software providers to ensure fair play.