How We Rank Real Money Slots

Our process for ranking the best real money slots consists of quite a few different categories. For full transparency, we’ve outlined just some of what we look at below in no particular order.

• Bonus Features: Here, we take a look at the additional features on top of base game spins that each game offers. For example, slots that feature a variety of bonuses such as free spins, jackpots, and scatters, have the potential to score higher due to their variety and increased chances of winning big.
• Affordability: While there are some players looking for high-limit real money slots, there are many more looking for games that allow them to stretch their bankroll. Slots with lower minimum bets give players of all levels more chances to trigger wins and bonus features.
• Theming: Many players look to slots for variety in design and excitement that goes beyond sitting at a table. For this reason, we take a look at the theme of the game and how well executed it is. For example, Asian-themed slots and Ancient Egyptian-themed slots are some of the most popular options because they almost universally feature solid theming.
• Return-to-Player: This category is important in our ranking process. Return-to-player (RTP), as mentioned just below in our full guide, is theoretical math that gives an idea of how much you can expect to win after extended play. For example, a slot with 96% RTP means that you can expect to end up with $96 for every $100 wagered. Of course, bonus features and the random nature of slots can greatly alter this number in either direction (and that’s where the excitement of slots play comes from). If you’d like to learn more about RTP, you can read our full guide linked below this section.
• Volatility: This is a very subjective consideration, but we still take it into account in our ranking process because we know that all players are looking for something different. Volatility is a measure of win sizes vs. frequency. For example, a low volatility slot will generally pay more frequently, but the wins will be smaller. On the other hand, a high volatility slot will pay less frequently, but the wins will be larger. There are also more balanced slots that feature medium volatility, and everything in between. If you’d like to learn more about volatility, you can read our full guide linked below this section.
• Player Popularity: The popularity of a slot is a good, albeit subjective, measure of how well-liked it is. Slots that are extremely popular in both land-based and online casinos will generally go higher on our ranking list as we know they’ve garnered their popularity for good reason.
• Availability: Last but not least, we look at availability. After all, what’s the point of a highly-ranked slot if there’s nowhere to play it? Our top ranked slots should be easy to find and easy to get started playing.

How to Play Online Slots for Real Money

Now you’re familiar with the bonus options and ready to fire up an online slot! Perhaps you have a favorite retail slot that’s also available online. Or maybe you just want to give the reels a spin and hope for the best. No matter your play preferences or favorite games, signing up and getting started with an online casino is easy. Here’s a quick guide to get you started: 

1. Choose your preferred online casino(s). You can sign up for multiple if the state you’re in allows them.
   

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2. Download the app or visit the desktop site of your chosen online casino.
   

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3. Click ‘register,” “sign up,” or similar to get started.
   

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4. Follow the prompts and enter your personal info as requested. Be prepared to upload a picture of your photo ID and provide your Social Security number to confirm your identity.
   

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5. If prompted, enter a bonus code.
   

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6. Make a deposit, keeping in mind any match bonus you get when you first fund your account.
   

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7. Choose a slot to play. If you get free spins on a certain slot as a bonus, that’s a good place to start.
   

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8. Once the slot game loads, start spinning the reels and hope for a win!
   

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9. If you win and want to withdraw, head to the cashier section and cash out.
   

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Overall, the process is pretty simple. If you have any trouble during any of the steps, get in touch with customer support. 

Top 5 Best Online Casinos for Real Money Slots

Online casinos vary in many ways: game library, welcome bonus, user experience, and various other categories. Here are five of our best online slots for real money, whether you’re looking for slots for beginners or you’re a seasoned reel spinner on the hunt for good RTP slots.

BetMGM Casino

BetMGM offers a huge selection of real money slots from top software providers, many of which you can find at MGM Resorts across the country, from Las Vegas to Atlantic City. With a BetMGM Casino no deposit bonus code, players also have access to dozens of exclusive slots you can’t play anywhere else.

BetMGM also recently launched Wheel of Fortune NJ, a site that specializes in the extremely popular Wheel of Fortune slot machine.

Caesars Casino

It’s probably not surprising that Caesars Casino makes this list, as it’s arguably the most well-known casino brand in the US. From Caesars Palace slots in Las Vegas to the over 30 Caesars Entertainment properties across the country, you can find much of the land-based slot machine available online at Caesars Casino. Check out the Caesars Casino promo codes to find the offer available in your state.

BetRivers Casino

BetRivers Casino is one of the more underrated online casinos because it caters to those who play on their computer rather than mobile device. But the advantage there is a bigger screen, more reliable performance, and likely a more streamlined cashout process. BetRivers offers many exclusive slots, games players may be familiar with at Rivers Casinos across the country, and some of the best daily promotions around, starting with the BetRivers Casino bonus code.

DraftKings Casino

DraftKings Casino is definitely online gambling royalty, already becoming hugely influential in the real money slots world for its innovative, exclusive games and “slots” that feel like something completely new. The DraftKings Casino no deposit bonus is also one of the best in the world because of its 1x playthrough requirement, and all games are eligible.

FanDuel Casino

Not to be outdone by its fierce rival DraftKings, FanDuel Casino also offers an impressive array of slot games at its online casino. You’ll find fan-favorite titles like the 88 Fortunes slot, Bonanza, Divine Fortune slot, Lucky Larry’s Lobstermania, and so many more top-tier options. While the options at DraftKings are slightly more robust, don’t overlook FanDuel as a viable alternative, especially if you’re interested in claiming the FanDuel Casino promo code.

Different Types of Real Money Slots

When looking for the best online real money slots, your options are vast. Not only do you get to choose a theme you prefer and bonus features you’d like to have the opportunity to trigger, but you also get to start at the basics and choose the actual type of slot you’d like to play. There are many varieties of online real money slots, such as the below.

• Video Slots: These are the most common options you’ll find at online casinos. They are generally 5-reel, although that may differ, but they feature intricate theming and graphics as well as more advanced bonus features.
• Stepper Slots: Also known as steppers, these slots are based on classic three-reel mechanical slots you’d find at land-based casinos. While much simpler than video slots, they still offer multiple ways to win and some do offer bonus features such as free spins. Stepper slots usually only consist of a few paylines, as opposed to video slots which can feature hundreds or thousands. However, because they’re only three reels, you’re more likely to hit on a payline.
• Jackpot Slots: Jackpot slots are actually made up of two categories — progressive jackpots and fixed jackpots. Progressive jackpot slots have an ever-growing jackpot that builds as more people spin. Progressives can get up to extremely high numbers, often reaching over $1,000,000. On the other hand, fixed jackpots are based on your wager amount. The higher your total bet, the higher the jackpot.
• MEGAWAYS Slots: MEGAWAYS slots are video slots, but they differ in that they offer up to 117,649 ways to win. That’s a much larger amount of paylines than the typical video slot, which makes this option appealing for many.
• Slingo Slots: Slingo slots are a newer entry into the online casino world, and they operate almost like a bingo board. They are also considered video slots, but they don’t operate like a traditional slot. Players spin to reveal numbers which then get marked off on a 5×5 grid. The more slingos a player lands, the more they can win.

There are many other smaller types of online slots, but when looking for a new favorite, these are the basics that you need to know.

What are the Best Types of Online Slots for Real Money?

The answer to this question really depends on your preferences as a player. Some folks like highly volatile games that don’t hit a bonus often but pay more when they do. Other players might prefer a game that frequently launches bonuses and features for smaller wins. Yet other players may enjoy seeking out big jackpots. No matter your preference, there’s always a game for you. 

Jackpot Slots

If you’re looking for the highest paying online slots, jackpot games are the right place to look. Some slots contain progressive jackpots, meaning the amount of the jackpot continues to rise until someone wins it. Every time a player within a specific region (for online slots, that typically means within the state and on the same platform) spins the reels, the jackpot rises ever-so-slightly. This is how jackpot prizes can reach well into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Divine Fortune is one of the most popular jackpot games. At Golden Nugget Michigan, the grand prize sits at around $86,000 at the time of this writing. Exercise caution when chasing progressive jackpots. Your odds are low, to the point where they’re similar to playing the lottery. Still, you can win smaller amounts via bonuses and normal spins. 

There are also fixed jackpots. The name might steer you in the wrong way; it doesn’t mean the casino rigs these jackpots. Instead, it means the potential win is always the same. You might find these in MEGAWAYS games or other slots, where you see labels such as “Major Prize: $1,000” or “Mini Prize: $10.” The labels vary, but the idea is the same. You can potentially win those amounts, but they don’t rise as more players spin the reels. 

Low Volatility Slots

Volatility is the term ascribed to a slot’s win frequency and typical win amount. If you find your preference to be on the other end of the spectrum from the usually high volatility jackpot slots, you can go for slots that pay the most often, which are generally low volatility. A low volatility slot will have a lot of winning spins and bonus hits (relative to a highly volatile slot, that is), and those wins will tend to be smaller. A highly volatile slot won’t win much, but the wins will tend to be fairly big. If you want to play for bigger wins and don’t mind losing a bit to get there, try for high volatility. Some online casinos will tell you how volatile a slot is, while others might make you feel it out for yourself.

Classic Slots

Looking for a classic slots feel and a simple setup? Yearning for the good old days of casinos with the simple slots that feature an actual pull handle? Try penny slots and steppers. Steppers are better known to new slots players as mechanical slots, the same ones you’d find with an arm you pull to start a spin and three physical reels that spin. Online, they’re all digital, but they still reflect the experience pretty well. Penny slots allow you to wager on a handful of paylines for anywhere from $0.01 per spin to $1.00. 

Slots at Retail Casinos

Few things are more exciting than finding a slot you love playing in-person at a retail casino. Unfortunately, like with the Buffalo slot, such favorites like the Timber Wolf slot machine, the Miss Kitty slot machine, and the 5 Dragons slot machine are only available in-person. But, also like the Buffalo slot, many of these popular options are coming to online casinos in the near future. And, thankfully, slots like 88 Fortunes and Wheel of Fortune are available both online and in-person, giving the people what they want when they’re sitting at a slot machine or playing on their phone.

Real Money Online Slots Bonus Features

When you’re playing slots, you probably have one goal: to win! Okay, you might also just play to have fun, and that’s fine, too. But it’s fun to win, so you can have the best of both worlds when you hit a feature or trigger a bonus. Here are a few special game elements you might find in online slot games. 

Free Games & Free Spins

Many slots have a free games feature. Not to be confused with free spins bonus codes,  you trigger the feature with a specific spin or by landing certain symbols in the right order, you’ll earn free games. Usually, these games give you an extra boost, like some random wild symbols to increase your winning chances. The numbers and mechanics vary, but some games let you get up to 50 or 100 free spins on a solid win. Heck, even five free spins could nab you a nice chunk of change. 

Pick ‘Em

Pick ’em features typically give you a handful of symbols to select by touching or clicking the screen. Sometimes you pick one item and whatever it reveals is your win. It could be free spins, a set amount of money, or a multiplier. Other games let you pick multiple things until you choose a specific symbol that ends your game. These are fun because they’re a nice change from spinning the reels and you feel part of the game as you’re making selections.

Jackpots

Jackpot slots are exactly as they sound in that they feature the opportunity to win a jackpot. Some offer progressive jackpots, which continue to grow the more the game is played until they are won. Others offer fixed jackpots, which always remain the same amount based on your total wager. In either case, winning a jackpot bonus feature can result in a massive win.

Link Feature

The link feature, made popular by games such as the Lightning Link slot machine and Fire Link slots, is a highly desirable bonus mechanic that combines both respins and locked symbols. Land a certain amount of special symbols with monetary amounts on them and you’ll trigger respins (usually three to begin). Those special symbols will stay locked in place while the remainder of symbols are spun again. If you land another special symbol, your respins will reset back up to 3 and the bonus feature will continue until no further special symbols appear. At the end, you’ll receive the total of the monetary values displayed on all the special symbols that have locked into place. The biggest wins here come when you fill your entire screen with locked symbols, often resulting in a jackpot.

Other Features

Those are just a few of the features you’ll encounter. Look out for others, as game providers are always looking to make their games stand out from the pack with unique bonus opportunities.

How To Win Online Slots for Real Money

I’m gonna level with you here and tell you something you probably already know: slots are games of chance. You can win, and you can lose. They’re fickle. The math trends toward the online casino, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ever play!

One way to get yourself closer to a win is to start playing with no deposit bonuses and/or free spins. It’s not your money, so you can enjoy playing without putting anything at risk. Plus, this gets you acclimated with a slot before you need to put your own money into the mix. The fact is, there’s no way to guarantee a win when you’re playing slots or any online casino game. But there are slots tips and tricks you can use to give yourself an edge. Brush up and employ them wisely!

Real Money Slots vs. Free Slots

So, now that you’ve got all the information on real money slots, which option is better for you — real money slots or free-to-play slots? The bottom line is that it comes down to what you’re looking for in your next play session. Below, we’ve put together a quick rundown of some pros and cons for each to help you make your decision.