There are literally thousands out there… So choosing the right real money slot game can be difficult, and if you get it wrong, it could really impact your online casino experience. 

With the amount of options available, there are all different factors that you need to consider if you want to make a more informed choice. Here, we will take you through all the main aspects you need to consider when choosing a real money slot game. Whether you're a seasoned player or a newbie, these tips should help you navigate the world of online slots -  and hopefully increase your chances of walking away a winner.

Know the Basics of the Game

Before we dive into the specifics of choosing the right real money slot game, you need to know the basics. Real money slots are simply digital versions of the traditional slot machines you’d find in land-based casinos. They all feature reels, paylines and various pay symbols. Your goal is to get matching symbols on a payline, form winning combinations and earn payouts. Before starting any game, you need to know what the symbols are, what the paylines are, what the bonus features are - and how much you stand to win on the slot

Set a Budget

One of the most important aspects of choosing a real money slot game is setting yourself a budget. You need to decide how much you want to spend - and stick to it. Many slot games let you bet anywhere between £0.10 and £100 or more per spin, so don’t get carried away. Managing your bankroll wisely is important - and making sure you choose a slot that caters to your budget is vital. So, set limits on your deposits and losses and don’t go over.

Check the Return to Player Percentage

The RTP percentage is basically the amount of money a slot game pays out in winnings over time - and these can vary quite significantly from one game to another. A game with a higher RTP simply means you have better odds of winning money back. So, when choosing a real money slot, look for those with RTPs of 95% and over - most good casinos will clearly display them, so you won’t need to hunt around for long to find the information.

How Volatile is the Game?

Slot games are usually categorised as low, medium, or high volatility - based on their risk vs. reward factors. You should always check the volatility of a slot game before you play to see if it aligns with your risk preference and your overall goals.

  • Low Volatility: These offer lots of smaller wins, perfect if you're looking to make your budget go a long way. Payouts may not be big, but they usually come in often.
  • Medium Volatility: Medium volatility slots strike a balance between lots of small wins and the occasional big win, making them ideal if you want consistency with a touch of excitement thrown in. 
  • High Volatility: These slots come with the potential for seriously high payouts and big prizes… but are a lot less predictable. You could well experience long losing streaks before you hit a win, but when you do, it could be a pretty good one. These are great if you’re a risk-tolerant player with a decent budget.

The Themes and Features

Slot games have all different themes and features, so pick the ones you like the most. Themes can be literally anything - ancient civilizations and mythology, fantasy, adventure, movies, sports and even classic fruit machines, there are literally slots covering all imaginable topics. 

Pick one you like - and whether you win or lose, you’ll have fun. The best slots also have exciting (and lucrative) bonus rounds, free spins and cascading reels - and some even have progressive jackpots. Decide what experience you’re looking for and pick a game that offers you that. 

Check the Game Provider

You should also check the game provider - because you want to be fully assured that you are playing a high-quality and fair slot game. Look out for the most established software providers - such as NetEnt, Microgaming, Playtech and IGT, who have earned a reputation for creating world-class, high-end and trusted slot games. What’s more, reputation aside, these providers are also regularly tested and audited for fairness - with third parties checking their RNGs are random and their RTPs are true. When in doubt, if all else is equal, always choose a slot from a reputable provider.

Be Realistic

Ultimately, you need to go into it with realistic expectations - and don’t expect miracles… as wins are great but certainly not guaranteed on even the lowest volatility high RTP slot. Obviously winning is very possible, but slots are games of chance and outcomes are determined by RNGs - and luck. 

With that being said, if you do hit a bad streak, avoid chasing losses or believing that you will be guaranteed a win soon. Instead, play for fun - and see wins as the icing on the cake.

So, there you have it - hopefully, you can use this guide to find the best real money slot game for your goals and your tastes. If you do manage to find any free spins on bonuses to use on them, even better. So, happy spinning… and good luck for winning!