Back in the day, if someone wanted to play slot machines, they have to go to a land-based casino for some gambling fun. With the help of technology, it’s now possible to play in the comfort of your own home.

Online casinos are so popular nowadays that some land-based casinos developed their branded online platforms.

At brick and mortar casinos, around 48% or almost half of casino visitors play slots. People love playing slot machines compared to table games due to several reasons:

• Slot machines are fun and more entertaining.
• Slot machines are easier to understand and less complicated than blackjack, baccarat, and other table games.
• Slot machines let you earn points every time you play. So, the more you play, the more you earn rewards!
• Slot machines can be played alone, so there’s no need to worry about competition.
• Slot machines are very popular with players who love instant payouts. If you’re lucky, you can win the jackpot with the press of a button!

While many people enjoy playing slots, others are dubious whether online slot machines provide the same kind of enjoyment as bricks and mortar casinos. Is it safe to play slot machines online? Do people win at online slot machines?

If you’re still wondering whether you should try gambling at online slot machines, here are the things that you should keep in mind.

Things to Consider Before Playing an Online Slot Machine

Before you begin wagering at online casinos, you must understand how it works. To play online slots you have to adhere to the rules and regulations of the online casino operator. You should also be aware that illegal sites are operating online casinos preying on unknowing players. And, of course, you’ll want to know if there are strategies to increase the chances of getting higher payouts.

1. RNG and RTP

The random number generator (RNG) is a program responsible for creating random number sequences every time a player clicks the ‘Spin’ button. Every online slot game uses RNG to generate the outcome of each spin. Every spin has a unique result because of the RNG software.

The RTP is the percentage of how much a video slot will payback or return to its players over time. There’s no 100% RTP. Further, if an online slot has higher RTP, the better winning potential it has.

Online slots with high RTPs are very popular among players. Mega Joker Jackpot by NetEnt, Tropic Reels by Playtech, and Nemo’s Voyage by WMS are some examples of online video slots with a 99% RTP.

2. Requirements to Play Online Slots

Not everyone is allowed to gamble at an online casino. Legitimate online casinos are only allowed to accept players that are 18 years old and above. The age requirement varies depending on the state and country where the online gambling operates. Some online casinos have a stricter age requirement – players must be more than 21 years old.

Just like a brick and mortar casinos, the online casino will ask a player to go through a registration process. You should provide real and accurate personal information. Otherwise, you may be prohibited from withdrawing your winnings. The information you supply will be verified by the online casino asking a valid document from you to prove your identity.

At Slotty Vegas, for example, you’re required to submit a valid government-issued ID and proof of your address when you register at the site. The verification of identity is part of their KYC (Know Your Customer) process.

Your computer should meet the minimum system requirements to play at an online casino. Online slots software providers set the minimum hardware requirements to play their game either through desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

3. Rogue Casinos

Take note that many illegal online casinos exist to defraud players. Virtual slots is a fun and exciting pastime, but losing your money to rogue gambling sites is not fun at all.

Rogue online casinos are those not authorized to operate a gambling website. There are hundreds of places that you can visit to play slots, but you have to make sure you’re dealing with a licensed and regulated online casino.

To avoid playing from a rogue casino, consider these things:

• Verify the license: Make sure you’re playing virtual slots at an online casino with a license from a known jurisdiction. The Isle of Man, Alderney, Gibraltar, and Malta are considered the strictest regulators of online casinos. However, just because a gambling site claims on their website that they have a license from a reputable jurisdiction, it doesn’t immediately mean that they’re authorized to offer online casino games.
• Reach out to their customer support: Before registering at an online casino, try reaching out to their customer support. If you’re not satisfied with how your questions are asked, spare yourself the headache, and look for another online casino.
• Understand the terms and conditions: One sign that you’re dealing with a rogue casino is when the terms of use are vague or lack specifics. Since you’re wagering with real money, make sure to understand their timeframes for withdrawals and rules for wagering.

4. Tips in Playing Online Slots

Set your limit: Play with an amount that you can afford to lose. Gambling is very addictive, and many people have suffered financially because of it. Before starting to play, you must set a budget and never go beyond it.

Game of luck: Unlike card games where you need skill and strategy to win, winning at online slots mostly depends on luck.

Enjoy the game: Choose an online slots game that you enjoy playing. With the wide assortment of video slots available, you’ll be able to find a game that meets your needs. After all, gambling is a form of entertainment, and there’s no point in playing a game that you don’t like.

Conclusion

Despite the proliferation of online slot machines, the online gambling industry is still mostly unregulated. The best way to enjoy playing your favorite online slots is by choosing a legitimate and licensed gambling site so that you can have safe and enjoyable gaming experience.