Slot games – also known as fruit machines – have always been very popular in the UK. Back in the 60s and 70s, people used to flock to amusement arcades to play the penny slots. They still do, however, slots can now be found everywhere, including online and in high-street betting shops. People enjoy playing slots because they’re easy to play, have cool themes and offer the chance to win big prizes. However, with so many online slot platforms out there, it’s important to choose one that’s safe, fun and fair. Take a look at this guide to help you select the right online slot website in the UK. If you follow these steps, you can be sure that you have done everything you can to safeguard yourself before spinning the reels of your chosen slot.
- Choose a licensed and regulated slot site
When you’re picking an online slot site, the first thing to check is if it’s licensed and regulated. Reputable sites have approval from well-known gaming authorities, such as the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC). The UKGC ensures that the casino follows strict rules in relation to fair play, security and responsible gaming. This organisation is not shy to hand out fines to the tune of millions of pounds to casinos that are caught breaking the rules. In some instances, they even revoke casino licenses for serious breaches. Always make sure to check the site holds a UKGC license before playing for real money. Our Top Tip: Look for a slot site that shows the UKGC logo at the bottom of their site.
- Variety of games available
One of the most important things to look for in an online slot site is a wide range of games. Look for a site that offers many different slot games. Also, make sure they work with reputable software developers such as NetEnt, Microgaming, Yggdrasil and others, as slot developers also have to hold licenses to ensure they are fair. There is nothing wrong with a casino that has a small library of casino games, but generally, it is the larger, more popular casinos that offer a better selection of games to play. Our Top Tip: Look for slots sites that have a variety of slots from different software providers
- Bonuses and special offers
Online casinos often give out welcome bonuses and free spins to attract new players. These bonuses can help you stretch your bankroll a bit further. However, before you accept a bonus of any kind, you should always check the terms and conditions of the bonus. This is because some of them may have hefty wagering requirements that can be almost impossible to meet. Alternatively, they may have a maximum cashout. Neither of these options is a good deal, which is why it is important to read the bonus requirements before accepting them. You can refuse a bonus, but ensure you do this before depositing money, as some casinos automatically add the bonus when you make your deposit. Also, beware of bonuses that seem too good to be true, because they normally are. Remember that casinos are there to make money, not to give it away without getting some kind of return on their investment. Our Top Tip: Choose a bonus that has a low wagering requirement.
- Safety and fairness
When you play slots online, safety is crucial. Make sure the site uses encryption to keep your personal information safe. It should also use random number generators (RNGs) to ensure its games are fair and every spin is random. Many sites will ask you to provide documentation such as your ID, proof of address and a copy of your bank statement. This is all part of their licensing requirements and is known as KYC which means Know Your Customer.
- Return to Player
It is also a good idea to check the RTP of the slot. RTP means the Return to Player and is normally shown as a percentage. An average RTP is in the region of 96% but some slots can be as high as 99%. It makes sense to choose a slot with the highest RTP, as this increases your chances of winning over time. However, be aware that some online slots have a variable RTP, which means that it may be as high as 97% at one casino but as low as 94% at another casino. Our Top Tip: Look for slots that have an RTP of 96% or higher.
- Secure payment options
A good online slot site should offer safe and easy ways to deposit and withdraw money. Check what payment options they have, like credit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, which are becoming very popular at online casinos. Bitcoin transactions are quick, too. On that note, it is also important to ensure the slot site processes your winnings quickly and without any hidden fees. Some online slot sites even allow you to “flush” your account, which means that your winnings will be locked so that you cannot reverse them and play them. This is a very handy tool if you find yourself tempted to playback your winnings.
- Read reviews and testimonials
Before you pick an online slot site, read reviews and testimonials from other players. Look for sites with positive reviews from trusted sites like online casino forums, and review sites such as online-slot.co.uk. Also, consider testimonials from other players to get an idea of the site’s reputation and user experience. We have always found player reviews to be the most helpful of all, as players don’t normally mince their words and will say things like: “I have been waiting for 3 weeks and still no payout, and now the casino is ignoring my emails.” If you read comments like that, they are sure signs of red flags.
- Customer support
Good customer support can make a big difference when you’re playing slots online. Look for sites that offer quick help through live chat, email or phone. Ensure the slot site offers 24/7 support because the last thing you want is to have a problem while playing online at 1 am and you can’t get help until several hours later. Before we play at a slot site, we normally do a random test of the customer support centre by asking them a question such as what the RTP of a specific slot is. This is the kind of information they should have at their fingertips, or at the very least they should be able to tell you where on their site, the RTPs can be found. Our Top Tip: Look for a site that has 24/7 live chat available.
- Mobile compatibility
Most online slot sites nowadays are compatible with all major mobile phones and tablets, but it is still a good idea to test them out on your mobile phone first, before signing up. Sometimes we have found that when it comes to the older slot games, they have been designed with older software, so they don’t look very good on modern mobile phones. At the very least, the game needs to automatically resize to the size of your phone’s screen and the graphics must appear clear.
- Responsible gambling
Ensure the slot platform you choose has links to responsible gambling and help sites – just in case you need advice about responsible gambling or if you think your gambling may be getting out of control. Most reputable online slot sites normally have a page that is dedicated to responsible gambling and will also have links to problem gambling help sites such as Gamcare which is a gambling support website for players in the UK.
