Online casinos have enjoyed an incredible amount of popularity in recent times. While games such as blackjack and poker certainly enjoy their fair share of the digital “limelight”, there is no doubt that slots are some of the most well-known platforms offered by any virtual casino. Not only are they able to provide substantial payouts, but there are literally thousands of titles and themes to choose from.
However, we also need to remember that some games are more transparent and rewarding than others. This is why those who wish to make an informed decision should examine a handful of key metrics. What factors will be taken into account and how will these impact the overall experience? If you are new to the online gaming sector and wish to learn more about slots, the details outlined below should never be overlooked.
The Layout of the Game
The mechanics of the game itself is arguably the most important variable to scrutinize. For instance, do the controls offer a user-friendly appeal? Are the symbols clear to see? Are there numerous distractions such as pop-ups and banner advertisements? Slots should offer a transparent overall experience with few (if any) distractions. This is why it is best to choose a game which has been associated with positive user reviews in terms of its overall functionality. You might otherwise make mistakes that could have been avoided.
Aesthetics and Ambience
Many slots platforms are extremely appealing from a visual perspective. Highly detailed graphics, immersive backgrounds and entertaining audio snippets are some of the features which tend to define a quality platform. It may even be possible to select between different themes and layouts (such as darkening the background) depending upon your preferences. Take a look at the game and if possible play a few demo rounds in order to better appreciate what is in store. Let’s not forget that playing slots should always take into account the role of aesthetics.
Paylines and Reels
We will now look at one of the more technical aspects of online slots. Many objective review portals will highlight two key factors:
- How many paylines can be created?
- The number of reels.
Paylines are essentially the ways in which winning combinations can be made. Symbols can normally be used in vertical, horizontal, or diagonal configurations (such as a row of five wild cards). However, most slots also offer a host of additional patterns. It, therefore, stands to reason that a greater number of combinations will increase your chances of walking away with a tidy sum of money. For instance, Rainbow Riches slots supply players with no fewer than 20 paylines.
Reels will also have an impact on the gameplay. While most physical slots machines (such as those found within traditional casinos) are equipped with three reels, the majority of their online counterparts offer five (or perhaps even more) reels. There are two reasons why the number of reels is crucial. First, more reels signify that players are provided with more potential combinations. The second takeaway point involves the sheer level of excitement that users can expect to enjoy during a playing session. Once again, be sure to determine how many reels are present before making a final decision.
Available Bonuses
Online slots are known for their generous bonus programs. While these will naturally differ from provider to provider, they can still be segmented into a few discrete categories:
- First-time deposit bonuses
- Matched bonuses
- Free spins and multipliers
- VIP rewards and referral bonuses
Some casinos will provide players with additional funds in the event that they open an account for the first time. These can come in the form of free spins, virtual cash credits or a combination of both. It might also be possible for a provider to match the amount that individual deposits up to a certain threshold. These are sometimes known as matched deposit bonuses.
There are two other in-play rewards that can make their presence known from time to time. Free spins are great ways to augment your potential winnings without risking the funds within your account. Multipliers essentially multiply your winnings by a specific amount. These are normally referred to by numerical abbreviations such as “20X” or “40X”. Note that these can result from landing upon a wild symbol or they may be awarded as the result of a specific reel combination.
There are other times when you will be awarded for referring another player to the casino. These rewards can then be used when playing certain slots games (as stipulated within the terms and conditions). VIP programs are likewise available for those who play for extended periods of time. Rewards points, access to hidden rounds, and higher jackpots are some examples of the ways in which a VIP status differs from an average user.
The Return-to-Player
The return-to-player (RTP) percentage is yet another metric to mention. An RTP essentially signifies how often some type of bonus will be awarded (such as a win, a free spin or a wild symbol). Most industry experts agree that the best slots platforms offer an RTP at or above 95 percent. This factor is normally highlighted within the game description or the terms and conditions.
Customer Service Options
On a final note, what types of customer service solutions are you offering? Is it possible to contact a representative if a problem arises? Are you provided with a telephone number and a chat widget as well as a standard email address? Customer service is often used as a gauge to determine the overall quality of the game itself, so these possibilities should never be taken lightly. It is also best to walk away from a website that is unable to provide any contact details.
These are some of the main issues to take into account when examining an online slots platform. With a bit of educated research, it is easy to make an informed (and potentially lucrative) decision.
