Among all the variety of online casino gambling games, the main volume falls on slot machines – slots. However, as practice shows seven casino, the range of slots must be constantly updated. Therefore, the player, when choosing new ones, it is advisable to focus on a certain list of criteria.
Selection criteria
It is worth noting that all gambling games, regardless of their type (slots, card games, table games), the algorithm for forming a winning combination should be based on a random number generator. This technology is labelled Mersenne Twister RNG (MT19937) and is currently standard. This is the main condition for the development company to obtain a licence. Licences and certificates are issued by both state organisations controlling gambling business (Curacao, Malta, Great Britain) and international non-commercial structures.In addition to having a slot machine licence, the player should pay attention to the following parameters.
RTP
Return to Player (RTP) – an indicator characterising the return of funds to the player. Expressed as a percentage. It is more of a theoretical value and does not guarantee the return of money spent as bets exactly in the amount in which it is specified. The reason is that the calculation of this indicator is taken into account indefinitely long session of play on the slot machine. And in practice, the bankroll, which is allocated by the player tends to be exhausted. Nevertheless, this characteristic is one of the most important when choosing a slot. In modern slot machines, it varies between 95-98%.
Volatility
This characteristic does not have a numerical indicator. It describes the ratio of the probability of winning and its value (multiplier, payout ratio / increase in the base bet). A slot machine can be assigned one of the following three types of volatility:
- High – the slot has a high risk parameter, winning combinations are formed quite rarely, but at the same time have a large payout ratio, which can exceed x10000;
- Medium – characterised by a balanced frequency of winning combinations and a fairly high payout ratio, which varies between x5000 and x10000;
- Low – winning combinations fall out very often, but the winnings are insignificant. The maximum payout ratio rarely exceeds x5000.
Recently, more and more often there are slot machines with the ability to change the volatility. Depending on the player's chosen mode of operation. For example, Zeus vs Hades: Gods of War, where depending on the selected side (Zeus or Hades) volatility varies from medium to high.
Playing field
It is formed by a combination of the number of reels and paylines. Initially, the playing field was a matrix of 3×3. Until now, this formula is used in the “classic” slot machines designed in the style of retro. The most popular slots are considered 5×3, five reels, each of which in the game involves three symbols (3 rows), for example, Cops'n'Robbers Millionaires Row (Novomatic). There are slot machines with a playing field from 5×4 (A Fistful Of Wilds or 40 Fruity Reels from 7 Mojos) to 7×7 (Viking Runecraft, Cyclops Smash) and more.
Winning Lines / Combinations
In classic slot machines, mostly 5×3, the number of winning lines varies between 10-25 depending on volatility. Some have the ability to change the number of winning lines, accordingly increases/decreases the payout ratio.There are slots, mostly released by Play'n Go, Microgaming, which use winning combinations of three or more symbols, located in a certain order on the playing field. They have a number of winning combinations can reach 1024x. For example, By the Rivers of Buffalo, Arctic Fortune or ZZ Top Roadside Riches.
Special symbols and bonuses
As for special symbols, their presence makes the game more interesting and significantly increases the chances of getting a bonus game, jackpot, and eventually a big win. There are two types of special symbols:Scatter – when falling 3 or more can start an additional game function: bonus game, provides a bonus in the form of freespins or increased payout coefficient, etc;Wild – replaces any symbol (except Scatter), thus forming one or more winning lines.
Jackpot
At the moment there are several varieties of this most desirable for all players combination of symbols:
- Normal – represents the maximum possible multiplier for this slot machine;
- Variable – depending on the game mode can change its win rate;
- Progressive – the prize pool is formed from the deductions of all players using the slot. In turn, it can be divided into the following types:
- Local – formed directly on the slot machine by all players of one online casino;
- Global – formed on the slot by several online casinos, united in one structure slot provider.
Top 5 most popular slot machines in 2023
At the moment, the following slot machines are the most popular:Ocean Princess;Mega Joker;Nemo's Voyage;Monopoly Big Event;Jackpot 6000.All of these slots have an RTP of 99%.