If you compare the best slot games list from 10 years ago to the current list below, you’ll notice that both feature a game provider who dominates with a number of titles.
The once-mighty NetEnt was a powerhouse who, from 2010-2015, churned out hit after hit with ground-breaking slots such as Gonzo’s Quest, Twin Spin and Dead or Alive.
Then around 2016, along came a young upstart studio by the name of Pragmatic Play. While it was true to say some of their earliest releases are nothing to write home about, they soon found their groove - and the rest is history.
Commanding an incredible 9 positions in the top 20 best slot games to play at slot sites in Ireland, Pragmatic Play have firmly established their position as players’ #1 game provider.
1. Big Bass Bonanza (Pragmatic Play)
Proving that you can take any subject and create a successful slot by applying a little genius, Big Bass Bonanza became the launching pad for an extremely successful series of ‘Big Bass’ slots based around fishing.
Technically, Reel Time Gaming’s Fishin’ Frenzy was the first such slot having taken up residence on casino gaming floors around the world some years prior. Although a popular game in itself, it’s Big Bass Bonanza that has stolen the limelight with clean graphics, immersive sound effects and engaging game play that keeps players coming back for more.
The feature bonus is where the ‘reel’ fun starts - land 3, 4 or 5 Scatter symbols to receive 10, 15 or 20 free spins respectively. During the free spins, you’ll bank any cash prizes that land if accompanied by the fisherman collector symbol.
The free spins bonus also offers a trail through which you progress with each Fisherman Wild symbol that lands. Every 4 steps awards a retrigger of 10 more free spins with an increased multiplier of up to 10x.
2. Big Bass Splash (Pragmatic Play)
Hot off the heels of Big Bass Bonanza’s success comes Big Bass Splash which follows the familiar format, but with a number of significant upgrades.
First off, the theme is given a little makeover with the bearded fisherman now taking on a redneck persona. Driving a monster truck, our redneck fisherman opts for a less eloquent method of catching fish by firing launching dynamite to blow them out of the water
The updated game is given some radical features including the random Bazooka feature plus a respin opportunity to hook a 3rd Scatter when only two drop.
Once the feature bonus is triggered by landing 3 Scatter symbols, you’ll be given the chance to net yourself additional features including More Fish, More Fishermen, +2 Free Spins, Start at Level 2 and More Dynamite, Hooks and Bazookas.
Needless to say, the more of these you manage to collect, the tastier the bonus is likely to be!
3. Gates of Olympus (Pragmatic Play)
Ancient Greek-themed slots will never go out of fashion, and Gates of Olympus remains the most popular of all in this genre.
With similar game mechanics to Sweet Bonanza (another Pragmatic Play slot at #5), Gates of Olympus offers cascading symbols and Anywhere Pays when matching at least 8 symbols. The Tumble Feature removes any winning combinations while the remaining symbols drop down. The empty spaces are then replaced with new tiles which can include win multipliers of up to 500x.
It’s entirely possible to hit many multipliers in a single spin, which can generate truly epic payouts of up to 5,000x your stake.
The Mount Olympus Free Spins Feature awards a minimum of 15 free spins with retriggers achieved by landing just 3 Scatters during the bonus.
Another interesting feature is the Ante Bet option where you can increase the chance of spinning 3 Scatters by increasing your base game bet by 25%.
4. Starburst (NetEnt)
What can be said about the most iconic online slot of all time that hasn’t been said before? NetEnt’s Starburst is where many online slot players first cut their teeth.
Most of the best online casinos award free spins on Starburst as part of their welcome bonus offers. This all-time classic is simple, yet engaging with mesmerising graphics, animation and ethereal sound effects.
There is no complicated bonus round - the Starburst Wild symbol is present on reels 2, 3 and 4. When it lands, it expands to cover the entire reel and awards a respin. Landing an additional Starburst Wild awards another respin, but now you have two expanded Starburst Wilds which is where the big wins can occur.
The reel symbols consist mainly of precious gems, but it’s the Red 7s and Gold Bar which top the pay table. With 10 fixed paylines paying both ways, it’s not hard to see how Starburst has remained in the Top 10 for over a decade.
5. Sweet Bonanza (Pragmatic Play)
Sweet Bonanza offers the same game mechanics as its more popular clone, Gates of Olympus.
Featuring the same cascading reel symbols along with the Tumble Feature, it’s mainly the sickly-sweet candy theme and 21,100x Maximum Win that sets them apart.
Reel symbols consist of fruit and candy, set upon a sugar-coated backdrop that could be a scene from the next Wonka film.
The Free Spins Feature awards 10 free spins for landing 3 Scatters. Special reels are in play during the free spins which include multipliers of up to 100x. At the end of each winning spin, all the multipliers are added together and applied to the total win for that spin.
Just like Gates of Olympus, Sweet Bonanza allows the player to increase their chances of landing Scatters by applying the Ante Bet for an additional 25% of their bet.
6. Gold Blitz (Fortune Factory Studios)
If you like high-energy slots with plenty of flashing lights and thunderous explosions, then Gold Blitz from Fortune Factory Studios is right up your street.
Random cash values appear amongst the reel symbols which are collected when the Blitz symbol lands on reels 1 or 6. The Blitz symbol also collects any of the three jackpots - Minor, Major or Mega.
Land 3 or more Bonus symbols to trigger the Bonus Choice. Here you can choose between up to 30 Free Spins with multiplier Wilds or up to 7 Gold Blitz Super Spins - the latter of which will guarantee a Gold Blitz cash collector symbol on the first reel with every spin.
This supercharged slot offers 4,096 ways to pay across 6 reels with 4 rows, and is not for the faint hearted - it’s classed as highly volatile with a 5,000x Maximum Win.
7. 9 Pots of Gold (Gameburger Studios)
Surprisingly, for such a popular genre, 9 Pots of Gold is only one of two Irish-themed slots in our list - of which both are from Gameburger Studios.
With reel symbols featuring Leprechauns, harps, 4-leaf clovers and pots ‘o gold at the end of the rainbow, this wonderfully crafted slot manages to blend everything considered ‘Lucky Irish’ into one game
Landing 3 or more Pot Scatters on any reels awards a climb of the ladder and a cash prize of up to 2,000x your stake.
The Free Spin Wheel is awarded when you land 3 or more Free Spin symbols. Each wedge on the Free Spin Wheel contains a number of free spins plus a multiplier, with up to 30 free spins and a 3x multiplier available.
Naturally, the melodic and foot-tapping background music is courtesy of a fiddle, which is punctuated by the jingling of coins falling upon a win.
8. Gold Blitz Extreme (Fortune Factory Studios)
Just when you think it couldn’t get any more glitzier (or should that be ‘blitz-ier?), then along comes Gold Blitz Extreme.
Not content with the huge success of the original Gold Blitz slot released in late 2022, Fortune Factory followed it up with a highly-anticipated sequel which offers even more high-voltage action.
Gold Blitz Extreme maintains all the popular elements of the original slot but takes it one step further with a host of exciting new features. One of which is when players land a cash symbol without a Blitz symbol in view - in this instance, a token is added to a persistent pot which increases the Rising Rewards jackpots. Collecting tokens also increases the chances of triggering the jackpot.
The Blitz game mechanic has proven to be such a big hit for Fortune Factory Studios, that they’ve added it to some of their other games including Fishin’ Pots of Gold Blitz and Blazing Bison Gold Blitz.
9. Mining Pots of Gold (Gameburger Studios)
Tapping in on a popular slot theme of gold mining, Gameburger Studios have merged it with their Lucky Irish Pots of Gold and introduced a chirpy leprechaun character called Flynn.
The playful Flynn will guide you through the game where the ultimate goal is to unlock the pot of gold sitting atop a stack of dynamite.
The Bonus Game consists of 3 carts - Bonus Spins, Bonus Multiplier and Bonus Prizes. Landing gem symbols will upgrade each cart’s value which will be awarded when you collect enough dynamite to ignite the Mining Bonus Feature.
Pick a four leaf clover to reveal a cash prize in the Mining Bonus, which will have the Bonus Multiplier applied. Clear the board and you’ll be awarded with the top prize in the Bonus Tower of 2,000x.
But that’s not the biggest payout available - A Wild Blackout is achieved when the Flynn Wild symbols cover all reels and awards a whopping 4,000x your bet.
10. Chilli Heat (Pragmatic Play)
Chilli Heat is unusually of low volatility - well, unusual for Pragmatic Play, that is, who specialise in ultra-high volatility slots which are favoured by streamers due to their big win potential.
Tequila, Tabasco sauce and Mariachi band members make up the reel symbols on this delightful Mexican-themed slot.
Money Bag symbols are present on all reels and are valued at between 1x and 100x your total bet. Landing 6 or more Money Bags triggers the Money Respin Feature where the bags remain sticky and you’ll receive 3 spins in which to add more Money Bags. Each success will reset the free spin counter back to 3.
Only higher value symbols are present throughout the Free Spins Feature which is awarded when at least 3 scorching sun scatters are landed. Additional free spins can be achieved every time 3 more scatters are spun.
11. Queen of the Pyramids Mega Cash Collect (Playtech)
Playtech have added their popular Cash Collect game mechanic to another great slot, this time themed around ancient Egypt which is known for its rich history and hidden treasures.
Queen of the Pyramids features vibrant graphics and immersive sounds that are typical of that era. The game screen consists of a 3-4-5-4-3 reel configuration with the Cash Collect symbol appearing on the outermost reels only.
The Cash Collect symbol performs multiple functions as it collects all coins within view and activates the Free Games if accompanied by a +3 (spins) symbol. Additionally, it can unlock extra reels with the special key symbol.
The Dropping Wilds feature adds to the tension, along with the Cash Spreader and Sticky Cash symbols which all bring the potential for huge wins. There are 4 jackpot prizes also waiting to be won including the Mini, Minor, Major and Grand.
There is so much going on within this great slot that Queen of the Pyramids Mega Cash Collect is best explored by playing, rather than reading.
12. Fluffy Favourites (Eyecon)
Although not personally fond of this classic slot from Eyecon, the numbers don’t lie.
Fluffy Favourites is somewhat long in the tooth and it shows. The artwork, sound effects and bonus round are as basic as you can get - even by 2016 standards. But it’s probably this simplicity that gives it the charm that appeals to many slot players.
Reel symbols consist of cuddly toy type characters, particularly those that you’ll find in the claw machines found at the fair. Which is exactly why the Claw Scatter symbols trigger the Toybox Pick bonus where you’ll receive up to 5 grabs at claiming a prize.
Each successful pick reveals a random bet multiplier of up to 100x your bet. Up to 25 free games can be awarded when landing the pink elephant Wild symbol which also doubles any win.
Once you can get past the artwork and 8 bit sounds, the charm does eventually start to set in.
13. Sahara Riches: Cash Collect (Playtech)
Sahara Riches: Cash Collect is another in the Playtech franchise which offers the popular Cash Collect game mechanic.
With an Arabian-inspired theme, Sahara Riches really captures the ambiance with a soothing soundtrack that you’d expect to hear in such a majestic setting.
The premium reel symbols consist of a treasure chest, camel, perfume bottle and a traditional Jambiya dagger with a mysterious Arab lady as the only Wild.
The Cash Collect symbol appears only on reel 5 and collects all coins, prizes and free games coins. Just like the other Cash Collect slots in this series, Sahara Riches offers a Mini, Minor, Major and Grand jackpot that is randomly awarded when a Prize symbol is accompanied by the Cash Collect.
The Maximum Win potential is a very low 500x your stake, but this is offset by the medium volatility and offers a great deal of play for your money.
14. Sugar Rush (Pragmatic Play)
There’s enough jelly babies, gummy bears and other sickly sweets to bring on serious tooth decay just by glancing at the screen. If your blood sugars are not about to shoot through the roof, then Sugar Rush is a real treat.
Offering the popular Tumble Feature that can be found in quite a few other Pragmatic Play slots, Sugar Rush is a 7x7 cluster pays slot - but with a low requirement of just 5 matching symbols to produce a win.
The Sugar Rush free spins bonus features Multiplier Spots where winning symbols explode to leave a multiplier behind. If that spot becomes part of another win during that spin, the multiplier is doubled each time, all the way up to an incredible 128x. Multiple multipliers can occur for a single win and it’s fair to say that this mechanic can offer some truly big wins.
The Maximum Win is capped at 5,000x which may seem low for a highly volatile slot, but when you see the number of maximum wins Sugar Rush has created, you can understand why!
15. Gates of Olympus (Pragmatic Play)
Pragmatic Play’s dominance of the best slot games list continues with the second iteration of its hugely popular Gates of Olympus franchise.
Gates of Olympus 1000 brings some significant upgrades on the original, the most obvious of which is the mammoth 15,000x maximum win potential.
This is mostly thanks to the increased multipliers which can boost your wins by up to an incredible 1,000x.
Otherwise the game mechanics and game assets, such as artwork, sounds and animations are largely the same, with only a few minor updates.
16. Book of Dead (Play’n GO)
Play’n GO created this modern day classic nearly a decade ago, and since then it’s been the inspiration for hundreds of similar ‘Book of’ slots.
That’s mostly down to the extremely popular Expanding Symbol mechanic which is randomly selected during the free spins bonus.
To trigger the bonus and receive 10 free spins you need to land at least 3 Tomb Scatters. The Book is revealed and a random Expanding Symbol is selected. The premium symbols pay more, but are less likely to hit, while the lower ones hit more frequently, but pay less.
Rich Wilde, the leading character, is ‘devilishly handsome with an innate sense of adventure’ according to Play'n GO. In fact, he’s so adventurous that you’ll find a whole series of Rich Wilde slots of a similar theme including Rich Wild and the Amulet of Dead, Rich Wild and the Shield of Athena and Rich Wilde and the Tome of Insanity, to name just a few.
17. Big Bass Amazon Xtreme (Pragmatic Play)
Big Bass Amazon Xtreme brings all the best elements of the Big Bass series of slots, but this time it receives an Amazonian makeover.
The bearded fisherman sits snoozing in his canoe waiting on a big catch that appears in a randomly thrown net, where he’ll leap into action. Other random features include a Waterfall that adds additional fish during the Free Spins.
The Free Spins feature starts with the opportunity to take a pick from 13 clay pots - each one adding a free spin modifier such as more fish, more fisherman or guaranteed fish. Keep choosing until you hook the dirty old boot, upon which the spins start.
Big Bass Amazon Xtreme maintains the bonus trail which is climbed by landing the Fisherman Wilds. Each level achieved awards more free spins, and true to the Xtreme title, up to 70 extra free spins are available along with a massive 50x multiplier.
18. The Dog House Megaways (Pragmatic Play)
Incredibly, The Dog House Megaways is the only slot on the entire list to feature the Megaways game mechanic.
Created by Big Time Gaming in 2015, this hugely popular 117.649 ways to win reel configuration has been licensed and applied to many games since.
The Dog House Megaways retains the colourful charm of the original, but has received a number of improvements that really make the latest iteration stand out.
Apart from the obvious addition of Megaways, the biggest difference is that players now have the opportunity of choosing between two Free Spins Bonuses - Sticky Wilds Free Spins and Raining Wilds Free Spins.
Choosing which bonus to take depends on your attitude to risk - both have their merits with different levels of volatility, so choose wisely!
19. Wolf Gold (Pragmatic Play)
The North American wilderness holds a calming charm and Wolf Gold from Pragmatic Play reproduces that beautifully.
Picture yourself amongst the backdrop where the sun sets over a rocky canyon, casting a rainbow of colours across the screen. Bliss.
If that isn’t enough Americana for you, the reel symbols consist of bison, stallions, mountain cats and of course, the American Eagle.
To trigger the free spins feature you need to land 3 Scatters. During the free spins, the howling Wolf symbol is Wild and reels 2, 3 and 4 are locked together to form one giant symbol.
Land at least 6 of the Moon symbols to trigger the Money Respin Feature, where the Moon symbols hold random cash values, the Mini or Major Jackpots.
20. Burning Wins (Playson)
Our final slot on the list of 20 Best Slot Games is the simplest game of them all.
With a classic 3 reel and 3 row configuration reminiscent of a pub fruity from the 80s, you could be mistaken for thinking this is the oldest slot on the list. But you’d be very wrong.
The traditional reel symbols consist of cherries, plums, oranges, melons, bars and bells. And although dated in concept, the artwork is anything but. Vibrant colours and clever lighting create a realistic array of delicious looking fruit.
Not much needs to be said about this timeless classic. Simply spin the reels and enjoy.
Recommended Slot Games
Playing Slots Online
Brick-and-mortar casinos just wouldn't be the same without the electric buzzing and beeping of slot machines. Winners jump for joy as their winning coins rattle against the payout tin and the whole thing has a certain old-school charm about it. But whether you are young or old playing slot games brings fun, excitement and of course chances to win great prizes regardless of your age and gender.
Thanks to leading online slots you can now spin the reels at any time and from anywhere. There is no longer the need to book a trip and wait for your next holiday to go and spin the reels at a land-based casino. The best casino slots in the world are now available on your computer or mobile device.
If are an experienced slot player that is familiar with the gameplay and settings, you will find in our Gambling.com guide insights that will take your online slots games experience to a whole new level. If you are new to slots, our guide will teach you everything you need to know to jump into the exciting world of online slot games.
Start today with online slots and play on the device of your choice. You just need to sign up with an online casino and verify your account, and thousands of the world’s greatest slot games will be ready and waiting for you 24/7 no matter where you are.
Online slots are simple, convenient, mobile friendly and of course pay millions in prizes and jackpots. No wonder online slot games are increasing in popularity with players of all ages and experience levels across Ireland.
How We Review Slots Games
Our online slot experts review new slot games every week. They have years of experience having played thousands of online slot games.
Although every slot provides an entirely different gameplay experience, we put each game through a rigorous review process that allows us to bring you objective conclusions. We also add to our reviews the subjective opinions of our experts and their likes and dislikes of each casino slot. Here are a few areas we look into when writing our reviews.
Most Common Types of Online Slot Games
Slot games have come a long way from the early-day fruit machines. The move from slot machine cabinets sitting on a land-based casino floor, to online slots on a website or app continues to push change and innovation.
Beyond the benefit of playing anywhere and at any time, now players can also enjoy many different online casino slot options. For example: video slots, 3D slots, progressive slots, 243-payline slots, slots designed to mirror popular video games, slots based on popular TV shows and movies, and even virtual reality slots.
Online video slots allow for a diverse range of gameplay. From games that imitate classic slots to more hi-tech video slots that offer an immersive experience. Players can now enjoy titles that boast 3D graphics, state-of-the-art animation and cinematic sounds. Whereas classic slots often feature recognisable symbols from fruit machines, video slots mostly create their symbols and icons based on a game theme and storyline.
Classic slots are more traditional and usually offer 3 or 5 reels and follow the popular 25-playline structure with some variations. Video slots tend to come with 5, 7 and sometimes 9 reels. They offer multiple paylines, and bonus rounds, and players can enjoy 243, and in newer slots even 1024 ways to win.
Many video slot developers license the rights to use characters from hit movies, popular TV shows, and even comic books. There are also many slots with epic themes and storylines, for example, the Age of Gods game series brought by leading software developer Playtech. Another major slot game supplier is Swedish developer NetEnt which produced some of the most popular slot titles in the industry.
Most casino slots are played individually where the prizes depend solely on the player’s bets and spins. A progressive slot is different, featuring a jackpot that grows with every bet that any player makes on that slot. Although the odds of winning a jackpot are slim, the payouts are epic and can get to millions of pounds.
Another innovative type of slot that is taking Ireland by storm is the Megaways slot. Different from traditional slot games that have a fixed number of reels and paylines, Megaways slots have a random reel modifier that changes the number of symbols and the layout with every spin – providing hundreds of thousands of possible ways to win.
How Slot Games Work Online
Understanding the features, game mechanics and logic of online slot machines will help you create your own online slot strategy and better prepare for success when spinning those digital reels. Read our Gambling.com guide further to better understand the ins and outs of online slot machines, and for a hands-on learning experience check free slot reviews and try them out.
Understanding Slot Reels
The virtual "reels" of online slot games are generated by the software program that randomly delivers the symbols with each spin. The symbols of online slots can appear in any random order.
Online Slot RNG
Similar to land-based casinos, online slot machines have a Random Number Generator (RNG) which as the name suggests, makes sure that the symbols on the reels land in random positions with every spin. All the online casinos we recommend on Gambling.com are licenced by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) which requires the RNG to be certified and tested regularly.
So you can be sure that no casino slot we feature on our site is rigged and the symbols always land in a random order.
What are Paylines?
Being one of the core elements of any slot machine, paylines mark all the possible winning symbol combinations. The number of paylines on a casino slot will determine how many ways you can win while spinning the reels.
You can choose how many lines you wish to play and in which combinations, as well as decide how much money to bet on each line. For example, if a slot offers 25 paylines, you can choose to bet on 10 and select any combination you want like paylines 1-5 and 14-19, etc.
How Many Reels and Paylines Do Online Slots Have?
The most basic slot games usually have 3 reels and offer just one payline that typically goes through the centre of the reels. But technology has come a long way, and today’s game designers offer online video slots that feature 5, 7 or 9 reels and hundreds of paylines. Some Irish online slot games feature 243 ways to win, while there are even slots with 1024 possible winning combinations.
5-reel slot games have become the standard for many online casino slots, while a game can offer anywhere between one to hundreds of paylines. The innovation and creativity of online slot designers recently brought slots with 1024 ways to win. Whereas instead of traditional paylines, wins are given for any left or right-aligned symbol combination that lands on the reels.
How Much Can You Bet On an Online Slot Game?
The amount you can bet on a slot game will depend on its minimum/maximum bet limits, number of paylines and other game rules. You must bet at least the minimum amount and remember before betting to check the paytable and understand how winning combinations occur.
In standard slot games the winning combinations read from left to right, but many new and innovative slots award wins for symbols clustered or grouped in multiple directions.
Every wager you make will deduct coins from your balance. And for every payline you select, you will need to make an extra bet. The minimum bet is 1 coin, so if you would like to bet on a slot with 25 playlines for example, you will need to bet a minimum of 25 coins. The values of coins change from one slot game to another. While some slots allow you to place a few cent per bet, others will require €1 per for each wager.
Payouts can range from 10x to 2000x. The ‘x’ figure is the number of times your single line bet will be multiplied. Match 3, 4 or 5 symbols and you’re a winner.
Slot Games Bonus Features
Traditional slot machines used to offer very limited features. You had to spin 3 reels with a handful of symbols on each reel, and if the symbols lined up in certain combinations you would win.
In today’s online slots, the reels and symbols are just the foundation for many more bonus features and special symbols that beyond making gameplay a lot more exciting, give you many more chances to win.
Slot Machines with Bonus Games
One of the most popular features with slot players in Ireland is the bonus game. Various combinations you land on the reels will trigger a bonus game (many remind arcade and video games).
Some of these will rely on your skill, for example, a spaceship needing to destroy asteroids, while others rely totally on luck, like spinning a prize wheel. If successful, bonus games will reward you with points, money or additional spins.
Online slots are known for creative bonus games that are often based on a storyline that relates to the slot’s theme. One slot that our experts at Gambling.com love for its bonus game is Top Trumps World Football Stars 2014 by Playtech.
This game lets you gamble on any win by clicking on a gamble button that will take you to a screen where a dealer turns a card, and you need to pick a higher card to win.
Slots with Wild Symbols
Similar to the way they work in card games, Wild symbols in slots can be substituted for other icons and help you turn losing symbol combinations into winnings. Online slot developers have invented different kinds of Wilds such as Expanding Wilds that cover the entire reel, Sticky Wilds that stay on the reels for subsequent spins, Shifting Wilds that shift from one reel to another, Random Wilds, Stacked Wilds, Walking Wilds and more.
An epic online slot brought by software developer Games Global is Jurassic Park which features Stacked Wilds that as their name suggests, stack on the reels and give more chances to win.
Scatter Slot Games
You probably know by now that winning combinations on slot machines usually contain identical symbols that are aligned next to each other. This isn’t the case with Scatter symbols which do not necessarily have to appear on the payline in a certain order. In most online slots, the appearance of three, four or five Scatter symbols spread out across the reels will generate a bonus payment, or even launch a bonus game or a free spins round.
Dead or Alive slot by NetEnt has a very impressive Scatter symbol which is a pair of pistols with shiny bullets. What more, the game pays a 2x multiplier if two or more Scatter symbols appear on a winning payline.
Multiplier Slot Games
Multiplier bonus rounds take various forms but ultimately lead to a player trying to progress through several rounds to increase their score. The score earned is often multiplied by the initial bet to reward a much higher cash prize.
Megaways Slot Games
MegawaysTM is an innovation that was created by software developer Big Time Gaming. When playing on a MegawaysTM slot, you never know exactly how many possible ways to win your next spin will have.
The most common MegawaysTM slot games offer 6 reels, each displaying anywhere between 2 to 8 symbols which have a different height on each reel. This provides for a dynamic set of combinations for each spin with hundreds of thousands of ways to win (117,649 being the maximum).
One of Big Time Gaming’s revered games is Monopoly Megaways. Another great thing about MegawaysTM is that Big Time Gaming also licenses the technology to other software developers. So Irish players can enjoy a great selection of MegawaysTM slots from the best online casino game suppliers. For example NetEnt’s Gonzo’s Quest which is one of the all-time favourites is also available in the Gonzo’s Quest Megaways version.
Win Both Ways Slot Games
Players sometimes get frustrated when they see three or more symbols aligning perfectly on the reels for a winning combination, just to realise that the spin is winless because the slot only awards winnings on combos aligned from left to right. Win Both Ways slots, as their name suggests pay out for combinations aligned from left to right and from right to left – so you practically have twice as many chances to win.
Gameplay is pretty similar in Win Both Ways slots and paylines don’t change and are not mirrored. You are playing for the same paylines with the only difference being that they will be considered a win if aligned from either side. Although you have more chances to win, Win Both Ways slot games don’t pay twice in one spin for the same combination, and in most cases, the odds and RTP are adjusted to reflect the Win Both Ways feature.
Win Both Ways slots provide a more engaging and exciting gameplay, and keep players invested in each spin for obvious reasons – There are twice the chances to win. Therefore some of the most popular online slot games in the world like NetEnt’s Starburst are Win Both Ways slots. Another great Win Both Ways slot is IGT’s Day of the Dead.
243 Ways to Win Slot Games
Since the first coin-operated slot machine was invented in 1894, slots pretty much worked the same way. You would deposit coins, spin the reels and cross your fingers for a winning combination, which in the early days would come on a single payline across the centre of the reels. In 1976 the first video slot was invented and brought a new era of more paylines being added to slots and giving players more chances to win.
Another step in the evolution of casino slots was brought upon by game developers who disrupted the concept and introduced the 243 Ways to Win slot game. Like typical video slots, these are 5-reel slots with 3 symbols on each reel, and you choose how many coins to bet before each spin. But you won’t be prompted to pick any paylines to bet on, and you will get paid for every possible winning combination of symbols from left to right. Note however that because there are so many ways to win, many of these slots have low volatility and typically pay out small wins.
Two of the most famous 243 Ways to Win online slot games come from leading slots developer Games Global Immortal Romance online slot features vampire love and dark desires, and Norse mythology inspired Thunderstruck II is considered one of the most popular online casino slots of all times.
1024 Ways to Win Slot Games
This new breed of slots takes even further the concept of more ways to win without selecting paylines, and as its name suggests – offers an epic 1024 ways to win on every spin. This, is with one single wager and no need to select or follow any paylines.
1024 Ways to Win slots are easy to play and they follow most rules of a typical online slot machine, except that there are no paylines. You will need to get any combination of symbols in a row from left to right anywhere on the reels, regardless of respective positions on each reel – with one single bet on every spin, and with every winning combination being paid out.
If you are looking to try this exciting type of online slot game, we recommend Lucky Panda by Playtech, boasting a great Chinese theme and Free Spins, Multipliers and Wilds. Another great 1024 Ways to Win slot is White Orchid by IGT which is based on a beautiful rainforest theme and also offers some great features and bonuses.
Free Spins Slot Games
Free Spins are a bonus feature that allows you to spin the reels without betting your own money, and can be triggered in different ways. While some casinos offer Free Spins as a promotion on a slot game, they are usually awarded when several Scatter or Free Spins symbols show on the reels.
On many casino slots, Free Spins will launch as a separate bonus mini-game session and will load a new screen with animation and dedicated features.
Cluster Pays Slot Games
Cluster Pays online slots are another type of slot that doesn’t have a payline. When playing this type of casino slot, you will need to form a group of symbols that are attached (i.e. clustered) either horizontally or vertically anywhere on the reels.
Usually, Cluster Pays slots will be required to form a cluster of four or more symbols for a win. Besides the great and exciting new gameplay experience, it also gives you many new and exciting ways to win. One of the popular Cluster Pays games is Big Time Gaming’s Star Clusters Megaclusters which is a great high-volatility slot with a 96.45% RTP.
Progressive Jackpot Slot Games
The popularity of online casinos gave rise to progressive slots that feature jackpot prizes. Unlike regular slots that offer a prize based on individual gameplay, in progressive slots the casino puts up seed money for the prize, and a percentage of every wager that any player makes on the slot is contributed to the prize pot. So the jackpot keeps growing until it is won.
This makes progressive slots popular all over the world, and the more players they attract, the bigger the jackpot is. Some of the most popular progressive online casino slots in Ireland include NetEnt’s Mega Fortune, Arabian Nights and Hall of Gods.
Probably the most famous progressive slot game in the world is Games Global’s Mega Moolah which in 2015 earned a Guinness World Record for paying a British player €17,879,645.12 (circa ￡16.2 million). This record was broken in 2018 when Mega Moolah paid another jackpot of €18,915,872.81 (over ￡17 million).
Mobile Slot Games
With mobile gambling becoming increasingly popular and common in Ireland, all the new online slots are coded in HTML5 technology which makes them optimised for any mobile-browser device. Nowadays, most software developers implement the mobile-first approach when building new online slot games.
Nearly all the new casino slot releases are developed with mobile-device players in mind, thus including game features and settings that make for an immersive mobile gameplay experience. But don’t worry if you are into online slot classics, as most of the popular older games have been updated and made available for mobile too.
Most online slots are available for instant play using any mobile device browser, and many casinos nowadays also offer slots on mobile apps available on Android, iOS and Windows Phone versions.
Slot Games RTP (Return to Player)
If you spend money to place a bet on a slot machine, you probably want to know how much money you could potentially win back. Of course, all slot machine payouts are random and every player has great wins and poor losing streaks. But although it may sound confusing, a slot’s expected return is based on a very precise mathematical model to determine the payount.
The Return to Player, known as RTP, is the measure of how much money is returned to players over time as a percentage of the total wagers of all players.
So if for example, the RTP of a certain slot is 96%, it will pay winnings €96 for every €100 wagered by all players. Note however that this is the statistical rate of payout over the long run and given that wins are completely random, it does not mean that any one player is expected to win or be paid back. Following the example above, one player may wager €100 and lose the entire sum, whilst another can wager a few euros and win a jackpot – this is actually what makes casino slots so exciting.
Online casino slots are known to have higher RTPs than land-based ones, probably because online casinos incur less expenses on rent, equipment, staff, etc. which leaves more of a profit margin that can be paid back to players.
Most online slot games offer RTPs higher than 96%, but there are some with even higher returns such as Rainbow Riches Pick ‘N Mix by Barcrest with 98%, Mega Joker by NetEnt with 99%, and Ugga Bgga by Playtech with an RTP of 99.07%.
Free Slot Games Online
Many websites offer the best casino slot games in demo mode, where you can play for free and try slots without spending your own money. This is a great way to test different slots and understand the game theme, design, sounds and features before playing it for real money.
Beyond getting an initial feel for the slot, many experienced players play free online slots in demo mode to learn the bonus features, understand the RTP and volatility, betting limits and devise their slot game strategy before placing bets for real money.
Note that due to UK Gambling Commission regulations, Irish players can access and play casino slots for free only once signing up and verifying their account with the casino.
Slot Games with No Deposit
Irish casinos provide generous bonuses to lure new players to sign up as well as reward the loyalty of their existing punters. Promotions range from different deposit match bonuses, free spins and attractive no-deposit bonuses that allow you to play the best slot games for free.
No deposit bonuses may include bonus money added to your casino account when you sign up, free spins awarded on featured slots, and in some cases a combination of both.
In addition to all the advantages of playing slots for free on demo mode, no-deposit bonuses give you a chance to take home real money with every winning spin. But in most cases, you will still need to deposit and complete wagering requirements before you can withdraw your winnings.
New Slot Games Online
New and exciting slot games are being released in Ireland every week, and our slots experts at Gambling.com are in touch with all the major software developers to get you a first glance at the newest casino slots as soon as they are ready. Our game section has a search functionality that lets you find the newest slots based on software provider, game type, slot features and even slot name.
The newly-released slots will always appear on the top of the page, so it’s easy for you to stay up to date. We constantly update our new online slot sites page with new and innovative online slot games, so make sure you bookmark our page and check it regularly.
Advantages of Playing Slot Games Online
Beyond the obvious advantages of playing slots online which has to do with the convenience and ability to play from anywhere, there are a few more benefits that make online slots grow in popularity with gamblers in Ireland and beyond.
Slot Game Variety
- Land-based casinos are limited in floor space and each slot game requires its cabinet on the casino floor. As online casinos don’t have this problem, at any given time you have access to hundreds, and sometimes thousands of slots in the same online casino. Also, you can search and browse games swiftly and conveniently without needing to spend time walking around the casino floor looking for the best slot game. Exciting new games are updated on your computer or mobile device on a weekly and sometimes daily basis.
Higher RTP
- While land-based casinos need to pay for facilities, rent, employees, etc. their profit margin is lower than that of online casinos. Therefore the RTP of online slots which averages between 97% and 99% tends to be considerably higher than the RTP of land-based casino slots.
More Innovation
- The digital format of online slots enables to provide a lot more new features and innovation than that of land-based casino slots. Beyond new and exciting gameplay, there’s always something new to look for that gives you more ways to play and greater chances to win.
More Money to Wager
- Going to a land-based casino requires you to pay for travel and accommodation and there are food, drinks and many more expenses you incur before you even spin the reels. When you play slot games online, every euro you spend goes towards your bets. This means you have a lot more game time and of course, more chances to win.
Quiet Game Settings
- A casino floor can be a very noisy place with thousands of people walking by, hundreds of slot machines clinking, cocktail waiters serving drinks etc. Playing slots online lets you play from home in the most quiet and comfortable setting. This allows you to focus solely on the game, learn the features, odds and payouts, concentrate on your bets and game strategy and fully immerse yourself in the slot machine’s storyline with every spin.
Play Slots on Your Mobile
- As most of today’s online slots are optimised for mobile devices, you can play casino slots from your home, on the train or even spin the reels at the pub with your mates. The latest and newest online slots are literally in your back pocket, so as long as you have your tablet or smartphone with you, you can spin the reels from anywhere, at any time.
Common Misconceptions about Casino Slots Online
There are myths and rumours about online slot machines that come from common suspicions that people have about online activities. Are online slots programmed to pay out at specific times? Do they pay out less after a player wins the jackpot? Are online slot games rigged and fraudulent? Let’s have a look at some of these misconceptions.
- Online Slots are Easy to Win - This is an untrue myth. Although online slots statistically give a better chance to win in the long run due to a high RTP, this does not mean you will win. Every spin of the reels is entirely random and while slots may seem easy to play, that does not make winning more likely.
- Playing More Increases Chances to Win - Although in theory the more you play, the greater chances you have to win, that does not mean you will increase your chances to win per each spin, and winnings are never a guarantee. So sadly the length of your session won’t affect your chances of landing big wins. You always have to bear in mind the randomness of each spin- Just as you are likely to win more if you play longer, you are also likely to lose.
- Online Slots Don’t Pay Large Sums - Action speaks louder than words and if this was the case millions of people wouldn’t be playing online slots. You can win huge amounts playing online slots, with millions of euros being paid in prizes throughout Ireland every week, and progressive jackpots that pay tens of millions of euros to individual happy winners.
- Online Slots Are “Rigged” - There is a false myth about online slot games being rigged, allowing casino operators to control the game outcome. Every casino we feature on Gambling.com is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission and as such, its RNG is fully certified and regularly tested to make sure that the outcome of every spin of an online slot game is random. So any slot we recommend on our site is never rigged.
Final Words on Online Slots
Now that you know so much about slots, why not try to spin the reels and dive into the exciting world of online casino slots? While at it, don’t forget to claim the great bonuses available to players that come through Gambling.com.
FAQ
Can you win real money with slot games online?
Of course! You can win cash prizes while playing on one of our recommended slots casinos. Spin the reels for a chance to win real money and play progressive slots for life-changing jackpot prizes.
Are slot games really random?
Slot games are controlled by an RNG (Random Number Generator) which is certified and regularly tested by independent sources. This assures that the outcome of every spin on a slot machine is random.
Are progressive jackpots better than regular slots?
Every kind of slot has its advantages. Progressive jackpot slots pay millions of euros in life-changing prizes. But these wins are extremely rare compared to regular slots that although featuring smaller prizes, pay out more frequently.
Can I play slots games online for free?
Yes you can. However due to UKGC regulations, free slots can be played in the Ireland only once you registered to the casino and verified your account.
Are all slot games available on mobile?
Nearly all the new online slot games are available on mobile and many of the older popular online slots have been upgraded to provide mobile compatibility as well. But some outdated slots that may not be accessible on mobile devices.
Where do I find the new casino slots?
New casino slots can be found at our New Slots section at Gambling.com as well as at our top recommended online casinos. Make sure you claim a generous bonus while registering to play!
Should I only play casino slots with high RTP?
A high RTP is only one of several factors to consider when playing a casino slot machine. You should also look at bonus features, free spins, slot volatility and more things that can affect your chances to win.
What is slot game volatility?
Game volatility is the definition of the slot’s win frequency and payout size. High volatility slots tend to have larger payouts that occur less frequently. Low volatility slots typically pay out more frequently, but payouts are smaller.
How to win more on casino slots?
As the outcome of every spin on an online casino slot is random, it is difficult to intentionally win more. Statistically your odds of winning increase the more you play, but so will your odds of losing. So it’s best to set up limits and to manage your bankroll while playing.
Can I get a bonus when playing slot games online?
Of course you can! Many of Ireland's top casino sites offer generous bonuses to players who sign up through Gambling.com. So once you find the casino that’s best for you – sign up, claim a great bonus and start spinning the reels.
