Beginners guide to online slots sites

There is no shortage of online slot sites, with platforms to suit all preferences. However, not all slot sites are built the same, with some standing out as better than others, but what makes a great slot site? Well, there are many factors to take into consideration, such as the quality of slots, array of bonuses, and site performance. The online casino industry is very congested and so slot sites are upping their game to deliver a more superior product for a better gaming experience. Let’s take a look at the elements that make a slot site great. 

Platform performance

Back in the old days, slot sites were built using Flash coding technology and often required you to download the slot site lobby to your homepage. With improvements in technology, many slot sites have rebuilt their platforms using the far superior and mobile friendly HTML5 tech. This means you can expect more visual detail, touch friendly gaming, a smoother playback, and there’s no need to download any software.

However, many slot sites out there are near identical replicas of each other. These are known as white-label slot sites where the underlying platform is owned by a third party and ‘leased’ to the owner of the slot site. While white-label sites aren’t inherently bad, they are quite limited and restricted in what they can offer players, as what appears on one site, must usually appear on every other white-label partner out there. For this reason, they lack personalisation and unique promotions which play a large role in keeping players entertained.

Gaming content

The meat and bones of any slot site is the choice of games and a great slot site will have a large and diverse library of the best online slots, along with many other games. The games are what separates a sub-standard slot site from a superior one, so whatever your preference of games, ensure your chosen slot site has plenty of what you’re looking for, whether that be virtual table games, progressive jackpots, live dealer games, bingo games, minigames or scratch cards. The size of the gaming library is determined by the number of gaming providers that platform has partnered up with – more providers means more games, more tournaments and more promotions.

Deposit methods

It’s important to feel safe and comfortable when you play at online slot sites. You should strive for safe, secure, and trusted payment options, where you can make easy deposits and withdrawals. Although all UK gaming operators will accept your standard bank cards, not all of them offer eWallet services. The payment options offer enhanced security and quicker cashout times, so you don’t have to wait around for your well-earned winnings to arrive. A top slot site will accept reputable eWallets such as Neteller, Skrill, and even PayPal, so you have complete peace of mind when making transactions. 

Regulation and security

Any online casino that you play at should be built on a robust platform that is layered with hardened SSL encryption and be certified secure. Furthermore, the slot site should always take measures to protect your playing funds, such as segregating your real money balance to prevent any compromises. Additionally, although all gaming providers must put all slots and tables through thorough tests to ensure all random number generators are performing correctly, some slot sites will partner up with an independent auditing service to further perform tests on fair play.  

Responsible gaming

All UK licensed slot sites are required to have responsible gaming measures in place to help protect players from potential harm. However, the top slot sites will go above and beyond in keeping their players safe. This includes more tools and features to encourage you to stay within your budget and to take regular breaks. Online gaming should always be considered a fun and exciting pastime, but it can get out of hand.

In the UK, it’s illegal for any organisation to offer gambling services to UK residents without being licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission. There are rogue operators out there, so make sure your chosen slot site is properly licensed, thereby ensuring you have the best possible protection.

Bonuses & promotions 

A great slot site gives you a reason to login and play every day of the week. These sites are packed with promotional goodies and bonus perks that keep your balance healthy throughout the week. You should expect a generous first deposit bonus to get you off to a winning start and then plenty of perks to keep your account topped up. These sites offer regular reload bonuses, free spins packages, cashback deals, and more. You should also pay attention to the bonus terms and conditions that are attached to these offers, such as the minimum deposit required, wagering requirements, maximum win caps and expiry periods.

VIP programs

If you’re playing with a sizable budget, you want to make sure you get the most from your wagering. The best slot sites will have a VIP program in place that rewards loyalty generously. VIP programs come in all shapes and sizes, so you can pick one that fits your requirements, whether that be bonus offers, cashback deals, free spins, or exclusive events and gifts. 

Customer support

Finally, all great slot sites offer a proficient customer support team and comprehensive help/FAQs pages. You should expect an around the clock service with plenty of options to reach out, including live chat, email, and phone. Moreover, many top slot sites will have a strong social media presence with regular giveaways, promotions, and even messaging service, so you can ping over a message and expect a swift reply. 

Now that you know what makes a great slot site, you can begin your search to find your new gaming destination. Keep in mind the importance of the above points and make the right choice for your needs, there are more than plenty of slot sites to choose from after all.