Online slots are a favourite among UK players. They’re popular for several reasons like being quick and easy to play, having thousands of games, loads of themes, an array of fun features, and offering the chance to win large payouts. Plus, the freedom to play slots for real money anywhere, 24/7, coupled with exciting slots bonuses, is a win-win for many players.
Here, we’ll explore everything you need to know about playing and finding premium slots and bonuses in the UK today.
To start, here’s the best online slot sites in the UK that we recommend.
We’ve reviewed many online casinos, but we don’t just recommend any site to you. Those that make our recommended UK slot sites list have met certain criteria for our experts to consider them to be among the best. Here’s what we look for:
Slots are no a one-size-fits-all type of game. There are many types of online slots that can be played on desktop and mobile. This diversity is a huge part of their appeal. Here’s a look at the common different variants you can play:
Frequently called fruit machines, these are video slots based on traditional one-armed bandit slot machines that were popular in the early 20th century. Classic slots usually have 1 or 3 rows of reels and have fruit symbols on the reels, like cherries, lemons, plums, etc. Other common symbols include a red 7, a yellow bell, and a gold bar. Examples of popular classic slots include: Play’n Go’s Fire Joker (RTP: 96%), Merkur’s Double Triple Chance (RTP: 96.31%), and IGT’s Triple Diamond (RTP: 96.09%).
As the name suggests, these video slots have 3 reels. They commonly fall under the classic slots category, but tend to feature more than fruits on their reels. They may have 1 or more paylines and can be equipped with bonus features, such as slots, wilds and jackpots. Examples of popular 3-reeled slots include: NetEnt’s Mega Joker (RTP 99.00%), Playtech’s Alchemist’s Lab (RTP 97.32%) and Microgaming’s Bar Bar Blacksheep (RTP 95.03%).
These are video slots with 5 reels. They are the most popular types of slots today and usually have 10+ paylines, are available in an array of interactive themes, and have bonus features like wilds, free spins, bonus games, etc. Examples of popular 5-reeled slots include: Microgaming’s Jungle Jim: El Dorado (RTP: 96.31%), NetEnt Jack Hammer 2 (RTP: 97.1%), and Thunderkick’s 1492 Uncharted Seas (RTP: 98.5%).
Video slots are any online slot machine that features one or more layers of multimedia (e.g., animations, sounds, thematic graphics, etc.) If you play slots online – no matter how basic or advanced the game interface – you’re playing a video slot. Video slots cover an expansive variety of themes (e.g. fantasy, sci-fi, supernatural, mythology, ancient civilizations, comics, anime, movies, TV series, etc.). They usually have multiple reels and paylines and almost always have some sort of extra feature (e.g., wilds, multipliers, scatters, free spins, re-spins, bonus mini games, Megaways, jackpots, etc.) Examples of popular video slots you’ll find at the best slots sites in the UK include: Microgaming’s Immortal Romance (RTP: 96.86%), NetEnt’s Starburst (RTP: 96.01%), Pragmatic Play’s Sweet Bonanza (RTP: 96.51%), Eyecon’s Fluffy Favourites (RTP: 95.39%), SG Digital’s Rainbow Riches (RTP: 95%), and Play’n Go’s Book of Dead (RTP: 96%).
Licensed or branded slots are video slot machines based on a licensed product, such as comic book characters, board games, video games, musicians, movies, TV series, etc. They often have 5+ reels and multiple paylines. Examples of popular branded slots include: Microgaming’s Game of Thrones (RTP: 95.03%) and Lara Croft: Temples and Tombs (RTP: 96.05%) Barcrest’s Monopoly Big Event (RTP: 96%), NetEnt’s Guns ‘N Roses (RTP 96.98%), Playtech’s The Dark Knight (RTP: 95.96%), and Iron Dog Studio’s Britain’s Got Talent Megaways (RTP: 96.20%).
Easily among the most popular and sought-after type of slot online, these games feature one or more jackpot prizes that continue to climb in value until they are won. Depending on the game, lucky players who hit a progressive jackpot can win cash prizes anywhere from hundreds to hundreds of thousands to millions of pounds. Examples of popular progressive jackpot slots include: Microgaming’s Mega Moolah (Microgaming – RTP 88.12% ), Playtech’s Beach Life (RTP: 93.25%), and NetEnt’s Mega Fortune (RTP 96.00%).
Multi-payline slots have more than one payline. The popular games in this category are “243 Ways to Win” and “Megaways” slots. Megaways slots, in particular, feature paylines that can increase well over 100k. Developed by Big Time Gaming, the Megaways slot mechanic has been used by many software providers. Examples of popular multi-payline slots include: Big Time Gaming’s Bonanza (up to 117,649 paylines – RTP: 96%), Pragmatic Play’s Great Rhino Megaways (up to 200,704 paylines – RTP: 96.50%), and SG Digital’s Perfect Potions Megaways (up to 700,000 paylines – RTP: 96.31%).
VR (Virtual Reality) slots are immersive and interactive video slots that require VR gear (VR headset and headphones) to play. Typically, most VR slot are free video games not found at licensed real money casinos. However, back in 2017, NetEnt did release a few of its well-known games in VR, including Starburst, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Gonzo’s Quest.
If you’re new to the world of online slots, here’s how to play*:
*Remember, online slots are a game of chance. No win is ever guaranteed. Play responsibly.
The best slots sites in the UK have slot-related promotions available for their new and existing players. The most common types of slots bonuses you’ll find today are:
All slots bonuses have terms and condition (T&Cs). You should carefully read the full T&Cs of every promotion you choose to claim. It is within these bonus rules that you will learn essential details about the offer that will help you to decide if it’s ideal for you to claim it. These details include:
Many UK players are eager to play the highest RTP slots. However, before you jump on the bandwagon of seeking out the best payout slots, it’s important to understand how RTP, volatility and house edge apply to these games.
On the whole, online slots have a fairly decent RTP range of 94 – 99% with the average RTP around 96%+. That being said, even slot machines with the best odds of winning don’t boast the highest RTP of casino games. This is especially true when comparing video slots to classic table and card games, like Blackjack, which, depending on the variant, can have an RTP as high as 99 – 99.65%.
What are the best playing slot games in terms of RTP? Check out our top five picks:
An oldie but a goodie, Goblin’s Cave remains the video slot with the highest RTP. Though very basic in its design, this treasure and goblin-themed classic from Playtech has been around since 2012 and continues to be a favourite. Don’t let its simplistic gameplay with 3 reels, 3 rows and 3 paylines fool you. Spinning the reels of this game and triggering the bonus feature is a surprising thrill. Check it out at mr.play.
From Relax Gaming, Book of 99, is an ancient Greek-themed slot with 5 reels and 10 paylines. Launched in 2023, it’s a fairly new slot that has made quite the splash. In addition to its incredible RTP rate (one of the highest RTP slots in the industry today), it’s well liked for its free spins feature, unlimited retriggers and up to 5,000x the stake wins. Play it today at LeoVegas.
Travel back in time in this pirate-themed adventure from Thunderkick. Visually stunning, 1492 Uncharted Seas not only wows with its beautiful design but has some exciting features, including expanding wilds that can fill up an entire reel and a bonus game feature where you can trigger free spins. Launched in 2014, its high RTP has helped it to remain a cult favourite. Experience the seafaring adventure today at Duelz Casino.
Sink your teeth into this 2013 classic from NetEnt. Vampire lovers will adore the theme of this 5-reel and 25-payline video slot which pays tribute to several famous vamps from Dracula to Lestat. Slot game enthusiasts will equally be intrigued with this video slot as it features multipliers, wilds, free spins and a fun Vampire Slaying Bonus game feature. Head on over to 888 to play it across all devices.
If you like the circus and fruit machines, Jokerizer is a slot for you! Arriving on the scene in 2016, Yggdrasil’s 5 reels and 10 paylines carnival-themed video slot is equipped with bright visuals, a great soundtrack and exciting animations. The true thrill of this game is that all wins activate the Jokerzier mode, which gives you the chance to try their luck at a mystery win. Play Jokerizer today at MrQ.
Many slots bonuses have wagering requirements. Wagering requirements, also known as playthrough or rollover requirements, represents the total amount you must wager in order to be able to withdraw bonus funds or free spins winnings.
Low wagering requirements are 35x or lower and when the requirements apply only to the bonus amount. For instance, 35x bonus wagering requirements means that you must wager the bonus amount 35x before you can withdraw the bonus funds. So, if you received a £50 bonus, you would need to wager a total of £1,750 (£50 x 35 = £1,750) before you can withdraw it.
There are also no wagering slot sites. These sites offer promotions – usually free spins – where any winnings that may result from your spins are yours to keep and withdraw right away. No wagering offers are always the best option.
The best UK slots casino sites currently offering low or no wagering requires are:
What makes for a premium mobile slots experience? For starters, the best online slot casinos are fully optimised for smartphone and tablet screens, with games able to display cleanly in both landscape and portrait mode. Additionally, the user experience is top-notch, including a high-tech and responsive user interface, smooth navigation, and fast loading games that don’t crash.
If a mobile app is available, the best sites will ensure that their apps can be securely downloaded for free from the Google Play Store for Android devices and the App Store for iPhone and iPad. Moreover, the full portfolio of HTML-5 slots are accessible via mobile, including classic slots, popular slots, new slots and progressive jackpots.
As icing on the cake, the top mobile slot sites will also offer excellent customer service, mobile-friendly payments, and promotions like mobile slots no deposit free spins, bonuses, etc.
New online slots casinos launch all the time and many players wonder if it’s a good idea to give new sites a try or if they should stick with the more established brands. Like everything in life, there are advantages and disadvantages to all things. In the case of new UK slot sites, typically the advantages are generous welcome offers, unique gamification features, mobile-first slots, and swift payouts. On the flip side, usually the disadvantages are that new sites haven’t had time to build a good reputation, and they don’t have a mobile app. Ultimately, in terms of security and fair play, as long as you choose to play at an online casino that is legitimately licensed and regulated by the UKGC, it doesn’t matter if where you play just launched or if it’s been around for two decades.
Online gambling and playing online slots is legal in Great Britain for residents who are 18 years of age or older. UK online slots are legal to play for real money in casinos that hold an active remote casino license from the UK Gambling Commission. Any casino that holds a UKGC license will clearly state that they are licensed and regulated in Great Britain by the Gambling Commission. This information is typically located at the bottom of the site page.
With that said, there are a few things about UK slot sites that you should know if your intention is to play slots for real money. To begin with, you will need to create a player account and complete an identity verification process before you can make a deposit or even if you want to play slots for fun.
Additionally, certain game functions and features in online slots have been banned by the Gambling Commission. These include auto-play; slot spin speeds faster than 2.5 seconds; features that speed up play or give players the illusion of control over the outcome (e.g., manually stopping the reels before they naturally would); and Sounds or imagery that provide a false illusion of a win when the return to the player is equal to or less than their wager.
The UKGC takes responsible gambling very seriously and enforces strict rules on its online slots sites licensees to protect players from gambling-related harm. Every site we recommend to you is legal in the UK.
Online slots are easy and quick to play. The vast variety of games, uncomplicated rules, fun features, themes, and potential for big payouts, are some of the reasons why they’re a favourite gaming activity in the UK.
Of course, choosing to play slots for real money at the best slot sites in the UK is about more than just finding loads of games. It’s also about ensuring games come from respected providers, have accurate RTPs, and are mobile compatible, as well as having access to fair promotions, swift payouts, and reliable support.
Not sure where to start your slots adventure? Give one of our recommended casinos a try!
Yes. It is legal to play slots in the UK at online casinos that hold an active remote casino license from the Gambling Commission, and you are 18 years of age or older.
5-Reel video slots with bonus features and high RTP rates tend to be the most popular. Immortal Romance, Book of Dead, Rainbow Riches, Fluffy Favourites, and Dead or Alive are examples of popular games.
It is a slot that features one or more progressive jackpots. A progressive jackpot is a large money prize that starts at a set amount but continues to grow in size the more players bet until it is finally won. A famous progressive jackpot is Microgaming’s Mega Moolah, which has four progressive jackpots, with the top jackpot – Mega Jackpot – starting at £1 million and climbing from there.
Playtech’s Goblin’s Cave has the highest at RTP 99.32%. It is closely followed by another Playtech game, Ugga Bugga, at RTP 99.07%. These are trailed by Both NetEnt’s Mega Joker and Relax Gaming’s Book of 99 which both have an RTP of 99%.
The best online slots bonus is one that is uncapped (no win limits) and wager free. In other words what you win is yours to keep and withdraw at any time.
The best sites are those that are licensed by the UKGC, offer fair slot bonuses, a wide range of games from leading game providers, fast payouts, and responsive support. Top sites we recommend include MrQ, PaddyPower, and 888.