Best Online Slots for Real Money

Introduction

Nowadays, every reputable online casino offers thousands of titles in its lobby. As commendable as this is, it has made it a lot more difficult for punters, especially new ones, to find the best slot games online. To find the best payout slots that suit your needs, you would have to sort through reviews and do a little bit of research on your own.

In this review, we've attempted to solve this problem by picking out the best online slots in the UK, based on some vital criteria. Read on to also find out what the best sites for online slots are and what exactly it is that makes them stand out from the rest.

How We Review the Best Slots at Casinos

Below, we will detail a few criteria we look out for when reviewing the top casinos with the best payout slots online in 2023. In a casino with these features, punters can comfortably spin the reels and win real money without any hassles.

1. Transaction Processing Times

Part of the excitement of playing at a gambling site is the prospect of winning a lot of money in slots online.  Most bettors would agree that it is frustrating to have to wait for weeks to receive your winnings despite meeting all requirements. This is why we always prioritize fast payout times when reviewing online casinos.

Aside from having remarkably fast payout times, the casinos we recommend also offer a big selection of payment methods to choose from. This gives you a lot of flexibility, allowing you to change your payment method of choice, should the need ever arise. In the same way, we think it is vital for a casino to allow for instant deposits and provide multiple deposit methods.

2. Game Selection

To rank as the best casino site for slot games, their selection there must meet the competitive demands of the industry. This means there should be at the very least 500 slots to choose from and other titles as well. Of course, we also consider the providers behind these games. Some casinos support only one or two providers, while others support up to 100.

Generally, we only recommend casinos that support more than one developer, as they offer more variety in terms of graphics, themes, game options, and features. We also ensure that our shortlisted casinos support popular software companies, such as Big Time Gaming and Playtech.

3. Bonuses

For many gamblers, bonuses are part of the thrill of spinning the reels online. They allow you to test out new games risk-free, and to keep playing even when your bankroll runs out. When we review casinos, we keep an eye on the bonuses they offer to determine if they're generous enough to appeal to users. We also pay attention to the playthrough, as an excessively high figure could minimize the appeal of a bonus. So, while we review casinos based on the quality of the online slot games they offer, we also bring you the casinos with the best bonuses in the UK, be it free spins, deposit bonuses, or no-deposit bonuses.

4. Loyalty Rewards

Sometimes when players are looking for the best new slots at casinos, they hope to find a reason to always come back. In this case, loyalty bonuses can be a big plus. Loyalty bonuses come in different shapes and sizes, so if it's worthwhile to you, it might be something you need to know about before taking the plunge. This is why we make sure to evaluate casinos for their VIP/Loyalty Rewards program whenever we review the best sites for playing online slots. 

5. Safety

Unfortunately, the rise of online casinos has prompted a rise in fraudulent websites and organizations masquerading as legitimate casino sites. To avoid recommending a fraudulent gambling site to our users, we thoroughly access the security of each casino site we review based on these conditions:

• Encryption: Website encryption is especially critical for online casinos because they request (and sometimes store) users' sensitive payment details. To keep all of our users safe, we only recommend sites with 128-bit SSL encryption, which is the best in the industry at the moment.
• Licensing: Licensed casinos are more reliable than unlicensed ones because they are regulated by an external authority, thus, they must operate within certain limits. We exclusively recommend casinos with licenses, especially ones from the UKGC.
• External Auditing: Occasionally, a casino will let you know that they have been audited and vetted by respected bodies like eCOGRA. This serves as added proof of safety, and we always consider it when making reviews.

6. Customer Service

Poor customer service is one of the top reasons players abandon an online casino that used to be a favourite. For a casino to qualify as one of our best sites for online slots, it should have multi-channel customer service. The customer care team should also be friendly, effective, and fast so that you can have all your questions answered and your issues solved in as little time as possible.

One of the most expeditious ways casinos use to handle their customer care service is through Live Chat support. We look for this feature when we review gambling websites because it works 24/7 in most casinos that have it and is a rapid way to get support.

7. Mobile Availability

It is no secret that many online gamblers today play from their mobile phones. With this knowledge in mind, we stay away from reviewing websites or online slots that are not mobile-friendly. Although most sites nowadays adjust well to mobile phones, some others are quite exhausting to use on mobile.

Some of the best sites for online slots demonstrate their dedication to mobile punters by creating a mobile app. These apps are often downloadable on the app stores or the casino website. Once you download the app, all you have to do is log in and then you can play slot games online at the snap of a finger, whenever you like.

8. Reputation

Unless it's a new casino, a good reputation precedes great casinos. Before including any casino in our list of the best slot sites in 2023, we ensure that they are highly rated and endorsed by real players. We also look closely at what other players are saying about a casino because this easily highlights its flaws. It is also a quick way of telling the difference between how a gambling operator treats its new users versus how it treats old ones.

Free Online Slots

As the online gaming industry continues to blossom, slot games are getting more sophisticated and innovative. At the moment, there are thousands of slots out there with unique themes, stunning visuals and sound effects, and mesmerizing game mechanics. 

In the casino slot games industry, there's ever-increasing competition. Today, newer providers like Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play have steadily become almost as successful and popular as older providers like Microgaming. This healthy competition has fostered some remarkable innovations which, in 2023, have brought us slots with high-quality visuals and entertaining gameplay. Below, we will analyze six of these great slots and detail why they are the best real-money slots online in 2023.

1. Starburst

This 5-reel, 10-payline slot created by NetEnt is considered one of the best slots to play online for various reasons. First, it has an RTP of 96.09%, which is great for an online slot. Secondly, it is a low-volatility slot, meaning that although winnings aren't huge, they are fairly frequent. Finally, it maintains a simple, dated look that is reminiscent of the typical slot machines you find in brick-and-mortar casinos.

We rank this as a top slot to play online not only because it's popular but also because it has unique features that set it apart. There are no bonus spins within, but Starburst makes up for this with its unique bonus system based on its Wild symbol. With this bonus system, you can earn up to 500x your initial stake.

2. Gonzo's Quest

Another game created by NetEnt, Gonzo's Quest, was an instant hit when it was first released in 2011. We think it deserves its place as one of the best online slots in the UK due to the sheer innovation that went into creating it. Gonzo's Quest makes use of stunning 3D visuals with an interesting soundscape that readily pulls you into the experience.

Looks aren't the only thing unique about this 5-reel, 20-payline slot, however. It makes use of avalanche multipliers, a rare bonus system that instantly awards you 10 free spins when you land the reels and multiplies your stake up to 15x.

3. Cleopatra

Stand a chance to win up to 10,000x your original stake when you play Cleopatra by IGT. Created to look and feel just like the slot machine by the same name you find in a land-based casino, the Egypt-themed slot does not hold back in terms of bonuses. With the Cleopatra bonus feature, triggered by getting a few scatter symbols, you can achieve up to 4,500x your stake in one go.

As one of the most incredible free spins slots out there, this game allows you to trigger 180 free spins in total with a 3 or 6x multiplier outside the bonus round. Although the graphics look more dated than many modern slots, this game is definitely one to try out.

4. Book of Ra Deluxe

Similar to Cleopatra, this Egyptian-themed slot debuted in land-based casinos. There is something to be said about the fact that it was released as far back as 2005 and still has many loyal players. Admittedly, the graphics are a tad dated and the gameplay isn't the most modern, but it possesses other features that make it one of the best slot games online.

You stand a chance of winning up to 5,000x your stake in this Novomatic game, even though it has just 10 paylines. The volatility is very high, meaning that it is possible to win huge sums of money with just a few spins.

5. Rainbow Riches

The Rainbow Riches slot series is one of the most popular slot series among UK players. Despite being launched in 2006, it remains one of the best online slots available today. In Rainbow Riches, you can enjoy three different types of bonus features.  These three bonus features each get activated on different conditions, creating a multilayered experience for players. The only downside to this slot is the absence of free spins. However, it makes up for it by offering multiple multipliers.

6. Fishin' Frenzy: The Big Catch

A slight modification of the original Fishin' Frenzy game, Fishin' Frenzy: The Big Catch, introduces a unique game mechanic that allows easy access to multipliers. It keeps charming fishing-themed graphics and all the symbols on a system that allows you to progressively increase the value of your multipliers.

There is a counter positioned to the right of the main game. Every time you land a wild symbol (a fisherman), the counter goes up. When you collect 4 fishermen, you can upgrade the multiplier values of your lowest fish to a higher multiplier value.

Welcome Bonuses for Online Slots

Welcome bonuses are usually the most generous bonuses a casino has to offer. Though they might vary from casino to casino, these offers typically involve deposit bonuses and free spins, with the occasional no-deposit bonus. Welcome promotions are key to players' gambling experiences as they allow you to play the best payout slots online without putting too much of a dent in your bankroll.

·       Deposit Bonuses

These bonuses offer to match your deposit to a certain percentage with free money. Deposit promos are the most common type of welcome bonus offered by the majority of online casinos. A 100% match bonus on a 150-pound deposit, for instance, means that you will earn an extra 150 pounds in bonus money.

Be sure to read the deposit bonus terms and conditions before opting in, as some might not be available for selected slots, and the bonus could have a high wagering requirement, requiring you to wager an inordinate number of times to withdraw any of your winnings.

This also provides information on how to activate the bonus, how long it lasts before it expires, and what limits you are subjected to when wagering the bonus funds. Some casinos, for example, do not allow users to play live casino games using bonus funds.

·       Free Spins

This is an especially useful bonus for playing the heat slot games online. It allows you to spin the reels a given number of times without using your own money. These bonuses are a fun way to try out new slots without committing any money from your bankroll. Keep in mind, though, that free spins are also subject to wagering requirements. When you okay using a free spins bonus, all your winnings will have to be wagered a certain number of times before you'll be allowed to withdraw them. Free spins are not limited to welcome bonuses. Many gambling sites offer free spins as part of reload bonuses, weekly bonuses, or special VIP bonuses. The only downside to free spins bonuses is that they are often specific and can only be applied to a handful of games.

·       No-Deposit Bonus

A no-deposit bonus is a promotional incentive that allows you to make a wager without being at risk of a loss. It is easy to win because signing up at a reputable casino is most of what you have to do. Some of the best sites for online slots offer players in the UK a chance to place risk-free bets such as this. It is provided randomly, as part of a welcome offer, or as an exclusive incentive for VIP members. Sometimes, you can add this bonus to your account or use it to bet some more. Unlike most other promotions, putting money in your casino account is not required to claim the no-deposit bonus. Ensure to read the terms and conditions of the rewards you are interested in before attempting to claim them.

·       Referral Bonus

A referral or refer-a-friend bonus is a type of promotion intended to complement the player for bringing in others. It is a feature found on some of the best casino sites for online slots. Sometimes, there is money to be won for doing this. Other times, it could be some other form of reward. For example, after signing up at your favourite casino site, you might win an amount for inviting your friends and family to join. Just ensure you are at a credible site before inviting your family and friends to join.

·       Reward Multipliers

Most games boast a reward multiplier that ensures a more productive time. These are usually an interesting part of playing, especially when you try your luck at any of the reliable casinos around. With multipliers ranging from small to huge, these come in handy for earning a bigger payout. They potentially change your winnings without affecting your betting funds. This is why you should ensure the casino is legit before trying to win one. If you are interested in reward multipliers, make sure it is included in the slot you're playing.

Top Slots Providers

The software developers managing the titles at online casinos matter, as all the games go a long way in establishing trust and reliability. It is always better to play a game you know, especially when it comes from a reliable developer. In this list, we review the companies behind some of the best rea-money slots online. These include the following:

·       Microgaming

Microgaming is a top-tier slot software provider that was founded in 1994. When it released online casino software that year, it was the first to provide a truly functional one. Within a decade of its creation, in 2004, the company became the first to develop viable mobile casino software. Since then, Microgaming has been known for its numerous high-quality offerings, becoming one of the most preferred software providers on this list.

If you are a punter, you have most likely played one of its games. Microgaming is the company behind some of the best payout slots in the world, including the extremely popular Mega Moolah. This slot remains very relevant among punters today, having produced many millionaires through its huge jackpots.

·       NetEnt

Founded in 1996, this company was formerly known as Net Entertainment. After carving a niche in Sweden as the first company to do so, it began developing and releasing online casino games based on Java. Very soon, its list of successful titles became popular among players. NetEnt now releases HTML5-optimized games that are designed for seamless gameplay across mobile devices. By partnering with numerous casino sites, it has been able to provide punters with excellent slot machines, table games, and live dealer action.

·       Yggdrasil Gaming

Yggdrasil Gaming is a provider of online casino slots to the gaming market. Founded in 2013, it is a highly established company with a repertoire of successful video slots in its name. Licensed by the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority, Yggdrasil has proved its dedication to long-term excellence by winning numerous coveted awards. Its games are known for their innovative bonus features and stunning graphics. With an impressive list of medium and high variance slots, it has become a popular software provider among online gamblers, especially high-rollers. This company is behind slots such as Cannonade, Time Travel Tigers, MexoMax, Blood Moon Wilds, and several others.

·       Play'N Go

Based in Vaxjo, Sweden, Play'N Go is a software provider with a dedication to enriching the player experience. Since its founding in 2005, one thing this company has been known for is its consistency in developing and improving online casino games. Play'N Go was one of the first to dabble in mobile gaming technology, which boosted its reputation in the gambling industry and gave it a much-needed edge. By releasing a new slot title almost every week, it has managed to amass an extensive library to its name. Over time, it has steadily improved the quality of its online casino games to a better standard, with a catalogue of over 40.

·       BetSoft

Since its founding in 1999, BetSoft is a company that has consistently delivered top-tier slot offerings to the market. It has been awarded numerously for its innovative contributions to the industry, and it began enjoying greater popularity when it switched from Flash to HTML5. BetSoft is popular among gamblers due to the several high-quality 3D slot machines, which can be found in most top online casinos. Its impressive slots are designed to enhance your gaming experience using some of the best graphics and animations.

·       Barcrest

Barcrest is a software provider with over 50 years of experience in the gambling industry. The company started out providing land-based casinos with slot machines in 1968. After this, it moved on to the creation and development of titles for the entertainment of online players. Barcrest introduced the first 5-reel slots and is the company behind some of the most popular fruit-themed games enjoyed by punters. It was acquired by Scientific Games in 2011, but all its new titles are released under its own name. Online slots from Barcrest include Action Bank, Flame of Fortune, Burn 'em Up, and others.

·       Pragmatic Play

Established in 2015, Pragmatic Play is a software provider of numerous games to online casinos. All the titles from this company are of top quality and designed for a premium gambling experience. In 2019, expansion occurred and more products were being invested in. Pragmatic Play added bingo and live casino games to its products, establishing its name further in the industry as a top software provider. This company has partnered with a lot of sites to ensure punters access top-quality slot offerings. You will find Pragmatic Play daily or weekly cash drops hosted on some of the top online casinos.

·       Blueprint Gaming

Blueprint Gaming is another company with decades of experience in the gaming industry, having provided traditional casinos with slot machines back when those were popular. Based in the UK, it now provides online sites with video slots full of interesting features and exclusive jackpots. Its dedication to the player experience is the reason for its numerous top-quality offerings. Online slots from Blueprint Gaming are known among punters for their superb quality and engaging features for productive gambling.

Mobile Slots for Real Money

When participating in online gambling, ensure to do it at the best payout slots online. These kinds of games come with a lower house edge. The payout percentage is the amount you can averagely earn from bets placed over a period. It is also known as returns-to-player (RTP). Play any game below for a lucrative real-money gambling experience.

1. Book of 99

Some of the best real-money slots are only popular because they provide so many ways for players to win in their favourite games. Book of 99 is no exception, coming in with a 99% RTP. This means you stand a chance to win back about £99 out of every £100 bet over a period. Developed by Relax Gaming, it is a slot with 5 reels, 3 rows, and 10 paylines. This game is designed with solid graphics and animations consistent with other titles from the software provider. Whether on Android or iOS, you will enjoy the seamless gameplay of this high-volatility slot with many bonuses to explore. Punters stand a high chance of winning back a good percentage of their bets over time. A progressive jackpot feature, however, is not available.

2. Blood Suckers

Blood Suckers is a game from NetEnt with 5 reels and 25 paylines. Its interface is designed with Gothic and vampiric elements to create a spooky, more original feel. This is accentuated by the eerie soundtrack of the game, which can send shivers down your spine. Blood Suckers has a high RTP of 98%, which means you can experience enough wins to average £98 out of every £100 wagered. You can trigger the game's free spins when you land 3 or more scatter symbols. Small bets are allowed, so you can keep playing for real money at little cost.

3. Jokerizer

Jokerizer is a popular video slot from Yggdrasil Gaming with 5 reels, 3 rows, and 10 ways to win. It has a high payout percentage of 98% and can be played in some of the best online casinos. Despite its classic fruit machine theme, it uses modern graphics and high-quality animations to present a fresh perspective. This game is HTML5 optimized for seamless play across all Android and iOS devices. To enjoy better gaming on your mobile device, try the enhanced portrait mode.

4. Thunderstruck II

This is the second and more popular version of the exciting game from Microgaming, with subtle changes in design and winning combinations. Its RTP is not so high, set at 96.65%, but the game provides several ways to land valuable payouts. Thunderstruck II boasts a Norse mythology theme, featuring several of the old gods, such as Loki, Odin, and Thor. Despite its payout percentage, it is a medium variance slot with better chances for frequent winnings. With its 5 reels and 243 paylines, punters will have fun playing this real-money slot. It s filled with several bonus features guaranteeing bigger payouts.

5. Mega Fortune

Mega Fortune slot is very popular among gamblers. Though its RTP might seem low at 96.60%, this game provides several winning chances for bigger payouts. The simple 5-reel, 3-row layout features 25 pay lines. Mega Fortune is one of the most successful titles from NetEnt, and it holds a Guinness world record for the biggest jackpot win. It uses impressive graphics and animations to enhance the gaming experience, employing all types of imagery. New players will enjoy placing small wagers as the minimum betting limit suits low rollers.

Conclusion

Online gambling is a recreational activity enjoyed by different types of players worldwide. A variety of games are usually provided to cater to different tastes. It is a better experience when you sign up at any of the best real-money slots online. They incorporate some of the best elements of online gaming with rewards for a more lucrative time. It is also the best place to enjoy the relationship between software providers and the casinos they work with. Developers with the best payout slots online tend to partner with some of the best gaming sites to bring fun and action to more players. Ensure that you sign up at a licensed casino site to get started.