Winning at online slots is mostly about luck — every spin is random. But that doesn’t mean you can’t improve your chances or make the experience more enjoyable. By following a few smart tips, you can play more responsibly, stretch your budget, and maybe even land a win!
Here’s a breakdown of the best tips for playing online slots. Even though there are no guarantees, these tips will help you build a smarter, more fun way to play — especially if you stick to a budget and play responsibly.
1. Stick to UK-Licensed Slot Sites
If you’re playing from the UK, make sure the slot site is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. This guarantees the games are fair, your information is safe, and tools for responsible gambling are in place.
You can check if a site is licensed by visiting the UKGC’s public register and searching the site’s name.
2. Take Advantage of Welcome Bonuses
Once you’ve found a licensed site, look out for welcome offers. These often include deposit matches or free spins and can give you extra chances to win.
Here are the most common types:
- Deposit Bonus: You get extra money based on what you deposit (e.g., deposit £50, get £50 bonus).
- Free Spins: Usually tied to specific games like Book of Dead or Big Bass Bonanza.
- No Deposit Bonus: A small bonus (around £5–£10) without needing to deposit anything — rare but great when available!
- Hybrid Bonuses: A mix of deposit bonus and free spins, like “100% up to £100 + 100 free spins.”
3. Look for Low or No Wagering Offers
Wagering requirements tell you how many times you need to play through a bonus before you can withdraw any winnings. The lower the requirement, the better.
Examples:
- £100 bonus with 30x wagering = £3,000 must be wagered.
- £10 no deposit bonus with 100x wagering = £1,000 needed.
- 50 free spins with 50x wagering = winnings must be wagered 50 times.
If you want the best value, go for offers with low or zero wagering terms.
4. Check Bonus Terms & Restrictions
Always read the fine print before claiming an offer. Key things to look out for:
- Opt-in: Some bonuses need to be manually activated.
- Promo Codes: You may need to enter one when signing up.
- Deposit Limits: Most offers have minimum deposit rules.
- Payment Method Limits: Some payment options (like e-wallets) may not qualify.
- Eligible Games: Free spins often work only on specific slots.
- Maximum Winnings: Some bonuses cap how much you can win.
- Max Bet Rules: Don’t exceed the set bet limit or you might forfeit winnings.
- Expiration Dates: Bonuses usually expire — free spins within 3–7 days, deposit bonuses within 30.
Also Read: How to Avoid Bonus Traps and Hidden Terms
5. Use Responsible Gambling Tools
The best way to enjoy online slots is to stay in control. Most licensed sites offer tools to help with that:
- Reality Checks: Get reminders of how long you’ve been playing.
- Deposit Limits: Set a monthly or weekly cap.
- Session Limits: Control how long you can play in one go.
- Game Limits: Block access to specific games if needed.
- Loss Limits: Set a limit on how much you’re willing to lose.
The golden rule? If you’re ahead, walk away. If you do that consistently, you’ll finish with a win more often.
6. Practice on Free Demo Slots
Before spending real money, try free demo versions. They help you:
- Learn the rules
- Understand features
- Test the game’s volatility
At OLBG, you can play over 500 free demo slots with no downloads. Use the filters to sort by theme, provider, RTP, or features like Free Spins or Megaways. It’s a fun, pressure-free way to learn.
Also Read: Are Some Slots More Likely to Pay Out Than Others?
7. Play Higher Stakes on Progressive Jackpots (If You Can Afford It)
Progressive jackpot slots can pay out millions. Some of the biggest names include:
| Slot Name | Provider | Jackpot |
|---|---|---|
| Mega Moolah | Microgaming | £2M+ |
| Jackpot Giant | Playtech | £6.7M+ |
| WowPot Slots | Microgaming | £7.6M+ |
The more you bet, the better your chances — but remember, losses are also bigger. Don’t chase jackpots if you’re not prepared to lose the money. Play only what you can afford.
8. Understand Slot Volatility
Slot volatility affects how often and how much you win:
- High Volatility: Big wins, but rare (great if you’re patient).
- Medium Volatility: A mix of both.
- Low Volatility: Smaller wins, more often (better for casual play).
- Extreme Volatility: Huge wins are possible, but super rare.
Try different slots in free play mode to see what style fits you best. OLBG slot reviews often mention volatility too.
Also Read: How to Stay Updated on New Slot Launches
9. Choose Slots with High RTP Rates
RTP (Return to Player) shows how much a slot pays out over time. The higher the RTP, the less you lose overall — in theory.
Examples:
- 97% RTP: Lose around £3 per £100 wagered
- 90% RTP: Lose around £10 per £100
This isn’t a guarantee, but high RTP slots usually offer better value. Some top RTP games go up to 99.07%! Look for RTP info in the game’s paytable or in OLBG reviews.
Be careful — some slots like Book of Dead have multiple RTP versions (as low as 84% or as high as 96%). Always check what version you’re playing.
Final Thoughts
You can’t control whether a slot spins in your favor, but you can control how you play. By picking the right sites, using the best offers, playing smart, and setting limits, you’ll enjoy the experience a lot more — and maybe even walk away a winner.
If you ever find yourself chasing losses or feeling out of control, take a break. Slots should be fun, not stressful.
