You can fall into the trap of thinking that every slot machine that you see at a casino is a video slot. Read more...
However, there are different types of slots, with classic and video pokies being the most popular. Even though classic games set the tone for the creation and working of video slots, they’re quite different. Keep reading to know all the important information about video slot games.
How Do Video Slots Work?
While classic slot games use 3 reels, few paylines, and work mechanically, video slots try to bring new excitement to gaming. They mostly work on 5 or more reels and have more paylines where a winning combination can be formed.
To understand how they work, you’ll need an understanding of the key features of video pokies. Check them below:
- They have five or more reels
- They have large numbers of paylines
- They use video graphics and animations to make games more engaging
- They incorporate many bonus features, like free spins and bonus games for a better experience
How to Spot a Good Video Slot Game
Whether you want to play free slot games or for real money, it is very important to know how to choose them. Most times, the qualities determine your potential winnings or your overall entertainment. Take a look at the main details that you should consider before choosing:
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Theme and Storyline: Fruits, gems, magic, sports and even more themes are waiting for you! Choose one whose storyline intersects with your interests.
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Graphics: Games with better graphics are generally more appealing and entertaining.
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RTP: The return to player percentage is a big indicator of how much you can get paid when you win in a game. The top video slots have an RTP of 96% and above.
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Variance or Volatility: Variance determines the amount and frequency of winnings. Low variance brings frequent but small wins, while high variance brings rare but significant payouts. Medium variance slots provide a balance between the two.
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Bonus Rounds: For a chance to win free money, you should focus on video slots with bonus rounds. After all, you won’t need extra money to win with them.
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Paylines: More paylines generally mean more opportunities to win in the game. However, it also means that bets will be spread across more lines and this can make it quite difficult to win jackpots.
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Jackpot Games: To win big when you play video slots, you should target slots with jackpot games or rounds.
Free vs Real Money Video Slots
You can play casino online for real money or enjoy your favourite games in the demo mode and still get good entertainment value. The choice is always yours because each has its own pros and cons. Check the table below for a comparison of free and real-money videos slots.
| Feature |
Free Video Slots |
Real Money Video Slots |
| Cost |
You don’t have to part with money when you play free video slots |
You have to deposit to play real money slots |
| Winnings |
Winnings are only in virtual currencies and cannot be withdrawn |
You can withdraw when you win real money |
| Risk |
There is no risk when playing as money is not involved |
There’s the risk factor involved since you’ll be playing with actual money |
| Availability |
Not all games are available for free play |
All games can be played for real money |
| Practice |
These types of games can be used to practice and prepare for money games |
There’s no chance to use real money slot machines for risk-free practice |
Our Top 5 Video Slots Machines for 2025
There are many different types of slot machines that you can play and trust us when we say you’re spoilt with options. Even we had a tough time choosing 5 video slots that you should try:
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Ninja Fruits: It’s a great representative of fruit machines from Play’n Go. The game is played on 5 reels and has 15 active paylines. The special features in the pokie include wilds, scatters, and free spins. Ninja Fruits has a ranging RTP of 94.15%.
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Wolf Gold: One of the most popular slots from Pragmatic Play. Wolf Gold is a 5-reel slot machine with 25 active paylines. Being a progressive jackpot game with a ranging RTP of 96.10%, there is a chance that you might be the lucky winner of a huge accumulated jackpot.
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Game of Thrones: The popular series-based pokie by Games Global is a 5 reel game with 243 ways to win and a ranging RTP of 95.07%. Apart from the interesting storyline, the graphics and sound of this video slot are out of the world.
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Captain’s Treasure: The perfect choice for sea adventure fun from Playtech. The slot has a ranging RTP of 97.06% and 5 reels with 9 paylines. Are you ready to find the captain’s treasure and conquer the waves?
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Lotto Madness: For all fans of lotteries — the classic slot from Playtech. Enjoy the atmospheric graphics, 5 reels, 20 paylines and ranging RTP of 97.06%.
Comparison of Video Slots with Classic Slots
Even though they can both be played with mobile devices, we don’t want you to mistake of thinking video slots are the same as classic games. Check the table below for a comparison of the two.
| Features |
Video Slot Machines |
Classic Slot Machines |
| Number of reels |
They typically have 5 or more reels |
They are played on 3 reels |
| Paylines |
They can have tens, hundreds and thousands of paylines |
They usually have between one to five paylines |
| Graphics |
Video slots use modern-day video graphics |
Their graphics are usually simple |
| Jackpots |
Video slots often have progressive jackpots |
They have fixed jackpots |
| Bonus Features |
They have features such as free spins and bonus games |
No bonus games or features |
| Popularity |
They are becoming more popular |
They are less popular due to the emergence of advanced slot machines |
Best Recommended Video Slots Software Providers
There are thousands of mobile slots games at best online casinos, with each one having its uniqueness. These slots are made possible because of the hardworking software providers. Check the list below for our top 10 recommended software providers and their best games:
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QuickSpin: Wild Chase Tokyo Go with a ranging RTP of 96.54%
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Pragmatic Play: Sugar Rush with a ranging RTP of 96.50%
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Electric Elephant: Sherlock Bones with an RTP of 96.21%
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Playtech: Wild West Wilds with an RTP of 96.27%
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Yggdrasil: Age of Asgard with an RTP of 96.20%
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Evoplay: Unlimited Wishes with a ranging RTP of 95.99%
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Amatic Industries: Book of Aztec with a ranging RTP of 96%
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Big Time Gaming: Chocolates with an RTP of 96.60%
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Spinomenal: Lucky Jack — Book of Rebirth with an RTP of 96.01%
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Wazdan: Clover Lady with a ranging RTP of 96.21%
