Exclusive Q&A w/ Aleksandra Andrishak, Editor in Chief at Slotsjudge

There are literally thousands of online slot games for players to experience. Is there too much choice in the market or is variety a good thing?

Choice is definitely a good thing and players like to be able to spin the reels on different slots from different providers. To stand out in what is a competitive market, studios have had to come up with their own USPs and this has ultimately led to lots of new themes, mechanics and bonus features being rolled out. Big Time Gaming’s Megaways is undoubtedly the most successful, but there are plenty of other examples such as Nolimit City’s XWays and XNudge and Red Tiger’s Must Drop Jackpots. Of course, different themes, mechanics and bonuses appeal to different players and that’s why casinos stock so many titles in their lobbies. I guess the challenge for players is to know which slots offer what they are looking for, but once a player has identified a studio that produces games they like, they will seek out games from that provider moving forwards. What’s more, they shouldn’t be afraid to try new formats from different studios as that’s one of the best ways to discover games and providers.

Is it difficult for players to find the best online slots for them? How do you help them identify the games they want to play?  

It can be. Some online casino lobbies are stocked with more than 3,000 titles and with just a basic search function, filtering through games to find the ones they like to play can be a tough task. Some of the more forward-thinking casinos now offer recommendations based on the games the player has already played, similar to how Netflix recommends new content based on what you have already watched. SlotsJudge is also helping here – we review slots from all of the providers so that players can learn what each title has to offer before they take it for a spin. Our reviews are comprehensive, providing key info for things like RTP and volatility, as well as an in-depth explanation of the gameplay and bonus features. They can also try the game before playing with real money by having a few demo spins. If they like the experience, they can then click through to one of our partner casinos and play with their own cash.

Which types of slots are the most popular? And do any providers stand out from others in the market?

We have a section on the SlotsJudge website where we list the top ten slot providers and right now the list includes BGaming, Big Time Gaming, ELK Studios, Endorphina, NETENT, Nolimit City, Play’n GO, Pragmatic Play, Quickspin and Yggdrasil. It goes without saying that these studios are behind some of the biggest blockbuster slots of all time, and they are always launching new titles that seem to be a hit with players. In terms of what makes for a popular slot, I think it comes down to striking the perfect combination of a fun theme, gripping gameplay, authentic sound and plenty of bonus action. When it comes to it, players want to be entertained and so long as a slot puts them on the edge of their seat with each spin, it has the potential to become a chart-topper.

What does this say about player preferences? Do you think non-traditional content such as crash games will ultimately dominate casino game lobbies?

Classic slots and video slots are and always will dominate online casino game lobbies. I suppose Megaways should be included here too, as essentially it has become a slot format in its own right. These formats are part of the core slot-playing experience, in the same way that horror, comedy and action are core movie types. Non-traditional content such as crash and mine games absolutely have a place in casino lobbies, and they are becoming more popular. They have proved to be effective at engaging Millennial and Generation Z demographics as they offer the social interaction these audiences are looking for when playing online casino. Of course, anything that introduces online slots to new audiences should be welcomed, and non-traditional games are doing just that while also offering existing players new and exciting experiences.

As well as choosing the right games to play, it’s important for players to find casino brands that match their preferences. How do you help with this?

As well as reviewing online slots, we also review and rate online casinos so that our players know which are the best brands to sign up for and spend their money with. There are now hundreds of online casinos out there, but they are not all created equal. Some offer a small selection of games but fast payouts, while others offer thousands of titles and free spins bonuses. Ultimately, players want to find brands that meet all of their needs, and our reviews and ratings help them to do just that. Of course, when they sign up to a casino via SlotsJudge they can take advantage of some exclusive offers and promotions, too.

What sets SlotsJudge aside from the other casino affiliates in the market?

Our reviews really are the best of the best but on top of that, we provide lots of added value. This is achieved through things such as our rewards system – SJ Points – where visitors that sign up for the SJ Club can earn points and exchange them for bonus offers at the SJ Store. Things they can do to earn points include leaving reviews for slots and casinos, inviting their friends to join the site and sharing their big wins with the SlotsJudge community. When it comes to the casinos and studios we work with, we look to offer lots of exciting ways to engage with our players. For example, we recently partnered with Endorphina to create a series of articles about different trends including AI. This helps to position SlotsJudge as the go-to destination for players looking to learn more about the latest online slots and casinos to experience.