Online Slots

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Online slots are games of chance with various layouts such as classic 3x3 and video 3x5. Winning combinations are influenced by paylines, with RNGs generating outcomes. RTP approximates returns over numerous spins, while volatility indicates win frequency and size. You'll find various slot types, including classic, video, and branded. You can play free or real money slots on any device, and it's important to debunk common online slots misconceptions.

- Paylines influence winning combinations
- RNG generates random game outcomes
- RTP: Theoretical return over millions of spins
- Volatility signifies frequency and size of wins

online slots Ireland

The Best Casinos with Online Slots

Our team of experts has a list of the top recommended casinos in 2024 where Irish players can enjoy a great selection of slot games. With this list, you can find safe, secure and fair, and impressive great bonuses online casinos.

Yoju
4.79

225% up to €2,000

+100 Free Spins

Winz.io
4.77

100% up to $500

+300 Free Spins

Goldenbet
4.77

100% up to €500

Winnerz
4.79

100% up to €200

+100 Free Spins

Pledoo
4.79

370% up to €3,000

+225 Free Spins

How Slots Work

There's no question that slot games are the most basic and easiest to understand among all casino games. Each slot game may have its own mechanics, special themes, and features, but the principle and framework behind them are actually the same.

Players will place their bets, make the spin and wait for the reels to stop spinning to know whether they're lucky or not. Slots are not exactly a game of strategy or skill but are more about a person's luck.

Slot Setup

Slots games generally follow a 'rows and reels' layout where different symbols used by the games are laid out. The number of rows and reels would depend on the design of the game. 

For example, classic slots tend to have three rows and three reels, or what is popularly referred to as 3x3. Some classics, however, come with five reels.

In contrast, video slots typically have five rows and three reels, thus it has a 3x5 layout. Other unique video slots may come with either more rows or reels than the typical 3x5 and may follow a 5X5 or 4X5 slot format.

Paylines Explained

Slot Payline refers to the line on the slot game's layout where the winning combinations are checked. A player can possibly trigger the winning combination if he or she lands two or more, or three or more symbols on an active payline. The player will be then paid according to the payable.

Slot games vary in the number of paylines. For example, the classic slot games with the typical 3x3 layout usually have one up to nine pay lines. Meanwhile, video slots may have nine or as many as 1024 different paylines. 

There are more possible winning combinations when a slot game has more pay lines. This bodes well for players as they have greater chances of winning.

The Random Number Generator

Previously, the randomness of the slots game outcome was done mechanically. Those days are gone now given the advances in technology.

Every slot game these days makes use of a Random Number Generator or RNG for short. As its name suggests, the random number generator is an algorithm generating random numbers regularly, by every millisecond to be exact.  

In a slot game, players spin and the RNG will automatically generate numbers. The algorithm translates the random number in determining where and how symbols are stopped and arranged.

RNGs aren't solely used for slots games. Other games such as online craps, baccarat, blackjack, and roulette also use this algorithm. In other words, most online games use the Random Number Generator except for live casino games.

Return to Player (RTP)

RTP stands for Return to Player percentage and pertains to the house edge or the percentage of the cash stake that will be returned to players during an extended playing time.

For example, players can expect to get €97.50 returns for every €100 wagered on the slot game if the game's published RTP is 97.5%.

Pay attention to the fact that the RTP is a theoretical value that's calculated over millions of spins. It is an approximation of the average return for players when playing a slot game and not necessarily what players will have every time they play.

As the RTP is an estimate, it is generally a good choice for slots players to go for slots games with higher RTP since they help minimize their game losses over time.

Volatility/Variance

Volatility, also referred to as variance is another key term slots players must understand. 

Slots games can also be classified according to their volatility, which means a game can either be low, medium, or high volatility. A low volatile game means a greater probability of regular wins but in small amounts. On the other hand, highly volatile games mean winning is typically big but very few win.

The Most Common Types of Slots

There are different kinds of slots. Here are some of the common types.

Classic Slots (Three-Reel Slots)
Classic Slots (Three-Reel Slots)

Classic three-reel slots are like old-style slots often found in arcades, bars, and casino floors. They often come with simple gameplay, designs, and features and normally don't offer bonus features or sounds or noise. It's a perfect choice for those who want simplicity in their slot games.

Video Slots (Five-Reel Slots)
Video Slots (Five-Reel Slots)

Five reel video slots are the most sought-after online slots. These slots typically offer sophisticated designs, graphics, and soundtracks. What draws many players to video online slots are their many features such as bonus games, wilds, scatter, and free spins, to name a few.

Six and Seven Reel Slots
Six and Seven Reel Slots

Six and seven reel slots are like their five reel video slot counterparts. They also have advanced and enticing graphics and designs and offer various features to make the game more exciting.

Megaways Slots
Megaways Slots

Megaways slots have been making waves in recent years among players around the world including those from Ireland. These slot games offer different mechanics from the usual slots with their random reel modifier that typically changes the number of symbols and layout with every spin. This means hundreds of thousands of ways to win.

Branded Slots
Branded Slots

Branded slots offer a more immersive way of enjoying slot games. These games offer characters, themes, and even video clips from famous TV shows, movies, or other iconic brands.

3D Slots
3D Slots

3D slots are one of the most innovative developments in the iGaming industry in recent years. 3D slots are much like video slots in terms of game features and gameplay but they boast more advanced design, graphics, and animation. Plus, 3D slots often have more solid storylines for their games.

Jackpot Slots
Jackpot Slots

Jackpot slots, as its name implies, offer life-changing big winnings. There are, however, two jackpot slots, namely, standard and progressive. Standard jackpot games have a fixed jackpot while progressive ones have a pot size that grows as more players place their bets. Generally, the payouts of standard jackpot games are smaller than progressive jackpot slots.

Free Slots VS Real Money Slots

Free slots games are also fun and exciting but many slot players still choose to play real money slots games because they can win. Below are the reasons why you may want to consider one over the other.

Real Money Slots

  • You have chances of winning the pot money, making the game more exciting
  • You can choose progressive jackpots
  • Players also lose money especially if they're not playing responsibly

Free Slots

  • Can play instantly even without registration or app download
  • Players can play without providing personal and financial information
  • No possibility of winning real money

Mobile Slots: Play on the Go

Mobile slots have grown in popularity in recent years. Mobile slot gaming, after all, offers convenience like no other as players get to enjoy slot games anytime and anywhere. As long as you have a smartphone or a tablet, then you can play slots any chance you have.

Most online casino Irish casino sites offer mobile slots as games are optimized for small screens.

Android Slots

The Android Platform is one of the most popular OS these days, which is why there are plenty of Android slot games, too. You can play real money Android slots either via the mobile browser or you can also choose to download online casino software.

iPhone Slots

Around the world, there are thousands of players enjoying slot games on their iPhones. Most slots games, after all, are optimized for iOS devices and offer advanced graphics and sophisticated design.

iPad Slots

iPhone and iPad slots are highly similar since these two have almost the same operating system, iOS. iPad slots games are also optimized for small screens and offer players great-looking design and graphics.

Slots Strategy Tips

Slots are very much dependent on luck, which means there are no strategies you can employ to help you win. But there are still some slot strategy tips you can follow so you can optimize every game.

Opt for smaller Jackpots
Opt for smaller Jackpots

Consider choosing games with small jackpots rather than big progressive pot money. While it is perfectly normal to want big wins, remember smaller pots typically offer more chances of winning.

Know and understand the paytable
Know and understand the paytable

Don't start playing without understanding how the payable works. Each slot game has unique features and symbols and the best way to make sense of them is to understand the paytable.

Don't snub the classics
Don't snub the classics

The classic slot games may be a lot simpler than other slot games but they usually offer a higher payout percentage. It may be tempting to go for the newly released video slots games but remember the virtues of the classic slots game.

Search for bonus rounds
Search for bonus rounds

Be on alert for the bonus rounds as they can provide you with jackpot and free spins. If you know your payline and be on the lookout for the bonus rounds, then you also increase your chances of winning.

Go for the safe casino sites
Go for the safe casino sites

Only play real money online slots at reputable and reliable online fast payout casino sites.

Online Slot Tournaments in Ireland

The best new casinos in Ireland usually host online slots tournaments according to a particular slot such as a newly released slot or classic game.

You can have more fun by joining these slots tournaments where you can bid to complete exciting challenges to go up the leaderboard and win prizes. Prizes are often big such as trips, cash, or gadgets.

Many times casinos work with software casino providers in hosting slots tournaments as part of the marketing efforts of a newly released or popular slot game.

Top 5 Slot Software Providers

Fortunately for slot lovers, there are a good number of talented casino software providers that come up with new and exciting slot games every year. Here are five of the top slot providers.

Playtech
Playtech

Playtech has produced some of the highly sought-after slots games like Superman, The Matrix, American Dad, and Top Gun. Playtech is also known for producing Magic Seven and Age of the Gods.

Microgaming
Microgaming

This is one of the biggest and best slot providers. This Isle of Man-based company has hundreds of slots titles including the very popular Game of Thrones, Mega Moolah, Thunderstruck II, and Mermaid Millions.

Novomatic
Novomatic

This Austrian gaming full-service provider is on the software market for more than 40 years. It regularly releases new slots, the most popular slots are Sizzling Hot, Book of Ra, and Lord of the Ocean.

IGT
IGT

This multinational company specialises in slot machines and other gambling technology and is the first provider to launch branded video game slots. The most popular are Family Guy, Da Vinci Diamonds, Pharaoh's Fortune, and Cleopatra.

NetEnt
NetEnt

Gonzo's, Starburst, Mega Fortune, and Quest are some of the all-time favorite slot games made by NetENt. This Swedish Software casino maker also produced branded slots tiles like Hell's Kitchen.

Common Misconceptions About Online Slots

Online casino gaming along with slots has been around for many years now. Sadly, there are still many misconceptions regarding slots games, which many people believe. We will debunk them here one by one.

Slots are hot and cold
Slots are hot and cold

Many believe that slot game machines go hot and cold. This means that sometimes the slot games would be active and paying and other times when it won't let anyone win and won't payout. This, however, isn't true since slots use the Random number generator, an algorithm that randomly generates game outcomes.

Online casinos and slot games are manipulated
Online casinos and slot games are manipulated

One of the common misconceptions about slot games and generally online casino gaming is that they are rigged. This, however, has no basis because a reputable online casino is licensed and closely regulated by authorities to ensure a fair, secure, and safe gaming experience.

A close call means a greater probability of success
A close call means a greater probability of success

Many slot players also think that close calls during a spin mean a greater chance of winning in the next few rounds. This, again, however, is false. A player's chances of winning remain the same during every spin.

Wait a long time to win another jackpot after winning one
Wait a long time to win another jackpot after winning one

Many also tend to think that players will need to wait for a long time to hit a jackpot after previously landing a jackpot in a previous slot game. This is not true because anything is possible since game outcomes are always random, thanks to the random number generator.

Free slots mean more winnings
Free slots mean more winnings

Practically every online casino has demo versions, allowing players to play for free to become familiar with the game before making real money bets. Contrary to popular belief these free versions do not offer greater winning chances, demo versions use random number generators to ensure the fairness of games.

Conclusion

Slots casinos offer a wide variety of slot machines, including classic games, video slots and progressive jackpots. Research shows that these casinos offer slot games from a variety of top casino software developers. Hopefully, this guide will help you better understand how slots and the best Irish slots casinos work.

Yes, slots sites usually offer slot bonuses.
These online casino sites may, for example, offer free spins that can be used for a specific slot title. Some sites may also offer no deposit bonuses that can also be used for slots games.
You can avoid rigged slots games by playing at reputable and licensed online casino sites.
Before playing real money slots games, make sure to research if the casino site has a license to operate. Reputable online casinos also have their slot games and other games regularly audited for game fairness by third-party entities.
Slot volatility shows how many times a slot game pays out and the various multiples on wins. When choosing a slot game, keep in mind that a highly volatile slot game may payout fewer times but the winnings are massive. Lower volatile slot winnings may be smaller but happen more frequently.

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