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Spin Smarter: Expert Tips to Find the Best Online Slots and Play Safely

While there is no denying the thrill and excitement of online slots, the ever-expanding American iGaming market can make it harder than ever to find the right games to suit your preferences. With the amount of choice in today’s market, choosing a platform can feel even more overwhelming. Luckily, we chatted with Casino.org’s casino specialist Ian Zerafa, picking his brains for the strategies you should use next time you play online slots for real money.

For all the slot enthusiasts out there, what is the first step that should be taken when heading online to play?

Before getting into the more complex aspects of the online slot environment, I think it is important for players to first think about what kind of experience they are looking for and what kind of player they are. The flourishing modern iGaming market has become hugely diverse, with a range of different platforms and titles out there focusing on different aspects of gaming.

Therefore, I think it’s really useful to first consider what exactly it is you should be looking for. Are you a high roller, or more of a budget player? Do you prefer retro-style slots, or are you searching for a more immersive playing experience? What payment methods do you want to use to deposit funds? These are all questions that should be answered to help guide players through the overwhelming wealth of choice online.

Could you explain a bit more about these more complex aspects?

Of course. There is a lot I could discuss here, but I think the most important elements that players should consider are understanding the concepts of RTP and volatility and how these impact a game, as well as safely navigating the enticing world of casino bonuses.

RTP? What does this mean and how should players use it?

RTP stands for return to player and is a common term throughout the gambling sector to describe the percentage of wagered money that will be paid back to players over the long term. For example, if a slot machine has an RTP of 95% then for every $100 wagered, mathematically speaking the game should return $95 back to players. The remaining 5% here is what’s known as the house edge, and this is what drives revenues for operators.

While RTP is theoretical over millions of plays and it does not guarantee how much a player will win or lose in any short period, it is a useful tool to help players find the most high-value titles when online. The higher the RTP, the better expected value for players over the long term.

And what about volatility, how is this important?

The way I visualize it, if RTP describes how much a game pays out, volatility instead describes how a game pays out. Basically, volatility relates to the style of a game and the nature of its payout characteristics. In high volatility games, wins are rare but when they do come, the payouts are usually very large. Contrastingly, in low volatility games, small wins are more common, yet payouts rarely reach the same heights.

For players, the desired level of volatility will depend on their playing preferences. For example, for those on smaller budgets who want long and consistent play, low volatility suits them more, whereas high rolling risk takers will likely prefer to chase the big win in a high volatility game. At the end of the day, it comes down to matching the game to your style of play.

Very interesting. Now, moving away from gameplay mechanics, you also mentioned bonuses. How can players extract value from these offers?

Yes, bonuses have become an integral part of the online slot scene with a huge range of different bonus types available. They are most commonly offered as part of platform sign-ups, with players enticed by perks like free spins, matched deposits and cashback deals. However, regular players are also rewarded through VIP and loyalty programs, earning points that can then be exchanged for in-game bonuses.

Ultimately, a top-notch bonus package can turn a good platform into a great one, and they are something players should look for when trying to find the most high-value games.

Are all bonuses created equal? If not, are there any strategies for players to safely navigate these features?

Great question – the short answer is no. While all platforms market their bonuses in very much the same way, if players look a little deeper, they will find the requirements that need to be met to be eligible for offers vary significantly. To avoid falling foul of platforms looking to take advantage of uncertain players, my first tip would be to always read the terms and conditions whenever playing slots online. All the small print can be found here and knowing what you’re signing up for is the best way to prevent getting let down.

A second surefire tactic is to use the wealth of online guides and comparison sites available. These not only help players find the best games to play but also highlight the platforms that should be avoided.

And what about staying safe more generally when playing online?

Again, head to platform guides like Casino.org. Not only do I and my fellow experts here review the quality of gameplay and graphics, but we also assess whether a platform is safe to use in terms of fair, transparent gaming and financial security. To add to this, I would also say that it is important to set your own limits, be that financial or in terms of time spent. Gaming should be fun, and if it isn’t, it may be time to take a step back for a moment.

Thanks so much for talking with us today Ian, I’m sure our readers will have learned some new things from your expert insight.

No worries at all, thank you to you too!

… make sure to remember Ian’s tips to ensure you find the best games and get the most out of your experience the next time you’re online.