featured-img-payline.png

Online slots have rocketed in popularity, offering online entertainment combined with the possibility of winning real cash prizes. With thousands of titles to choose from, there’s an almost endless selection of [slots to play](https://casinogrounds.com/slots/) at online casinos. 

However, although it’s helpful to have Lady Luck on your side, slots are also about strategy. Managing your bankroll and balancing risk and reward are all part of smart game tactics. In order to do this effectively, it’s essential to understand the payline mathematics. This includes how payouts work and the odds that apply. 

In this guide, we take a closer look at how paylines work, how to read paytables, and how to read the slot stats. 

## The Importance of Understanding Payouts and Odds

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1723206270/blog/Payline%20Math:%20Understanding%20Payouts%20and%20Odds%20in%20Slot%20Games/img-.png" alt="Slots payouts and odds" />

Online slots aren’t just a single entity. They come in many shapes and forms, with a variety of different types of payline. The payline is one of the most important elements, as this is how players win prizes while playing slots. 

Although there are many different [types of paylines](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/payline-configurations-in-online-slots/), the principle is the same for all. Match up the required number of symbols along an active payline to win prizes. The number of symbols you need to win and the payout you’ll receive will be outlined in the paytable. 

Online slots will check for winning spins and award prizes automatically. This means, in theory, you don’t need to know the rules to play. However, in order to devise the best strategy for your budget, it’s really important to understand what you could receive and your likelihood of winning. 

With [online casinos](https://casinogrounds.com/casinos/), the odds of winning are usually expressed as a percentage known as the Return to Player (RTP). We’ll take a look at this in more detail a little further down. It’s a good idea to check the RTP when deciding whether to play a game because it will allow you to understand whether the odds of winning are higher or lower. 

The amount you could win is also highly relevant. For example, you might be willing to bet more money on a slot that has the potential to pay out big prizes. Conversely, if the top payout is relatively low, you might prefer to play with a lower stake. 

There’s no right or wrong way to play, but it is important to set a strategy that matches your style and your budget. Understanding the probability of a win and the size of any potential payout will enable you to make informed choices. 

You can find out how much you could win by referring to the slot paytable. We’re now going to look at the data contained in every paytable and how to understand the information being presented. 

## How to Read Paytables

Every slot has a paytable, even those with just a single payline. If you’re new to playing slots, the paytable may seem a little daunting. However, once you understand the symbols, you’ll be easily able to read the paytable from any game. 

Some paytables are displayed on the main screen and are visible while playing the slot. The majority of paytables are more complex, and there’s simply not enough room on the screen to display the information. In these cases, players need to click a symbol, often an “i” or an “?” that’s typically next to the reels. This will pause the game and allow you to navigate to a fresh screen to display the full paytable, often over several pages.

The paytable will display a grid that shows the available paylines. Although the slot will always check for wins automatically, seeing where the symbols need to land for a payout is helpful and can add to the excitement during game rounds. 

A full list of the symbols will also be shown in the paytable. This includes information on how many need to land for a win and the sliding scale of prizes. The more symbols you land, the larger the payout - but not all symbols have the same value. The paytable will display the differing values of each symbol, allowing you to ascertain where the big money prizes lie. 

If any special symbols are included in the game, the paytable will show the conditions that apply to these. This includes their function in the game, their value, and how many you need to land. 

The potential prizes directly correlate to the amount you stake on each spin. The payouts increase proportionately to the amount you gamble, but this may be represented in the paytable differently. 

Sometimes, the paytable shows the number of coins you could win on each spin or sometimes the multiples of your stake payable. In other games, the paytable will show the value of each prize, which changes if you alter the stake. It will be very clear which one of these is reflected in the paytable so there’s no chance of any confusion. 

In the next section, we will examine the symbols you might find on a payline and what each means. 

### A Paytable in Practice

To demonstrate how this works in practice, take a look at the paytable below. This shows the prizes available on the popular Blueprint slot, Fishin’ Frenzy.

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1723206271/blog/Payline%20Math:%20Understanding%20Payouts%20and%20Odds%20in%20Slot%20Games/img-2_1.png" alt="Fishin Frenzy paytable" />

There are nine different types of regular symbols, and they are grouped according to their value. The prizes increase depending on how many of each symbol land; the more symbols that land, the higher the prize. 

However, the differing values of the symbols means that landing fewer of a high value symbol can deliver a bigger win than more of a low value symbol. For example, landing five of one of the 10/J/Q/K/A symbols will pay a prize of 100, based on the stake selected. But if you land buoys or a tackle box, you only need four to win the same payout. 

The top value symbol in this game is the pelican, which pays out a maximum of 2000 times your bet for a full line of five. 

All of the symbols have to land along an active payline starting from the far left reel to count towards a win.

## Slot Symbols

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1723206269/blog/Payline%20Math:%20Understanding%20Payouts%20and%20Odds%20in%20Slot%20Games/img-3_1.png" alt="Slot symbols" />

Historically, all slots had a fruity theme, which is why they were sometimes known as fruit machines. This isn’t the case now; online slots are available in virtually any theme you can imagine. This means that the style, design, and icons used in every slot are vastly different. 

Despite the wide-ranging themes available, each slot has a similar selection of symbols. The appearance of these symbols may not be the same, but their function is identical, even between different providers. 

Most symbols can be classified into one of the following groups:

### Standard Symbols

Standard symbols are the main type of icon that you’ll find on the reels. They typically make up most of the board and will feature heavily in the paytable. 

The design of standard symbols will depend on the theme of the game, but it’s common to have a selection. There is no specific number of types of standard symbols that must be included, but most slots have between 5 and 10 different ones. 

The standard symbols range in value, starting with the lowest and rising to the top-value standard symbol. Most slots require at least three standard symbols to be matched along a payline for a win at the lower end of the paytable. Some of the higher-value slots may pay out for a match of two or more. 

There’s nothing complicated about standard symbols; the goal is to land as many matching symbols as you can along a payline. The more you land on the same payline on a single spin, the more you could potentially win. Paylines usually run from left to right, so the symbols start to be counted from the far left-hand reel. 

There are some slots where the paylines are organised differently, such as running both ways, but you’ll always find this explained in the paytable. 

### Wild Symbols

Wild symbols are one of the most common types of special symbols. They may have their own value, but that’s not always the case. 

Depending on the game, wilds might not land on every reel. In some slots, they can only appear on specified reels. 

It’s very useful to land a wild as its function is to stand in for any other standard symbol. This means you can use a wild symbol to make a winning line.

Although every wild performs the same function, they sometimes appear in different forms. 

Regular wilds are only on the board for a single turn before disappearing, just like standard symbols. Sometimes, they may stay on the board for several turns; these are known as sticky wilds. 

Walking wilds are symbols which move gradually across the board on each spin before dropping off. Roaming wilds also move around on each spin, but in a less structured way. 

Wilds can sometimes have a multiplier attached; when used to complete a winning line, the multiplier will be applied to the payout. 

You can’t usually use a wild to stand in for any of the other special symbols; they can only represent standard symbols. 

### Scatter Symbols

Scatter symbols are sometimes known as bonus symbols as they typically unlock special features or a bonus round. The paytable will confirm the number of scatters that need to land at once, but it’s usually three or more. In some cases, landing more scatters will enhance the features granted in a bonus round. 

Unlike standard symbols, scatters count no matter where they land on the reels. They don’t need to line up along the same payline to be valid. This is what’s so special about scatters; they are always valid no matter where they are. 

Landing the required number of scatter symbols could unlock one of many features. The free spins round is often accessed via landing scatters and bonus features. 

The scatter, or bonus symbol as it’s sometimes known, is one of the most variable symbols. The features attached to the scatter can vary between games, so it’s vital to check the paytable carefully to see what can be unlocked and won. 

## What is RTP?

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1723206267/blog/Payline%20Math:%20Understanding%20Payouts%20and%20Odds%20in%20Slot%20Games/img-4_1.png" alt="Return To Player" />

With any type of gambling, there are always odds to consider. In other words, you need to factor in how likely you are to win. The casino will always retain what’s known as a house edge. This is industry jargon and simply means the casino's advantage over the player. 

It doesn’t matter what you like to play; every game has a [house edge](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/house-edge-in-online-casino-slots/). This includes table games, roulette, and online slots. 

Another way of describing the house edge is the Return to Player (RTP). This figure describes the likelihood the player has of winning. The RTP figure is always expressed as a percentage, and the higher it is, the better for the player. This is the opposite of the house edge; a low house edge is better for the player. 

In reality, the house edge and RTP are two sides of the same coin. For example, the hit online slot Gonzo’s Quest has a house edge of 4%. However, the house edge is rarely quoted in slots, as the RTP is usually used instead. This means that you’ll probably see Gonzo’s Quest advertised with an RTP of 96% - which is the same as a house edge of 4%!

The RTP is calculated over a very long gaming period, far greater than would be possible to play in real life. This means that it’s merely an average expected outcome; when you play for a shorter period, your actual experience may be different. 

For this reason, you should only ever use the RTP figure as a guide to help you select games where there’s a greater probability of winning. 

### Why is RTP Important?

The RTP figure is vital because it allows players to identify games with a higher average payout. Although there are no guarantees, your chances of a win are better with a slot that has a high RTP. 

The RTP figure describes how much you are likely to win back for every £100 bet when the game is played over a long period. Using the same example of Gonzo’s Quest, the RTP suggests that players will win £96 for every £100 they bet. 

This may not seem like a good deal but don’t forget the RTP is just a guide. Some players may win much higher sums, while others may lose more. As an average, the RTP is simply a way of identifying games that have a greater probability of paying out. 

When considering RTP, you should always look at the volatility too. This describes how often the payouts are made. For example, an online slot with a high RTP might sound great, but if it has a high volatility, the payouts may be infrequent yet high value. Conversely, a low-volatility slot may pay out regularly, but the prizes will be much smaller. 

The volatility of the game greatly influences the playing experience and determines how you need to manage your bankroll. High-volatility games require careful budget management so you don’t wipe out before the win hits the reels. 

Although it’s always preferable to look for a high RTP, the volatility of each game is a personal preference. Some players like to receive more frequent wins, while others are happy to hold out for longer for less frequent but higher amounts. 

One final note worth emphasising is that the top prizes payable on any slot can be paid out, regardless of volatility. Once again, the volatility of any slot is merely an average, and the individual experience may be different. 

## To Sum Up

Once you understand what each symbol means, it’s easy to work out the mathematics for each slot. Using the paytable, players can see how much can be won and what symbols need to land. 

No matter how complex the game, the paytable is always structured in the same way. RTP and volatility will also apply to every slot. If you check all of this information before you start to bet, you’ll be well-informed to devise the best strategy to improve your chances of a win. 

Master the essentials of payline math in online slots. Understand how payouts and odds work.

Payline Math: Understanding Payouts and Odds in Online Slot Games

featured-img-paylines.png

Online slots have been at the forefront of the digital gaming world for decades now, providing entertainment and potential winnings to players worldwide. A key element that defines the experience and strategy of slot gameplay is the payline configuration. Understanding paylines and their various mechanics can significantly enhance your gaming experience and help you make informed decisions about which games to play.

This article explores the different payline configurations available in [online slots](https://casinogrounds.com/slots/), offering insights into how they work and how to choose the best one based on your playing style and preferences.

## What are Paylines?

Paylines are the lines on which a slot will pay out for a winning combination. These lines can run horizontally, vertically, diagonally, or even in zigzag patterns across the reels.

The importance of paylines in slot games cannot be overstated, as they determine whether a player wins or loses based on the symbols that land on these lines. Certain combinations of game symbols will need to appear in a particular order determined by the paylines to provide a winning round.

Traditional slot machines typically had a single payline, but modern online slots can feature multiple paylines, significantly increasing the complexity and excitement of the game.

## Different Payline Configurations in Slots

### Single-Line Slots

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1722501884/blog/Get%20To%20Know%20Different%20Payline%20Configurations%20in%20Online%20Slots/img-single-line.png" alt="Single line slot" />

Single-line slots are the simplest form of slots, featuring only one payline. This configuration was common in the early days of slot gaming and is still favoured by some players for its straightforward gameplay. Such slots come within the affectionately named classic slots genre.

Single-line slots usually have three reels and one horizontal payline running through the middle. Classic examples include traditional fruit slots like "Triple Diamond" by IGT and "Mega Joker" by NetEnt.

**Advantages:** Single-line slots are easy to understand and play, especially for beginners. They also often have higher payout percentages than multi-line slots.

**Disadvantages:** The main drawback is the limited number of winning opportunities, as combinations can only form on one line.

### Multi-Line Slots

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1722501885/blog/Get%20To%20Know%20Different%20Payline%20Configurations%20in%20Online%20Slots/img-2-multi-line.png" alt="Multi line slot" />

Multi-line slots are more complex, featuring multiple paylines that can run in various directions across the reels. These slots are now the most common type found in [online casinos](https://casinogrounds.com/casinos/).

Multi-line slots can have a varying number of paylines, typically ranging from 5 to 50 or more. Common configurations include 10, 20, 25, and 50 paylines. Popular multi-line slots include "Starburst" by NetEnt (10 paylines), "Gonzo's Quest" by NetEnt (20 paylines), and "Book of Ra" by Novomatic (10 paylines).

**Advantages:** The main advantage of multi-line slots is the increased number of winning combinations. More paylines mean more opportunities to win on each spin.

**Disadvantages:** Many multi-line slots may sacrifice good odds and RTP in order to boast more paylines.

### 243 Ways to Win

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1722501885/blog/Get%20To%20Know%20Different%20Payline%20Configurations%20in%20Online%20Slots/img-243.png" alt="243 Ways to Win" />

The 243 ways to win configuration deviates from traditional paylines, offering players 243 possible winning combinations on every spin. This system increases the chances of landing winning combinations without the need to bet on specific paylines.

Instead of traditional paylines, 243 ways to win slots pay out when matching symbols appear on adjacent reels from left to right. This structure eliminates the need for players to keep track of paylines. Popular 243 ways to win slots include "Thunderstruck II" and "Immortal Romance", both by Microgaming.

**Advantages:** With 243 ways to win, players have a much higher chance of hitting a winning combination on each spin. This configuration is ideal for players who prefer a simpler, more straightforward gaming experience.

**Disadvantages:** Providing players with more ways to win usually comes at the cost of lower payouts.

### 1024 Ways to Win

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1722501885/blog/Get%20To%20Know%20Different%20Payline%20Configurations%20in%20Online%20Slots/img-1024.png" alt="1024 Ways to Win" />

Taking the concept of multiple ways to win even further, 1024 ways to win slots provide players with 1024 potential winning combinations on every spin. This configuration is commonly found in high-volatility slots, offering the potential for significant payouts.

Like the 243 ways to win, 1024 ways to win slots pay out for adjacent symbols from left to right. The increased number of ways to win is achieved by using a 5x4 reel grid instead of the traditional 5x3. Popular 1024 ways to win slots include "Buffalo" by Aristocrat and "Raging Rhino" by WMS.

**Advantages:** The main advantage is the massive number of winning combinations, which can lead to frequent wins and larger payouts.

**Disadvantages:** The disadvantages here are the same as other slots with more ways to win. The payouts tend not to be as high as slots with fewer ways to win. Slots with 1024 ways to win are often more volatile and, therefore, come with higher risk.

### Megaways™ Slots

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1722501885/blog/Get%20To%20Know%20Different%20Payline%20Configurations%20in%20Online%20Slots/img-megaways.png" alt="Megaways slots" />

Megaways™ slots, developed by Big Time Gaming, revolutionised the online slot industry with its dynamic and unpredictable payline structure. These slots offer up to 117,649 ways to win on every spin.

Megaways™ slots use a random reel modifier that changes the number of symbols appearing on each reel with every spin. This results in a different number of paylines on each spin, creating a highly dynamic and exciting gameplay experience. Popular Megaways™ slots include "Bonanza" by Big Time Gaming and "Extra Chilli" by Big Time Gaming.

**Advantages:** The potential for massive payouts and the constant variation in gameplay make Megaways™ slots highly engaging. They also often feature numerous bonus features like cascading reels and free spins.

**Disadvantages:** Megaways™ is a trademarked feature that needs to be integrated into slot games. Therefore, there is a smaller selection of these types of games available.

### Innovative Payline Features

Modern slot games have introduced various innovative payline features to enhance player experience and engagement. These features often add new layers of excitement and potential rewards.

- **Cascading Reels:** Also known as avalanche reels, this feature removes winning symbols from the reels, allowing new symbols to fall into place and create additional winning combinations. Examples include "Gonzo's Quest" by NetEnt and "Vikings Go Berzerk" by Yggdrasil.
- **Expanding Paylines:** Some slots feature paylines that expand during bonus rounds or special features, increasing the number of potential winning combinations. An example of such a slot is "Pink Elephants" by Thunderkick, where paylines can expand to provide more winning opportunities.
- **Cluster Pays:** Instead of traditional paylines, cluster pay slots award wins for clusters of matching symbols touching horizontally or vertically. Examples include "Aloha! Cluster Pays" by NetEnt and "Reactoonz" by Play'n GO.

## Tips for Choosing the Right Payline Configuration Based on Player Style

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1722501884/blog/Get%20To%20Know%20Different%20Payline%20Configurations%20in%20Online%20Slots/img-players.png" alt="Online casino players with different playing styles" />

Selecting the right payline configuration can significantly impact your gaming experience and potential winnings. Here are some tips for choosing the best configuration based on your playing style.

###  For Beginners

Single-line or fewer multi-line slots are ideal for beginners. These configurations help newcomers understand the basics without overwhelming complexity.

Start with low-stakes bets to minimise risk while learning the game mechanics. Use free or demo versions of slot games to practise and get a feel for payline behaviour before betting real money.

### For Casual Players

Slots with a moderate number of paylines, 10 to 25, for example, offer a good balance between winning opportunities and gameplay simplicity.

Experiment with different multi-line configurations and explore various themes and features. Set and stick to a budget, focusing on entertainment value over chasing big wins.

### For Experienced Players

Slots with more paylines, such as 243 ways to win or 1024 ways to win, provide more winning combinations and strategic depth. These slots will certainly be more interesting for experienced online casino players.

Look for slots with bonus features like free spins, multipliers, and wild symbols to enhance winnings. Be flexible with your betting strategy based on the slot's volatility and payline structure.

### For High Rollers

Activate the maximum number of paylines to ensure the highest chances of winning on every spin. High rollers should consider slots with high volatility and large maximum bets.

Place higher bets to fully leverage the slot's payout potential, but also remember that greater risk is involved. Look for slots with progressive jackpots for the chance of significant wins.

## Checking The Paytables

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1722501883/blog/Get%20To%20Know%20Different%20Payline%20Configurations%20in%20Online%20Slots/img-payout-tables.png" alt="How to check online slot paytable" />

More information regarding a slot's paylines can be found in the paytables. These are an essential feature of any slot, providing players with crucial information about the game's payouts, symbols, and bonus features.

A paytable is typically accessible from the main game screen. It details how much each symbol is worth, the combinations that yield payouts, and any special symbols like wilds or scatters that can trigger bonus rounds. From there, you can see which symbols will pay out what when landing on a payline that triggers a winning combination.

By familiarising themselves with the paytable, players can better strategise their bets and maximise their chances of hitting rewarding combinations. 

### Understanding Odds and RTP

The odds and Return to Player (RTP) percentages are ever-present factors that influence a player's potential for winning in slot games. RTP is a theoretical percentage that indicates how much of the total bets placed on a slot are expected to be returned to players over time. For example, a slot with an RTP of 96% is designed to return €96 for every €100 wagered, although this is calculated over a long period and numerous players. 

It is important to consider that a slot may offer more paylines and ways to win at the expense of providing a lower RTP. It is recommended that you always check a slot's RTP, with the bigger numbers always being better. While [slots with high RTPs](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/top-bonus-buy-slots-with-the-highest-rtp/) and favourable odds don't guarantee wins, they can enhance a player's overall gaming strategy by providing insights into which games may offer more frequent or substantial payouts. 

## Conclusion

Online slots have evolved significantly over the years, offering players a wide range of payline configurations to choose from. Each configuration provides a unique gameplay experience with varying levels of complexity and winning potential. From the simplicity of single-line slots to the dynamic excitement of Megaways™ slots, understanding how paylines work can help you maximise your enjoyment and success in online gaming.

As you explore the different payline configurations, keep in mind the tips provided for choosing the right configuration based on your playing style. By familiarising yourself with the various payline configurations and their advantages, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions and enhance your overall gaming experience. So, take the time to explore, experiment, and find the slot games that best match your preferences!


More From CasinoGrounds

Curious about online slot paylines? Explore the different configurations, their benefits, and how to choose the best setup for your gaming style.

Get To Know Different Payline Configurations in Online Slots

featured-img-buy-slots.png

Landing a win on an online slot game never fails to be thrilling, but it’s the bonus feature that holds the real excitement. However, as many players will testify, it’s not always easy to hit the special combination that unlocks the bonus play. 

But there’s another option that offers a shortcut to that all-important bonus round: the bonus buy feature. 

In this guide, we examine the bonus buys in more detail, including how to use them and what factors to be aware of. 

## What is the Bonus Buy Feature?

Every slot game has a range of symbols which need to land on the reels in a certain combination to win. The required symbols to unlock the bonus round are much harder to land. And with no absolute guarantees of success, you could play for a whole session without ever unlocking the bonus round.

The attraction of the bonus round is that it typically offers the largest payouts. Some of them offer a guaranteed win, so once the bonus round is triggered, you’ll definitely win something. This isn’t the case with all types of bonus rounds, so it’s always important to check the game information and be clear on the potential before deciding how much to bet.  

Bonus rounds also offer some fun gameplay, so they’re attractive for many reasons. However, the difficulty involved in hitting the bonus combination can be rather frustrating! 

Bonus Buy feature offers an alternative way to unlock the bonus round. Rather than playing for an unspecified amount of time and bearing the cost, players can opt to buy entry into the bonus round via the Bonus Buy. 

The terms of each Bonus Buy will determine what exactly you’ll get in the bonus round. Sometimes it might just be a straightforward case of providing access. In other games where players can enter the bonus round with different types of special symbols, there might be the option to select different Bonus Buy features. 

Once the Bonus Buy has been purchased, the bonus round will be triggered, but other than that the gameplay will continue as normal. There are no special advantages in the bonus round for players who have used the Bonus Buy feature. 

## How to Use the Bonus Buy Feature

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1717488259/blog/All%20About%20Bonus%20Buy%20Slots:%20Benefits%20and%20Drawbacks/img-bonus-buy-1.png" alt="How to Use the Bonus Buy Feature" />


You don’t need to be a slots whizz to use the bonus buy feature, as it’s very easy to activate. 

Most slots that offer this option feature it clearly on the screen, typically right next to the reels. This means that you can opt for the bonus buy at any point during the game when you’re due to place a bet. 

If there are various Bonus Buy options, you’ll see these on screen. To activate the feature, simply click on the Bonus Buy. You should be able to clearly see the price of the feature and what extras you’ll receive, if any. 

The cost of the Bonus Buy will be deducted from your account balance, so you’ll need to have sufficient funds to make the purchase. 

Once you’ve confirmed the Bonus Buy, the reels will usually spin again and the bonus combination will magically land - who’d have guessed?! This will then allow you to progress to the bonus round where you will play it out as normal. 

### How Much Does It Cost?

The prospect of a Bonus Buy may have you busting to dive in, but before you activate the feature, there’s one very important question to answer: how much does it cost?

Every slot sets its own price for the Bonus Buy, but it’s not usually a cheap option. Gaining instant access to the bonus round doesn’t come cheap, so it’s essential to fully understand the cost and the full benefits.

The cost of a Bonus Buy feature typically ranges from x50 to x200, averaging at x100. However, prices can fall outside this range, with some Bonus Buy features costing up to x2000 (San Quentin xWays by Nolimit City). 

Most games that offer a really expensive Bonus Buy often have cheaper options, which include fewer benefits. For example, [San Quentin xWays](https://casinogrounds.com/slots/#san-quentin-xways) offers five bonus symbols plus three Jumping Wilds in return for x2000. But players can also opt for x100 Bonus Buy that includes three bonus symbols and one Jumping Wild. 

As always, it’s vital to read the terms so you’re absolutely clear about the different options available and what’s included in each. 

As we mentioned above, the [Bonus Buy in slots](https://casinogrounds.com/slots/bonus-buy/) doesn’t confer any extra advantages, so you won’t get an enhanced chance of a big win. With some bonus features, there’s no guarantee of any win at all, and even if you do win, you might not recoup what you’ve spent on the Bonus Buy. 

That’s why the decision to purchase a Bonus needs to be balanced carefully, in the same way that you’d carefully plan how much to gamble on each spin. The Bonus Buy should always be part of your overall playing strategy and not something that you impulsively dive into. 

The reason this is important is that the Bonus Buy feature can be very expensive on some slots. Of course, there’s always the potential to hit eye-watering wins, but that’s the exception rather than the norm. 

## Which Slots Include Bonus Buy Features?

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1717488259/blog/All%20About%20Bonus%20Buy%20Slots:%20Benefits%20and%20Drawbacks/img-bonus-buy-2.png" alt="Slots with bonus buy" />

If you’ve never seen a Bonus Buy feature before, that’s because they can’t be found on every game. Not every developer offers a Bonus Buy, and they may not include it in every single game in their library. 

In addition, the [Bonus Buy feature is completely banned in some countries, such as the UK](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/bonus-buy-slots-regulations-in-uk/), so they can’t be found at all in those regions. This means that you could play the same online slot in different jurisdictions and have different Bonus Buy options. 

The popularity of the Bonus Buy feature means that there are now hundreds of titles to choose from, covering every niche and style of play. You should choose your slot in the same way as you would normally do, taking account of your favourite provider, RTP, volatility, max payout, and so on, while also factoring in the available Bonus Buy. 

Some of the most popular Bonus Buy slots include:

- [Gates of Olympus - Pragmatic Play](https://casinogrounds.com/slots/#gates-of-olympus)
- [Fruit Party - Pragmatic Play](https://casinogrounds.com/slots/#fruit-party)
- [Big Bass Splash - Reel Kingdom](https://casinogrounds.com/slots/#big-bass-splash)
- [Mental - NoLimit City](https://casinogrounds.com/slots/#mental)
- [Vikings Go Berzerk Reloaded - Yggdrasil](https://casinogrounds.com/slots/#vikings-go-berzerk-reloaded)
- [Book of Toro - Elk Studios](https://casinogrounds.com/slots/#book-of-toro)
- [Big Bamboo - Push Gaming](https://casinogrounds.com/slots/#big-bamboo)
- [Sugar Rush - Pragmatic Play](https://casinogrounds.com/slots/#sugar-rush)

As can be seen from the above selection, there are all types of online slots that offer a Bonus Buy feature, giving the maximum choice for gameplay. 

## What to Consider Before Using the Bonus Buy

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1717488259/blog/All%20About%20Bonus%20Buy%20Slots:%20Benefits%20and%20Drawbacks/img-bonus-buy-3.png" alt="Bonus buy pros and cons" />

Guaranteed access to the bonus round might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s not as straightforward as it might initially seem. Before clicking enthusiastically on the Bonus Buy button, make sure you’ve fully considered whether it’s the right move. 

Although it’s theoretically possible to win a big prize in any slot, each game has its own structure. This means that it can be much easier to trigger the bonus round in some slots or that the chances of a higher payout during the bonus are greater. Much of this has to do with the combined effect of the RTP and volatility, and it’s essential to understand both before mapping out your strategy. 

For this reason, it’s a good idea to try out the demo version of the game before you start gambling. This will allow you to get a feel for how the game plays and what the volatility and RTP are like in practice. We have compiled [a list of Top Bonus Buy Slots with high RTP](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/top-bonus-buy-slots-with-the-highest-rtp/), providing players with an informed starting point for their gaming adventures. These slots not only offer thrilling gameplay experiences but also maximise your chances of winning.

The Bonus Buy feature won’t normally count towards wagering requirements and may even invalidate a payout. Therefore, if you’re trying to fulfil wagering requirements after claiming a bonus, it’s probably best to avoid the Bonus Buy temporarily. 

The cost of the Bonus Buy should also be properly considered. If you can trigger the bonus round fairly quickly in regular play, the high price of a Bonus Buy might not be cost-effective. This is particularly the case if the wins from the bonus round tend to be relatively small.

You also need to think about what the attraction of the Bonus Buy is for you - is it because you’re hoping for a big win, or just because you enjoy the thrill of the bonus round? If it’s just because you want to maximise your potential payout, you need to be extra careful. In some slots, the Bonus Buy cost is set relatively low, but in other games, it’s very high. Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security; remember that the casino always has the house edge, so you’re never guaranteed to come out on top financially. 

It’s very easy to get caught up in the excitement of playing online slots, so it’s advisable to always start with a playing budget. This stops you from overspending and ensures that you don’t play with money that you can’t afford to lose. The Bonus Buy should always come out of your playing budget, and this may reduce your overall playing time if the cost is high. Don’t go over your budget because of the temptation of the Bonus Buy - remember, you can always come back and play on another day! 

## Pros and Cons of Bonus Buy Slots

The Bonus Buy option is controversial, but there are pros and cons of this particular feature. Here’s an overview of the main advantages and drawbacks of playing the Bonus Buy:

### Pros

- You are guaranteed to trigger the bonus instantly
- It may be cheaper to reach the bonus than constantly betting on each turn and hoping for the best
- It provides instant access to the highest potential payouts
- Players can enjoy the most thrilling part of the game straight away
- Instant gratification provides more interest
- Provides high rollers with more options than straight gameplay
- Offers higher potential rewards for shorter play sessions
- The RTP may be higher during bonus rounds

### Cons

- There is no guaranteed win
- It can be expensive, especially if you want to play with the top option
- You can wipe out your bankroll more quickly
- It might cost more than waiting to trigger the bonus during regular gameplay
- The bonus payouts might be lower than the cost of the Bonus Buy
- Some players prefer the challenge of triggering a bonus naturally

## To Bonus Buy or Not Bonus Buy, That Is The Question…

There’s no right or wrong answer about whether to use the Bonus Buy facility. As we’ve described above, much depends on the game, the RTP/volatility, and the available bankroll. 

For some slots, the Bonus Buy feature has the potential to provide a real advantage, while in other games, it may not be worth its cost. 

For many players, the best avenue is to experiment with the [demo slot games](https://casinogrounds.com/slots/) first and then try out the Bonus Buy on the slots, where it looks like a good option. And just like all types of online play, if it’s not working for you on one slot, then move on to another. There’s no point in persisting with something that isn’t delivering when there are countless other online slots to try out instead!

Curious about bonus buy slots? Our detailed blog post explores their benefits and drawbacks, helping you understand if they're worth the investment.

All About Bonus Buy Slots: Benefits and Drawbacks

featured-img-rtp.png

Looking for high RTP Bonus Buy slots? Check out our curated list of the best slots with top payout potential.

Top Bonus Buy Slots with the Highest RTP

featured-img-uk.svg

With an explosion in the number of online slots and casino games, there’s never been more competition in the market. As players take their pick of the many titles available, one of the features that can help a game succeed is a thrilling bonus round. 

However, as many players know, triggering a bonus round is not always easy. The bonus buy is an alternative to waiting for the bonus to be naturally triggered, but players in the UK no longer have this option. 

In this article, we’ll take a look at the UK gambling regulations and what this means for [bonus buy slot games](https://casinogrounds.com/slots/bonus-buy/). 

## What Are Bonus Buy Slots?

Before diving into the regulations any further, let’s first briefly cover what is meant by “bonus buy”. 

As the name suggests, the bonus buy option allows players to shortcut their way to the bonus round by buying access. Rather than waiting for the right combination of symbols to land, players can gain instant access to the bonus round by paying the specified price. The price of the bonus buy option varies significantly from game to game but typically starts from x100 up. 

The bonus buy does not provide additional benefits; there is no guarantee of a bigger win than if you’d triggered the bonus via traditional means. More specifically, there is no guarantee that players will win more in the bonus round than the bonus buy costs. 

The bonus buy feature was first introduced by innovative developer Big Time Gaming in its White Rabbit slot, and it wasn’t long before other providers followed suit. For a while, the bonus buy option was available on many different casino games in the UK. 

However, you probably won’t have seen bonus buy slots in the UK for some time, and next, we’re going to look at the reason for that. 

## Legal Status of Bonus Buy Games in the UK

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1714640830/blog/How%20Do%20UK%20Regulations%20Affect%20Bonus%20Buy%20Slot%20Games/img-image-1.png" alt="bonus buy slots regulations in UK" />

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) regulates the gambling industry in the UK. In 2019, the UKGC introduced a raft of measures designed to protect vulnerable players and prevent spending from escalating out of control. 

Under sections 89 and 97 of the Gambling Act 2005, there are clauses which directly address remote gambling and, more specifically, technical standards for software. These clauses are known collectively as RTS: Remote Gambling and Software Technical Standards. RTS was first launched in 2016 and represented the first proper review of gambling standards in this area since 2007. From 2016 onwards, the UKGC has repeatedly tightened the controls relating to remote gambling in a series of moves designed to provide better protection for players. 

Bonus buys are not mentioned explicitly within the Gambling Act nor the RTC but are covered by the wording of clause 14a, which states:

>Gambling products must not actively encourage customers to chase their losses, increase their stake or increase the amount they have decided to gamble, or continue to gamble after they have indicated that they wish to stop.

Although not explicitly referenced, the above clause effectively bans bonus buy slots in the UK. The bonus buy option increases the stake significantly and, therefore, breaches the guidelines set out in the RTS. 

The UKGC regularly checks for compliance with this standard and will take action against any casino that allows bonus buy features. The RTS makes it illegal for any UK-licensed casino to include a bonus buy option for online slots. 

## The Effect of the Ban on Bonus Buy Games

Bonus buy games still exist, but they can’t be offered legally by casinos licensed in the UK. The UK market is protected by very stringent regulation, which is why a UKGC licence is considered as one of the best indicators that an operator has high standards. 

However this doesn’t mean that bonus buy games can’t be found elsewhere. Not all regulators have banned bonus buy slots, [online casinos](https://casinogrounds.com/casinos/) licensed by Malta Gaming Authority being the prime example.

The same slots with and without the bonus buy options can be found in different casinos. The versions found in UK-licensed casinos will have the bonus buy option deactivated, but other casinos overseas may feature the same slots with the bonus buy included. 

This means that it’s possible to find bonus buy games to play online, but you won’t have the protection of the UKGC. You also won’t be able to play bonus buy slots when physically located in the UK.

In the UK, casinos simply cannot offer bonus buy games while staying on the right side of the law. However, the gambling industry excels at innovation and new types of games have since sprung up. 

Examples include slots where there’s no base game, simply a bonus round. When you spin the reels, you’ll trigger the bonus round, or it will be a losing spin. Money Cart 2 from Relax Gaming falls into this category, aiming to please players who just want to play the bonus round. While this isn’t strictly the same as the bonus buy feature, it is an alternative where the sole focus is the bonus round and the potential large payout. 

The UKGC didn’t take long to ban bonus buy options from casino games; it only took around two years from when the feature was initially launched. Unlike other features where there was a consultation first, such as when autoplay was banned, the position on bonus buy was very clear. As a breach of the UKGC rules stipulating that stakes cannot be increased, there was no way this feature would be permitted. 

Changes in the UK legislation do not appear to have had an impact on casino games; online play is more popular than ever. Software developers will continue to innovate but will need to be mindful to remain within the framework that the UKGC permits. 

## Bonus Buy Ban and Responsible Gambling

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1714640829/blog/How%20Do%20UK%20Regulations%20Affect%20Bonus%20Buy%20Slot%20Games/img-image-3.png" alt="bonus buy and responsible gambling" />

A lot of work has been done on responsible gambling, with online casinos and sportsbooks working closely with regulators to promote healthy playing habits. It’s compulsory for UK-licensed casinos to adopt a responsible approach and have a range of measures to protect vulnerable players. 

Many of the tools support clear and obvious ways to protect vulnerable players, such as the option to self-exclude or by offering a cap on daily deposits. 

However, as more research has been carried out, casinos have adopted increasingly sophisticated tools to prevent problems in the early stages. This includes measures that help players to identify when they might be playing or spending too much. These tools are designed to promote self-awareness and to help individuals recognise where their own healthy boundaries lie. 

Some of these support mechanisms are as simple as prompts on screen which flag long playing sessions. This can help to increase awareness for players who might be caught up in the excitement of the gameplay. 

Banning bonus buys is another protective measure that prevents impulsive overspending. It’s advisable to play casino games with a clear budget and game plan, but a bonus buy option can easily blitz all of this. Bonus buy options typically come at a hefty price, and as discussed above, there’s no guarantee that you’ll win at all, let alone win more than you’ve just spent. There can also be the temptation to keep using the bonus buy option until you “win big”, which, of course, is never guaranteed. All of this is contrary to responsible gaming, which is why the UKGC took steps to remove bonus buys from the UK market. 

The removal of the bonus buy option was controversial and wasn’t universally welcomed. Some parts of the industry called for a limit on the price of a bonus buy instead of an outright ban. Although bonus buys can be found from around x100, some slots charge much more, and one argument suggests that only these higher-priced features should have been banned. 

However, a ban on the more expensive bonus buys wouldn’t have solved the issue of impulsive overspending. The UKGC’s position is that any incentive to spend more after a stake has already been wagered is potentially harmful. For this reason, it’s clear that bonus buy features could never be part of the UKGC’s responsible gaming policy.

Explore the intricate web of UK regulations and their impact on bonus buy slot games in our latest blog post.

How Do UK Regulations Affect Bonus Buy Slot Games

featured-img-House-Edge-Online-Casino-Slots.png

Online slots are great fun to play, but let’s be honest: it’s not just about enjoying yourself; everyone wants to win some money too. While nothing is ever guaranteed, playing online casino slots offers the potential to collect real cash prizes - but to do this, you’ll have to face the house edge. 

Every casino has a house edge over the player, but it doesn’t always unfold in the same way. How can you beat the house edge? And how can you find online slots with the lowest house edge? We’ll cover these questions and more in our easy-to-follow house edge guide.

## What is a House Edge and How Does It Work With Slots?

Another way to describe house edge would be the house advantage, and it’s the method that casinos use to ensure that they collect more money than they pay out. 

While it’s perfectly possible to walk away with a profit after a session [playing online slots](https://casinogrounds.com/slots/), the casino has a better chance statistically. This is what’s known as the house edge. 

The house edge is usually expressed as a percentage, and can vary from 1% to 10%, or more. The lower the house edge percentage, the better this is for the player as this percentage figure represents the size of the advantage that the casino holds. 

With some types of casino games, the house edge is always the same, unless there’s a version released that has a variation in the rules. For example, the house edge for standard European roulette is 2.76%. 

For slots, the house edge is different for every game, so it’s important to check before you start playing. For example, the house edge for Starburst is 3.9%, while the house edge for Gonzo’s Quest is 4%. What’s particularly interesting about this is that both slots are made by industry giant NetEnt, demonstrating that even slots from the same software provider can be very different. You can find slots with an even lower house edge; Blood Suckers - also by NetEnt - has a house edge of just 2%.

Although every slot can have a different house edge, the principle still works in the same way. The mathematical mechanics of the game have been set up to give the casino a greater probability of winning when it’s played over an extended period of time. 

What’s important to understand about the house edge is that it reflects the statistical likelihood. This doesn’t mean this will be the same when you play. A house edge is based on the probable outcomes when played for a very long period, far greater than any single session. Therefore, when you play slots, the outcome may be different. The casino may collect more than their house edge if you have a losing session, or if you hit a hot streak, you might end up with more than you started with. 

## Understanding RTP

The house edge for many casino games is often used as a measure for players. It’s a useful tool in determining the probability of winning a game. 

However, the house edge is rarely quoted for slots; instead, a measure called RTP is typically used. 

RTP is an acronym for “Return To Player”, and it measures the same thing as a house edge, but in the opposite way. While a house edge measures the advantage a casino holds, the RTP describes the probability of a player winning. 

In the previous section, we described Gonzo’s Quest as having a house edge of 4%. This slot is more commonly described as having an RTP of 96%. When you put these two figures together, you can see how they are two sides of the same coin. To give a second example, the RTP of Starburst is 96.1%, which again, together with the house edge of 3.9%, provides the full picture. 

You can use either the house edge or RTP to understand the probability of winning a game; they both describe the same thing. The RTP is typically used to express this figure for slots, but it’s easy to work out the house edge once you know the RTP if this is your preference. 

Just like the house edge, the RTP is simply an indication of the probable outcome when the game is played for a very long time. It provides a statistical insight, but your playing experience could be significantly better or worse depending on your luck and your strategy (but more about that below).

It’s also worth emphasising here that while a low house edge is preferable for players, the opposite is true for the RTP. The higher the RTP, the better your statistical chances of winning from the slot.

## House Edge And The Impact of Volatility

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1712749795/blog/House%20Edge%20in%20Online%20Casino%20Slots:%20What%20You%20Need%20to%20Know/img-House-Edge-Online-Casino-Slots-1.png" alt="Casino slot and volatility" />

It’s important to check a slot's RTP, as it provides valuable insight into the probable outcome. While a high RTP doesn’t guarantee a payout, it does mean there’s a better chance the game will pay out. 

However, another statistic that can affect the playing experience and the winnings you might collect is volatility, which is typically described as low, medium, or high. 

A slot with low volatility means that winnings will appear regularly but will typically be for a smaller amount. This doesn’t mean that you’ll never win larger prizes, but that these will be rarer. At the opposite end of the scale are high volatility slots. These pay out much less frequently, but with the typical win having a higher value. A high volatility slot doesn’t mean you’ll be regularly collecting jackpot wins, but there will be fewer low-value spins. 

A medium volatility slot sits in the middle of these two extremes, with reasonably regular wins of an average amount. 

The precise value of the payouts depends on the range of the slot you are playing, and the stake you have wagered. 

The volatility of a game will have an impact on how you play. If a casino slot has a high RTP but also a high volatility, you might have long periods without a win. This doesn’t mean that the RTP is inaccurate, but the larger, less frequent payouts are what pushes the RTP figure up. If you don’t have a generous budget and a sensible strategy, high volatility slots can be hard to manage. 

Conversely, a slot with a low RTP might deliver very frequent wins if it has low volatility. The low value of these wins means that the RTP is still an accurate reflection of the statistical likelihood, but just paid out in a different way. 

So what does all of this mean for the house edge? Let’s be clear: volatility doesn’t change the advertised house edge or RTP. However, the playing experience can be altered by the volatility. If you are playing a slot with high volatility, the house edge may feel much higher if you are on a long stretch without any wins. This is why the two factors should always be considered together. Volatility describes the frequency of the theoretical hit rate, but considered on its own, it’s not that helpful. The house edge/RTP is the critical part, as this describes how high the potential returns could be. 

## Regulatory Bodies and Their Role

It’s never advisable to play at an unlicensed casino. This is true for several reasons, such as the security of your personal data. However, one of the other reasons is that regulatory bodies set out high standards for the conduct of casinos, including the fairness of their games. 

All casinos must be fair and transparent when offering online slots. Information in regards to RTP must be easily available to the player. The regulators do not stipulate the maximum house edge that a casino can impose. But, there is a minimum RTP which is usually around 85% depending on the governing regulator. The most important thing is, that the player must be able to see the statistical likelihood of winning each game, enabling them to make an informed decision. This means that the casino must make the house edge and/or RTP clear on their site. 

In addition, regulatory bodies such as the UK Gambling Commission expect the advertised house edge and/or RTP to be accurate, and for it to have been tested using independent, certified bodies. Casinos are not permitted to manipulate the house edge in their favour.

This doesn’t mean that this is the house edge that you’ll experience when playing the game, but it ensures that you can make a fair comparison between different slots. 

## Common Misconceptions About the House Edge

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1712749793/blog/House%20Edge%20in%20Online%20Casino%20Slots:%20What%20You%20Need%20to%20Know/img-House-Edge-Online-Casino-Slots.png" alt="A closer look at house edge" />

The house edge is the enemy of the player; the higher the house edge, the lower your statistical chance of winning. The great thing about playing slots is that it’s possible to seek out games with the best RTP.

However, before you dive in to find the best slots to play, there are a few misconceptions about house edge and RTP to address. 

### 1. The House Edge Means You Can Never Win

It’s true that the casino will always have the statistical advantage, but this doesn’t mean that it always wins. Remember, the house edge or RTP has been calculated based on millions of spins and represents an overall average. 

A higher RTP and lower house edge means the casino has less of an advantage, but you can theoretically win with any slot, even those with a lower RTP. The outcome of every spin is random; this is a requirement set out by the regulator. Therefore, even though the house edge is real, due to the number of games played in a session, the actual experience can be very different. 

### 2. The Casino Can Manipulate the RTP

As mentioned above, regulators are very interested in the honesty and integrity of licensed casinos. When you [play at a licensed casino](https://casinogrounds.com/casinos/), the games will be fair and transparent. 

The regulators stipulate that slots must use a Random Number Generator (RNG), and that this is certified by an approved, independent body. Casinos will be monitored to ensure that there is no interference in how the RNG works. 

All of this means that you can trust that the RTP is an accurate reflection of the statistical likelihood of winning. Casinos are not allowed to manipulate the games or the RTP to give players fewer wins. 

However, this doesn’t mean that you’ll have the same experience at every online casino. For some slots, there is a range for the RTP rather than a single fixed figure. This means by comparing the RTP at different casinos, it’s sometimes possible to get better odds. 

For example, Book of Dead has an RTP range of 84.18% to 96.21%, with a default RTP of 96.21% set by the software provider Play’n GO. Starburst is another good example of a variable RTP; many casinos offer the standard RTP of 96.10% but it can drop as low as 93.05%. Differences in the RTP can significantly alter your playing experience so it’s always worth checking at the start. 

### 3. If a Slot Hasn’t Paid Out For a While, It’s Due a Win

We’ve said it a few times already, but it’s worth emphasising: the RTP and house edge is just a statistical calculation based on probability. Your playing experience might be very different, and there’s no guarantee of a win or a loss on any spin. 

As slots use an RNG to determine the outcome, you have the same statistical chance on every spin. Not winning on the previous spin doesn’t increase your chances of winning on the next spin. The RNG isn’t influenced by the memory of previous spins; the slate is effectively wiped clean on every turn. Therefore, if a slot hasn’t paid out for a while, it’s no indication that it’s “due” for a win. Use the RTP and volatility to determine the statistical probability of a win, not when the slot last paid out. 

### 4. Low RTP Slots Never Pay Out Big Prizes

Although it’s usually a good idea to aim for slots with a high RTP, there is a theoretical chance of winning on any game. Mega Moolah has a low volatility, and when jackpot wins are excluded from the calculation, the RTP is as low as 88.12%. 

However, Mega Moolah has a progressive jackpot and has created tens of millionaires in the past two decades. It’s possible to win a jackpot from any type of slot where it’s on offer, regardless of the RTP and house edge. 

## Top Tips for Maximising Your Wins

Let’s be clear here: slots are a game of chance, and there’s no way you can influence what lands on the reels. You pay your stake, spin the reels, and there’s nothing you can do to change the result. 

Anyone who offers you guaranteed wins playing slots isn’t being completely transparent with you. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t adopt a strategy that gives you the best possible chance of winning and maximising your returns. 

Confused? It’s all about strategy and smart bankroll management. 

As we described above, some games have high volatility, and some have low volatility. The strategy you adopt should take into account the volatility of the game, as well as the RTP. 

In a slot that has higher volatility, you’ll need to be able to endure longer spells without a win. If you play with a high stake, you could burn through your bankroll quickly, leaving you unable to keep playing to collect the payout. With high-volatility slots, it’s all about surviving until the next large payout in the hope that one of them will offer a really big win. Tight bankroll management is absolutely vital. 

With low-volatility slots, you should have plenty of small wins along the way. This helps to keep your bankroll topped up, and lessens your chance of blowing your whole budget within a few spins. Of course, it’s much harder to land the larger wins, so you’ll still need to calculate the right amount to wager. But with small wins hitting frequently, it’s not such a challenge to stay in the game. 

There are strategies that can be used when gambling, such as Martingale. However, these typically deliver better outcomes in casino games with a 50/50 chance of winning, so they’re not particularly useful for slots. Having a strict budget for play and calculating how much you can afford to spend on every spin is a far more effective way of maximising your potential returns.

## Conclusion 

Although winning on slots relies on good fortune, there are ways to maximise your chances of a positive outcome, and that’s by choosing a game with a low house edge. Look for slots with a high RTP and match the volatility to your playing style, and you’ll give yourself the very best chance of a win - and who knows, you might even beat the casino. 


Navigate the labyrinth of online casino slots with confidence! Our guide sheds light on the house edge, empowering players with crucial insights.

House Edge in Online Casino Slots: What You Need to Know

featured_img_Online_Slots_ebecedcbdc_26a6d84b28.png

If you're looking for tips and tricks on how to win at [slots online](https://casinogrounds.com/slots/), trust us - the [biggest casino & slots streaming community](https://casinogrounds.com/) in the world - when we say there aren't any winning strategies out there. The reason is simple, and it's because these games are rigged in the casinos' favor. 

However, your choices when you play online slots can greatly impact how frequently and big you win and how long your online casino deposit will last. 

## Tip 1: Playing slots only on licensed online casinos

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706796125/blog/How%20To%20Win%20At%20Online%20Slots/img-Online-Slots-1.png" alt="Tip 1" />

Only do so in [licensed casinos](https://casinogrounds.com/casinos/) when you play online slots. They are regulated by one or more of the following gambling regulators; MGA (Malta Gaming Authority), the UKGC (UK Gambling Commission), SI/SGA (Spelinspektionen/Swedish Gambling Authority), and the DGA (Danish Gambling Authority).

**Why it's essential:**

A licensed gambling venue is a serious business held accountable for its operations on the market. Abiding by strict rules and regulations, a casino will face the consequences of infractions by being given a warning, a fine, or ultimately having its license to operate revoked. 

**Why you should care:** 

The regulators dictate how the casinos with a license can operate in one or more markets. Operations include - but are not limited to - the prevention of underage gambling, security, finance, anti-money laundering, anti-terrorism funding, customer care and support, marketing, and responsible gambling. 

You have consumer rights that protect you when you play in licensed casinos. If a dispute arises between you and the casino, you are automatically entitled to have your case tried with the casino's designated [ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution provider)](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/licensees-and-businesses/guide/approved-alternative-dispute-resolution-adr-providers).

## Tip 2: Play online slots that are from licensed and regulated game providers

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706796128/blog/How%20To%20Win%20At%20Online%20Slots/img-Online-Slots-2.png" alt="Tip 2" />

While a casino facilitates playing slots online, the companies that make these games are independent game studios. Also called game providers, these studios need to be licensed and regulated by one or more regulators before being able to offer their games to the casinos. 

**Why it's essential:**

It's a mandatory requirement from any serious regulator that a game provider certifies the integrity of their games. In layperson's terms, an independent, ISO-certified game auditor must test any game on a licensed online casino before it's made available to play.

**Why you should care:**

You should care because it means you can win at slots when playing these online, as the games have been certified by independent game auditors to ensure fairness and that all results are random. That isn't always the case if you play on unlicensed casinos, as some of them have pirated games from well-known game providers. 

Pirated games effectively allow the operators to manipulate them as they please, at your cost. The same applies to slots from game providers who do not have accreditation from independent third-party game auditors. You don't know if the results are random, fair payouts or if the games even pay. 

## Tip 3: Play on slots that have a high RTP

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706796123/blog/How%20To%20Win%20At%20Online%20Slots/img-Online-Slots-3.png" alt="Tip 3" />

RTP is short for "Return To Player." All slots have a set RTP percentage, which dictates the payback to players over time, given an infinite amount of spins. A high RTP slot machine is a game with a minimum of 95% and preferably above 96.00%.

**Why it's essential:**

A casino makes money when people who gamble lose their money. Any casino that offers slot machines will generate most of its revenues from slots. A slot machine with a 95% payback means the casino keeps 5%. 

After the player RTP is factored in, the operator has the leftover percentage in GGR (Gross Gaming Revenue). GGR is not a pure profit as it's split between multiple parties, including the studio that made the game, due to licensing fees and more.

**Why you should care:**

The best tip anyone can give you in 2022 and beyond when you want to win at slots online is to play the games with the highest RTP possible. A higher RTP means extending your deposited funds' expected value (lifetime) and increasing your chances of landing a big win. 

The difference between a slot machine with 96% and one with 92% might not seem like much, but the difference in effective game rounds played is "astronomical."

Now that you know why you should care about this, we'll tell you why the casinos care too. 

Depending on the market and jurisdiction in which the casinos operate, their earnings per dollar vary greatly. The costs of running a gambling business in regulated markets have increased due to taxes, licensing fees, and the need for highly-qualified staff to ensure that the business complies with its obligations as a license holder. 

With slots being the [#1 revenue-generating asset a casino has](https://www.forbes.com/sites/willyakowicz/2022/06/03/slot-machines-bring-in-billions-so-why-are-so-many-casinos-removing-them/), it's natural that the increase in costs is offset by introducing games with a lowered RTP. 

Using the game provider NoLimit City as an example, they offer three different RTP versions of the same game. Their newest release, as of *October 12th, 2022*, comes in three versions; **1)** 96.06% RTP, **2)** 94.09% RTP, or **3)** 92.11% RTP.

## Tip 4: Play on slots that has a high max win

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706796124/blog/How%20To%20Win%20At%20Online%20Slots/img-Online-Slots-4.png" alt="Tip 4" />

The term "max win" refers to a hard cap on a player's winnings in one game round or bonus round when playing on a slot. It's often denoted as number + x times the stake (e.g. 5.000x).

**Why it's essential:**

The max win instantly tells you the potential of the game you intend to play, allowing you to decide whether you'd like to gamble your money on it quickly or not. For example, if you're playing a slot machine with a 5.000x and you play on a €10 stake, the maximum amount you can win is €50.000. 

**Why you should care:** 

Slots are default designed to pay out frequently, but the size of the winnings varies greatly depending on which games you play. If you want to win sizeable prizes that make your jaw drop, you should seek out slot titles with at least a 10.000x win cap. 

## Tip 5: Play on slots that are highly or extremely volatile

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706796127/blog/How%20To%20Win%20At%20Online%20Slots/img-Online-Slots.png" alt="Tip 5" />

The term volatility describes how volatile a slot machine is regarding the payouts' frequency and size. The scale ranges from low to extremely high. A low volatility slot has a very high payout frequency but meager amounts paid per win, and the max win cap is usually around 200-1.000x.

On the opposite side of that spectrum, you have extremely volatile slots with at least 5-digit max win caps, where the payout frequency is much rarer, but the winnings are very high. 

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**Why it's essential:**

Unlike where you judge a book by its cover and not knowing what awaits you when you start reading, knowing the slot's volatility instantly tells you what the potential is when you start playing. It's a great way of assessing risk versus reward.

**Why you should care:** 

There are many ways to win big when playing online slots. You can play a low volatility slot on a €10 stake in hopes of getting a max win of €5.000, or play an extremely volatility slot on a €0.20 stake and hope you win 300.000x for a €60.000 payday. When you're playing high or extremely high volatility slots, you can win a jaw-dropping amount on just a €0.10 stake. The risk of ruin (losing your deposited money) is much higher, yet the potential rewards are unparalleled to those of lower volatility titles. 

## Tip 6: Play slots for free by signing up for marketing communication and get free spins

The best strategy for any player who's 18+ years old and wants to know how to win at slots online is to play them for free. Whenever you sign up with an online casino, say "yes" to "receive marketing communication from us" on SMS, email, or both. In doing so, you'll receive marketing communication about new games and features in the casino and the occasional batch of free spins to try out the promoted titles. 

**Why it's essential:**

Free spins are a standard marketing strategy used by casinos online worldwide. They can be freebies in exchange for your telephone number or email where you agree to receive marketing communications or as an attempt to get you to log in again and deposit after playing your spins.

**Why you should care:**

The best way to win at slots is to play them for free, and in doing so, you can earn a small lump of money if you're lucky enough to win when you take advantage of the many casinos and their free spins offer. If you play slots at casinos frequently, you should get yourself a dedicated email that you use strictly for receiving marketing communication. A good rule of thumb is that 10% of all communication received will contain free spins, which you don't have to deposit to your player account to get them. 

.. you made it to the bottom! Thank you for reading this article. Head [back to our blog](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/) for more good reads!

More from CasinoGrounds

If you're looking for tips and tricks on how to win at slots online, trust us - the biggest casino & slots streaming community in the world - when we say there aren't any winning strategies out there.

How To Win At Online Slots

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featured_img_book_of_power_0ff5986c19_247946d859.svg

CasinoGrounds' Co-Founder, *Kim Hultman*, and Relax Gaming's Head of Games, *Daniel Jonsson*, sat down to discuss their latest collaboration, <u>Book of Power</u> - a highly volatile rewrite of the traditional Book of-format we know and love.

Let's set the scene!

**This is the fourth Relax and CasinoGrounds collaboration so far; how many people are involved in the process, and how is production shared?**

> **Kim:** We've launched our fourth collaboration already! Time has flown, and it's been a journey packed with games we can both be proud of. From CasinoGrounds' side, we've seen the same core group involved since the first collaboration in 2020. 

That includes me, Andreas Andersson, Tobias Svensen, and Daniel Giuffra - who joined us right after [Iron Bank](https://casinogrounds.com/slots/#iron-bank) was released. In terms of roles, we generally come up with the theme and concept that we feel our community is craving and then take this to Relax to turn it into a killer game, add slick graphics, and bring it to life.

 That said, we're a tight-knit team here at CG; everyone gets involved during the feedback stages.

> **DJ**: This was my third venture with CasinoGrounds for a collaboration game; my colleagues Zach Pisani and Callum Sultana managed the first hit - Iron Bank.

As the Product Owner of Book of Power, my job was to fuse CasinoGrounds' concepts with Relax's signature adrenaline-pumping flavor, while our Math genius Ante Forsgren, was in charge of bringing the features to life and crafting an exhilarating experience. 

**All three games before Book of Power followed similar styles and mechanics; why the sudden change with Book of Power?**

> **DJ:** Funnily enough, Book of Power was on our radar before [Net Gains ](https://casinogrounds.com/slots/#net-gains) was in the pipeline. At the time, we were buzzing with ideas about cutting-edge mechanics that didn't quite gel with a "Book of"-framework, so we opted to shelve it and circle back after the launch of Net Gains.

Given its status as the gaming world's top-dog genre, it was inevitable that we'd join forces to tackle this format. CasinoGrounds and Relax Gaming share a passion for high-volatility experiences, loaded with surprises and fresh takes on popular mechanics, so this Book of-themed title has been a long time coming.

> **Kim:** Exactly! While we were excited to bring a "Book of" title to market, the timing felt better for a third installment of our free-style slot games.

We were brimming with new concepts and wanted a clean canvas. Once that was out of our system, we were excited to tackle a familiar template game and take it to the next level with Relax.

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/casinogrounds/image/upload/v1706696508/blog/Book%20of%20Power%21%20Relax%20and%20CasinoGrounds%20Rewrite%20an%20Industry%20Classic/img-01-book-of-power.jpg" alt="Banner with a Relax Gaming logo, the Book of Power symbol and the CasinoGrounds logo" />

There's an ocean of Book-games out there, but they tend to lack excitement, so naturally, we wanted to create our version, packed with our favorite fixed features like the Power Free Spins bonus.

**Did the inspiration for the title come from the CasinoGrounds community of players?**

> **Kim:** Book of-themed games are amongst the most prominent iGaming formats worldwide, so to a certain extent, I think there's always a demand for a new breed of the style.

It was time for a highly volatile version to hit the market, and teaming up with Relax and its great team meant having creative insight and experience, taking our concepts to new heights. 

We've already received great feedback on the math and the graphics, so kudos to Daniel and Ante for doing the heavy lifting!

> **DJ:** That's great to hear; thank you! Echoing Kim, the market was ready for an exciting Book of rendition, and Relax was up for the challenge.

CasinoGrounds approached us with some excellent ideas, and then it was up to Ante and my team to engineer the mechanics; following that, we got stuck in fleshing out the immersive player experience. 

The prototype took shape early to test the mechanics, and the team immediately took to it. The whole process flowed effortlessly. CasinoGrounds and Relax worked as a tag team with one vision, and we couldn't be happier with the result.

**Lastly, who was the Book of Power built for?**

> **DJ:** The players we're hoping to attract with this game enjoy the Book of X-format and want something more out of the "standard template."

As with our other collaboration games, the CasinoGrounds community is always who we aspire to attract. These thrill-seekers can be experimental, look for high volatility, and know how to have a good time. 

> **Kim:** I agree; we're aiming for players familiar with the type of game but find the current titles too soft. We're looking to build titles that we enjoy playing. LetsGiveItASpin streams for 200-300 hours a month, so it's vital that we love the content we're using. 

On that note, we have recurring giveaways on the games we co-created with Relax because they resonate so well with our audience, so check out the stream for fantastic Book of Power giveaways!

Pick the brains of CasinoGrounds’ Co-Founder, Kim Hultman, and Relax Gaming’s Head of Games, Daniel Jonsson, as they sit down to discuss flipping the table on the "Book of"-format for slots with the "Book of Power" release.

Book of Power!  Relax and CasinoGrounds Rewrite an Industry Classic

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 Bonus hunting is a concept that originated from the casino streaming niche that started with CasinoGrounds in 2016, attracting thousands of viewers when they go live.
 
A bonus hunt is when you're playing [online slots](https://casinogrounds.com/slots/) to trigger the games' bonuses, exiting them once done to save them for opening later.
 
**Note:**  *As the goal of bonus hunts is to collect as many free spin bonus rounds as possible, deposits are usually matched with good [casino bonuses](https://casinogrounds.com/casino-bonuses/), doubling the amount of money the streamers (and you) can play with.*
 
Join our bonus hunts, and **win cash**, **merchandise**, and more by guessing *how much* our streamers will win after all the bonuses are opened in our community forums. 

**Did you know?** *Bonus hunting is also associated with advantage players who knowingly target and exploit casino promotions to gain an edge and profit from it.*
 
## How it works: the concept of a bonus hunt explained
- Play slot games that have free spins as a bonus.
- When the bonus triggers, exit the game.
- Save up a list of collected bonuses and open them later.
- Write down the win amount of each bonus game played, and summarize the total amount won at the end of the hunt.
 
**Tip**: *If you're looking for hints on what games you can collect bonuses on, see our [list of feature buy slots](https://casinogrounds.com/slots/bonus-buy/) - all of them have free spin bonuses*.
 
### Planning
Our streamers plan these and post details of when and what on our [CasinoGrounds Promotions section](https://casinogrounds.com/forum/forum/47-promotions/)
 
### Streaming the bonus hunt
Viewers familiar with the streaming schedules wait before the stream starts, closely followed by those subscribed to notifications. The number of viewers quickly reaches the thousands in a matter of hours after the stream starts.
 
### Community participation
Although bonus hunts are at the discretion of the streamers, they would not be possible without the community joining in.
 
That's why our streamers engage as much as possible with those who are watching. It makes it more fun for everyone.
 
**Examples of community participation:**
- Submitting total win amount guesses.
- Suggesting what games to play during the stream.
- To vote on continuing or picking a different game if a game doesn't trigger a bonus within an ex-amount of spins.
- Suggest or vote on picks when multiple options are available in a prize.
- To help new viewers find information or explain the concept directly in the stream's chat.
 
**Tip:** if you're unsure what to suggest or can't remember the title of a game, [see our best and most popular slots listed here](https://casinogrounds.com/slots/best/), where you can use the search bar and get all game data, including RTP, paylines, provider, volatility, release date and more.
 
### Rewarding those that participate
The most common way of rewarding participants is to **pay those closest to guess the win in cash**, usually by *bank transfer* or via e-wallets such as *Paypal*, *Revolut*, or *Neteller*.
 
**Important**: To qualify for participation and get paid if you're lucky enough to win, submit your guess with a **valid email address** used on your player account on one of the **required casinos** listed in the guessing thread. It is **mandatory due to KYC** ([read more about Know Your Customer here](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/guide/know-your-customer-gambling/)) and [responsible gambling](https://casinogrounds.com/blog/guide/responsible-gambling/) to prevent underage gambling.
 
## Two styles of bonus hunting when playing slots
**There are two ways to approach a bonus hunt:**
 
1) Playing with a raw balance
 
2) Playing with raw balance and bonus funds
 
*There's a third, called "fake money balance hunt," as well. In short, it's when your starting balance is +€250.000, and the streamers' reactions when they win are as if they're watching paint dry.*
 
###Playing with a raw balance
A raw balance bonus hunt is a clean deposit that does not have bonus funds added to the player's balance.

- Raw starting balance.
- The streamers risk their own money.
- No bonus money.
- More genuine, entertaining streams.
 
It's also practical, as deposit bonuses have terms and conditions that limit how much you can bet per spin and what games you can play.
 
### Playing with a raw balance and bonus funds
It is rare to see a streamer start a bonus hunt using raw balance and bonus funds. When it happens, it's usually because of one or two things.
 
**1)** The bonus given is a no-sticky bonus.
 
**2)** The streamer has favorable bonus wagering terms and conditions compared to regular players.
 
The [no-sticky bonus](https://casinogrounds.com/casino-bonuses/) (also called "parachute bonus") got its name from only coming into play *once the real money balance reaches zero*. It doesn't stick to the original deposit money, separating the two balances.
 
## A concept made popular by CasinoGrounds streamers
It's unclear who started doing bonus hunts during their streams, but it's no secret that the concept gained traction once LetsGiveItASpins and NickSlots began doing them in 2016.
The concept quickly became popular due to the new way of engaging their viewers, taking them on a journey, from picking which games to play, triggering bonuses, collecting them, to opening them in order later.
 
Another reason for the quick success was the charity streams where [Kim from LetsGiveItASpin](https://casinogrounds.com/streamers/letsgiveitaspin/) would donate all winnings they ended up with, plus donations from the community to charitable, non-profit organizations.
 
**Some examples of such charity donations include:**
- [on April 9th, 2020, LGIAS and the community donated €47.714,85 to fight Covid-19](https://casinogrounds.com/forum/topic/32790-24-hour-charity-stream-letsgiveitaspin/)
- [LGIAS donated to WWF, UNICEF Sweden, and a Swedish Children's Cancer Foundation](https://casinogrounds.com/forum/topic/2718-60000-sek-charity-donation/?do=findComment&comment=13685)
 
*No one knows what the future holds, but there is a certainty that the CasinoGrounds community and streamers alike will rally together for years to come, again and again, to support each other and charitable organizations. *
 
### Beware of fake streamers and fake bonus hunts
We won't mention names, but there is no secret that the streaming scene anno 2022 versus 2016 is chock-full of fake money and unscrupulous streamers who play with play money on unlicensed casinos.
 
Calling this a problematic practice is an understatement. Some people play with insanely high money balances regularly. The same people also engage in malicious activities to artificially make their channels appear more popular than they are.
 
All streamers on CasinoGrounds must complete a mandatory introduction to responsible gambling and redo these courses annually. The money they put on the table is theirs, and the wins and the losses are real.
 
**Tip:** *if you want to learn more about fake streamers and viewbots, head to our [streamers section](https://casinogrounds.com/streamers/) and scroll down the page for a long read on this topic*. 
 
When you're not reacting to winning €10.000, and losing 100s thousand a day, and possibly even streaming from your momma's basement, something's off.
 
That is not gambling but marketing - with play money. No gambling streamers in the world who stream daily can sustain €50.000 losses per day through a whole year. It's a charade, put up in front of +10.000 viewers per stream where a good chunk of the viewers are fake viewbots and comments.
 
## Bonus hunting when playing slots summarized
Bonus hunts are popular because they appeal to everyone who has ever played and triggered the bonus round of a slot game.
 
Legitimate streamers put responsible gambling in the front-row seat while building a community based on caring for the people who empower its growth, not just the money they bring in.
 
From start to finish, the viewers partake in streams where they can chat with thousands of other like-minded people and engage by guessing the total win amounts, winning prizes, and continuing the conversation on the community forum afterward.
 
Casino streaming has become a powerful niche in its own right in online gambling, leading to good and bad things. From legitimate streams with raw balances to downright fake and dishonest people and brands that facilitate manipulated views, subscribers, player balances, and wins.
 
While the not-so-good parts are dealt with by educating players, representatives with roles in the iGaming industry watch the better ones with *keen interest* as communities of online gamblers and streamers have forced game developers to innovate.
 
As such, NetEnt, Big Time Gaming, and Nolimit City make up a trident, whereas Evolution Gaming (who acquired them all) make up the tips of this three-pronged spear.
 
These studios owe part of their success to streamers and communities who started bonus hunting on slots years ago.

 Bonus hunting is a concept that originated from the casino streaming niche that started with CasinoGrounds in 2016, attracting thousands of viewers when they go live.

Book of Power! Relax and CasinoGrounds Rewrite an Industry Classic

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