Online slots are the most popular online casino games. If you’re new to gambling and keen to take a few of these games for a spin, you might be a bit apprehensive at first – especially if you’ll be playing online slots for real money. You’re probably wondering whether the outcome of each game is truly random. If this is the case, we’ve got the answers! 

How do online casino slots work?

Before you start playing, it’s a good idea to learn a bit more about the technology behind online slot machines. But before we break it all down, let’s get straight to the point. Is the outcome of every spin really random? If you’re playing a licensed casino slot game, then you can be sure that, yes, it is. We know this because: 

• All games have to be independently tested and certified as random by going through millions and millions of test outcomes or bot runs.
• Once tested and approved by the independent testing house (which must also be approved as fit and proper by the Gambling Commission), the certificate containing a digital signature of the game is sent to the Gambling Commission. Here, experts approve the game and note the signature to ensure that its game code cannot be changed.
• After that, any licensed UK operator can then publish the game and allow players to enjoy it.

The software responsible for generating random results during gameplay is called Random Number Generator (RNG) software. This software is capable of generating thousands of numbers every second, which means that if you click “spin” a millisecond earlier or later, you’ll get a completely different result. Another fact to keep in mind is that your earlier wins and losses have absolutely no impact on any subsequent outcomes, as all numbers (and matches) continue to be generated in the same way. Aside from the RNG software, the only other aspects of gameplay that will affect the outcome of each spin are a game’s Return to Player (RTP) percentage, its volatility rating and its unique paytable. 

NOTE: Please remember to always check that the game that you’re playing, as well as the mobile online casino platform on which you’re playing it, is fully licensed. You can look into an online casino’s licence by scoping out a link to the Gambling Commission’s website in the footer of the casino’s website. The link should lead directly to the operator’s licence on the Gambling Commission’s website, where you’ll be able to confirm whether its licence is valid. 

Understanding RTP

A game’s RTP gives you an indication of the return you can expect when playing a specific slot game for a long period of time. For example, if betting £100 over the course of your session when playing a game with an RTP of 95%, you can expect, on average, to come away with £95. Keep an eye out for digital slots that offer an RTP of at least 96%, which is considered the industry standard. 

Volatility of online slot games

A slot game’s volatility (also often called “variance”) also has an impact on the outcome of your game. But what does “volatility” mean, exactly? In simple terms, slots with low volatility or variance provide the player with smaller wins more frequently, and slots that are highly volatile provide the player with larger wins but less often. You also get medium volatility slots. These games offer a balance between how frequently you land wins on the playing grid and how much each win is worth. 

Study the paytable!

A win is a win when playing the best online slots, right? Yes – but that doesn’t mean that all wins are created equal! How much you’ll score when landing a match while playing a virtual slot machine depends on the pre-specified amounts on the paytable. Some slots:

• pay higher amounts than others
• offer multipliers or other more “profitable” features like cascading or avalanche reels (where the reels re-spin when a match is made to allow the chance to land more matches for the price of a single spin)
• boast progressive jackpots
• offer a higher maximum win (this is the highest possible amount that you can win during a single gaming session) 

In short, the paytable is important, so take the time to compare before choosing a slot to play. 

Why play online slots with The Phone Casino?

Looking for one of the best online casinos the UK has to offer? The Phone Casino is a mobile online casino specialising in slots and many other exciting online casino games. Here are just a few reasons to consider signing up to join our community:

• At The Phone Casino, we have a wide range of online slots that you can choose from and play – including slots that are deemed to be the best in the business!
• There’s no deposit required when registering.
• There’s no playthrough required on any winnings – you get to keep what you win!
• We promise fairness at our online casino, and we reward customers with unlimited real-money rewards and free-to-play bonuses every day where you can win cash, free spins and prizes just for logging in.
• Believe it or not, we boast a collection of over 600 online casino mobile slot games and live casino games for you to explore, including free spins no deposit slots and free bonus no deposit slots. Be sure to check out some of our current player favourites, such as Rainbow Riches, Monopoly 250k, Bonanza, Ecuador Gold, Fishin’ Frenzy Megaways, Fluffy Favourites, Poltava, Reels of Luck and Wolf Gold, to name but a few. 

What are you waiting for? Get Playing Your Favourite Slots!