With the rapid growth of online casinos, players in Canada have an enormous amount of slot games to choose from. Most sites offer various slot types and formats, from classic fruit machines to advanced five-reels and progressive jackpot slots. There truly is something for everyone.
However, the dizzying array of online slots available can be overwhelming – especially for newbies – and make it challenging to decide which game to play.
Don’t worry! This article will guide you through the process. You can find the perfect online slot game by understanding your preferences, play style, and bankroll (and knowing what features to look for).
Understand the basics of slot games
While there is a big selection of slot games in popular online casinos, most share similar mechanics: reels and symbols, paylines, random number generators (RNGs), and winning combinations. If you understand how these mechanics work, you will be a bit closer to selecting one that’s right for you.
Most slots have three or five reels, which are the vertical columns that rotate when you press the spin button. The aim is to match symbols across these reels to create paylines that trigger prizes. Each game will also have unique bonus features: free spins, bonus rounds, multipliers, and wilds.
Analyze the RTP and volatility
Some factors affect your chances of beating the house (the online casino) and winning. The first is something called the Return to Player (RTP). This percentage tells you how much money wagered on a particular slot is returned to players over an extended period.
For example, if a slot machine has an RTP of 95%, this means that for every $100 wagered, $95 is returned to players as a payout. New players might want to select a game with a higher RTP, as they generally offer good value. However, that isn’t to say that lower RTP slots should be overlooked, as they can provide value for shorter sessions, especially with progressive jackpots.
Volatility – or variance – is another factor. This measures how often and how much a slot game pays out. Higher volatility games pay out less frequently, but the jackpots will be bigger. In contrast, lower volatility games are less risky with smaller but regular payouts.
There isn’t any right or wrong answer in terms of RTP and volatility. Find a game that matches your playing style and gaming session length.
Consider your budget and bankroll
Your budget and ability to manage a bankroll effectively should also be considered when choosing the best online slot. How much are you willing to spend?
If you are new to slots, starting with smaller stakes on penny slots might be best, with wagers available for $0.01 per payline. You can also shortlist a few low-volatility slots and enjoy steady gameplay with a lower risk to your bankroll. You can check each slot game’s minimum and maximum bet range to see if it will fit your budget.
When you get more confident, you can start exploring higher-stakes slots. These include progressive jackpot slots with larger jackpot prizes and bonus buy slots where you can skip standard spins and get direct access to big multipliers and bonus rounds.
When deciding on a slot to play, also think about bankroll management. Don’t splurge everything on a single slot immediately! Experts recommend allocating around 5% of your bankroll per game. This is a good figure to aim for when you start out, as it will prevent you from flushing out your account too quickly.
The great thing is that there is an online slot for every budget.
Explore bonus features and free spins
Now, to the fun part! Bonus features, free spins, and multipliers make online slots so unique. They enhance the gameplay, provide players with opportunities to advance beyond the core main game and delve into a whole new world of bonus rounds.
You should check what each slot has to offer before starting. You can do this by checking the trigger requirements: specific conditions and scatter symbols you need to activate and land on to access the bonus features.
If you like the idea of free spin features, select a slot where these are triggered with fewer “scatters.” For example, a slot might only need two scatters to get free spins, while another might need five.
You should also evaluate other creative and rewarding bonus features that are available. Some slots will have mini-games where you pick objects and spin bonuses to gain additional prizes. Others even allow you to customize bonuses to your own preferences.
If bonuses are your thing, this can help narrow a list of must-play slots.
Consider game theme and graphics
It’s not just the core game mechanics that can make a slot enticing. In today’s world of ultra-high-definition visuals, players often choose a slot based on its graphics and theme. Slot games are heavily themed with unique, branded reels and buttons. You might want to play a game based on fantasy worlds, for example, or a popular movie franchise you enjoy.
So many slots have a unique look and feel, so you should find something that suits your tastes.
Play demo versions
Still not sure what to play? Many online casinos allow you to test slots for a short period in demo modes with credits before you start spending real money. This is an excellent opportunity to get a feel for what the slot offers and assess its bonus features without any financial commitment.
You can also familiarize yourself with gameplay mechanics and its overall entertainment value. Remember, slots should be fun to play, so don’t get too focused on trying to win or beat the casino. Overall, demo modes are a great way to make an informed decision and test strategies before diving in with your bankroll!
Read reviews and recommendations
Fortunately, there are resources out there, like this one, that will help you to choose the best slot for you. If you find a game you like the look of, you can research it online and read reviews and recommendations. Online communities and forums are great for getting personal insights about a particular slot (and information to support your betting strategies!).
You will also find review sites and comparison tools with promotions and bonus offers detailing a slot’s mechanics, paylines, bonus features, and more, so you have complete knowledge about the game before you start playing.
Summing up
Selecting a slot isn’t an exact science! It should be a fun and rewarding process. Try not to get overawed with everything on offer. Simply select a game (or two) that piques your interest and suits your playing style, and go from there.
Remember always to play responsibly, set a budget, and stick to it. Over time, you can experiment with different slots to find what’s best, and after a while, you should find an online slot that’s right for you.
