Online slots are the modern version of slot machines you've seen at brick-and-mortar casinos. They range from classic fruit machines to the latest video slots and jackpot games. We have detailed reviews of over 2000 slots available in US casinos. Use our comparison tool to find the USA online slots to suit your taste.
Find the biggest selection of online slots
The amount of online slots offered at the US casinos has climbed steadily, but there are still huge differences in the total number of games. Browse our list of casinos with the biggest selection of online slots in the US.
Compare real money online slots on Bojoko
Many USA players love to play online casino slots for real money. Although there are different types available, they all share the same basic idea: you play online slots with real cash for the chance to win some more.
It's not easy to pick the perfect game by trial and error. On Bojoko, you'll find:
Detailed information about the slot and its features
Tester reviews from experienced players
Tools to discover and compare similar slots, based on over 50 variables
Lists of casinos for playing slots online for real money
Click on the filter name and click on Apply to choose the filter
From the Select information pane, you can choose the info you see on the results
From the Sort slots pane, you can sort the results in a specific order
After you've selected all the filters you want, click on Show results
Online slots guide
In this slots guide, we explain how online slot machines work. We cover everything from the basic elements to special features and different types of slots. Click on the links below to jump ahead:
Most online slots resemble the physical slot machines. As a legacy of the old "one-armed bandits", there are many familiar elements:
Reels
Winning symbols
Paylines
Info pane
Bet selection
When you start a round, the reels begin to spin. You want to line up similar symbols to consecutive reels, starting from the left. If you get enough of the same symbol on a payline, you win. How much? That you can find on the paytable, accessed via the info-pane.
Before each round, you have the option to adjust the bet size.
Reels
The main game area consists of vertical reels stacked together. The most prevalent layout is 5 reels with 3 symbols showing on each.
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.
Symbols
The winnings are based on getting symbols on the reels in pre-specified combinations. The highest paying symbols match the theme of the game. The low-paying symbols are usually:
Card deck suits: ♣️ ♦️ ♥️ ♠️
The top value cards of the deck: A, K, Q, J and 10. Sometimes also 9 is included
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. Few games may even 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 e.g. "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.
Info-pane
The info pane button is usually located in the corner of the game screen and marked with one of the following symbols: i, ? or 🏆.
From the info pane, you can view the:
Payouts for different symbols
Number of symbols needed for wins
Descriptions of the special features
Payline layout
Rules of the game
Check out the info pane and you'll better understand what's happening in the game.
Bets
Excluding 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
EXAMPLE: There are 9 active paylines with 1 coin per payline and 10¢ coin value. Your total bet per spin is 9 x 1 x 10¢ = 90¢.
This may sound complicated, and some game suppliers have made choosing the bet size unnecessarily confusing.
Many game providers like to goof around with coin wins. Having a thousand coins clattering to the virtual money tray may sound appealing. However, with coin size at 1¢, your joy may be short-lived.
Some suppliers have taken a different approach. Instead of tweaking the coin amounts and sizes, you can just pick the total bet from a list.
Slot special features
Video slots are the most popular game type of online casinos. In addition to unique themes and dazzling graphics, they come loaded with special features. These include different versions of:
Wild symbols
Scatter symbols
Free spins
Bonus games
Re-spins
Expanding reels
Big symbols
Win both ways
Below, you'll find detailed descriptions of all special features. Use our US slot list to filter games based on your favorite features.
Wild symbols
The wild symbol helps you create more winning combinations. It works in a similar way as the joker in poker. Whereas the 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 specialized 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
Scatter symbols are the slot 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.
Free spins
Free spins is a confusing term. It can refer to free game rounds that casinos use to attract new players. On our casino bonus page, we tell you how to get no deposit free spins. This is one of the most common forms of casino bonuses.
In-game free spins are a completely different cup of tea. You don't get them as 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.
You always get a certain amount of free spins. In some games, the exact number of scatters landed may affect the spin amount. 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:
Get a multiplier for all free spin winnings
Some low paying symbols are removed from the game during the free spins
Land additional wilds
There are also free spins 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.
You may need to hit the feature several times to unlock all the options.
Bonus games
Bonus games are special features which 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 slots, you can launch the bonus feature by paying a lump sum. This is known as Buy bonus.
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
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 spins 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.
Other features
Expanding reels
Expanding reels copy themselves on one or more neighboring 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 1-by-1 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 the 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.
Try different types of online slots
There are many kinds of slots available at the US online casinos. With thousands of games to choose from, picking the right one may seem intimidating.
In this section, we cover the most common types of real money online gambling slots. Learn the differences between them and choose the games that suit your budget and preferences.
Modern video slots
Modern video slots constitute the bulk of the online casino slot games in the US market.
Bursting with cool themes, features and graphics, these games can be very elaborate. They often feature storytelling, engaging animations and prolonged features to keep players on the edge of their seats.
Fruit slots
Fruit slots are some of the simplest slots available. Modeled on the physical, coin-operated real money slot machines going back to the late 1800s, the online versions give the old formula a modern spin.
Online fruit slots can be divided into two categories:
Classic slots closely replicate the old slot machines
Fruit-themed slots use the familiar fruit symbols but include some modern features too
You can play both types of online slot machines at USA casinos for real money.
Progressive jackpot slots
Progressive jackpot slots feature a jackpot that grows until someone wins it. Whenever you make a bet on a progressive jackpot slot game, a portion of the money goes to the slot machine jackpot. The pot grows continually until some lucky player hits the winning combination.
Progressive slots offer the most lucrative potential out of all casino games out there. You can play them at most licensed online casinos in the USA.
Penny slots
Penny slot machines are the budget-friendly solution for many slot fans. With a minimum bet of only 1¢ per payline, you can spin for hours without making a big dent in your bankroll.
Most slots now have fixed paylines. Before you venture out to play penny slots online, you need to make sure to pick a slot that allows you to select the number of active paylines.
Return to our online slot list and apply the Penny slots quick filter to see slots you can play for small bets.
High limit slots
High roller slots are the best option for slot fans with deep pockets. The maximum bet goes up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars per spin. These high limit slots are a natural choice for players who aren't afraid to risk big to win big.
On Bojoko slot reviews, you can see the maximum bet and pick accordingly.
Mobile slots
Mobile slots are the mobile-friendly version of the desktop slot games. Usually, the game is 100% the same, whether you play online slots games on your computer, smartphone or tablet.
Sometimes, the controls may be optimized for a tiny screen, making it easier to use with just one hand. Some slots are also optimized for both screen-orientations (landscape and portrait mode).
In 2021, all new releases are published on mobile. The support for Flash - a technology which used to dominate the desktop slots - ended in December 2020. That's why practically every game studio has switched to the mobile-friendly HTML5 technology.
On Bojoko, you can find HTML5 slots by using the filter called Support all devices.
Some of the old, obscure online casino slot games are going to disappear from the game libraries for good. However, many studios are re-launching their older classics in a mobile-friendly format.
Best payout slots
High RTP (Return to player) slots have the smallest house edge of all online slot games. The RTP percentage tells you the share of your bets you can expect to win back.
These are averages calculated over thousands of spins. The results within a single gaming session may vary significantly.
We have listed the best payout online slots in the USA based on their RTP. Go back to the slot list and apply the Highest RTP quick filter. You'll see the top 10 best payout online gaming slots available in the US.
Compete in slot tournaments online
A slot tournament is a form of casino competition. 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.
Read online slots reviews
Bojoko online slot reviews are a great source of detailed, accurate information about real money slots in a format that is easy to digest.
In addition to basic information, our slot listings feature:
Reviews and ratings from Bojoko community
Detailed and honest accounts from experienced slot testers
Bojoko score based on the numeric data and features
Check out our Slot reviews page to learn more about the review criteria and the testing process.
Online slot 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 licensed US online casinos have them.
Online or internet slots have many advantages over the brick-and-mortar casino slot machines. These include:
Bigger game selection
Higher RTP = smaller house edge
More betting options
Bigger jackpots
More features
Check out our casino comparison tool to find sites with the largest selection of versatile online game slots.
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 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.
No. However, online slots have a built-in house edge. In the long run, you're likely to lose more than you win. That's why every player takes a conscious risk playing real money slot machines online. Just like any other form of gambling, you shouldn't play with money you're not prepared to lose.
Slots are built to be as unpredictable and random as possible. Every spin is a random event, completely independent of the results of the previous rounds.
This unpredictability is powered by a random number generator (RNG). Every RNG in use on licensed markets such as the US is tested and authorized by either state regulators or independent testing agencies to guarantee fair play.
To put it bluntly, there's no way to beat a slot machine. You can win, but it's all random and there's nothing you can do about it.
Some players believe they can determine when a slot is going to pay out. Others use different betting strategies to maximize their chances of winning. This is nonsense.
Online slot machine games have no memory and the odds stay the same from one spin to the next, even after a jackpot is won.
Instead, you can enjoy slots for a longer time without losing too much. Manage your expectations and your spending at an online casino:
Play for the right reasons. Gambling is a form of entertainment, not a way to make money
Set aside a gaming budget you can comfortably lose - and stick to it!
Keep your individual bets small relative to your overall gaming budget
Don't chase your losses or raise the stakes after a bad run
RTP or Return to Player is the payout percentage of the slot. Slots available in US-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 back 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 favor. 100% - RTP% = house edge. In the example above, the house edge is 4%.
Volatility (a.k.a. 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. Use our slot comparison tool to filter slots based on volatility.
When you play slots machines online, choosing the game is always a matter of personal taste. You may already have some solid favorites, but trying something new makes a world of difference.
These are the main factors to take into account when picking the best slots to play:
Lauri is the Head of Content at Bojoko. He has worked in online gambling since 2016 reviewing hundreds of online casinos, bonuses and games. Lauri has a masters degree in history from the University of Tampere. He is a live casino aficionado who has also created his very own roulette strategy.
