How to compare Video Slots
Due to the huge number of video slots, you must have a clear plan of how to choose the best games. Some of the decision is a result of personal preference. You may, for example, like fantasy games, or prefer video slots about mythology. However, the following five factors will also help you choose the best video slot games:
Software Developer
Some software developers provide better quality video slots. For example, NetEnt, and Play’N GO are two of the best-known casino software developers for video slot games.
Volatility and RTP
Slot volatility means how likely you are to win, and what type of win you will gain. Low volatility slots, for example, offer more frequent wins, of a lower value. In contrast, high volatility video slots offer less frequent wins, but when you do win, the value is generally higher.
Also, look at RTP percentage as this gives an indicator of how much you can expect to win back over a prolonged period. A higher RTP percentage is preferable.
Available paylines
In theory, a great number of paylines means more chances of winning. Ideally, you want to choose video slot games that have 10+ paylines as this gives you a much higher chance of landing a winning combination.
Free Spins / Bonus Rounds
Not all video slots have bonus rounds or give you the chance to win free spins within the game. Look at the video slot rules and see which titles provide additional ways of winning.
Available Casino Promotions
Finally, look at what promotions are available for the video slots. Can you gain any free spins on this game? What about matched deposit bonuses? Some video slots like Starburst and Gonzo’s Quest often feature in free spin promotions.
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Video Slots Overview
Video Slots is a term used for modern online slot games. This type of slot game traditionally has advanced graphics, brilliant music, and more advanced gameplay compared to traditional “classic slots”. These are the most abundant type of online slot games available and you can play hundreds of fun titles.
Many video slots have additional game features like wild symbols, scatter symbols, and bonus rounds. Classic slots typically do not have features like these and just provide simple reels with different symbols on – like fruit machines.
The Most Popular Types of Video Slots
Video slots are a genre of slot games in their own right and within this genre, you can find five common types of slot game:
5-reel
This is the classic format of video slots. Classic slot games usually have 3-reels, whereas most modern video slots will have five or more reels. The 5-reel video slots are the most common type of game available and offer a good selection of pay lines due to the increased number of reels. A classic 5-reel video slot is Starburst by NetEnt.
Multi-reel
Taking the concept of more reel’s one step further, there is a high range of multi-reel video slots. These games have more than 5-reels and offer even more potential ways to win and pay line configurations. An example of a multi-reel video slot is Bonanza by Big Time Gaming which has 6 reels.
Progressive Jackpot
Some video slots have progressive jackpots. These are jackpot prizes that are pooled together either by multiple games, or multiple casinos. The result is huge jackpot prizes that can span into millions. These games usually have the same gameplay and formats as classic video slots. Examples of popular progressive video slots include Hall of Gods and Mega Fortune.
Cascading Reels
This is a special type of video slot that provides additional ways of winning. In standard video slots, if you gain a winning combination, the spin ends and you collect your winnings. In cascading reels, however, in that same scenario, the winning symbols would disappear.
They would then be replaced by new symbols that fall. This can trigger additional wins and lead to huge chain wins. Gonzo’s Quest is one of the best-known cascading reel video slot games.
Best Video Slot Game Developers
Video Slots are the most widely available online casino game. There are hundreds of cool titles available. Also, most casino software developers produce video slots. However, some software developers have a better track record and have produced some of the best video slots in existence:
Play’N GO
Play’N GO is a well-known software developer that specializes in video slots. Its game always features brilliant themes, and smooth artwork and graphics. They are perhaps best known for producing the characters of Rich Wilde and Cat Wilde and games like the Book of Dead.
NetEnt
NetEnt has a wide game repertoire including live dealer games, and some of the best video slots ever created. Like Play’N GO, their games look superb. Their best-known titles are the legendary Gonzo’s Quest and Starburst video slots.
Big Time Gaming
Big Time Gaming produces video slots that have interesting bonus features and it is also responsible for producing the special Megaways slots. These provide 200+ ways of winning and have the highest number of pay lines available. Their best-known titles are Bonanza, Danger High Voltage, and Opal Fruits.
Microgaming
Microgaming has been creating high-quality video slots for many years. Some of its oldest titles like Thunderstruck II and Megah Moolah remain highly popular. It has also created notable blockbuster video slots like Jurassic Park, and Terminator 2.
Finding the Best Welcome Bonus
Promotions for video slots are some of the most commonly available at online casinos. There are two forms of welcome bonus for video slots – free spins and matched deposit bonuses.
Free spins are sometimes offered as a standalone welcome offer, or as a bonus to a matched deposit bonus. For example, a casino may offer 50 free spins for Starburst for a minimum deposit of R250. Alternatively, a casino may offer a 100% matched deposit bonus up to R1000 +25 free spins on the Book of Dead.
The other type of common offer as mentioned is the deposit bonus. In most instances, you can use your deposit bonus to play video slots. When using these promotions, always check the wagering requirements. Usually, wagering requirements are imposed on any winnings you make from the video slot spins.
Also, some casinos limit the total amount you can win from free spins.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Playing Video Slots Online
Advantages
- Quick and easy to play
- Greater convenience and freedom
- Much more choice
- Can benefit from promotions
This type of casino game is incredibly easy to play. You can open a video slot game and start playing within seconds. Also, as you can play using smartphones or tablets, online video slots offer greater freedom and convenience.
You can play from anywhere providing you have a valid internet connection. There is also a much larger choice of video slots available. Some of the best SA casinos have 500+ video slots to choose from. You simply can’t get that level of choice at a physical casino.
Finally, at online casinos, you can benefit from promotions for video slots. You can easily gain free spins or matched deposit bonuses that give you more video slot gameplay. Again this isn’t possible at physical casinos.
Disadvantages
- Can potentially become addictive
- Could potentially lose a lot of money
- No tactile sensation of pulling the reel handle
As with any form of online gambling, video slots can potentially become addictive. They are so easy and quick to play, you can become engrossed in the gameplay and quickly lose track of time.
Also, due to the ease of play, you can potentially lose a lot of money in a relatively short period. Always play responsibly and keep track of your playing time.
Some people also prefer the tactile sensation of real slot machines. There is something therapeutic and stimulating from the action of pulling a real slot machine handle. This is something you cannot replicate with video slots.
All Casinos With Video Slots Games
Licensing of South African Video Slot Sites
To have a fair and enjoyable video slot gaming session, you should choose a casino with a license. If possible you should find an online casino with a South African gambling license. Provincial boards like the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board distribute licenses to SA casinos.
You can also find a casino with an international license. Licenses authorities like the UK Gambling Commission have an excellent reputation and require casinos to follow strict guidelines and regulations.
Video Slots Glossary
To ensure you understand how to play video slots, you should understand the basic terms involved. The following are likely words and phrases you will encounter when playing this type of casino game:
Reel
A reel is a column of slot symbols. Reels are the item that rotates to provide winning combinations when the reels stop spinning.
Spin
A spin is a single turn. You press the spin or play button and the reels spin.
Autospin
Many video slots have an auto spin or autoplay feature that lets you play through a pre-determined number of reel spins.
Bonus Round
Some video slots have bonus rounds. These are additional games that are played after you have scored a winning combination. Bonus rounds often include free spin games.
Cascading Reels
Cascading reels are a special game mode that provides multiple chances of winning. Once a winning combination is spun, the winning symbols disappear. They are replaced with new symbols and can potentially trigger more wins.
Expanding Wilds
This type of wild symbol expands to fill a whole reel or row. As a result, they provide a much greater chance of winning than standard wild symbols.
Line Bet
A line bet is the number of pay lines you have in-play for your reel spin.
Payline
A pay line is an individual winning combination. Most slot games have a minimum of 5 different pay lines.
Pay Table
The paytable lists the different symbols and their winning values. It also usually describes game rules and bonus symbols.
Scatter Symbol
This symbol can appear anywhere and does not have to be in adjacent reels to score a winning combination.
Symbols
A symbol is a single icon on a video slot reel.
Wild Symbol
Wild symbols are substituted for any other symbol on the reels which gives a greater chance of winning.
Video Slots Overview
Video Slots provide endless opportunities. You can explore ancient history and temples with titles like the Book of Dead. Alternatively, you can encounter vampires and other fantasy characters in games like Immortal Romance and Wolf Moon.
The variety and entertainment value of video slots are what make them so popular. With the addition of progressive jackpots, cascading reels, and bonus rounds, and you have a category of games that provides something new with every title you explore.
When choosing a video slot to play, always look at the RTP percentage and the volatility of the game. Also, consider if the casino provides any promotions like free spins.
FAQ
Q – Which video slot has the best RTP percentage?
A – There are a handful of video slots that have an RTP of 99% including Ugga Bugga, Ocean Princess, and Nemo’s Voyage.
Q – How much control do you have over video slot gameplay?
A – Limited. You can choose the number of paylines, line bet, and press the spin button. Also, you may be able to choose some bonus round options. Otherwise, video slots are automated and complete luck.
Q – Can you play video slots on mobile devices?
A – Yes! Most video slots are available on mobile casinos for smartphones and tablets.
Q – Should you play low, medium, or high volatility video slots?
A – This is a personal preference. There is no best choice, volatility depends on if you want to win small amounts frequently, or large amounts infrequently.
Q – Can you change your bet value when playing video slots?
A – Yes, you can usually change two things. First, you can change the number of paylines in play. Secondly, you can usually change your line bet value.
