Getting Started with Online Slots

Scott MacDonald
4 min readDec 2, 2020

Going for a spin on the slots is always an adrenaline rush, but with the innovation of online casinos, they’ve really taken this aspect of land-based casinos and made it better in the online version.

Nowadays, you can get into some beautiful games, as graphic designers use the latest technologies to create an immersive experience. Add in some cool themes, awesome bonus rounds and incredibly-generous jackpots and one can see why online slots are a blast. If you’re new to playing slots online, here are four basic tips to get you going in the right direction.

Tip #1: Take Advantage Of Deposit Bonus

Almost every casino will offer a sizable welcome bonus and deposit bonus. Many will also have loyalty programs (or rebates) that give you some kind of ongoing reward the more you play.

Make sure you take advantage of this upon your initial deposit as this will give your bankroll a boost right from the get-go, and most welcome bonuses have a time-frame in which they need to be used within. (Typically 14 days)

Tip #2: Find A Game You Love

To start, you’ll want to find a casino that actually has a huge selection. A solid variety is around 400 and if you get into that range, then you can really hone in on the game that you love.

There are many factors that you should consider when choosing the game for you. To start, think about the theme. There are games that range from Wheel of Fortune or game shows, to James Bond and other movie themes. There’s a theme type for almost any type of style you think of.

Next, take a look at the reels and paylines. That impacts how often you win. Do you like simple, straightforward games? If so, a three-reel option might work for you. If you like games with lots of action, more reels and more paylines is what you’re looking for.

Try them all out (many you can play for free at first) and choose the game that you’re going to really enjoy playing for hours.

Tip #3: Set A Budget

One of the most crucial aspects of playing online slots is to set a budget. The games are a lot of fun and if you get sucked in and don’t pay attention, you might find yourself blowing way past your limits.

The key to online slots is to start off with a budget. Set aside a reasonable amount for your session — an amount that you wouldn’t mind spending on any form of entertainment. If you end up winning, then that’s great: you can keep on playing. If you end up losing that amount, then you know it’s time to call it a day.

Tip #4: Play The Max If You’re Playing Progressives Slots

One of the most attractive types of slots — online or in-person — are the progressives. These games have massive jackpots, which can payout life-changing amounts. However, one of the most common mistakes is that new players don’t pay attention to the rules that they need to follow to qualify for these progressive jackpots.

In general, most slots have a basic system where you choose how much you bet per spin. However, on progressives, there’s generally a minimum that you have to hit to be eligible for the jackpot.

If your goal is to try to hit it big, the worst thing you can do is land the winning reels only to realize that you didn’t put enough in for the spin. Make sure you know the rules for hitting the progressive jackpot before you play.

Now that we’ve run you through the basics, you’re about ready to go for a spin. There are lots of other great books, guides and YouTube videos that can further improve your game. However, now you have the Coles Notes, which is enough to get you started.

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Scott MacDonald

A Canadian who has a passion for all things online casino. Find Scott reading, researching and writing casino reviews and editorial pieces for Team Maple.