Whether you’re familiar with online gambling or not, there’s no doubt that this remains an influential growth market in the digital age. After all, this sector turnover over £4.7 billion in the year ending October 2017, for example, while online gameplay now accounts for 34% of the overall gambling industry.

Interestingly, slot games are the most popular and lucrative titles online, accounting more than 50% of all virtual casino revenues. Slot gaming activity has also increased by around 300% since 2010, as improved graphics, gameplay and narratives have appealed to a wider audience.

The slot game market is increasingly diverse and complex, however, making it hard for new players to master. Below, we’ve create a brief guide that will help you to get started and make the most from online slots.

Not all Slots are Created Equal – Focus on the Basics

We’ve seen some incredible diversification in the slot game market throughout the years, with a host of themed titles drawing inspiration from film, television and even console games. From the thrilling Tomb Raider slot to a title inspired by Game of Thrones to movie slots, it’s easy to find yourself dazzled by this wide array of available experiences.

This can prove detrimental when choosing your preferred game, particularly if you’re a casual gamer with a limited bankroll. The main reason for this is that each slot game will be classified as either a low, mid or high-variance experience, which will impact directly on how often you win and the size of the jackpots available.

While low-variance games deliver frequent but relatively low value wins, for example, high-variance slots are harder to crack but have the potential to trigger huge jackpots. Mid-variance operate in-between these two extremes, but you should probably avoid these as a casual or inexperienced player.

You can usually identify the type of game on offer through its RTP (return-to-player) rate, which should be publicised by operators at all times. Low-variance or certified slots should offer an RTP rate of 97% or higher, for example, while higher-variance titles may boast RTP rates as low as 90%.

Understand Minimum and Maximum Bets

In terms of gameplay, you’ll also need to get to grips with the unique betting system associated with slots.

In simple terms, games will offer variable coin denominations to players, along with minimum and maximum amounts that can be wagered on each payline. When combined, these factors will establish the total value of your stake, so it’s important to understand this and choose a slot game that suits your outlook and bankroll.

This task is a little harder now than it used to be, thanks partially to the introduction of so-called ‘243 payline slots’. These are different to classic slots that feature a rigid, five-reel grid design, as they used a fluid payline structure that allows for both traditional winning combinations and those that move from right to left and even vertically.

They also enable players to use a single stake amount rather than individual line bets, theoretically making it easier and cheaper to play games.

A word of warning; however, as 243 payline wins are best described as stake multipliers rather than outright cash prizes. This means that the value of each win will be diminished considerably on low-variance games, while this type of slot will also feature less bonus rounds or excitement than is to be expected.

The key here is to understand the rules and betting requirements of each individual slot, before determining whether or not it’s right for you.

Make the Most of Available Bonuses

As the online gambling market has become increasingly popular, so too operators have been forced to compete more aggressively to secure a viable share of the action.

This has created an environment in which brands apply huge promotions and bonus offers, which essentially translate into free gameplay for both new and existing players alike.

The proliferation of online slots mean that a high proportion of modern bonuses are aimed at these titles, with some offering a fixed number of free spins to players. Other provide lucrative deposit matches of between 100% and 400%, which in turn provides a safety net for new players who are still learning their trade.

So, when comparing the best online casinos and virtual slot games, be sure to conduct thorough research and identify the most lucrative bonus options. This way, you can make an informed decision that translates into superior and more cost-effective gameplay.