Slot games saw an 11% profit growth between 2020 and 2024, yielding £614 million – a rise largely driven by their accessibility and broad appeal. Unlike other forms of gambling, slot games allow players to place smaller stakes, making them more approachable. They offer a wide range of variations to suit different preferences, which has helped attract and retain a diverse player base. As their popularity continues to grow, the variety of casinos that specialise in slot games increases. In this article, we’ll explore why slot games have become so popular and everything you need to know about how they work.
What are Online Slot Games?
Online slot games are a digital version of the typical mechanical slot machines you may find in the corner of a pub. They come in a range of formats from classic slots to 3D slots. Some of the different types of slot games include the following.
Classic Slots
These refer to the classic three-reel slot games similar to the physical version. These games are easy to play and involve matching symbols across one of the three reels. Classic slots are instantly recognisable through their symbols, such as fruit, numbers, and pound signs.
3D Slots
These innovative slots feature 3D graphics and videos. They offer an engaging, immersive experience with vibrant visual details. 3D slots often include characters for players to interact with and a storyline to follow.
Progressive Slots
In these games, a portion of each bet goes towards a cumulative jackpot across the network of players. The more people play, the greater the prize becomes. In 2015, one progressive slot paid out a jackpot of over £15 million. Winning the jackpot can depend on bonus rounds or getting a specific combination.
Virtual Reality Slots
These innovative slot games provide the player with an immersive experience of the casino environment. They use VR headsets and can incorporate generated locations, players, and dealers. VR slots allow players to interact with objects, including wheels and chips, also found in in-person casinos.
Why Do People Play Slot Games?
Slots are an incredibly popular casino game, thanks partly to their lower stakes and easy accessibility since they are designed to be played alone. Of course, they have grown massively in popularity as players search for newer games and try to get the most from their money. There is an ever-growing variety of slot games, from those reminiscent of physical slots to cutting-edge games incorporating VR. The variety of slot games means they have a wide appeal to players who can decide the type, risk, and returns through game choice. Unlike in-person slot machines, online slots frequently offer promotions, such as free spins and bonus rounds. Slot games are solely down to luck and can offer instant gratification through wins. For players who are not so concerned about the element of risk, slot games can also offer prizes from hundreds to millions of pounds.
Returns in Slot Games
A number of different factors influence the chance and value of returns on slot games. This includes the return to player percentage (RTP), which looks at how much you can expect to see returned on your bet. Other factors include the volatility of the game, which measures the frequency and size of wins, and variance, which refers to the range of value of payouts. Read on as we break down a detailed explanation of these factors.
Return to Player (RTP)
RTP is a percentage that measures how much money a player can expect to see returned on their investment. This measurement reflects a return on long-term playing rather than for each spin. The greater the percentage, the higher the returns are likely to be. However, the RTP does not guarantee returns. Usually, the RTP falls within the range of 90–96%. For example, if you bet £100 on one game with an RTP of 90%, you will likely see around £90 returned by the end of play. On the other hand, if you’re playing a game with an RTP of 96%, you’re likely to see around £96 returned to you.
Volatility
Slot volatility refers to the risk associated with a certain slot game. It incorporates how often payouts occur and how large they are when they do. Slot games can be classified into three categories—low, medium, and high, depending on their volatility. The slot machine volatility index measures the volatility of a slot game. By examining a large sample of trial plays, the index produces a number usually between zero and twenty. This score reflects both the volatility and variance of the game. A score around two would indicate a low volatility game, whereas a score around eighteen means a game has high volatility.
It’s important to consider a slot game’s volatility and RTP before playing. Slots with a low RTP can still have high volatility, and vice versa. Take two slot games with a low volatility but different RTPs of 90% and 96%, respectively; they will both have consistent payouts, but the second will pay out larger amounts.
How to Tell a Slot’s Volatility
It’s impossible to determine the precise volatility of a slot game yourself, as it requires many test results. However, you can usually find the category of volatility a game falls into. Some providers are transparent about the game’s category, so players understand the frequency and size of wins. Another indication of a slot’s volatility is the symbols included within the reels. If one symbol is emphasised as premium but does not appear frequently, the slot is more likely to be high-volatility. Before playing any slot game, it’s important that you are comfortable with its volatility. Remember that the mechanics of the specific slot game you’re playing will determine the size of any prizes. When deciding between slots, you should consider whether you’d prefer more consistent small payouts or playing for larger jackpots with less frequent wins.
Low-volatility
Low-volatility slot games see more frequent wins of smaller amounts. If you prefer to play for extended sessions, these slots might suit you as your bankroll will deplete more slowly. Low-volatility slots include classic fruit machines and games that offer frequent bonus options.
Medium-volatility
Medium-volatility slot games see both frequent small wins and the occasional big payout. This volatility level might appeal if you’re looking for a balance between more frequent moderate wins and the possibility of larger returns. These games often incorporate incentives such as bonus rounds or free spins to keep players entertained. Medium-volatility slots are arguably the most popular, with many of the largest slot games falling within this category.
High-volatility
High-volatility slot games see infrequent wins but bigger payouts. These slots are more risky as payouts come less frequently, and your bankroll can decrease faster. Bonus rounds are less common in these slot games but can come with greater offers and incentives. High-volatility games appeal to players who want the possibility of winning large jackpot prizes and don’t mind less frequent payouts.
Variance
Variance refers to the range of payouts a game gives over the long term. Slot games fall into three categories—low, medium, and high variance. Games with consistent, small payouts fall into the low variance category as the range between prizes is small. On the other end of the scale, games with both small payouts and large jackpot wins fall into the category of high-variance games. Medium variance games fall somewhere in between these categories.
How Comparison Sites Help You Choose Slots
As there is such a wide variety of slot game options, it can be difficult to determine the best option for you. Trusted platforms like NewCasinos have become go-to resources for players seeking expert insights into the best slot games and related offers. These sites will find the best titles by testing them out and collating a wide range of different casinos to rate and rank them, ultimately providing players with the best related slot promotions. They also offer information on the risks associated with slot games through expert guides. These sites can be a helpful tool to find a slot game that includes all the different features you’re looking for. You can also be assured that any slots and casinos you find through comparison sites are safe and legitimate.
Final Thoughts
Slot games have grown massively in popularity over recent years. They can offer low stakes and a higher frequency of wins than other forms of gambling. As their popularity continues to grow exponentially, slot games continue to expand in variety. The different forms of slot games, from nostalgic classic slots to progressive slots that give a sense of community, appeal to various players. In addition to controlling the type of slot game they play, users can also decide which level of risk they want through their choice of game. The ability to control not only the type of game but also the associated risk is valuable for players who want to win the jackpot and those who enjoy more frequent small wins. Overall, slots are easy to play and offer many impressive incentives to make the most of your money.
