The Best Video Slots UK 2023
Video slots are the most popular and plentiful casino game type on the market today, with all UK casinos providing a huge selection. They come in all types of genres and layouts, with each offering something different. This page is a complete guide to all that you need to know before playing – and we will also suggest the best websites to play at.
Best UK Casinos With Video Slots
Online UK casinos are some of the best and most respected in the world, boasting thousands of games as well as perhaps the strictest licensing body. Furthermore, if you are a new player then you will always have the opportunity to make your maiden deposit go further. Below are our top picks if you want to play video slots and get a tasty bonus at the same time.
- Metal rock theme
- Mobile app
- Great providers
- Live dealer specialists
- Wide range of payment methods
- Exclusive Loyalty program
- Tiered welcome bonus
- Over 2,700 games
- 24/7 customer support
What Are Video Slots?
The easiest way to answer this is to compare video slots with classic slots. The latter is based around the physical fruit machines that are widely available in land-based establishments. These are still widely available online as well, with straightforward functions and graphics offering a certain level of charm and simplicity to gameplay.
In contrast, video slots are a modern incarnation of this principle and the meaning has developed into any slot that has an array of features and/or animated graphics. We will delve into this comparison in the section below, but both types fall under the online slots category and you will be far more likely to encounter video slots at any modern online casino.
Video slots are released extremely frequently in 2023 with all of the major studio developers competing to bring out the next big hit to what is a condensed market. Therefore, on a monthly basis, there are usually well over 10 major new video slots to enjoy, with players always advised to carefully consider the different elements that determine whether a payout is likely – these are all covered in Slotsia’s reviews of online slots and we have some tips to follow further down this page.
Classic Slots vs Video Slots
As was touched on above, classic slots and video slots can be very different casino experiences. Players that enjoy the slower and more methodical approach to slots will often be drawn towards fruit slots; there is a feeling of certainty in every spin, with most foregoing the inclusion of convoluted mechanics in favour of a simple reel layout that is easy to follow.
That is in contrast to modern video slots, which compete against each other to be the most exciting and feature-rich. These come in a plethora of different genres, with space, Egyptian, and adventure themes all among the most popular.
Our handy table below summarises the key differences between classic slots and video slots.
Ultimately, the choice of which to play comes down to personal preference, but more variety is available with video slots.
Classic Slots
Graphics
Simple with basic symbols
Gameplay features
Limited – easy to understand
Themes
Generally fruit
Reel layout
Usually 3 reels with few paylines
Max. win
Tends to be smaller unless remastered
Graphics
Enhanced and interactive; animations likely
Gameplay features
Varies but usually multiple including free spins, respins and scatters
Themes
Endless variety
Reel layout
Varied but can feature modern cluster pays or Megaways with multiple paylines
Max. win
Can be huge in the case of progressive jackpots
How To Play Video Slots
One of the key reasons that video slots are so popular is the fact that they require no previous knowledge in order to play; this is unlike some table games, such as poker. Additionally, the games themselves are available 24/7 and include very simple functions around the reel so that you can be playing in no time.
If you want to know how video slots work, you can follow our steps below and try for yourself:
Consider the theme, RTP and volatility before picking a title.
Keep your budget in mind and choose a coin amount. Most video slots have a very low minimum bet.
A spin button always features at the bottom of the reel; press this to get started.
Now the fun has begun, see if your luck is in with matching symbols on the paylines.
If you have won any coins then these can be withdrawn into your account balance.
How To Win At Video Slots
As you have probably gathered, there is no sure-fire way to guarantee a profit on any slot that you play. Ultimately, video slots are all about luck as no skill is required, but it can still help to know the basics before you risk real money.
So, if you want to know how to win at slots then these are some things to consider.
RTP
Return to player refers to how often a particular video slot pays out hypothetically over a large number of spins. The higher the better for players, with the average sitting at around 96%.
Volatility
High volatility slots payout rarely but the rewards are likely to be bigger; lower volatility should see a steady stream of smaller wins. Each slot is somewhere between these two extremes, so it should be taken into account before you start.
Reviews
We review all the major video slot releases at Slotsia, with our experts compiling all the useful information to let you know if a game is worth playing. These are also crucial for understanding any complex gameplay features.
Tips For Video Slot Players
Whether you are an expert player or a novice, tips for beating video slot machines are always useful. Below you will find our three main pieces of advice that are definitely worth taking into consideration before you next play at a casino.
It is also in the interests of responsible gambling to do this anyway when playing at a casino, but particularly important in the case of video slots. Ensure that you have a set amount of money to play with and never go beyond that. After all, the very nature of these games is that wins are never guaranteed on any spin; that may be part of the excitement for some, but restrained gaming is essential. If your luck is in and you are up in your account balance then it is also wise to consider stopping while ahead.
All UK casinos offer the possibility of playing video slots in demo mode before you stake real money – you are often able to do so without even having to make an account. This will allow you to play a full version of the title which allows to you get to grips with the gameplay and stake limits to see if it is compatible with your playstyle or budget. Demos can also help you to see how often payouts are likely to be, and which symbols you need to be landing for the top wins.
This page has a list of the best video slots websites to play at above, so you will never be short of a great online casino. Choose carefully, though – if you are intending to spend most of your time in the slots lobby then we suggest that you grab an offer with free spins. Be aware that these may be for specific video slot games, but you still have the chance to earn some wins. Also note that wagering restrictions are likely to apply, but bonuses are still a great way to get started.
Top Video Slot Games
The fact that video slots come in all shapes and sizes means that invariably players have their own idea of what constitutes a great release. Regardless, there are some games that are universally seen as a bonafide success and have huge levels of popularity and replayability. Below are our picks for the best video slot machines.
A firm favourite at practically all UK casinos since its release in 2012, Starburst is perhaps the most successful video slot of all time. The graphics are based around space and have survived the test of time, comparing favourably to modern slots almost a decade later. This NetEnt game is also frequently used for free spins offers, while a sequel – Starburst XXXtreme – has also been released.
In terms of gameplay, the low volatility, straightforward features and welcoming stake options mean that Starburst is a slot that is enjoyed by all kinds of players.
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Gonzo’s Quest is another classic video slot from NetEnt. Its success has also seen it release multiple sequels, but none have quite lived up to the iconic original, which is available to play at most major casinos. With 5 reels, 3 rows and 20 paylines this is a video slot that is simple to get to grips with and also offers the possibility of some big wins – the maximum payout is 2,500x your stake on any given spin.
Even if the RTP (95.97%) is slightly below average, the enduring symbols on the reels mean that Gonzo’s Quest makes the cut as one of the top video slots on the market today.
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Big Time Gaming has produced some excellent slots in recent years and few are more enjoyable than Wheel of Fortune Megaways. The Megaways gameplay adds a nice new dimension to what is a visually appealing casino version of the iconic TV series.
There are 117,649 ways to win, though this can theoretically expand to 1 million, while Wilds and Wild Megastacks ensure that this game has a decent depth to it – as well as a mammoth 80,150x maximum payout.
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Push Gaming’s 2021 slot release Dinopolis has been incredibly successful and still ranks as one of the most popular slots at UK casinos. As the name suggests, the theme is based around dinosaurs and the imagery ideally complements the range of features that have been included by Push Gaming. The 3-4-4-4-3 layout also means that this is a game that feels different from many slots, and the 96.40% RTP, which is above average, is another reason that this has developed a huge fanbase.
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As the pioneers of the Megaways gameplay, no developer does this quite as well as Big Time Gaming, and Bonanza Megaways is a classic example. The game should be approached with caution due to its high volatility, but the inclusion of a four-tier progressive jackpot means that huge wins are possible. The slot is set underground with a mining theme and the enjoyable soundtrack ensures that this is an immersive experience; free spins and cascading reels also add real quality to this fan favourite, with the jackpots able to be earned through collecting multiple Megaways symbols.
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Few slots have a maximum win anywhere near the 100,000x that is offered in Dead or Alive 2. Admittedly the chances of landing such a payout are very slim, but this is a memorable game with high volatility and above-average RTP.
If that isn’t enough, this NetEnt release has fantastic Western imagery and symbols, making it a worthy successor to the original. Sticky wilds and multipliers also mean that gameplay is never dull.
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Last but certainly not least on this list is Book of 99 by Relax Gaming. As video slots go, this is one of the most unforgettable to review; its main element is the staggering 99% RTP on show, which is hugely above the industry average.
The symbols on the reels are also very fitting and landing scatters or Wilds is the best way to unlock free spins and, potentially, the larger wins. The 5×3 layout will also be familiar to most players and the wide range of available stake amounts means that this is a popular choice at many casinos.
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Top video slot providers
Behind every top release is a huge team at all video slot providers to ensure that the video slot is completely polished before being available to the public. Each studio has its own unique style so there is a real variety in the industry at the moment and players have plenty of variety. Below are our top video slot developer picks.
In case our list of favourite video slots above hadn’t made it clear, NetEnt is one of, if not the biggest game providers around. The quality of the brand’s slots is unparalleled and the sheer range of different themes and genres is something to behold. NetEnt is also one of the few companies that sees success in basically every single release – you will seldom see a video slot that is half-baked when released, and this is partly down to the size of the workforce, with over 1000 employees globally working on perfecting each title.
Another of the casino industry’s big-hitters is Microgaming, with the Isle of Man-based company responsible for some of the most famous video slots on the market. Given that the Microgaming brand has been around since 1994, the most recent efforts show how far it has come, with Immortal Romance one of the most iconic slots around and still a staple at most online casinos of note. Additionally, Microgaming has become renowned for its release of branded video slots in recent years, including Game of Thrones Power Stacks.
While not as established as the other providers on this list, Eyecon is still a company that has produced multiple slots that are popular with UK players. Licensed by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, Eyecon was initially launched in 1997 and its acquisition by Playtech in 2017 took output to the next level. While Eyecon is primarily famous for its bingo offering, its slots are also worth checking out with many different themes available and at multiple casinos – Stampede and 99 Time are two recommended games from Slotsia.
You will find major releases from Red Tiger at most casinos, and the reach of this company can be seen in the fact that it was acquired by NetEnt – and ultimately Evolution. Many slots from Red Tiger have multiple customisable options, meaning that players are able to have a personalised experience. Major hits include the luxurious Trillionaire slot, which has high-end visuals as well as plentiful features.
In recent years, the game developer has also touched on the satire topic, as seen with the hilarious Rocket Men effort.
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If you have spent any time at an online casino in recent years, then you will have come across a Pragmatic Play video slot. Whatever your taste, it is probable that this major casino provider has you covered, with the brand’s repertoire covering themes from fishing to Vikings – and pretty much everything in between. One major success story is that of Big Bass Bonanza, which has seen sequels and spin-offs; the angling slot is also frequently offered as part of a casino’s welcome bonus package with free spins.
No list of major slot developers would be complete without Play’n GO. The company is partnered with hundreds of major casinos around the world with the Swedish company one of the most experienced games studios around. Some classic video slots have stood the test of time, such as Book of Dead, but in the last few years, Play’n GO has continued to pump out enjoyable games on a regular basis; these tend to have excellent graphics as well as multiple in-depth gameplay features to keep them enjoyable.
How To Play Video Slots For Real Money
For most players, a key attraction of playing casino games is that there is always a possibility of walking away with a huge profit if your luck is in. The best way to do this is to play with real money – that is in comparison to using bonus funds, from a no deposit offer for example.
As a general rule, you will have fewer restrictions when playing video slots for real money and can keep what you win on the reels. We have made a real money online casinos list to help you find the best place to play.
Thankfully, playing video slots in this was is a very straightforward affair – simply follow these steps:
You have literally hundreds of UK websites to pick from, so read our casino reviews and find one that suits you, taking into account the bonus and range of slots.
This will take a matter of minutes as you confirm a few personal details
As you are playing for real money, payment is required but this will translate into account funds and you can also claim a bonus as a new player.
You can then use your funds to spin on your video slot of choice; always keep a budget in mind.
If you have any winnings in your account then these can be withdrawn.
The main benefit of playing with real money, then, is that you have a genuine chance of earning and keeping extra cash, given that you are risking your own funds.
How We Review Video Slots
Each and every Slotsia video slot review takes into account the same criteria before deciding how good a game is out of five stars.
Features
If a video slot is lacking some basic elements such as a free spins round or bonus games then it will score lowly as we always consider how repetitive a game feels after a few spins. After all, this is a major part of a game’s level of enjoyment.
RTP and volatility
Both these factors will determine how likely you are to see a profit from your stake. The higher the RTP – particularly if it is above 96% – the better.
Theme
We review so many slots that the same kind of themes come up again and again; we always look at how clear the symbols and backdrop are and score accordingly.
Max. win
All players are aiming to hit this number, even if it takes a huge degree of luck, so our slot reviews always contain this information as well as what it would take to land it.
Frequently Asked Questions
This page has covered the ins and outs of video slots, but if you still have any questions, then these are likely to be covered below in our FAQs.
A video slot combines multiple complex mechanics to ensure that it runs smoothly and is also completely fair. Playing involves you pressing “spin” and trying to match symbols across the reels to multiply the stake that you have bet with and try to land the maximum win.
Yes, all UK casinos will allow you to play for free, either in demo mode – which is a great way to see how the game works with different bonus features – or with free spins. Free spins can also allow you to earn money, though certain terms and conditions will apply.
We have made a list of some of the best and most popular video slots available on this page. Generally, you can expect to find hugely popular titles such as Starburst and Gonzo’s Quest at any online casino – especially those that have games from the best developers.
That is ultimately a personal decision based on what you look for with an online casino. But generally, we suggest websites that have a great welcome bonus and a large range of games, including video slots and live dealer titles. This will give you the most variety and we have a great selection on this page.
