Best Slot Sites & Online Slots -
Top 5 UK Slot Sites December 2023

Ready to get into some of the very best online slots? But which slot site to play at? There are thousands of slot sites to choose from, each with its own individual pros and cons – most offering something a little different from the next.

The best slot sites are committed to giving players the latest and best titles from the top slot developers in the iGaming world. Some focus on slots that boast breathtaking jackpots while others look at targeting new players with irresistible bonuses and free spins.

Let us help find the slot site that works best for you. Here at Slot Gods we take pride in being honest, bias-free, and trustworthy, not only in our online slot reviews, but in our slot site reviews as well. We only partner with the best slot sites in the industry – slot sites we have personally tried, tested and spent countless hours playing at with our own money.

Don’t just take our word for it. It's useful to understand how slot sites work, the differences between them, and of course, what separates a good slot site from a poor slot site. You’ll then be confident that whichever site you play at offers the games and features you enjoy, and importantly, is safe and secure.

Choosing the best slot site

iGaming is no different to any other industry where there are good and not-so-good products and services on offer. So how do we separate out the great slot sites from the poor ones? That largely depends on the demands of the player. In some cases ‘poor’ might just actually mean ‘not for me’. Naturally it helps to have an idea of what you’re looking for. And that might be deposit methods, game selection, welcome offers or promotions.

Slot sites are incredibly complex and must perform a vast array of critical functions in order to operate effectively. To understand what makes a good slot site, it's useful to know what these functions are, the options available and how players make use of, and benefit from, them.

If you're still not sure what to look for in a slot site, keep reading to find out all about the differences between slot sites and the various options available…

Slot Site Software, Design & Usability

Contrary to popular belief, slots and casino games aren't actually hosted by slot sites and online casinos. They’re embedded into the website but usually served from the game developer or intermediary via third party servers. This process ensures the developer retains control over games, and can apply updates, fixes and improvements in real time. It also ensures games can't be tampered with or 'fixed'. Most games also have a central database which stores information such as jackpot contributions, points, wagers and wins.

With tens of thousands of games available, it’s virtually impossible to integrate each game individually, meaning some sort of intermediary aggregator software is almost always needed. The slot site can integrate this software with their website, confident that serving existing games, releasing new online slots, and applying necessary updates and improvements is managed effectively.

Historically, game developers provided this software. Then, over time, it evolved, integrating third party developer games. This meant the slot site had only one integration to deal with – while still being able to offer games from other providers. Nowadays, independent game aggregators provide an even wider choice of games, with some slot sites implementing multiple integrations for maximum reach to virtually every game available.

But, buyer beware, there are some poor slot sites out there. There are some distinct technical differences between good slot sites and poor ones. Some copy-paste white-label sites are built on poor platforms which are clunky, slow, and often partially broken. They might not behave well on smaller screens, their games might not load smoothly every time, or their game search might not function correctly. Rest assured though, the discerning team at Slot Gods won’t have any of these poor slot sites on our site!

There's also the slot site’s overall design and usability to consider.

• How easy is it to navigate and find the games you want to play?
• Is the slot site mobile-friendly? With over two thirds of players regularly playing on mobile devices, this is a must.

Playing online slots should be fun. But if a site is clunky or difficult to navigate, player enjoyment and experience is lessened and we'll look for another site that ticks the right boxes. Every slot site we add to our website has passed our usability tests. Design is subjective but typically a slot site we add will be pleasing to the eye. Most importantly the slot site must be easy to use.

Slot site software, design and usability – we consider all of these factors very carefully when reviewing a slot site; we know just how frustrating it is when a website functions poorly. It’s also worth remembering that if the slot site has taken care to ensure its platform performs well, it's usually a good indication of how seriously they take their business and how much they care about their players. At Slot Gods we look closely at the operational elements of the slot sites we review. Navigation and usability are essential to good player experience and we will only recommend slot sites that we would play ourselves.

Slots, Games & Jackpots

One of the key factors in what makes a good slot site is the choice of games on offer. The range of games is often determined by the platform and aggregator software the slot site has implemented. The greater the selection of games a slot site has, the more integrations will be necessary, meaning greater costs. Some slot sites prefer to keep costs down and offer a modest selection of games, ensuring they have the most popular, better known titles. Unfortunately this approach has limitations when smaller developers release outstanding slots that players want to play. If the slot site doesn't integrate an aggregator that includes a particular developer's games, then games from that developer won't be available, potentially to the disappointment of some players.

Other slot sites go all-out to have just about every online slot available, Some are also among the first, or even the only, to offer blockbusting new titles to their players. Videoslots and PlayOJO deserve a mention here, as we have come to rely on them for just about always having the best new online slots as soon as they launch.

Some players don't have a particular preference and are happy to try their hand at any game. Our suggestion to these players is: visit our online slots page, find a game you fancy playing, then click through to see which slot sites have it. This will save you time from signing up to multiple slot sites only to find out they don't have the game you’re interested in. After all, saving players time is one of the main reasons we developed the Slot Gods website – and it’s a goal we work very hard to reach!

Finding a slot site hosting a favourite game is one thing. However, some players enjoy a particular type of slot, e.g. Megaways slots, grid slots, penny slots, or branded slots. If that sounds like you, then avoid a slot site that only has one of your preferred games.

The lure of a jackpot is a big factor for some; those players who are all about the big wins. Who can blame them? Slot sites know this, and some focus on ensuring they boast a broad selection of jackpot slots. These include networked and progressive jackpots which are renowned for reaching well into the millions. Additionally, daily and hourly jackpots, such as the Red Tiger Daily Jackpot, have grown massively in popularity, and have become a key selling point – especially for mainstream slot sites.

Not all slot sites have a large choice of jackpot slots – even if they excel in other areas. Again, it usually boils down to the platform the slot site is built on determining which jackpots are available. On the other hand, some players may avoid playing jackpot slots as they typically have a lower RTP. Much of the decision on whether a slot site will focus on jackpot slots comes down to their strategy – is their objective attracting fans of jackpots, or to have the best slots with the highest RTP?

Slot Developers

Some players prefer games produced by certain developers such as Playtech or NetEnt. Other popular developers and studios include:

• Play'n Go
• Relax Gaming
• Yggdrasil
• Blueprint Gaming
• Pragmatic Play

We also recommend checking out the following developers who have produced some fantastic slots – a few of which may have slipped under the radar, including a handful of our personal favourites:

• Push Gaming
• Peter & Sons
• NoLimit City

Visit our slot developers page for more.

Banking, Deposits & Withdrawals

A slot site wouldn't be very successful without efficient banking processes. Effective deposit and withdrawal facilities are absolutely key, however, there's more to slot site banking than just processing payments. Stringent industry regulations, including AML (anti-money laundering) laws mean online casinos and slot sites must pass a number of audits and assessments to ensure player payments are processed safely and securely. Player funds must be held in a 'client account' to protect them in the event of a slot site becoming insolvent.

Additionally, sensitive payment information can only be collected or stored if the slot site is certified to do so. Checks are also performed to ensure funds have been obtained legitimately, the source verified and outlay deemed affordable for the player.

Players of course have their own preferred deposit methods which means they may be less likely to enjoy or even use a slot site that doesn't support their chosen method. On the other hand, players who only want to play jackpot slots might be more flexible regarding payment mechanisms.

Popular deposit methods used by UK players include:

• PayPal
• Skrill
• Apple Pay
• Debit card (Visa or Mastercard)
• Neteller
• Paysafecard

Using credit cards to gamble online was banned in 2020, so for most slot sites, e-wallets, debit cards and bank transfer are the most common options.

However, if a slot site doesn't support your preferred deposit method, it’s worth considering alternatives. It's also worth paying close attention to minimum deposit and withdrawal limits. Some slot sites have a high minimum deposit (e.g. £20) or may only allow players to withdraw a minimum of £20. Fortunately, most slot sites are more likely to have minimum deposits in the £10 region, with some as low as £5. Look for a slot site that accepts the kind of deposit amount you're comfortable with.

Slot site usability is another important factor. If a slot site is clunky or popular games are hard to find players are far less likely to want to sign up. And with over two thirds of players regularly playing on mobile devices, mobile-friendliness is a must.

Playing online slots should be enjoyable. But if the slot site isn’t up to scratch that enjoyment is diminished. At Slot Gods we look very closely at the operational elements of the slot sites we review. Navigation and usability are essential to good player experience and we will only recommend slot sites we would play ourselves.

Bonuses, Promotions & Wagering Requirements

Just about every slot site has some kind of welcome offer or bonus to incentivise new players into signing up. Welcome bonuses play a huge role in how slot sites attract new customers and come in a variety of formats including deposit bonuses, no-deposit bonuses, free spins, and cashback.

Some of the incentives offered by slot sites can make a big difference to overall player satisfaction. Remember though that bigger doesn't always mean better – all offers and promotions come with terms and conditions. Bear in mind also that generally the more 'generous' the bonus the tougher and more restrictive the conditions are likely to be. This is where players need to be careful. Hidden in the small print are limitations and restrictions as to how you can use a bonus and what you need to do before you can withdraw any winnings.

Bonuses are generally tailored to the type of player the slot site is trying to attract. Slots players may tend to go for free spins, whereas traditional casino game players may lean towards deposit bonuses.

Ongoing and seasonal promotions can enhance a player's experience. Easter or Christmas giveaways, monthly prize draws, weekly free spins, and slot tournaments are all things many players look forward to. So if you love a freebie or fancy the chance of winning some extra cash then it’s worth adding a slot site with a bustling community to your checklist. Our current top recommendations are PlayOJO and Casumo. They invest heavily in giving players an experience they won't find anywhere else, and regularly dish out rewards and freebies just for being a member.

Promotions

Promotions are as important to existing players as welcome offers are to new players. They keep players engaged and returning to the site and also reward loyalty. They also often form part of a celebrity endorsement or TV programme sponsorship. Promotions include anything from ad hoc free spins to trying out a new game. Prizes include free spins, deposit bonuses, cash prizes, holidays, and physical gifts such as electrical products and even cars!

Promotions are popular providing they are well thought out, easy to enter, simple to follow, and the prizes worthwhile. Some slot sites focus heavily on promotions as a tool to re-engage with customers.

Wagering Requirements

Wagering requirements are a player’s biggest bugbear. Wagering requirements stipulate that a bonus (and winnings) must be wagered a certain number of times before any winnings can be withdrawn. The wagering requirements can often be so high that there's nothing left to withdraw, even after a sizeable win. All the slot sites listed on Slot Gods have fair terms and conditions attached to their offers and promotions. Slot sites with predatory and deceitful T&Cs will never find a place on Slot Gods – only slot sites that treat players fairly have a chance of passing our audits and getting onto our website.

Licensing

Player safety is a priority for everyone in the industry. The first thing UK players should look for when choosing a slot site to play at is that the site is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. If it’s not, you probably want to give it a miss or seriously consider your choices.

All gambling operators serving UK customers must be licensed by the Gambling Commission. At Slot Gods we only list these UK-licensed slot sites. Licence applications involve thorough operator background and suitability checks, audits and analysis. The whole process can cost the operator thousands of pounds. That level of commitment by a slot site is also likely a good indicator of their overall attitude to customers.

Customer Service

Good customer service is imperative to the success of any online business. Whether a customer has a problem or just a question, the more considerate and helpful the customer service, the more content and loyal customers tend to be. Quick response times are also key. So, in choosing a slot site to play at consider what your expectations are in terms of customer service:

• Is the slot site responsive?
• Are they helpful?
• How quickly do they get back to you?
• Are they available 24/7? And even 365 days of the year?
• Do they have live chat functionality?
• Can you reach them on a UK-based phone number?
• Can you email them?

These factors are among many the Slot Gods team considers when we review and recommend slot sites. If something goes wrong, the quality of customer service can ultimately be a make or break as to whether the player returns to that slot site. The best slot sites understand that customer well-being and satisfaction is paramount.

Benefits of slot sites over land-based casinos

There’s no denying that playing slots is thrilling. But what are the benefits of playing them at slot sites compared to bricks-and-mortar casinos? Firstly, the sheer volume and variety of online slots far surpasses that of land-based slots, with so many different themes and developers virtually at your fingertips.

In addition to the wide variety of slots on offer, there are also more game mechanics online – such as Gigablox and Infinity Reels – that won’t be found on land-based slots. There is also the added bonus of better RTP with online slots. The RTP (Return To Player) is essentially what it sounds like — a percentage or proportion of the total amount wagered on the slot paid back to players. Online slots average an RTP of 96% whilst land-based slots can range from as little as 90% all the way down to 70%.

Furthermore, online slots can be played on the go, anywhere, at any time, including on the bus, in a cafe or in your pyjamas on the sofa.

The last main reason as to why slots are better played online is the bonuses available. This includes free spins and deposit bonuses – leading to more bang for your buck.

Slot site bonuses & free spins

Most slot sites reward players with bonuses and free spins, which can prove to be well worth having, whether you’re looking to bolster your bankroll or just fancy testing out some new games for free. Because of this, we at Slot Gods firmly believe that smart players are careful not to overlook decent bonuses when they come around.

The sheer range of these bonuses, as well as some of the terminology associated with them, could easily seem overwhelming to newer players, so let’s see if we can clear a few things up!

Types of bonuses

With so many slot sites to choose from, it’s not surprising that there’s also a huge variety in the types of bonuses and promotions they have on offer.

Welcome bonuses

Welcome bonuses are the first type of bonus you'll likely encounter when choosing a slot site to play at. Designed to entice new players, welcome bonuses are some of the most attractive bonuses you’ll find, and can only be claimed once (although some may be released in stages).

They come in all shapes and sizes, sometimes combining several elements. They are sometimes referred to as ‘welcome packages’ for this reason, often containing a mixture of free spins and a traditional percentage-based deposit bonus.

Deposit bonuses

Deposit bonuses are an additional bonus added to your balance when you make a deposit. They are expressed as a percentage of your deposit, quite often 100%, but also 500% or even 1,000%. Depositing £100 with a 100% deposit bonus would grant you an additional £100 in bonus funds.

There will be a maximum limit to the bonus granted, so keep this in mind when making your deposit. This is why deposit bonuses are usually expressed in the format "100% bonus up to £100".

Free spins

Free spins are the most popular type of bonus for slots players. They grant a certain number of free spins on a particular game or selection of games. Due to their nature, they can only be played one spin at a time, and have a predetermined value, usually 10p or 20p. They're a great way to try out a game for free in the hope of landing a lucrative combination or bonus round.

Re-deposit bonuses

Also known as ‘reload bonuses’, re-deposit bonuses work in much the same way as a typical welcome bonus – you deposit a specified minimum amount in return for a bonus. These are typically in the form of a bankroll boost or sometimes free spins. They might not always be worth quite as much, but you can claim them even if you already have an account, and sometimes even weekly!

Cashback

Cashback isn’t offered by many slot sites, but there are few better feelings than getting a portion of any losses back as an unexpected surprise. Cashback is an effective way of keeping players loyal to one slot site. It’s calculated as a percentage and then paid out on a regular basis. Some cashback comes with wagering requirements, so be careful not to overlook this.

No deposit bonuses

Great bonuses, which don’t require any deposit or financial risk, aren’t always easy to come by, but they do crop up every now and again. Whilst these may sound too good to be true, they are offered on the assumption that some players who claim will, after enjoying their bonus, deposit cash and play on. They also frequently have high wagering requirements.

Sticky & non-sticky bonuses

A sticky bonus is one which is ‘stuck’ in the slot site and cannot be cashed out. Whilst it can be used to wager and play for real money alongside your own deposit, a sticky bonus can't be withdrawn and will be deducted from your balance when you cash out. Sticky bonuses may be referred to as ‘for wagering purposes only’ in the T&Cs. You must also fulfil any wagering requirements before being able to cash out.

Conversely, non-sticky bonuses are those which are kept separate from your deposit balance. Your deposited cash is wagered first, and your deposit and winnings can be cashed out at any time, although you will forfeit your bonus. On the other hand, if you lose your deposit, you can start playing with your bonus balance, but you'll have to meet any wagering requirements on that bonus before cashing out.

No wagering bonuses

Like no deposit bonuses, no wagering promotions are absolute gold! No wagering bonuses come with no wagering requirements attached, so whatever you win is yours to keep, or re-wager if you like.

Loyalty programmes

Whilst not offered by all slot sites, loyalty programmes enable players to progress through a tiered system by making deposits. With each tier comes a new reward, often free spins, thereby keeping players coming back for more.

Should you always claim a bonus?

It can be tempting to jump at every bonus you come across, but this isn’t necessarily wise.

Some simply aren’t valuable enough to be worthwhile because of high wagering requirements or complex terms and conditions which have to be met. Many can prove quite time-consuming to claim and are undesirable because of this. Others may simply not suit you as an individual player – maybe you’re not a fan of the eligible games, for instance.

When deciding whether a bonus is worth claiming, consider your personal preferences, the complexity of the T&Cs and the time it will take to reap the rewards of any promo. Also, address whether you’re just poking around at a new slot site or hoping for a big win to result from your bonus, then weigh all of these factors up against the overall value of the bonus.

How to claim a slot site bonus

Whilst there may be a few differences here and there between the process of actually claiming bonuses, they tend to follow a fairly standard pattern. However, it’s important to note that it’s always worth paying attention to the specific path for claiming a particular promotion, and not just assuming that they’re all the same, or else you run the risk of voiding your winnings and missing out!

1. Choose your bonus

Take a look at our recommended slot bonuses and see which takes your fancy. Are you looking for as many free spins as possible? Or one which is the most straightforward to claim? Perhaps you want a bonus which offers spins on a specific slot you haven’t played before? Whatever your personal criteria, once you’ve decided, go ahead and hit the ‘Get Bonus’ button.

2. Create an account

Once you’ve landed on the site and taken a look at the T&Cs, you’ll need to open an account. The process for doing this is pretty much the same across sites. Click ‘Register’ or ‘Sign up’ and enter your personal details. Follow the instructions to verify your ID and attach a payment method.

3. Trigger your bonus

To have the bonus credited to your account, you may need to opt in or enter a code (keep reading for more on these). Next, make your deposit and check to see whether the bonus has been released. This can take a few minutes but often happens instantly. Get in touch with customer support if you think your bonus hasn’t been applied to your account.

4. Start spinning!

If you’ve claimed a free spins bonus, head over to the eligible game’s page and your free spins should already be activated. If you’ve claimed a traditional deposit bonus, you should be able to start using your bonus on pretty much any game you choose (but do check the T&Cs for exclusions or limitations). Remember that you’ll need to complete any wagering requirements before being able to cash out your bonus. You’ll often be able to follow your progress on your ‘account’ page.

Terms and conditions

We know that nobody loves wading through the dense smallprint, but it is an essential part of responsible gambling.

You only need to take a look at a couple of T&Cs pages to realise that there are certain similarities in the restrictions, limitations and clauses which come attached to slot site bonuses.

Here are some of the key things to keep an eye out for.

Max bet sizes

Pretty much all bonuses will have a max bet limit, meaning there’s a limit on the most you can bet in one hand or spin while using the bonus. The limit is usually £4, but can be as low as £2. Be sure not to break this rule, as it can lead to refused withdrawals and confiscated winnings!

Free spins are usually worth 10p or 20p each, so you won’t be able to increase the stake on those anyway.

Wagering requirements

The bane of most slot players – wagering requirements essentially dictate that you cannot withdraw your winnings from a bonus until you have re-wagered them a certain number of times over.

A wagering requirement of 40x the bonus amount is pretty average, even 50x is quite common, but anything above that is getting unreasonable and should probably be avoided if you want to stand any chance of withdrawing any winnings.

Wagering requirements can be complicated and daunting for some people, so an example might be helpful…

Suppose you deposit £10 and claim a 100% bonus with a 40x wagering requirement. Your bonus amount will be £10 (£10 x 100%) and you would have to wager a total of £400 (£10 x 40) before being able to withdraw any winnings won off the bonus.

Wagering requirements on free spins work slightly differently – the wagering requirement is applied to the free spins winnings. So, if you receive 100 free spins with 40x wagering requirements, and win £100 from those free spins, you’d have to wager a total of £4,000 before being able to make a withdrawal.

Wagering requirements are common and standard, so don’t be put off by them altogether, just ensure that you have a grip on what is reasonable, and what is simply too much to make a bonus worth claiming.

Game contributions

One important (and confusing) rule not to overlook is how different games can contribute differing amounts to the wagering requirements of your bonus.

Most slots contribute 100% towards the wagering requirements, so no worries there. But, if you choose to play live casino games, particularly roulette or blackjack, then your bets might only contribute 10% towards your bonus wagering requirements, and in some cases, won’t contribute at all.

Max win caps

Some bonuses, particularly those without wagering requirements, will have a maximum amount that you can win. This is exactly what it sounds like, so look for mentions of these in the small print.

Minimum deposits

To claim a bonus, you’ll usually need to deposit a certain amount. This may be as little as £5, but could be £10 or £20 depending on the terms of the bonus. Some bonuses are proportional to your deposit, so the more you choose to pay in, the larger the deposit bonus you’ll get.

Payment methods

Some bonuses can only be claimed using certain payment methods. This may exclude certain options, such as e-wallets, or it may require you to use one particular banking method. It’s easy to get caught out if you’re used to a different method, so be careful here!

Promo codes

Some bonuses require you to enter a code in order to claim. Sometimes the code can be found on promotional materials, and sometimes it’s stated in the T&Cs, so make a note of any that you come across.

Eligible games

Generally, free spins are only valid for use on one or more certain games, but bonus credit can normally be used on the majority of games available at the slot site. You’ll find the list of eligible games in the T&Cs.

Choosing the best online slots to play

Trying to choose the best online slot to play can be a bit of a mind game for the new, less experienced or, as yet, uninitiated player. Where to start? What to look out for? What’s going to suit you best?

One argument is to simply look at what games are trending, choose a couple and just get going. There’s a wide variety of slots popular for all sorts of different reasons. Getting stuck in should give you an idea of what you like and what you don’t. Another option, if you have friends who play regularly, is to get some recommendations. Even better, be guided by the experts at Slot Gods. The collective hours our team of enthusiasts spends playing slots is off the charts – so it’s fair to say we know our stuff!

Trending slots. So, what’s hot? As well as the Slot Gods team playing, testing and reviewing slots, we listen closely to player feedback so we can provide an overview of which slots people are currently playing. There are specific reasons for getting the Slot Gods tick of approval, whether that’s a great jackpot, cool features, amazing design or because it's trending in the top slot lobbies around the globe. With new releases being posted daily on Slots Gods we're constantly updating our list of the hottest slots, so be sure to check back regularly.

Once you’ve enjoyed exploring a few games and your ‘slots taste’ starts to take shape you’ll want to search further. So what to look for then? What criteria to consider when choosing a slot? You’ll want to think about themes, visuals and style, RTP, volatility, jackpots, payouts, bet size and then also gripping bonus rounds and game mechanics. Let’s look at some of the criteria:

Themes. What are you into? Because there’s quite a range of themes you can choose from: wild west, fishing (very popular), animals, cartoon characters, Irish, Vikings, rock music, Halloween/horror, Christmas and loads more. There are also 100s of branded slots to look at – ranging from 1940s cartoon characters to games based on recent television shows. A slot’s visuals and aesthetics will play into this as well; we all favour things we think look good.

As for potential winnings when you play a slot… what’s your attitude?

There’s volatility to consider: Do you like the idea of a game that pays out less frequently but in higher amounts when it does? Or would you rather have more of a chance – albeit, should you win, the payout(s) might be lower?

RTP (return to player) is something to note when you consider which game to play. It’s what it sounds like. An RTP of 96% means that for every £100 played (collectively) on that game, over time £96 will be paid back to players, collectively. Payment amounts will vary with a few higher payouts, some smaller payouts and many spins not paying out at all. Many players will look for games with an RTP higher than 96%, however that doesn’t mean there aren't some juicy payouts to be had from games with lower RTPs. Slots are a game of chance, and your best chance of bagging a profit is to land a lucrative bonus round, multiplier or jackpot.

Maybe it’s jackpots that appeal to you? They carry the obvious carrot of a BIG, albeit rare, jackpot payout but many jackpot games are strong in terms of features, design and gameplay and are fun to play. One problem, however, with jackpot games is that everything can become focused on the big prize.

There’s bet size to consider. How much are you prepared to play on a spin? Slots will vary when it comes to minimum and maximum stakes. There is no shortage of penny slots with amazing designs, exciting features and engaging gameplay that will keep you occupied for hours on end for just 1p per stake. At the other end of the scale there are maximum payouts to consider. High volatility slots with low stakes and high payouts can deliver a win of 50,000x and even 100,000x the stake.

There are also games with gripping bonus rounds to consider which will engage players on different levels. Some players will like the opportunity to accumulate big multipliers and wilds with an eye on the big prize in high volatility games like Wanted Dead Or A Wild. Other players will be gripped by medium volatility games like Space Donkey which has great interactivity, animations and attractive visuals as well as mechanisms to keep players engaged. Whatever the game, for many players, an exciting and engaging bonus round is the biggest reason for playing.

Different players will also be attracted to certain slots depending on the game mechanics of different slots. There are Megaways slots, grid slots, infinity reels and crash games to consider – all offering different elements that will appeal to different players. Many slots also feature outstanding cinematics which are absorbing.

Play responsibly

Whichever slot site you choose to play at, it's of paramount importance that you understand your limits. Online slots are enjoyed by the majority of people safely and responsibly. But, where there's a risk of spending more than we intend to, we need to understand the mathematical nature of gambling. We might win on occasions but, over time, we will always lose more, and that's due to RTP (return to player, the 'house edge' of online slots).

You may have heard of Safer Gambling Week, an industry-wide initiative to raise awareness and promote safer gambling in the UK and Ireland. During the week, which runs annually each November, all online and land-based operators publicise a range of both useful safety tips and warning signs players should be aware of.

Safety tips

• Only spend what you can afford. Don't gamble with money you need for rent, bills or other essentials.
• Set your limits for time and money. Decide how much you want to spend, and how long you want to play for before you begin. It can be tempting to keep playing in the hope of a 'big win', but that will rarely happen, and certainly not in the long term.
• Don't let gambling impact personal relationships. Gambling shouldn't get in the way of spending time with family, seeing friends or taking part in social activities and sports.
• Remember that gambling is not the answer to any problem – gambling should never be seen as a way to make money, or as an escape from personal issues.

Warning signs

• Spending more money and time on gambling than you can afford.
• Finding it hard to manage or stop your gambling.
• Having arguments with family or friends about money and gambling.
• Losing interest in usual activities or hobbies, like going out or spending time with friends or family.
• Always thinking or talking about gambling.
• Lying about your gambling or hiding it from other people.
• Chasing your losses or gambling to get out of financial trouble.
• Gambling until all your money is gone.
• Borrowing money, selling possessions or not paying bills in order to gamble.
• Needing to gamble with larger amounts of money or for a longer time to get the same feeling of excitement or 'buzz'.
• Neglecting work, study, family, personal needs or household responsibilities because of gambling.
• Feeling anxious, worried, guilty, depressed or irritable.

There are a number of organisations and charities who offer support if you feel you need help or have been affected by gambling:

• GamCare – the leading UK provider of free information, advice and support for anyone harmed by gambling.
• BeGambleAware – free, confidential help and support for anyone worried about their – or someone else's – gambling.
• National Debtline – free and independent debt advice over the phone and online.
• Gordon Moody – the UK's leading charity dedicated to providing support and treatment for gambling addiction.

Finally, if you feel like your gambling has got out of control, self-exclude and seek help immediately. All licensed UK slot sites have a tool you can use to exclude yourself from their site, as well as every other UK-licensed operator, quickly and easily.

Further reading: Responsible Gambling - playing safe, spotting the signs, getting help

Last updated on 1st Dec 2023 by Pavlos Sideris

Pavlos's passion for online slots led him to first start working with online casinos over 10 years ago. With extensive industry knowledge, he regularly ensures content is accurate and informative, and slot operators across the site are up-to-date and relevant.

Learn more about Pavlos here