Types of Online Slots

There are hundreds of online slot games in the casino library you are sometimes confused about which one to play. These online slot games are of different types so you need to find one that suits your budget as well as your playing style. There are video slots, 5 reel slots, 3 reel slots, 3D slots, classic slots and progressive slots.

One important aspect of selecting a slot game to play online is going to have a playing format that you are comfortable playing, some online slots are designed as low variance slot games meaning you will spin in lower valued winning payouts than higher paying ones, and some online slots are designed the other way round and these are known as high variance slots.

You may be attracted to play one particular slot game due to its theme, the bonus games or a whole host of other features that any one slot game has to offer.

There are a whole host of unique types of bonus games round and base game features that can be awarded to you when playing some online slots, and by selecting a slot that triggers its respective bonus games more regularly than others you really will be getting a much more entertaining type of slot playing session.

How do online slots work?

The main aim when playing online slot games is to create winning combinations along one of the pay lines. You place your bet and spin the reels.

If the winning combination appears, you win. Your winnings depend on the winning combination that you’ve managed to create.

Paylines

To increase your chances of winning, you can bet your money on multiple pay lines. You’ll only receive points when a combination of symbols falls on pay lines.

The more pay lines you bet on, the greater the chance is that a combination will land on one. The number of pay lines differs from slot to slot. This can range from one to dozens of pay lines.

Bonus symbols

Bonus symbols make playing slots even more enjoyable. These, as the name suggests, offer extra bonuses. Different slot machines may have different bonus symbols. There are two standard symbols: the wild, and the scatter symbol.

Wild Symbol

This symbol can replace another symbol. This means that the chances of forming a winning combination are higher. The way this symbol looks differs from slot to slot. A wild symbol cannot, however, replace another bonus symbol.

Scatter Symbol

This symbol can initiate free spin modes. ?Depending on the slot machine and the number of scatter symbols, you can sometimes receive up to?50 free spins. This means you’ll be gambling for?free! Scatter symbols can also yield big wins by multiplying your bet with other factors.

Bonus games

Video slots often contain a bonus game. These enable you to win more points by interactively playing a game. To get to the bonus game, you need to collect bonus symbols.

These can be the scatter symbols or another bonus symbol. The number of bonus symbols requires differs from slot to slot. Sometimes it’s possible during a bonus game to win a progressive jackpot.

Classic slots versus video slots

Aspect Classic Slots Video Slots
Design Simpler, traditional aesthetics with three reels. Modern graphics, animations, diverse themes with five reels.
Gameplay Straightforward, fewer bonus features. More complex with bonus games, free games, and scatter symbols.
Paylines Usually fewer, often 1, 3, or 5. Typically many, ranging from dozens to thousands.
Payouts Generally smaller but more frequent. Larger but less frequent payouts, often include jackpots.

Online slots have more to offer than slots in offline casinos. This is how classic slots and video slots differ from each other. There are a couple of important differences between these two types of slot machines:

With a classic slot, the symbols appear as regular images. By contrast, in a video slot, the symbols can also consist of animations. This means that watching the reels spin can be nice.

Classic slots often have a classic look, whereas video slots have a modern look with many audio effects and special themes.

A video slot often has a bonus mode as a little extra. Here you can interactively win more points.

Video slots often has more pay lines than a classic slot.

You will find some online casinos offer an instant play suite of slot games which you access and play via HTML 5 powered gaming platform on your mobile or web browser be it Chrome or Safari, and some casinos offer a fully downloadable gaming platform and these sites are the ones offering the largest and most diverse range of online slots.

Mobile Slots

Mobile gaming has taken the world by storm, and online slots are no exception. Many of the leading software providers now ensure that their games are optimised for mobile devices. This means you can enjoy a spin on your favourite slots, no matter where you are. Here are some of the best slots that you can play on your mobile device:

  1. Starburst (NetEnt): Starburst is a classic slot game that boasts vibrant graphics and engaging gameplay. It’s perfectly optimised for mobile play, offering the same high-quality experience on your mobile device as it does on a desktop.
  2. Mega Moolah (Microgaming): Known for its massive progressive jackpots, Mega Moolah offers exciting gameplay that translates seamlessly onto mobile screens.
  3. Gonzo’s Quest (NetEnt): Gonzo’s Quest is a popular choice among mobile slot enthusiasts, thanks to its unique avalanche feature and immersive theme.
  4. Age of Gods (Playtech): This epic slot game comes with powerful features and a compelling storyline, and it works wonderfully on mobile platforms.
  5. Buffalo Blitz (Playtech): Buffalo Blitz is a high-variance slot that offers up to 4,096 ways to win. It’s optimised for mobile play, so you can enjoy the exciting gameplay from your smartphone or tablet.
  6. Cleopatra (IGT): This slot game is based on the famous Egyptian queen Cleopatra and is popular due to its high-quality graphics, engaging gameplay, and mobile compatibility.

Remember, when playing slots on your mobile, ensure you have a stable internet connection

Real Money Online Slots or Free Slots

At online casinos, you have the choice to play real money online slots or free slots. Real money slots require you to make a real cash deposit at the casino before you begin to play and if you win you get back real wins or real money as wins.

Free slots mean these are all free to play. You needn’t make any deposit at the online casino but simply pick up your gaming device and start to play free slots for as long as you want. The free slots have built free credits which you use to play. The only thing is that you don’t win any real money playing them but win free credits to play more.

You can play free slots to understand the game and then easily switch to real money online slots whenever you want.

Remember that progressive Jackpot online slots are not free to play and require real money to play.

Top Irish Slots Software Providers

Software Provider Popular Slots What Sets Them Apart Website
Microgaming Thunderstruck II, Mega Moolah Known for their progressive jackpots and a vast selection of games, Microgaming is one of the oldest and most reliable providers in the industry. Microgaming
NetEnt Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest NetEnt is renowned for its high-quality graphics and innovative game features, offering some of the most visually impressive slots in the market. NetEnt
Playtech Age of Gods, Buffalo Blitz Playtech is celebrated for its diverse game portfolio, including a wide array of slots and impressive branded games tied to pop culture and sports. Playtech
Evolution Gaming Lightning Roulette, Immersive Roulette Although they are famous for their live dealer games, Evolution Gaming also provides some innovative slot games, particularly in their “game show” category. Evolution Gaming
IGT Cleopatra, Wheel of Fortune IGT is known for its land-based slot machines, but it also has a significant online presence. They offer numerous slots with familiar themes. IGT

These providers are renowned in the gaming industry and offer a broad selection of online slots.

Tips and Strategies to Play Slots

  1. Understand RTP (Return to Player): The RTP is a percentage that indicates how much a slot pays back to players over a large number of spins. Higher RTP games offer a better return over the long run. However, remember that slots are games of chance, and the RTP is not a guarantee of winning.
  2. Manage Your Bankroll: This is crucial in any form of gambling. Determine beforehand how much you are willing to spend, and stick to that limit. Also, never chase losses, as this can lead to you spending more than you can afford.
  3. Play Free Slots First: Before wagering real money, try playing the free version of a slot. This gives you the chance to familiarise yourself with the game, its features, and its payouts without risking any money.
  4. Understand Volatility: Slot games can have low, medium, or high volatility. Low-volatility games offer more frequent but smaller wins, while high-volatility games provide less frequent but bigger wins. Choose a game with a volatility level that suits your playing style and risk tolerance.
  5. Look for Good Bonuses: Many online casinos offer bonuses that can boost your bankroll. Look for good welcome bonuses and regular promotions, but always read the terms and conditions, as these bonuses often come with wagering requirements.
  6. Play Responsibly: Always remember to play responsibly. Set time limits for your gaming sessions, take regular breaks, and never gamble with money you can’t afford to lose.

Final Thoughts

As with all forms of gambling, it’s important to play responsibly. Remember to set limits, never chase losses, and most importantly, have fun.

Ready to spin the reels? Check out our comprehensive slot reviews and find your perfect game.