Of all the attractions at your online casino of choice, video slots are among the most exciting. They feature all the action of your favourite video game: the graphics, the sounds and the strategy – but unlike your average console game, these contests come with real cash prizes! With enthralling, familiar titles like Gladiator and Tomb Raider, players can find games that align with their interests, pairing the experience of living out a favourite adventure with the thrill of spinning a 5-reel machine for money.
Video slots aren’t unlike their 3-reel predecessors: As is wont to happen, though, the 5-reel variety is an evolutionary beast constructed in a more complex manner, featuring more ways to play and win. Video slots can support more paylines, usually ranging from 20 to 30 but occasionally boasting hundreds of potential winning lines. Video slots also often feature stimulating bonus rounds, which usually feel even more like traditional video games and provide players the chance to win more money.
Traditional slot players will be familiar with some of the symbols found on video slot reels: Games will usually feature standard 10, J, Q, K and A symbols, but there are a number of symbols either unique to video slots or that operate differently than on 3-reel machines.
Multipliers: Multiplier symbols can work in a few ways. Some are just special wild symbols that not only can stand in for other symbols, but also multiply a player’s winnings. Others can be used to double or triple payouts during free spin games.
If you’re keen to dip a toe into the world of video slots without risking your hard earned cash there are a few ways you can play for free. Free spins on video slots are often available as part of a no-deposit bonus for players who sign up to a new casino.
To claim a no deposit bonus you’ll need to create an account with the casino and accept the no deposit offer or enter a bonus code to get your free spins. Usually if you want to cash out your winnings you’ll need to make a deposit and meet the casino’s wagering requirements. Free spins are also offered as part of many regular casino promotions including welcome offers and loyalty programs.
If you love playing video slots you’ll probably enjoy video poker. Video poker games like Jacks or Better are a hybrid between video slots and poker in that they offer the fun and excitement of video slots with the strategy element of poker. While video slots are purely based on chance, video poker is more interactive and the decisions you make will actually affect the outcome, adding to the excitement and giving the player more control.
All of our recommended casinos feature a bevy of video slot offerings. For instance, over at Spin Palace, there are dozens of 5-reel slots available to players, including favorites like Thunderstruck II, Big Kahuna and Hitman.
One thing you’ll find as you explore different casinos is that many video slots have been adopted from pop culture — television shows and movies. At Spin Palace, for example, a number of Hollywood blockbusters have been turned into thrilling video slots, including Tomb Raider (see image below) and Hellboy. Games like these provide an extra twist for players, letting them exercise their 5-reel slot desires in the shadow of their favorite movie characters.
There’s no more effective way for gamblers to get a true Las Vegas experience from home than by playing video slots. Enjoy all the thrills of a high-quality video game with the chance to win real money! Head on over to any of our recommended casinos or try any of the casinos in our flash casinos page. By playing those free video slots, you can get an idea of which games and casinos will be right for you.