Key Features That Make Online Slots Stand Out

Online slots come in all shapes and sizes, not to mention eye-catching themes. There’s pretty much something to appeal to just about every player. But some games stand above others in their appeal. So, what makes an online slot exceptional? With high return-to-player (RTP) percentages, innovative bonus features, and interesting themes, best-of-the-breed slots are defined by the following core features that set them apart.

High RTPs

A high RTP is one of the key things slots players look for. This theoretical return to player is the amount of money that’s paid back to players over a large number of spins. Land-based slots are usually 80-90%, but online slot games usually sit in the 96% range.

For example, the popular NetEnt slot Starburst has an RTP of 96.1%. That means for every $100 wagered $96.10 is paid back to the players over time. The higher the RTP, the better your long-term chances are of winning. So, make sure to check the RTP before playing online to limit your choices to slots with the highest RTPs.

Developers like NetEnt and Play'n GO have many games with an RTP of 96% or more. Take a look at Book of Dead (96.21%) and Reactoonz (96.51%).

Knowing the studios and games that favor high RTPs gives you a useful filter in your search for which game to play.

Extra Features

Apart from the above, some online slots have extra features. Many have free spin bonuses that award extra spins when you hit scatter symbols. Gonzo’s Quest has cascading reels and multipliers in free spins, which is a big payout opportunity.

Slots can have pick ‘em bonuses, where you choose an object to reveal instant cash prizes. Look out for walking wilds that roll through the reels at the top of every spin, landing in any one of the empty spaces on the reels and creating winning combinations. The more creative the features, the more fun the game.

When trying new slots, make sure to read up on the bonus features so you know what to expect. Some bonuses are all luck, some require skill or strategy to get the most out of them. Slots with multiple bonus features have more ways to win and more fun from spin to spin.

Unique Themes and Visuals

Slot developers go to great lengths to provide striking visuals and immersive themes. Look for detailed graphics and smooth animations that draw you into the setting. Top slots based on popular entertainment franchises, such as Game of Thrones or Narcos, embody the spirit of the original media.

Or you can play fun themes, like Gonzo’s Quest, which has an explorer theme and its own colorful Aztec approach. Themed slots with a high level of elaboration offer a deeply immersive experience, providing lots of fun for players.

Major studios put a lot of effort into sophisticated graphics and media to make their slots as attractive as possible. NetEnt and Play'n GO are famous for their sharp game graphics, whereas Betsoft slots are widely recognized for their 3D graphics. If you appreciate great visuals, be sure to sample slots from the developers that excel in this area.

Wide Betting Options

To cater to all classes of players, the optimal online slots offer adjustable betting limits. Search out slots that enable players to place bets for as little as $0.10 per round so that you can play without too much risk, changing your bet level to suit your bankroll. With so many denomination options on quality slots, you can play on a budget or go big.

When looking at game details and rules, always check the minimum and maximum bets so you know what you’re getting into. Some slots have fixed paylines and bets while others let you choose how many lines to play per spin. This also gives you more flexibility to increase or decrease your bets.

Finding the Best Online Slots

At first glance, online slots all look the same. But look closer and you’ll find the differences that make some slots more fun to play than others. Choose slots with high return-to-player percentages, exciting bonus features, great themes, adjustable betting, life-changing progressive jackpots, or that are mobile optimized and you’ll find the most rewarding and entertaining games.

The best slots layer fun and excitement across all of these. As new slots are released with new innovations, there are always new games to discover. Take the time to understand and compare slot features and you can find the most fun and enjoyable titles.