Best Slots Casinos Guide

Expert Guidance to Identify the Best Slots Casinos

Return to Player, house edge, Random Number Generator, and paylines … but what does it all mean, and how does it affect the fairness and payouts of slots? Our online slots guide is all you need to analyze slots and the casinos that offer them, giving you the advantage of choosing the best based on accurate information.

What are the top 5 Slots Casinos in America?

The best place to start is knowing where to play. Not all online casinos provide an elaborate game collection, but our experience enables us to point out the best slots casinos in America, ensuring you have thousands of titles just a click away.

The right casino provides an abundance of choices; you can try a couple of spins on classics, modern slots, Megaways, and jackpots, and use the experience to define your gaming preferences. 

CasinoNumber of Slots
1.BetMGM2,400+
2.Borgata Online2,300+
3.Golden Nugget1,000+
4.Party Casino1,500+
5.DraftKings1,000+

What are Slots Games? 

You know those rows of machines, ringing bells, and the sound of jackpots triggering at a land-based casino? Well, apart from a few poker machines, those are slot games. The spinning reels, interesting themes, and massive winning opportunities make them incredibly attractive and the most popular type of casino game

So, what is a slot game? To answer this question, let’s take a look at the most basic and straightforward slot game, which of course, is a classic slot with just three reels and one payline. The three vertical spinning reels (columns) have various symbols that line up in random order at the end of each spin. The goal is to line up three of the same symbols across the payline – directly in the middle of the reels  – to activate a combination and claim a reward. 

Modern slots – especially those at online casinos and video slots – have evolved to include many more paylines and reels while also combining special features such as free spins and bonus games. However, you can always trace it back to the basics; there might be more reels, but it’s the same concept, and there might be more paylines, which simply means that symbols can appear in more directions to trigger wins

Let’s leave the explanation of special features for later in this slots guide, there’s a couple of other important points to cover first.

Are Online Slots Legal in America?

The introduction of the UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act) made it illegal for financial institutions and banks to process any gambling-related transactions. However, gambling as a whole was not made illegal at the federal level, leaving it up to individual states to legalize online casinos, sports betting, and poker. 

Currently, six American states legalized online casinos, gaining revenue from licensing fees and taxes that apply to winning collected by the casino.

While the current gambling law only allows real money casino games from the above states, players in other states still have access to social casinos. Sure, there’s no real money winnings, but you still get to play the latest casino games and compete with friends and other players.

Can you Trust the Fairness of Online Slots?

The fairness of online slots is determined by the Return to Player (RTP) percentage, commonly found in the slot’s pay table. The percentage is an average over thousands of spins and may vary higher or lower at the time of playing. The opposite of the RTP percentage is the house edge, the average “profit” percentage the casino expects from the slot over time.  

Online slots from trusted game providers typically provide an RTP of 95% or above, which means the house edge of 5% or less. A higher RTP would mean a lower house edge, which relates to an increased chance of winning. To ensure the RTP percentage remains accurate, casino games use a Random Number Generator (RNG), which ensures each round is completely random.

 As with casinos, game developers operate under a license to legally provide services in a legal state. Third-party agencies such as eCOGRA and iTechLabs perform random audits to ensure the use of RNG software and accurate RTP percentages.  


How Many Slots Types Exist? 

The wide variety of international game providers makes online casinos the slots haven. Each developer creates their own game styles, themes, and features, offering a unique collection to suit every game desire you could possibly have. Online slots fall into various categories and game styles, including:

Slot TypeRTPVolatility
3-Reel Slots94% – 97%Usually High
5-Reel Slots95% – 99%All Variants
7-Reel Slots96% – 98%Low to Medium
Classic Slots & Fruit Machines93% – 96%Usually High
Video Slots93% – 99%All Variants
3D Slots94% – 97%All Variants
Bonus-Buy Slots95% – 97%Medium to High
Hold and Win Slots95% – 97%Medium to High
Progressive Jackpot Slots94% – 96%Usually High
Megaways Slots95% – 98%Usually High
Cluster Slots95% – 96% All Variants
Multi Payline Slots95% – 98%All Variants

3-Reel Slots

Fire Joker Slot - ACG

Three-reel slots are always the easiest to play as they have limited features and up to 10 paylines. With limited paylines, betting totals tend to stay low while winnings remain impressively high. Of course, this indicates higher volatility, which means payouts don’t occur very often, but when they do, it’s well worth the wait! Not all 3-reel slots are high volatility, as some would provide lower jackpots, but winnings trigger more often. 

Best Example of 3-Reel Slots:

5-Reel Slots

Book of Dead 5 Reel Slot - ACG

Five-reel slots are the most popular at online casinos and basically the same as three-reel games, but include more paylines. These slots are commonly combined with impressive bonus features such as free spins, bonus games, and various special symbols. Betting isn’t much higher, and volatility ranges include low to high, depending on the slot you choose. 

Best Example of 5-Reel Slots:

7-Reel Slots

Reactoonz Slot - ACG

Seven-reel slots aren’t as common as three and five-reel games. The concept of winning remains the same, but with two additional reels, it becomes possible to activate seven-of-a-kind combinations. These bigger slots tend to offer multiple features, such as free spins and bonus games. 

Best Example of 7-Reel Slots:

Classic Slots & Fruit Machines

Dating back to the early 20th century – when slots were invented – classic slots and fruit machines were the first to introduce the new form of gambling. Even though they were as basic as can be and offered no features, modern-day game providers keep these slot themes alive by combining new features, graphics, and rewards while still keeping the simplistic design elements. 

Best Example of Classic Slots and Fruit Machines:

Video Slots

Hells Kitchen Video Slot

The introduction of digital slots called for a new term to differentiate between mechanical slots and digital slots (Video Slots). Therefore, all online slots are referred to as video slots since all of them use digital graphics that you play on your computer or mobile device. However, the best video slots offer the most impressive graphics and animations. 

Best Example of Video Slots:

3D Slots

Gonzo’s Quest Online Slot - ACG

The advancement in online technology provides game developers with more tools and features to enhance the experience of slots. Whether it’s characters coming to life or symbols reacting to winning combinations, animations could make the difference between a good and brilliant online slot. 

Best Example of 3D Slots:

Bonus-Buy Slots

Milkshake XXXtreme Slot - ACG

Online slots offer incredible bonus features that usually turn out to be the main attraction. Wouldn’t it be great to activate them instantly when you choose? Well, slots with a bonus buy feature do exactly that, as they provide the option to purchase the main bonus feature instantly. Of course, it will cost a much higher bet, but the winnings claimed in the feature might make it worth your while. 

Best Example of Bonus Buy Slots:

  • Milkshake XXXtreme

Hold and Win Slots

Money Cart 2 Hold and Win Slot - ACG

If you’ve ever played video Poker, hold and win slots would be easy to understand. These slots come in various styles, some making it possible to lock certain reels with valuable symbols while others give you the ability to lock in special symbols, such as wilds in key areas on the reels. Each locked reel or symbol comes with an additional bet, it’s up to you to decide if it’s worth the possible combinations and features. 

Best Example of Hold and Win Slots:

  • Money Cart 2

Progressive Jackpot Slots

Divine Fortune Jackpot Slot - ACG

Land-based casino jackpots only increase when someone plays the slot as a small contribution of each bet goes towards the jackpot. Online casinos do the same, but instead of limiting how the progressive jackpot increases to just one casino, players from all over the world contribute towards the online jackpot. As you can imagine, life-changing jackpot amounts are easily achieved, and they activate regularly! 

Best Example of Progressive Jackpot Slots:

Megaways Slots

White Rabbit Megaways Slot - ACG

Featuring over 100,000 ways to win on a bigger set of six reels, Megaways slots deliver winnings in ways that no other slots can match. While the award-winning developer Big Time Gaming is responsible for the innovative design, the brilliant mechanics spread to multiple other providers as well. Therefore, you can enjoy Megaways slots from various providers, each adding its own unique touches combined with rewarding mechanics. 

Best Example of Megaways Slots:

Cluster Slots

Aloha! Christmas Edition Slot - ACG

Eliminating the need for traditional paylines, cluster pay slots create combinations when enough of the same symbols appear adjacent to each other. There are various styles and features combined with these slots, but it’s usually played on a grid of 6×6 where symbols appear, and you need at least eight of the same symbols to complete a combination. 

Best Examples of Cluster Pay Slots:

Multi Payline Slots

Piggy Riches Megaways slot - ACG

Multi-payline slots include just about all the slot games you’ll find at an online casino, except for one-line classics, cluster pay slots, and anything else that might have one or no paylines. These are slots with multiple lines where winning combinations can trigger, which means anything from three reels up to Megaways falls under the category. 

Best Example of Multi Payline Slots:·        

Technical Guide for Slots Games

A clear understanding of how online slots work provides an advantage, especially while searching for games offering a better chance of winning. Of course, it could get quite technical, but our expert knowledge makes it simple and easy to understand. 

Technical Slots Concepts you should know 

There are three primary concepts to understand with any slot, including how payouts work, what effect the RTP has, and of course, the volatility and what it means. In the short slots guide below, we’ll explain the basics of each point, which will help you choose the right game for you. 

Follow Dominic from the All American Casino Guide as he goes over how to use a slot machine, and shows you how to win! Learn about your odds, unlocking the bonus games, how to win the jackpot, and more, below. 

How are Payouts Calculated in Slots?

Payouts in slots activate when the same symbol appears on one of the paylines to create a combination. It usually requires three or more of the same symbols and needs to appear from the leftmost reel. In the paytable, you can see the value of these combinations, which range depending on the odds of them appearing. 

Random Number Generator (RNG) software ensures the results are completely random and meet the average Return to Player (RTP) percentage over thousands of spins. Therefore, to have the best advantage, choose the best payout casinos, where you’ll find a collection of games with higher RTP percentages. 

How does the RTP Affect Slots?

The Return to Player (RTP) percentage determines the fairness of an online slot. Calculated over thousands of spins, the RTP seen in slots represents the average percentage you can expect over a long period. Many refer to an RTP of 96% as a return of $96 for every $100 wagered. However, the percentages vary and could be higher or lower than the average at any given time. 

What is the volatility in slots?

Some online slots provide lower value winning combinations with almost every spin, which is referred to as low volatility (low risk) slots. You’ll also find some slots take longer to provide any payouts, but when winnings trigger, the payouts exceed expectations, which are high volatility (high risk) slots. Right in the middle is the most popular, as medium volatility (medium risk) slots provide both regular winnings and impressive higher payouts with certain combinations. 


Tips for playing Slots Games 

Knowing what types of slots are available and having a basic understanding of how they work is an advantage. Next, we’ll take a look at some important tips to consider that will enhance your experience even more. Of course, it’s crucial to play responsibly and understand that there’s no way to guarantee winning.  

How can I Improve My Winning Chances in a Slot? 

Online slots are games of chance, which means there’s no sure way of enhancing your chances of winning or knowing when the next combination will trigger. Therefore, to improve your chances of winning, it’s best to play slots with a higher RTP percentage. Choosing the right volatility range based on your preferred game style and budget also plays an important role in the long run. 

How to pick the right Slot Bonus?

Casino bonuses mainly cater to slot players, offering additional cash and free spins to increase your account balance. Online casinos provide various bonuses, which commonly double your deposit amount instantly. Having a higher balance is a great way to take advantage of games when Lady Luck is on your side. The best casino bonuses for online slots include:

Can I Learn How to Play Slots for Free? 

Free slots online are exactly the same as the real money variation, including the betting options, RTP, how bonuses trigger, and everything else. It’s the perfect way to learn how the different types work, how bonuses trigger, and more without using real money.

Should I Learn Any Vocabulary to Understand Slots Games?

We’ve already used some of the most common slot terminology in this guide, and while there’s more, it’s standard across all game types. Knowing what it all means would make it much easier to understand the games and the pay tables.

TermDefinition
PaylineA line (commonly invisible) representing the direction matching symbols need to appear to activate a combination. 
Reels The column where game symbols appear. These are referred to as reels since older mechanical slots used cylinders to present symbols, which would spin with every round. 
Jackpot The highest possible win of a slot, which is displayed in the pay table. Progressive jackpot slots commonly feature the potential jackpot above the reels. 
Free SpinsA special feature that’s usually activated by three scatter or bonus symbols. It rewards a set number of spins that use the same bet as the activating spin. During free spins, you’ll get to win, but no wager is taken from your balance. 
Wild SymbolsA special slot symbol that has the same abilities as a joker card. It can substitute its position to represent other symbols when a combination is possible. 

H2: Who are the Creators of Slots?

Game providers for the online casino industry use the latest HTML5 technology to create interactive slots that deliver fairness, remarkable features, and interesting themes. The best providers offer a wide range of game styles that commonly introduce new innovative features that enhance the game’s entertainment.


Can I Play Slots from my Mobile?

HTML5 technology allows online slots to adjust to any display size while still offering a flawless view with all the features and functions enabled. Therefore, it’s possible to play slots on smartphones, tablets, and a computer without the need to install any software. The best mobile casinos make it possible to play directly in the browser of your device or download a casino app

Loaded with Knowledge – Let’s Play!

A basic understanding of how slots work is more than enough to get started with demo or real money online slots. In this best slots casinos guide, you’ve learned about the different types of slots, how they work, and the most important details to look out for, including the RTP and volatility. 

While an understanding of online slots is important, the first step to playing the best slots with the highest fairness ratings is to choose a legal online casino. There are lots to choose from in America, each offering a unique collection of games, promotions, and other benefits, such as mobile apps. 

All slots

Name Total rating RTP Chance to win Number of rows Paylines
15 Crystal Roses: A Tale of Love 80 - - - -
300 Shields Extreme 91 95.29 - 3 25
88 Fortunes Megaways 86 96.27 - 4 117649
Action Jack 58 92.34 - 4 40
Age Of The Gods 83 95.02 - 3 20
Aloha! Christmas 85 96 25.21% 6 -
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy 66 96.03 - 3 25
Anubis Wild Megaways 92 95.81 - 6 117649
Atomic Meltdown 85 96 - 3 5
Beef Lightning Megaways 86 96.43 34.48% 6 117649
Big Bass Bonanza 87 96.71 - 3 10
Big Bucks Bandits 86 96.1 25.6% 7 117649
Biker Pigs 87 96.64 - 3 50
Blood Suckers 89 97.99 44.9% 3 25
Blood Suckers 2 87 96.94 40.75% 3 25

Frequently asked questions

To play real money online slots, you need to be in one of the legal American states and join an online casino. After making a deposit, you’ll be able to wager real money on slots and activate real money winnings with features and combinations.
To activate winnings, you need to trigger a feature or combination. Understanding the importance of Return to Player percentages, volatility, and how slots work helps you to make an informed decision on what slots suit you best.
Slots with the best payout percentages are the ones with higher RTP percentages. A higher RTP means a lower house edge, which enhances your chances of winning. Bloodsuckers from NetEnt is a great example with an RTP of 98%.
To play online slots, you can either play free games by downloading apps or playing with a social casino. However, to play real money slots, you’ll need a casino account and be in one of the legal online gambling states.
Online slots can be played for real money. To do this, you will need to register with a trusted online casino and start depositing. Playing online slots for real money also gives you access to different promotions and VIP perks offered by the casino.
The game styles are similar and many developers present libraries on both platforms. However, without the same overhead costs and limited floor space, the online slots market provides a much bigger variety and higher RTP percentages.