Best Online Slots UK

By Tomi Ristola. Updated:

Discover the best slots to play online for real money. We ranked the top slots for the UK on this page.

Online slot games are the modern version of slot machines you've seen in brick-and-mortar casinos. They range from classic fruit machines to the latest video slots and jackpot games.

Keep reading and find out about the slot types, RTP, volatility, and much more. You can also learn how to play slot games online.

Top Online Slots in January 2025

Rank Game RTP Max Win Provider
1. Deadwood RIP 96.09% 100,000x Nolimit City
2. Gates of Olympus 1000 96.50% 15,000x Pragmatic Play
3. Duel at Dawn 96.30% 15,000x Hacksaw Gaming
4. San Quentin 2 96.13% 200,000x Nolimit City
5. Nitropolis 5 94% 50,000x ELK Studios
6. Book of Dead 94.25% 5,000x Play'n GO
7. Zeus vs Hades: Gods of War 96.07% 15,000x Pragmatic Play
8. Le Bandit 96.34% 10,000x Hacksaw Gaming
9. Bonanza Megaways 96% 26,000x Big Time Gaming
10. Razor Returns 96.55% 100,000x Push Gaming
11. RIP City 96.22% 12,500x Hacksaw Gaming
12. Dead or Alive 2 96.82% 111,111x NetEnt
13. Fire in the Hole 2 96.07% 65,000x Nolimit City
14. Reactoonz 96.51% 4,570x Play'n GO
15. Big Bass Mission Fishin' 96.50% 5,000x Pragmatic Play
16. Mega Joker 99% 2,000x NetEnt
17. Darkness 96.14% 20,000x Print Studios
18. Punk Rocker 2 96.06% 30,144x Nolimit City
19. Mega Moolah 88.12% 11,250x Games Global
20. Pirots 3 94% 10,000x ELK Studios

1. Deadwood RIP

Screenshot of Deadwood RIP slot

The top online slot is Deadwood RIP.

Nolimit City and the grim Wild West feel like a match made in heaven. Those familiar with other Western-themed iterations, like Deadwood and Tombstone, will encounter familiar characters and game mechanics in this version, too.

The gritty atmosphere is emphasised with features like xRIP, which doesn't pay wins lower than your bet level.

This game studio has taken volatility levels to the extreme with its games, and Deadwood RIP is no exception. So, if you think you can handle the outlaws and the intense variance, then this is a game worth experiencing.

Provider Nolimit City
RTP 96.09%
Features Stacked Wilds, Split Wilds, Free Spins

Play at Lucky Niki »

2. Gates of Olympus 1000

Screenshot of Gates of Olympus 1000 slot

Gates of Olympus 1000 is the amped-up remake of Gates of Olympus and a clone of Starlight Princess 1000 from Pragmatic Play. This means the game will have a very familiar feel to many players.

The ancient gods appear fairly frequently in slot games, and this time around, Zeus has added a 1,000x multiplier to increase the win potential to 15,000x the bet.

The 6x5 grid slot has high volatility, and landing 4+ scatter symbols triggers 15 free spins that include a total multiplier that increases for the duration of the free spins feature.

Provider Pragmatic Play
RTP 96.50%
Features Multipliers, Free Spins

Play at SpinYoo »

3. Duel At Dawn

Screenshot of Duel at Dawn slot

Hacksaw Gaming returned to the Wild West in 2024 with this game and undoubtedly hopes to recreate the success of their popular Wanted Dead or Alive slot from 2021.

The game has a 5x5 grid and 19 paylines. The max win potential in this high-volatility game is 15,000x.

DuelReels, full reel Outlaw wilds, and free spins guarantee that there is no shortage of excitement. Hacksaw Gaming continues to excel with the graphics and animations in their slots to provide immersive gaming experiences.

Provider Hacksaw Gaming
RTP 96.30%
Features DuelReels, Expanding Wilds, Free Spins

Play at Mr Vegas »

4. San Quentin 2: Death Row

Screenshot of San Quentin 2: Death Row slot

This is another gripping sequel on this list and another entry from Nolimit City. We revisit the infamous California prison, as the provider keeps on pushing boundaries with its games.

Like many other games from this studio, San Quentin 2 is packed with exciting features, and the max win is a staggering 200,000x!

Characters, like Beefy Dick and Loco Luis, make their comeback from the first San Quentin game and appear on a 5x4 grid which can expand up to six rows.

Provider Nolimit City
RTP 96.13%
Features Enhancer Cells, Split and Stacked Symbols, Free Spins

Play at Spin Station »

5. Nitropolis 5

Screenshot of Nitropolis 5 slot

ELK Studios finished its Nitropolis saga with the fifth installment of the series. Visually, the game presents a night view of a futuristic city with its skyscrapers that can reveal a maximum win of 50,000x the bet.

The variance of Nitropolis 5 is high, and the six reels start with four rows but can expand up to eight rows high.

Once again, the provider has packed its game full of features, eventually culminating in the potentially epic free spins feature or the Boss Battle against Sergeant Nitro Wolf.

Provider ELK Studios
RTP 94%
Features Stacked Symbols, Big Symbols, Respins, Win Both Ways, and much more

Play at Swift Casino »

6. Book of Dead

Screenshot of Book of Dead

Play'n GO's legendary Book of Dead needs little introduction, as it has cemented its place in the pantheon of casino games. The game may not be as full of features as some of the more modern games, but what Book of Dead does, it does very well.

This Egyptian hall holds a win potential of 5,000x the bet, triggered with five Rich Wilde symbols.

Released in 2016, Book of Dead went on to spawn not only a plethora of follow-ups starring various characters from the Wilde family but a vast assortment of 'Book of...' slots from a number of other providers. Like many entries on this list, this game is also highly volatile, so it may require some patience to hit some bigger wins.

Provider Play'n GO
RTP 94.25%
Features Expanding Symbols, Free Spins

Play at BetVictor »

7. Zeus vs Hades: Gods of War

Screenshot of Zeus vs Hades: Gods of War slot

Pragmatic Play released this game in 2023, and the game is yet another take on the themes of Greek mythology. This time around, we get to experience some sibling rivalry between divine brothers Zeus and Hades.

Players can choose between two different volatility levels, but even the lower option is still rated as high.

It is debatable how far certain game themes can be pushed without the theme growing tiresome, but with expanding wilds, multipliers up to 100x, and a free spins feature available, there is still plenty of exciting game sessions in store as the gods battle it out.

Provider Pragmatic Play
RTP 96.07%
Features Expanding Wilds with Multipliers, Free Spins

Play at Ahti Games »

8. Le Bandit

Screenshot of Le Bandit slot

Hacksaw Gaming enters the list a second time with this 6x5 grid slot featuring a feisty, crowbar-wielding raccoon. Players enter a sepia-coloured back alley in what might be historical France, but some Irish twists make the overall theme a bit incoherent.

Each win triggers the Golden Squares feature. The positions of winning symbols are highlighted and if you land a Rainbow symbol, the highlighted squares turn into collectable coins.

Hacksaw has again succeeded in creating a fun and unique character, and the game has a tasty maximum win, 10,000x, for a medium-volatility game.

Provider Hacksaw Gaming
RTP 96.34%
Features Cascading wins, Coin collecting, Free Spins

Play at PlayFrank »

9. Bonanza Megaways

Screenshot of Bonanza Megaways slot

Bonanza Megaways is the 2016 release from Big Time Gaming that really paved the way for all Megaways slots to follow. The cascading reels provide winning streaks as long as winning combinations are formed.

The mining-themed game has six reels and can reveal up to 117,649 paylines!

Reels from the second to the fifth have a horizontal reel above them, adding an extra symbol to those reels to help form winning formations. The free spins feature provides true excitement in this slot. Triggering the feature rewards 12 free spins with the chance to win more spins with every extra scatter.

Provider Big Time Gaming
RTP 96%
Features Cascading Wins, Free Spins, Growing Multiplier, Megaways

Play at Spin Casino »

10. Razor Returns

Screenshot of Razor Returns slot

Push Gaming makes its way onto this list with the 2023 follow-up to its iconic Razor Shark. The sequel has extended gameplay and variety compared to the original. While it is hard to improve an iconic slot, the provider has done a good job with Razor Returns.

The 5x5 grid has the potential to pay up to 100,000x the bet.

With features like Mystery Symbols, Nudge & Reveal, Razor Reveal, and free spins, this high-volatility slot has plenty of excitement in store for gamblers.

Provider Push Gaming
RTP 96.55%
Features Mystery Symbols, Nudge & Reveal, Free Spins

Play at MrQ Casino »

11. RIP City

Screenshot of RIP City slot

RIP City is a Hacksaw Gaming slot with characters from an alternate Hanna-Barbera universe who have ended up at a noir back alley due to some life management issues. Sounds fun, doesn't it?

The cat and mouse, Ro$$ and Maxx, appear in a medium-volatility game with a 5x5 reel layout.

The protagonists have distinctive character traits, but the studio has toned down the action from the usual level. Expanding Wilds, multipliers, and two versions of the free spins feature are the main attractions here.

Provider Hacksaw Gaming
RTP 96.22%
Features Expanding Wilds, Multipliers, Free Spins

Play at JackpotCity »

12. Dead or Alive 2

Screenshot of Dead or Alive 2 slot

Dead or Alive 2 is the sequel to one of NetEnt's most iconic slot games. While the original game has held its place, the follow-up has definitely been given a boost regarding graphics and win potential, increased from 12,000x to a whopping 111,111x.

With huge win potential also comes very high volatility, so players will do well to brace themselves for the inevitable dry season. The free spins feature gives players the option of choosing between three games of varying volatility.

Dead or Alive 2 is a prime example of a sequel done well. Retaining the original charm but giving it a modern makeover.

Provider NetEnt
RTP 96.82%
Features Wilds, three Free Spins games

Play at BoyleSports Casino »

13. Fire in the Hole 2

Screenshot of Fire in the Hole 2 slot

The people at Nolimit City grabbed their pickaxes again in 2024 and carved out a sequel to one of their most popular releases. While the changes in the updated version remain moderate, fans of the original should still find this an enjoyable upgrade.

The maximum win has been upped a notch to 65,000x, but the volatility is extremely high, even on the studio's own rating system.

The game starts with three rows, but up to six rows can become active via the Collapsing Mine feature with up to 46,565 paylines available. With solid Nolimit City graphics and soundtrack present and exciting game mechanics, there's little to be desired in terms of slot action.

Provider Nolimit City
RTP 96.07%
Features Cascading wins, Split symbols, Multipliers, Free Spins

Play at 21 Casino »

14. Reactoonz

Screenshot of Reactoonz slot

Reactoonz has remained a player favourite ever since its release in 2017. It's no surprise when you consider the fun theme and the number of bonus features in the space-themed 7x7 grid slot.

The fun aliens pack a max win of close to 5,000x the bet in this high-variance game.

Eight different alien characters form winning clusters within the game area, and the cascading wins can mean multiple wins on one spin. The several different features may take a while to get used to, but not one dull moment is in sight as there is constantly something happening.

Provider Play'n GO
RTP 96.51%
Features Cascading wins, Random Wilds, Mega Symbols, multipliers

Play at PlayOJO »

15. Big Bass Mission Fishin'

Screenchot of Big Bass Mission Fishin' slot

Unless you are really new to online slots, there's not much chance that you haven't come across the abundance of Big Bass games or fishing-themed slots in general. The main differences this time around seem to be the nighttime fishing and the main character dressed like a Navy Seal.

The maximum win, 5,000x is set at a fairly modest level for a high-volatility game.

The game is played on a familiar 5x3 reel layout with 10 paylines. It's somewhat unclear what the actual stated mission is, but if the bonus game is triggered, players can choose between 10 initial free spins or the Stack the Cash game.

Provider Pragmatic Play
RTP 96.50%
Features Money collecting Wilds during Free Spins, Stack the Cash bonus game

Play at Ivy Casino »

16. Mega Joker

Screenshot of Mega Joker slot

Mega Joker is a great example of how an online slot can stand the test of time. NetEnt built the game to resemble a very classic fruit slot and succeeded well in doing that.

One of the most impressive features of Mega Joker is its theoretical RTP of 99% (when played with the highest bet level), but the game's highly volatile nature is worth noting!

The retro design of this fast-paced game is likely to appeal to many players. Unlike some of the more modern games, Mega Joker is not filled with features and bonus games. When the player lands a winning combination in the base game, they have the option to spin the top reels for enhanced wins.

Provider NetEnt
RTP 99%
Features Progressive Jackpot

Play at Mega Riches »

17. Darkness

Screenshot of Darkness slot

Print Studios did not hold back with its horror-themed online slot making its 2023 release a unique experience for players. The game starts with a familiar feature from video games, as players have the option of adjusting the brightness and contrast.

The variance of Darkness is fairly high, and the win potential is 20,000x the bet.

Unless you want to limit your horror intake to friendly ghost figures, then turn off the lights and step into the Darkness. Summoning Lucifer from the depths has never been this lucrative.

Provider Print Studios
RTP 96.14%
Features Multipliers, giant symbols, Free Spins

Play at Videoslots »

18. Punk Rocker 2

Screenshot of Punk Rocker 2 slot

Nolimit City's 2024 follow-up to the Punk Rocker slot shifts the anarchy from the UK to New York City, with the graffitied Wall Street Subway Station providing the backdrop for the bonus game.

The win potential of the sequel has roughly doubled to 30,144x the bet and works well as an expansion to the original slot.

The game studio makes full use of its pop-art visuals department, and the amped-up features, including three free spins games, pack a real punch.

Provider Nolimit City
RTP 96.06%
Features Respins, Stacked symbols, Free Spins

Play at Rizk »

19. Mega Moolah

Screenshot of Mega Moolah slot

This record-breaking jackpot slot has awed players since 2006. The game has spawned numerous sister slots, all sharing the same networked jackpot, and many casinos host at least some version of this game.

The game's RTP is an unimpressive 88.12% in the base game (93.42% when you include the jackpots), but hitting that high-profile jackpot will ease any RTP talk into distant memory.

The age has begun to show a bit in the graphics, and while the lack of any extravagant features outside the free spins game and the jackpots may divert some players to other versions of the game, there is no denying of the lasting legacy of Mega Moolah.

Provider Games Global
RTP 88.12%
Features Wilds, Multipliers, Free spins

Play at Duelz »

20. Pirots 3

Screenshot of Pirots 3 slot

Pirots 3 is, unsurprisingly, the third instalment in the game series. After the first two games had pirate and dinosaur themes, respectively, this game is located at a Wild West-themed amusement park.

Released in 2024, the online slot has a below-average RTP of 94% and a maximum win of 10,000x the bet.

Four birds collect gems and other symbols on a 6x7 grid with cascading wins. While the payout is on the low side, the feature-packed slot provides a lot of entertainment.

Provider ELK Studios
RTP 94%
Features Cascading wins, six feature symbols, Coin Game, Free Spins

Play at Pots of Luck »

Where To Play the Best Online Slots for Real Money

You can play the best online slots for real money at numerous UK-licensed casinos. While the number of online slots at casinos, on average, has climbed steadily, there are still huge differences in the game selection sizes.

The best slot sites UK constantly add studios and games to their roster. We have compiled a list of casinos with the biggest and best selection of online slots, plus a top list of the best slots to play online. Go nuts!

Sites to play the best online slots for real money are listed below:

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Types of Online Casino Slots

Online casino slots cover all types of games. They have evolved during the years to include amazing graphics, professional soundtracks, and of course astonishing features, including life-altering potential wins. Nowadays, online slots come in many different shapes and sizes and cater to many kinds of player preferences.

Classic Slots

Classic slots are a nostalgic glimpse to the past. These games are inspired by the traditional mechanical slot games with a straightforward reel layout. Familiar symbols, like cherries, bars, and sevens, are a common sight on the reels of classic slot games.

Most classic online slots are an excellent option for beginners to get to grips with what slots might offer. Obviously, there are many experienced players who prefer the no-frills approach to their gaming.

Classic slots, like Mega Joker, tend to have extremely fast-paced gameplay and simple mechanics wrapped in a retro vibe, but they might include a more modern feature like progressive jackpots.

Multiline Slots

Multiline slots are a popular category of online slots, and they cover the majority of slot games at online casinos. It is not hard to see the appeal of multi-line slots online, as games can feature anything from a few paylines to hundreds and allow players to combine multiple winning combinations running diagonally or in a zigzag pattern with a single spin.

Slots with multiple lines can be very versatile. Players can, for example, customise their bets and select the number of active paylines.

With boundless features like free spins, all sorts of Wild symbols, and bonus games you couldn't even fathom, modern games can create an immersive experience like no other. It's no longer just about the spinning reels.

Megaways Slots

Megaways Slots have innovative mechanics, varying symbol sizes, and gameplay that is more volatile than on average slots. The Megaways concept was developed by Big Time Gaming and includes a ground-breaking format that can offer up to hundreds of thousands of paylines.

Players recognise a Megaways slot game from its dynamic reels, and the best Megaways slots include various features, like cascading wins, expanding symbols, and multipliers.

Jackpot Slots

Jackpot slots are online slot games that can reward players with life-changing payouts. The games contain jackpots of varying sizes, with the biggest ones measured in millions of pounds. Legendary games like Mega Moolah have broken records with their huge jackpots.

The lure of a huge win from the best jackpot slots included in our game ranking has meant that the games have become very popular. Throw in some engaging gameplay, immersive themes and graphics, and exciting soundtracks, and these slots will keep players on the edge of their seats.

Penny Slots

Penny slots provide a perfect way to enjoy online gaming without breaking the bank. Playing penny slots online can help novice players get the handle on online casino games with very low stakes as you only bet a penny per payline.

Penny slots strike a nice balance between affordability and entertainment. While the low bet level makes the games accessible, they can still feature vibrant graphics, bonus rounds, and even jackpots for a full gaming experience. As a game can have numerous ways to win with each spin, the cumulative spin bet can be more, even if the stake for a single payline remains one penny.

Cascading Slots

Cascading slots have become popular among players due to their innovative gameplay mechanics. Instead of a single spin that decides a win, the cascade feature can offer several wins in a row, as winning combinations are removed and replaced with new symbols.

It is the dynamic and engaging gaming experience of cascading slots that has caught the attention of players. Games like Gonzo's Quest from NetEnt can rack up multiple wins with the added excitement of multipliers. Like many other types of slots, the animations and themes in modern cascading slot games are often top notch.

Multiplier Slots

Multiplier slots are an excellent game choice for players who enjoy seeing their wins amplified. Multipliers bring extra excitement to spinning the reels and can boost payouts dramatically. For example, the free spins round in the Sweet Bonanza slot features a multiplier symbol with a value of up to 100x.

The multiplier slots have different ways of implementing the multiplier feature, such as Wild symbols, cascading wins, or the free spins feature. Some game stack multipliers for potentially breathtaking wins.

Best RTP Slot Games

The best RTP slot games have one of the biggest pull factors of online casino games: they have the best return-to-player ratio. This means that the higher the RTP of a game is, the larger portion of the money played is returned to players.

You can see the best UK-licensed RTP slot games below:

Rank Game RTP Provider
1. Money Carlo 99.99% Storm Gaming
2. Mega Joker 99% NetEnt
3. Book of 99 99% Relax Gaming
4. Jackpot 6000 98.9% NetEnt
5. Thrones of Persia 98.8% Tom Horn Gaming

The highest RTP slots return around 99% of the overall money played. It is worth noting that the RTP is a theoretical value. It does not mean that your RTP for a single gaming session is by any means guaranteed. You can still lose more or win more.

From the poor RTP levels of around 70% for physical slots at brick-and-mortar casinos, online slot games nowadays have an average RTP of about 96%. Remember that some individual slot games have varying RTP levels, so check the game info to make sure you are playing the version with the best available RTP.

High Volatility Slots vs Low Volatility Slots

Volatility plays a major part in some players' choice of games. If you have a high-risk, high-reward approach to your gaming, high volatility slots can sprinkle meaningful wins amidst long, barren spells. If, on the other hand, a player enjoys a steadier flow of smaller wins, low volatility slots provide good options, especially for smaller bankrolls. 

We'll have a quick look at a couple of game examples from both categories next.

High-Volatility Slots

Slots with high volatility

High-variance slots have become very popular, as they tend to have more and more impressive and exciting features, like increasing multipliers, Megaways mechanic, and more. Patience is definitely a virtue, as high volatility slots can be quite brutal with their payouts.

Have a look at a couple of high-volatility games below:

Low-Volatility Slots

Slots with low volatility

When a game has a payout model steered towards the low-end wins, you get smaller wins more often. With low volatility slots, your bankroll doesn't dry out in the blink of an eye.

Here are a couple of examples of slots with low variance:

How To Play Slot Games Online

You play slot games online by signing up for a casino account, depositing funds, and finding your preferred slot game.

If you are already familiar with traditional, physical slot machines, you'll have no issue adapting to the online versions. If you are a novice player, fret not. It's as easy as one-two-three.

You can get started by following the steps below:

  1. Select a UK-licensed casino: Find a suitable online casino for you by browsing the lists and reviews of trustworthy gambling sites here at Bojoko. All casinos here are licensed and secure. Our reviews help you choose a casino that suits your particular preferences.
  2. Sign up for a casino account: Once you find an attractive casino, go to the site via the links or green buttons on our site and activate a bonus to boost your bankroll.
  3. Deposit funds: The bonus may require a deposit, so confirm the site supports your preferred banking methods and make a qualifying deposit to your casino account.
  4. Choose a slot game: You will quickly notice that there are most likely thousands of games to choose from. If you are new to slots, see if some of the popular slot games listed on this page appeal to you or have a look at some of the casino's recommendations.
  5. Understand the rules and set a budget: Review the game rules and payouts so you know the winning combinations. It is important to set a budget for your gambling. Gambling should be fun and not be seen as a way to make money.
  6. Set your bet and spin the reels: The only thing left is to decide your stake and see what the reels have in store for you.
  7. Be responsible: Play for fun, avoid chasing losses, and please, gamble responsibly.

Features of Online Slots

When it comes to basic mechanisms, most online slots resemble physical slot machines. As a legacy of the old 'one-armed bandits', there are many familiar elements:

The main game area consists of vertical reels stacked together. The most prevalent layout is 5 reels with 3 rows of symbols.

However, there are both bigger and smaller layouts. The traditional 3-by-3 reel setup is still popular in classic slots. The biggest go up to 6-by-12 or 9-by-9.

A 3x3 slot

This is what a 3x3 slot with three reels and three rows usually looks like. A 3x3 slot can have up to 27 paylines. A good example of a 3x3 slot is Play'n GO's Fire Joker, which has three reels, three rows and five paylines.

How a 3x3 slot might look like

A 5x3 Slot

A 5x3 slot has five reels and three rows. There can be up to 243 paylines on a slot like this. Five reel online slots are the most common slot setup, and a good example of this would be Play'n GO's slot Book of Dead with 20 paylines, or NetEnt's slot Twin Spin with 243 paylines.

How a 3x5 slot might look like

A Slot With X Number of Reels and Rows

Some modern-day slots can have as many reels and rows as you could imagine. There really are no rules on this. A good example of this kind of slot would be Red Tiger's Mystic Staxx, with 8 reels, 6 rows, and 40 paylines.

How a 8x6 slot might look like

A Megaways Slot

A basic Megaways slot usually has six reels, of which each reel can contain up to 7 symbols. Every time you spin the reels, the number of symbols gets randomised. A good example of this kind of slot would be Big Time Gaming's slot Bonanza Megaways. Just note that many Megaways slots might have additional horizontal reels, making it possible to have even more winning combinations.

How a Megaways slot might look like

The winnings are based on getting symbols on the reels in pre-specified combinations. The highest-paying symbols are usually chosen to match the theme of the game. The low-paying symbols are often:

  • Card deck suits: ♣️ ♦️ ♥️ ♠️
  • The top value cards of the deck: A, K, Q, J and 10. Sometimes 9 is included, also

Paylines

Slot machine paylines

Most games feature specific paylines on which you need to get rows of symbols. In most games, the paylines only go from left to right, meaning your winning combination needs to start from the leftmost reel. The longer the row of symbols you get, the bigger your win.

The number of paylines varies. Some games may have only one payline, most feature about 20, and some boast hundreds or even thousands of paylines.

When the number of lines exceeds the 100 mark, you can usually stop looking at the actual paylines. Instead, game suppliers speak of, for example, '243 ways to win'. As long as there are the same symbols on the consecutive reels starting from the left, you're in for some winnings.

In the early days of online gambling, some slots had the option to choose the number of active paylines. However, it's quite rare now.

Online slot info button

The info button is usually located in the corner of the game screen and marked with one of the following symbols: i, ? or 🏆.

From the info screen, you can see:

  • Payouts for different symbols
  • Number of symbols needed for different wins
  • Descriptions of the special features
  • Payline layout
  • Rules of the game

Check out the game info, and you'll better understand what's happening in the game.

Apart from certain jackpot slots, you can select how much you want to bet per spin. The total bet size is affected by:

  • Number of paylines (sometimes shown as 'bet')
  • Number of coins per payline (level)
  • Coin value

slot bet size

EXAMPLE: There are 9 active paylines with 1 coin per payline and 10p coin value. Your total bet per spin is 9 x 1 x 10p = 90p.

This may sound complicated, and some game suppliers have made choosing the bet size unnecessarily confusing.

After choosing your bet and starting the game, there aren't really any decisions you can make apart from certain bonus features. If you want a little more player involvement, crash gambling is the next step up.

Slot Special Features

Best online slots

Video slots are the most popular game type at online casinos. In addition to unique themes and dazzling graphics, they come loaded with special features. These include different versions of:

Below, you'll find detailed descriptions of all special features.

The wild symbol helps you create more winning combinations. It works in a similar way as the Joker in a game of poker. Whereas a Joker replaces the missing card in your hand, the wild symbol fills in for the missing symbol on the payline.

The wild symbol replaces any base symbol of the game. If the same wild is on multiple paylines, it can simultaneously stand in for several winning symbols.

However, the wild symbol doesn't replace special symbols, e.g. scatters.

In addition to standard wilds, some games feature more specialised wilds:

  • Sticky wilds stay on the reels for another round
  • Walking wilds travel on the reels between rounds
  • Stacked wilds appear on the reels as tall columns of wilds
  • Random wilds are sprinkled on the reels after the spin
  • Multiplier wilds multiply the winnings from the participating combinations

Scatter symbols are the special symbols that unlock free spins, bonus games, or coin wins.

Unlike ordinary symbols, scatter symbols don't need to land on a specific payline. You only need to get a certain number of them on the reels. In many games, you need 3 scatters to launch the free spins or the bonus round.

In-game free spins are not a bonus from the casino; you win them by playing the game. You usually need to land 3 scatter or free spins symbols on the reels to start this feature.

In some games, the exact number of scatters landed may affect the number of spins awarded. In others, you can win more spins during the feature itself.

The spins are given in the same bet size you used on the round where you unlocked the spins.

EXAMPLE: You play with a £1 bet and win 20 spins. Every one of these spins is worth £1, landing you a total of £20 worth of spins. While you're playing the free spins, they don't use up your real money balance.

When the free spins start, the appearance of the game often changes to make them distinct from the main game. The free rounds may also have some extra perks compared to the base game. Here are a few examples:

  • There may be a multiplier for all free spin winnings
  • Some low-paying symbols may be removed from the game during the free spins
  • You may get additional wilds

There are also free spin games, where you can decide the exact nature of the feature. For example, you may choose between a larger number of spins with fewer extra perks and a smaller number of spins with more winning potential.

Some confusion with the term might result from the fact that 'free spins' can also refer to free game rounds that casinos use to attract new players. On our free spins page, we tell you how to get no-deposit free spins. This is one of the most common forms of a deal welcome offer casino sites have.

Bonus games are special features that often offer much bigger wins than the base game. You usually need to land a certain number of scatters on the reels to start the bonus game. In some jurisdictions, you can launch the bonus feature by paying a lump sum. This is known as the 'Buy bonus' feature. However, this feature is not available in the UK.

Bonus games differ a lot from each other. Some may require decision-making or quick reactions. The simplest and most common version is the pick-n-click type of game. You reveal coin wins, free spins and other rewards by clicking treasure chests.

Re-spins let you spin some or all the reels again without placing an additional bet.

Just like there are many kinds of wilds, there are also various types of re-spins:

  • Walking re-spins make the reels spin again and again until the special symbol exits the reels
  • Cascading reels explode all the symbols of the winning combination to make way for new wins
  • Sticky re-spin re-rolls all the spaces that aren't part of a winning combination. This continues until there are no new wins

Sticky Wins

The sticky win isn't exactly a re-spin, but it resembles this feature class a lot. When you win, the winning combinations stay on the reels for an additional round. You need to place a standard bet, though.

Expanding Reels

Expanding reels copy themselves on one or more neighbouring reels or add completely new places for symbols. This helps create longer, more valuable winning combinations.

Colossal Symbols

Colossal symbols are bigger than the standard 1x1 symbols. They help create big clusters of the same symbol.

NetEnt's Spinata Grande is one of the most popular slots with colossal symbols.

Win Both Ways

In most slots, the paylines only go from left to right. You'll only get wins, if:

  • You have the same symbol
  • On the same payline
  • On consecutive reels (no gaps)
  • Starting from the left-most reel

When you have a slot with wins both ways, the paylines can go from right to left and left to right. This practically doubles the number of wins.

The most famous slot with wins both ways is NetEnt's mega-hit Starburst.

Free Slots vs Real Money Online Slots

Playing slots in their demo mode is a great way to try them out without risking your money - especially when they're newly published. Demo games allow you to familiarise yourself with how a slot works, its bonus features, and overall gameplay.

If you're looking to play slots with real money, free spins are a fantastic alternative. Many online casinos have these offers, which you can find on our no deposit free spins UK page. Unlike demo games, free spins give you the added benefit of potentially cashing out real money.

When looking at the pros and cons of playing free slots over real money slots, there are other benefits, too.

With free game slots, you can:

Of course, you will miss out on certain things if you play demo slots. For example, you can't win any real money from them, and certain jackpot elements in the slots may be missing or make the game unavailable in demo mode. Visiting the best online casinos for real money and playing slots for real money is the only way to have a chance to win cash prizes and wager any bonus funds.

Online Slot Tournaments

A slot tournament is a form of casino competition that is available in some UK casinos. There are different types of slot tournaments online. In some categories, you have to hit the biggest coin win in one spin or over several spins; in others, you need to wager the most in a certain slot.

Often, the aim is to accumulate points and rise high enough on the leaderboard to be eligible for some rewards. One great example of these tournaments is the Drops & Wins by Pragmatic Play. Players can win up to 25,000x the winning bet in every Weekly Tournament, and there are millions of pounds rewarded to players over the course of a year.

Best UK Slot Providers

The best UK Slot Providers are behind a whole host of the most popular slot games available for UK gamblers. You can find out more about some of them below:

Play'n Go

Logo for Play'n GO

Ever since its founding in 1997, Play'n GO has become one of the major players in the casino game industry. Multiple awards are a testament to the quality of the studio's innovative work.

Over the years, the provider has amassed an impressive library of games from which players with all sorts of preferences can find exciting titles. The best Play'n GO casinos have diverse selections of slots from the developer for UK players to explore.

NetEnt

Logo for NetEnt

NetEnt is high on the list of the biggest game developers in the world. The developer is constantly adding to its already massive collection of casino games, so there is no shortage of entertainment for NetEnt fans.

There are numerous online casinos with NetEnt games available, so the best course of action is to explore our casino reviews of NetEnt casinos UK and see what they have to offer.

Pragmatic Play

Logo for Pragmatic Play

Pragmatic Play was established in 2015, and the provider quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with. With hundreds of games in its portfolio, players have found many top-tier gaming options to keep them entertained.

Pragmatic Play casinos UK are not hard to come by, and UK players can get their hands on popular games, like Sweet Bonanza and Gates of Olympus, in no time.

Relax Gaming

Logo for Relax Gaming

Relax Gaming has been revolutionising the casino game industry since 2010 with its quality releases, like the Money Train series. Players can expect nothing short of a first-class gaming experience when opening a Relax Gaming game.

The provider also collaborates with other studios, and as a result, the best Relax Gaming online casinos have a pool of thousands of releases to choose from.

Nolimit City

Logo for Nolimit City

Nolimit City is a casino game developer that has become synonymous with adventurous and ground-breaking slots. Its games cover themes rarely touched upon by other game developers, and if you ever fancied extremely volatile slot games, you are in for some treats.

Exceptional graphics, immersive soundscapes, and unique in-house game mechanics are the cornerstones of all the great Nolimit City titles. If you haven't tried a Nolimit City slot before, there are some gems waiting to be discovered at the best Nolimit City online casinos.

How Are Slots Licensed in the UK

Slots are licensed in the UK by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission. The Commission ensures that a licensed casino is doing what it should and that the players are getting fair results.

Getting a slot from the developer's desk to the player's hands isn't as easy as you might think. There are a lot of regulatory bodies that need to make sure that every single part of the game is fair and square. This is no place for cheaters.

A licence is always for the protection of the players.

The whole process takes many steps. Every single link in the chain needs to be checked and made sure that they work by the book. Simply put, to get a game to a player, the following needs to happen:

  1. The developer needs a remote licence
  2. The slot needs third-party testing and a licence
  3. The casino needs an operating licence

When all these are done, then you, as a player, can go and play the game knowing that everything is trustworthy. The game will not try to cheat you, the randomness is actually random, and the casino doesn't manipulate any results.

Slot licences benefit players, but one is not indefinite; it can expire or get manually revoked. Slot licences are good for a year or two, depending on the details. After that, the developer needs to reapply for the licence.

On Bojoko, you'll only find online casinos licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. For example, you can find here the list of the top 50 UK online casinos, all heavily licensed and regulated for your safety.

FAQ

Online slots are the modern version of the physical slot machines you've seen in brick-and-mortar casinos. They are the most popular gambling games online, and all UK-licensed internet casinos have them.

When checking out online casinos, the section for popular slot games often includes Starburst, Gonzo's Quest, and Book of Dead. You can also check out our list of top 20 slots UK higher up on this page.

When you play slots for real money, choosing the game is always a matter of personal taste. You may already have some solid favourites, but trying something can make a world of difference.

These are the main factors to take into account when picking the best slots to play:

      • RTP
      • Volatility
      • Minimum & maximum bet
      • Special features
      • Mobile usability
      • Theme
      • Jackpots

Online slots are very simple to play:

      • Log in to an online casino
      • Pick a game
      • Pick the bet size
      • Click the spin button

The reels start to spin together and stop one by one. Whether you win or lose depends on the symbols you land on the reels and the active paylines of the game.

You can see the paytable and rules for each slot by clicking the information button once you've opened the game.

We explain this in more detail above, in the section 'Features of Online Slots' on this page.

Money Carlo, Mega Joker, and Book of 99 are some of the slots that pay the best in the UK. These slots have a theoretical RTP of 99% or more.

Yes, online slots are completely legal in the UK. The UK online casinos require a gaming licence in order to operate in the UK. These licences are granted and monitored by the UK Gambling Commission. The strict regulation is in place to ensure that UK gamblers have safe and secure gambling destinations online.

RTP or Return to Player is the payout percentage of the slot. Slots available in UK-licensed online casinos usually have an RTP of around 96%.

EXAMPLE: In a slot with an RTP of 96%, on average, you win back £96 for every £100 wagered.

The RTP is an average that realises over the course of thousands of spins, meaning you probably won't win exactly £96 within a single game session.

RTP can also be used to calculate the house edge, i.e. what are the odds in the casino's favour? 100% - RTP% = house edge. In the example above, the house edge is 4%.

We explain RTP and the house edge in more detail on our Casino games page.

Volatility or variance describes how much the game results vary between rounds.

Low volatility slots churn out small wins at a steady pace. High volatility slots give bigger individual wins, but you may have to wait for a long time between hits.

Volatility is the opposite of hit frequency: high volatility slots have a low hit frequency, and vice versa.

About the Authors

Tomi Ristola

Article by:

Tomi Ristola

Tomi has been writing translations and content during a career spanning over a decade. Honesty and patience come naturally to Tomi, and this will be evident in his work for Bojoko. You can expect nothing short of authentic and meticulous analysis.
Kati Saari

Article by:

Kati Saari

Kati Saari has worked in the gambling industry since 2014. She has tested hundreds of casinos and written thousands of articles while evolving into an iron-clad expert in her field. Having a true passion for her work she’s adamant about not rushing into anything without thorough research.
Ville Saari

Article by:

Ville Saari

Ville is an industry veteran, who has written thousands of gambling-related reviews and articles since 2009. He is an IT engineer with a passion for game and strategy optimisation, and to teach the world to play better.

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