ONLINE SLOTS
Slot machines have always been a popular attraction in casinos around the globe, and with the rise of the internet online slots took the world by storm. Today, these casino games make up the majority of any online casino’s portfolio and typically account for over 70% of all wagers online. The main appeal of playing online slots is the unparalleled variety of themes and features, which is particularly prevalent in the latest releases from industry giants like Microgaming, NetEnt, Big Time Gaming and Red Tiger.
At EnergyCasino, players in Ireland will find over 2,000 fantastic slot games that range from classic fruit slots to modern, innovative hits with unique gameplay and polished graphics. Keep reading to learn more about online slots, casino slot bonuses and find out where to play the best slots online in Ireland.
HISTORY OF ONLINE SLOTS
Slot machines have been around for over a century, making their first appearance in the late 1880s when the “Liberty Bell” one-armed bandit was first introduced by inventor Charles Fey. Although other slot machines popped up around the same time, like Sittman and Pitt’s poker slot, its the Liberty Bell that built the foundation for slots as we know them today.
This game features a familiar setup of 5x3, with a handful of symbols and automatic payouts. In essence, these features are at the core of any modern slot. These games were colourful, easy to play and offered cash payouts that casino enthusiasts could enjoy at their leisure. Since Fey did not patent his invention, others quickly capitalised on the popularity of the Liberty Bell and slot machines rapidly spread across the world.
We all know that the internet transformed all forms of entertainment, and casino slots are no exception. Microgaming, one of the world’s most famous providers, pioneered the first online gambling software in 1994. This significant milestone led to the explosive iGaming boom in the late 90s and continues to power online slot games to this day.
VIDEO SLOTS
Online slots are also referred to as video slots, a term which encapsulates all slots that are optimised for digital play. All of these games share the same foundation: a number of reels, symbols and paylines. Although modern slots greatly differ from the classic fruit machines and offer additional bonus features, they generally adhere to the same gameplay principles.
HOW DO ONLINE SLOTS WORK?
Online slots work similarly to traditional slot machines, like the original Liberty Bell. Winnings are paid for a sequence of symbols landing across the reels, as long as all winning conditions are met. These conditions may vary from game to game, but are all based on the same ideas:
- The symbols have to be identical, or include a symbol with a substitution function, like the Wild symbol.
- The symbols must land on one of the winning paylines, as specified in the game’s rules. Some games, particularly those powered by the Megaways™ engine, do not have fixed paylines and award wins for adjacent symbols.
- There must be enough symbols to count as a win. For example, the slot rules may specify that three, four or five Cherry symbols qualify for a win. That means that as long as you land at least three Cherry symbols, consecutively, on a winning payline, then you will be paid out a win.
TYPES OF SLOTS
Online slots can be easily categorised by their complexity and their themes. With so many game studios working to deliver new titles every year, the variety of slots is nearly boundless. From classic fruit slots like Stunning Hot™ and Fruitinator, to modern chart-toppers Jumanji™ and Finn and the Swirly Spinn™, every online casino’s portfolio is brimming with fantastic titles. You’ll find slots that go back to the basic and have no more than three reels and five paylines, but also megahits with interactive bonus rounds, mini-games and over a hundred thousand ways to win.
SPECIAL SYMBOLS
Every slot game will have a set of symbols that can appear on the reels. Originally, these symbols all corresponded to a payout, and that was that. Today, there are many symbols that have additional features that can spice up your gameplay. The symbols below are some of the most common in slot games, but keep in mind that their function may differ from game to game.
- Wild Symbol — the Wild symbol can substitute for all other symbols, except other special symbols. It can come in handy when you’re missing a symbol on one of the paylines, and the Wild happens to fall on the right reel for that payline to help you secure that win. The Wild comes in many shapes and sizes, like Expanding Wilds that cover an entire reel or Sticky Wilds that remain in place for several spins.
- Scatter Symbol — generally, the Scatter is the key to unlocking a game’s bonus feature, but that isn’t always the case. In some games, the Scatter can function as a Wild; in others, landing a specified number of Scatters can award a Free Spins bonus or trigger another bonus round. Make sure to check the rules of the game to find out how the Scatter works and what to look out for when playing.
- Bonus Symbol — the Bonus symbol can go by many names, and may refer to a symbol that can unlock a bonus round or simply any symbol other than the Wild and Scatter. In most games, the Bonus symbol works much like the Scatter. For example, in XO MANOWAR, landing three Bonus symbols will trigger one of five unique bonus rounds.
SLOT BONUS FEATURES
Aside from the game’s special symbols, it may include other mechanics that take your gameplay to the next level. Here are some of the most popular slot bonus features:
- Free Spins — a Free Spins bonus is one of the most common and most popular slot bonuses around. Triggering the round will award a number of free spins to the player, at a value of the triggering bet. A Free Spins bonus round often features additional perks, like multipliers or Expanding symbols.
- Gamble Mode — the Gamble mode is not available on every game but is common to many. After a winning spin, players have the option to gamble their winnings once more, for a chance to increase the payout. The most common is a Card Gamble, where players choose between Red or Black for a chance to double the win. Other common Gamble modes include the Ladder and Wheel Gambles. Be careful when playing in the Gamble mode, incorrect guesses and unsuccessful attempts often result in the loss of all winnings from the last spin.
- Win Multiplier — a Win Multiplier does exactly as the name implies, it multiplies your winnings. Multipliers can accompany Wilds, can stack progressively for landing specific symbols or stack up for consecutive wins (most commonly found in slots with cascading reels).
- Progressive Jackpot — nothing beats a game with a progressive jackpot slots. These games take a percentage of every real wager and add it to the jackpot total, which can be randomly awarded to one lucky player. The odds of hitting the jackpot are extremely low, which means that these progressive pots tend to grow to six or seven figured over time.
SLOT RTP AND VOLATILITY
A slot’s RTP and volatility rating are a great way to gain insight into the inner workings of the algorithm. These ratings can also help players choose the right slot games for their playstyle preferences, so let’s have a look:
- RTP (Return To Player) — the RTP is the average return of funds that a player can expect when playing the game, in the long run. For example, an RTP of 95% on means that if a player wagers €100 on the game, they can expect a return of €95 over time. Keep in mind that the RTP statistics are based on the average return, using data from hundreds of thousands of spins. While most players will see a relatively accurate return, some will not.
- Volatility — a slot’s volatility, or variance, indicates the relative frequency and size of the wins. Slots with a low volatility rating hit wins often, but they will be small. High-volatility games offer bigger wins but do so rarely. Some games offer volatility as a feature, allowing players to select their preferred rating.
BEST ONLINE SLOTS
With so many online slot games to choose from, it’s hard to pick favourites! We’ve broken down the best online slots into three categories, have a look and try them out!
- The Classics — if you like straightforward gameplay with minimal distractions, try out these timeless classics: Stunning Hot™, Starburst™, Hot Classic™, Mystery Joker or Smoking Hot Fruits. These types of slots are also excellent for beginners who are looking to gain familiarity with casino slots.
- Thrilling Themes — the range of slot themes is quite extensive! Players can rummage through saloons in the Wild West, explore the tombs of Ancient Egypt, embark on an odyssey to Mount Olympus or dive deep into the blue in search of Atlantis. Venture on a journey to explore the myths and mysteries of the world and try out games like Lord of the Ocean, Atlantis, Shield of Athena, Book of Gates™, Book of Dead™, Book of Gods™ and Book of Ming™.
- Fantastic Features — players who enjoy bonus features, mini-games, progression mechanics and interactive gameplay definitely don’t want to miss out on these awesome titles: Reactoonz, Gonzo’s Quest Megaways™, Lil’ Devil, XO MANOWAR, Wild Frames, Aurora Beast Hunter™ and Pawprints of Purrsia.
BEST PAYOUT SLOTS
When considering the best payout slots, keep in mind that all slots are games of chance and the payouts are entirely randomised. While the RTP, volatility and max win caps may help you decide, winning is never guaranteed. Above all, hitting the largest win in any slot game is extremely rare.
- High RTP — some of the slots with the highest RTP around are Blood Suckers™, Mega Joker™, Jackpot 6000™, Steam Tower™ and Dazzle Me™. Keep in mind that the RTP may be a range of values which, in games like Mega Joker™ and Jackpot 6000™, is dependent on the player’s skill when playing in the bonus game.
- Low/High Volatility — if you prefer rare but big wins, try high-volatility slots like Bonanza, Extra Chilli Megaways™ or Chocolates. If you prefer slots with lower volatility, try Starburst™, Thunderstruck II, Gemix or Aloha Cluster Pays.
- Jackpot Slots — these slots feature massive prize pots that are awarded very, very rarely. Think of them as slots with extremely high volatility; although the maximum payouts are incredibly high, they are also incredibly hard to come by. Some of the most popular jackpot slots are Mega Moolah, Mega Fortune, Divine Fortune, Wheel of Wishes and Absolootly Mad Mega Moolah.
HOW TO WIN AT SLOTS
All online slots are games of chance, which means that there is no way to guarantee a win. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do that may help you play responsibly. Playing free online casino slots is an excellent way to learn how to manage your bankroll, to gain familiarity with the game’s features and its volatility.
Another way to practice playing without risking a real wager is by availing of a promotional offer or bonus, such as No Deposit Free Spins.
PLAYING FREE ONLINE SLOTS
At EnergyCasino, you can play online slots for free! Hundreds of games are available as free-to-play demos, where players can experiment with a purse of virtual funds. Players in Ireland can enjoy free slots online at any time, and use them to practice betting strategies or to find new, interesting games. To access the demos, simply hover over the thumbnail of the game of your choosing until you see a ‘DEMO’ button. Click, wait for the game to load and have fun!
All wagers and winnings in demos are entirely virtual; thus, they will not be deducted from or credited to your account balance. Depending on your jurisdiction, you may be asked to register and complete the verification process to access the demo casino slots. In cases where verification is not necessary, you may be able to play casino games as a visitor.
PLAYING ONLINE SLOTS FOR REAL MONEY
When you’re ready to play for real money, make sure that you have registered an account and made your first deposit. Don’t forget that new casino players are eligible for a one-time Welcome Bonus, which usually adds bonus funds to the layer’s balance. Once you’re all set, you can go ahead and set the reels on fire.
If you’re playing for real money, please be mindful of your gambling habits and the risk that they may pose. Casino gambling is a form of entertainment that should never be seen as a way to recover losses or escape financial troubles. If you feel like you are losing that sense of fun, make use of our Responsible Gaming resources to help you set limits on playing time, deposits, wagers or losses.
BONUSES & PROMOTIONS IN ONLINE CASINOS
The best online casinos in Ireland, like EnergyCasino, offer a variety of casino bonus and promotions that can get you some extra funds or free spins! Here’s a quick look at some of the most common online casino bonuses:
- Welcome Bonus — a Welcome Bonus is a one-time offer for new players, claimable only on the player’s first deposit. EnergyCasino will match 100% of your first deposit, up to €200. On top of that, our new players can claim a Welcome Offer bundle with a Reload Bonus on their second deposit as well.
- Reload Bonus — a Reload Bonus is a common bonus found in online casinos, which tops a deposit with bonus funds or free spins.
- No Deposit Bonus — a No Deposit Bonus can be claimed without making a deposit. No Deposit Bonuses can be found as recurring promotional offers, tournament rewards and as prizes for participating in other casino events.
- Cashback Bonus — players receive a percentage of their losses or stakes (depending on the promotion) back as cash, usually applicable to Live Casino table and card games, as well as live shows.
- Daily Drops and Wins — Daily Drops and Wins is a recurring Pragmatic Play promotion at EnergyCasino, during which players have a chance to win random cash prizes when they play any of the qualifying games. This promotion also features a massive tournament with a top prize of €5,000.
- Online Tournaments — EnergyCasino players can compete against other casino players for a chance to win epic prizes! Play eligible games to climb the ranks on the leaderboard. The top-ranking players can win cash, bonuses, free spins (EnergySpins) and even merchandise!
- Loyalty Program — When playing slots at EnergyCasino, you will gradually collect EnergyPoints. These points can be exchanged for cash, merchandise and EnergySpins on select games at the EnergyShop. Keep playing with us, and you may receive an invitation to our exclusive VIP Club! VIP members enjoy dedicated support, VIP-only promotions and even more rewards.
MOBILE SLOTS
If you prefer playing on the go, then you’ll be glad to know that EnergyCasino players can enjoy hundreds of online slots anywhere and at any time through our mobile casino. All you need is a Windows, iOS or Android device and an internet connection. Simply log in to your EnergyCasino account, search for your favourite game and get ready to have fun! Players can also access demo modes on mobile. To do so, press on the thumbnail of the game until a drop-down menu with the ‘DEMO’ button appears.
FAQ
⭐ How do you play online slots?
To play online slots for real money, you will need to register an account at an online casino. When registration is complete, you may make a deposit, claim promotional bonuses and enjoy the casino games of your choice.
⭐ How can you win at online slots?
Winning criteria for online slots will always be displayed on the game’s Paytable, which specifies all symbols and their payout values. In most online slots, wins are attributed to identical symbols that fall on one of the paylines. The number of symbols required and available paylines will vary from game to game, and the payouts do as well. Since casino slots are games of chance, there is no guaranteed way to win. Be mindful of the risks when making real money wagers, and please play responsibly.
⭐ Where can you play online slots?
You can play online slots, as well as hundreds of Live Casino table games and live shows, at EnergyCasino. You’ll find an incredible portfolio of over 2,000 slot games from the world’s top providers with fantastic features and rewarding bonuses. Take a look and have fun!
⭐ How do online slots work?
All online slots are built on the same foundation. Each game features a set of reels, symbols and paylines. Wins are attributed to sequences of identical symbols along a winning payline, as long as they land consecutively. Some slots have additional bonus features or reel modifiers, so make sure to check the game’s rules before you get going. Megaways™ slots, for example, throw away the concept of paylines and offer a varied number of ways to win instead. In games like these, winnings are usually attributed to symbols that fall adjacently to one another.
⭐ Which online slots pay real money?
All online video slots can pay real money, as long as the wagers are real and the winning criteria are met. The payout is determined by the wager, the number of symbols and their respective value.
⭐ Which are the best online casinos for slots?
You can enjoy your favourite games at EnergyCasino, one of the best online casinos in Ireland. Players can enjoy over 2,000 slots from leading game studios, including the latest epic hits. EnergyCasino also offers a variety of rewarding bonuses and fantastic casino events like tournaments, mystery puzzles and massive seasonal promotions.
⭐ What are online slot machines?
Online slots are the modern versions of the classic one-armed bandit slot machine. Just like their land-based counterparts, online slot games feature a set of reels, symbols and paylines. All outcomes are generated randomly to ensure fair play.
⭐ How do I play slot machines for real money in Ireland?
To play for real money at EnergyCasino, players in Ireland must complete the registration process and make their first deposit. Claiming the Welcome Bonus is optional, but make sure to check the Terms and Conditions of the offer to see if you could benefit from the offer. When you’ve made the deposit, you’re ready to play! Browse through our Casino portfolio, and enjoy.
⭐ Can you play real money slots on your mobile phone?
Yes, you can enjoy most online casino slots and Live Casino games on Windows, iOS and Android devices. To do so, log in to your EnergyCasino account on a mobile device and search for your favourite game. To access the demo versions on mobile, tap on the thumbnail of the game to bring down a menu where the ‘DEMO’ button will be available.
⭐ Is it legal to play online slots?
Yes. Irish players can legally play at an online casino, as long as the casino is licensed to operate in Ireland and is regulated by international gambling authorities. When choosing your casino, make sure that the licenses are issued by reputable organisations (such as the MGA or the UKGC) to guarantee the security and fairness of your casino gameplay.
⭐ Do online slots pay real money?
Online slots pay real money as long as the wagers are made with real funds, and the winning conditions are met. Keep in mind that slots are games of chance and that winning on online slots can’t be guaranteed; the only way to have a chance to win cash is by risking cash as well.