Online slots have come a long way from the original nickel machines of the early 1900s. Thanks to technological advancements, modern video slot games offer an incredible range of features, including branded games, bonus rounds and even jackpots. However, players must understand that while these games can be fun to play, they will never pay out real money. Luckily, there are ways to test out these games and learn the ropes without risking any of your own.
In the beginning, online slots were simple enough: set your stakes and spin the reels. Once the reels stopped, you’d win play credits depending on whether symbols lined up vertically or horizontally across designated paylines. Eventually, developers started adding extra mechanics to create more complex and entertaining games. For example, they introduced free spin bonuses and pick me mini games where you could win additional prizes by choosing objects from a virtual board.
Today, online slot games are available from a variety of software providers. Some of the best known include Microgaming, IGT, Play N Go and NetEnt. Each has its own unique take on table games and slot machines, but many casinos use titles from a number of these companies to populate their game libraries. For instance, you’ll find a lot of progressive jackpot games from Microgaming, including Mega Moolah and other popular titles like Hot Shot and Thunderstruck. You’ll also find a wide variety of themed slots from WMS, who is best known for their popular land-based and online versions of Bier Haus, Yahtzee and Zeus.
Another great thing about slots online is that they’re usually easy to navigate and don’t require any special hardware or software to play. In fact, you can even play some slots on a mobile phone or tablet! Most online casinos will have a Demo Play option where you can try out their games for free before depositing any money. This is a great way to see how much you can win before you decide to try out real money slots.
Once you’ve tried out a few different games, you can start to see patterns in how often they might hit and what your odds of winning are. You might even discover certain themes or designs that you like more than others. For example, some slot gamers prefer the simplicity of classic games like 20 Super Hot, 40 Super Hot or Stinkin Rich while others enjoy a more complex experience like Starburst or Reactoonz.
If you’re a fan of the big screen, check out free slots games inspired by popular movies and television shows. For example, you can play Monopoly Slingo or Monopoly Megaways to get a taste of the excitement of real-life gambling while other slots games are inspired by famous board games or music artists. For example, you can play Guns N’ Roses slots that use actual video footage from a live concert to create an entertaining gaming experience. You’ll also find slots based on a variety of mythologies and historical periods.