Our comprehensive guide to playing slots online in the United States will help you better understand how slot games work. We'll be covering all the basics like types of slots available, understanding pay lines and symbols.

This guide is designed to help both casual and experienced bettors in the United States understand the world of online casino slots. From basic rules to strategies, we've got you covered. So, settle down and let us teach you everything you need to know to get yourself into a position where you can start spinning.

Basic Rules of Slot Games

Playing slots online is incredibly simple. To start, choose your bet amount, this is how much you are willing to wager per spin. You can see the minimum amount you are able to wager per slot game within Hollywood Casino on ESPN BET before you choose a game. This can be altered by two main criteria, the value of your coin and the number of pay lines you want to play. You can alter these on the control bar at the bottom of your slot game.

Once you're happy with how much each spin is going to cost, then it is time to click "Spin" to set the reels in motion. When the reels stop, you'll see if you've landed any winning combinations or unlocked any in-game features. We'll discuss how symbols work though further down in the guide.

Types of Online Casino Slots

There's a wide variety of online casino slots to choose from, and it can be daunting to pick one if you're new to slot games online. However, with new games always being released and new mechanics being introduced, even experienced bettors can get a little confused on occasion.

Below, we've listed some of the most popular types of online slot games that you can find. This should help you get a better understanding of how they work and how each type differs from others.

Classic Slots

Classic casino slots emulate the look and feel of traditional slot machines, often featuring three reels, a single pay line, and simple gameplay.

These games are perfect for players who enjoy a nostalgic gaming experience or prefer less complex slots. Classic slots usually have fruit, bars, or 7s as their primary symbols, and the goal is to line up these symbols on the pay line to win.

Video Slots

Video slots take the concept of classic slots to the next level by incorporating more reels, pay lines, and special features. These games typically have five or more reels and multiple pay lines, which can range from just a few to hundreds or even thousands.

Video slots boast high-quality graphics, animations, and sound effects, creating a more immersive and engaging gaming experience. They often include bonus rounds, Bonus Spins, and other unique gameplay elements to keep players entertained.

Themed Slots

Themed slots are based on popular movies, TV shows, celebrities, or other cultural elements, providing a familiar and engaging experience for players. These games often incorporate characters, scenes, or soundtracks from the source material, immersing players in the world of their favourite media.

Themed slots can be either classic or video slots, but they usually include special features or bonus games that are inspired by the theme.

Megaways Slots

Megaways slots are a relatively new addition to the world of online slots, featuring a dynamic and innovative gameplay system that alters the number of reels and pay lines with each spin.

Developed by Big Time Gaming, Megaways slots can offer up to 117,649 ways to win. These games often include cascading reels, where winning symbols disappear and are replaced by new ones, creating the potential for multiple consecutive wins.

Progressive Jackpot Slots

Progressive jackpot slots offer a unique and thrilling gaming experience, with a prize pool that grows with each bet placed by players.

A small percentage of each wager contributes to the jackpot, which can reach massive amounts, sometimes into the millions, before being won by a lucky player. Some progressive jackpot slots are networked across multiple online casinos, allowing the prize pool to grow even more quickly.

These games usually have a base game with standard features and gameplay, but the allure of the ever-growing jackpot adds an extra level of excitement for players.

Understanding Slot Pay lines and Symbols

Pay lines are the lines on which winning symbol combinations must land to score a payout. Each slot has a unique set of reels, pay lines, rows, and symbols. The payout tables, which you can view in the games, show the winning combinations and their respective payouts.

• But pay lines can come in various forms, so it's important to know which type your game uses so you can understand how wins are triggered. We've already mentioned briefly how pay lines on Megaways slots work, so here are a few more of the most common types of pay lines you will find:

• Left to right: The most common type, where winning combinations form from left to right, starting from the first reel.

• Right to left: Some slots pay from right to left, offering additional chances to win.

• Both ways: These slots pay from left to right and right to left, effectively doubling the potential winning combinations.

• Cluster pays: In these slots, symbols must form clusters of adjacent symbols to win, rather than appearing on specific pay lines.

• Connecting lines: Some slots have pay lines that zigzag or connect symbols in various patterns, offering more ways to win.

Types of Slot Symbols

Every slot game has its own symbols, and although they may look unique to fit in with the theme of their game, many of the symbols are similar. There are various symbols you will find, each with its function.

Each symbol can usually be split into three categories. First, low-paying symbols, which have a lower value on the reels but tend to appear more often. Then there are higher-paying symbols, they work in the same way but appear less often but provide bigger rewards when they do.

The third type is special symbols, which are usually key to unlocking a game's key features. Here are just a few of the most common you will find:

Wild Symbols

Wild symbols can substitute for other symbols on the reels, helping to create winning combinations. For example, if you have two matching symbols and a wild symbol on a pay line, the wild will act as the third matching symbol, completing the winning combination.

Some wilds also have additional features, such as expanding to cover an entire reel or moving across the reels during consecutive spins.

Scatter Symbols

Scatter symbols are unique because they don't need to appear on a pay line to trigger a bonus feature. Instead, landing a specific number of scatters anywhere on the reels can activate bonus features, such as Bonus Spins or multipliers.

For example, in the popular game Starburst, three or more scatter symbols trigger the Bonus Spins feature, where players can win additional spins without placing a bet.

Sticky Symbols

Sticky symbols remain in place for multiple spins, increasing the chances of forming winning combinations.

These symbols are often found in slots with respin features, where the sticky symbols stay put while the other symbols spin again. This can lead to multiple wins, as the sticky symbols remain in place, and new winning combinations can form around them.

Multiplier Symbols

Multiplier symbols increase your winnings by a certain factor when part of a winning combination. For example, if you have a winning combination with a 2x multiplier symbol, your payout will be doubled.

Some slots feature multipliers that increase with consecutive wins, while others have multipliers as part of their bonus features, such as Bonus Spins with multipliers attached.

Bonus Symbols

Bonus symbols activate special bonus games or features within the slot, providing an opportunity for extra wins or engaging gameplay. These symbols typically need to appear in a specific number or configuration to trigger the bonus.

For instance, in the game Gonzo's Quest, three bonus symbols on a pay line unlock the bonus round, where players can win Bonus Spins and multipliers to boost their winnings.

How to Pick the Best Slots Online

When choosing the best online slots for real money, there are several factors to consider. To help you find the perfect game, pay attention to these key points:

• Theme: Choose a slot with a theme that appeals to you, whether it's based on your favourite movie, a historical period, or a fantasy world. A well-designed theme can enhance your gaming experience.

• Payout Rate (RTP): The return-to-player (RTP) percentage indicates the theoretical amount a slot game pays back to players over time. Look for slots with a higher RTP for a better chance of winning in the long run.

• Bonus Features: Bonus features such as Bonus Spins, multipliers, and mini-games can add excitement to your gameplay and increase your winning potential. Opt for slots with interesting and rewarding bonus features.

• Volatility: The volatility of a slot determines the size and frequency of payouts. Low volatility slots offer smaller wins, yet more often, whereas slots with high volatility yield larger but less frequent payouts. Choose a slot with a volatility level that suits your preferences and playing style.

Online Slot Tips and Strategies

To improve your chances of winning at online slots, consider implementing these strategies:

• Bankroll Management: Set a budget for your gaming session and stick to it. This prevents you from losing more than you can afford and helps maintain a fun gaming experience.

• Understand Game Mechanics: Learn how the slot's pay lines, symbols, and bonus features work. Knowing the game mechanics helps you make informed decisions and improves your overall gaming experience.

Choosing Reputable Online Slot Sites in The United States

It's crucial to play at reputable online slot sites like Hollywood Casino in The United States. Here's why:

• Safe Gaming Environment: Reputable online casinos use advanced security measures and encryption technology to protect your personal and financial information.

• Fair Play: Trusted sites employ random number generators (RNG) to ensure fair and unbiased gameplay, giving you a fair chance at winning.

• Licensing and Regulation: Reputable casinos hold licences from respected regulatory bodies, ensuring they adhere to strict standards of safety, fairness, and responsible gaming.

• Online Slot Bonuses: Top online casinos offer fantastic bonuses, promotions, and rewards, such as welcome bonuses, Bonus Spins, and loyalty programs, enhancing your gaming experience. You can find all our latest offers on Hollywood Casino promotions page.

• Game Selection: Our casino provides a wide variety of high-quality slot games from leading software developers, ensuring you have access to the best and most entertaining games available.

Online Slots FAQ

What are progressive jackpot slots?

Progressive jackpot slots have a prize pool that increases with each bet placed. The jackpot can reach massive amounts, sometimes into the millions, before being won by a lucky player.

What is the return-to-player percentage (RTP) in online slots?

The return-to-player (RTP) percentage is the theoretical amount a slot game pays back to players over time. A higher RTP indicates a better chance of winning in the long run.

What does the volatility of a slot game mean?

The volatility of a slot game, also known as variance, refers to the risk associated with playing that slot. It determines the frequency and size of payouts a player can expect when playing the game. There are three main categories of slot volatility: low, medium, and high.