Top US real money online slots – expert picks for 2025
Written by Chris Jonat
Updated Jul 16, 2025
Content Manager
With over 20,000+ slots available in the US, there is no shortage of games to enjoy. Check out player-favorite slot titles including the highest RTP values and the best new bonus features available.
With over 18,000+ slots available in the US, it's hard to know which ones deserve your time and money. Luckily, we've curated ten unmissable titles, available at most US casinos.Hand-picked by our slot experts, these games offer great gameplay experiences for everyone. These are the titles we recommend for having the best available features, most lucrative game math, or are just the smash-hits with players around the world.
Slot
Software provider
Best for
Our rating
Gates of Olympus Super Scatter
Pragmatic Play
Pay Anywhere mechanics
⭐5/5
Starburst
NetEnt
Simplicity
⭐5/5
Bonanza Megaways
Big Time Gaming
Megaways mechanism
⭐4.9/5
Royal Coins Hold & Win
Playson
3-reeled slots
⭐4.9/5
Immortal Romance Vein of Gold
Stormcraft Games
New slots for 2025
⭐4.9/5
Granny vs Zombies
PearFiction
Game theme (editor's top pick)
⭐4.9/5
Ted Jackpot King
Blueprint Gaming
Progressive jackpots
⭐4.8/5
Big Bass Bonanza
Pragmatic Play
Player-favorite title
⭐4.7/5
Book of Dead
Play'n GO
High volatility slots
⭐4.6/5
1429 Uncharted Seas
Thunderkick
High RTP
⭐4.6/5
Why should you care about my recommendations?
Chris Jonat, Content Manager
”I've reviewed 1,000+ slots and I've played at least double that. Each time, I dig into the mechanics, trigger every bonus feature, and scrutinize the payout stats. I've seen the good, the bad, and the absurd, so I know what makes for a great game. In short, I know these games inside out, and I know what else is available. If there were better slots around, I'd already be spinning them.“
The five best slots to play online for real money
Not sure which real money slot is right for you? Use the in-depth reviews below to discover what makes these slots stand out, what players think, and all the need-to-know stats.
Gates of Olympus Super Scatter (Pragmatic Play) - Player-favorite slot
✍️ My review: The latest instalment in the Gates of Olympus series of games, Super Scatter continues one of Pragmatic Play's most popular IPs with new mechanics and boosted payouts. What sets this godly adventure apart from the other titles in the series is the addition of the 'Super Scatter' symbol that acts as both a standard Scatter and awards additional cash prizes of 100x - 50,000x depending on the number (up to 4). Outside of that, the game contains all of the features from the original title including cascasding reels, Win Multiplier symbols, and the free spins mode; including retaining the stellar 96.50% RTP rating from the original title. Pros✅ Boosted payout of up to 50,000x your total bet; 35,000x higher than Gates of Olympus 1000✅ Additional Super Scatter symbols added that can award instant cash prizes of up to 50,000x; not present in any other version of Gates of Olympus✅ Competitive 96.50% RTP with High volatility; making each winning spin award bigger average payoutsCons❌ Base mechanics are fairly similar to other versions of Gates of Olympus🏅 Top features: Cascading Reels, Super Scatter cash prizes, Free Spins mode, Multipliers💛 Best for: Players looking for big win potential per spin. 🎰 Players spinning on Casino.org: 32,000+ (updated for July 2025)
📈RTP rate: 96.5%
💰Max win: 50,000x stake
⚖️Volatility: High
🎯Hit frequency rate: 27.8%
📐Reels/Paylines: 6x5 grid/Pay Anywhere
🎰Slot type: Grid slot
Lucky Larry's Lobstermania 2 (IGT) - An updated classic
✍️ My review: As a fan of the original, Lucky Larry's Lobstermania 2 improves on almost every aspect of the original game with a plethora of new features and bonuses. The game lowers the High volatility of the original down to a Medium rating; making it far more viable for players who enjoy more frequent wins on each spin. Couple that with the additional of fixed jackpots and a free spins mode, and this is the definitive way to enjoy Lucky Larry's slot escapades. Pros✅ 3 distinct bonus games including a free spins mode; not found in the original title✅ Fixed jackpots available that can award up to 3,700x your total bet; not available in the first title✅ Medium volatility rating & 94.14% RTP; lower volatility than original title meaning higher chances of wins on each spinCons❌ Max win is lower than the first game; 3,700x compared to the 11,250x of the original🏅 Top features: Fixed jackpots, Free Spins, Multiplier symbols, Pick Feature💛 Best for: Fans of fishing-themed games like Fishin' Frenzy or Big Bass Splash🎰 Players spinning on Casino.org: 10,000+ (updated for July 2025)
📈RTP rate: 94.11%
💰Max win: 3,200x stake
⚖️Volatility: Medium
🎯Hit frequency rate: 17.9%
📐Reels/Paylines: 5 reels/40 paylines
🎰Slot type: Video slot
King Kong Cash Even Bigger Bananas 4 (Blueprint) - Best new release for July 2025
✍️ My review: King Kong Cash has been a staple in the slots landscape for close to a decade with every new entry upping the ante; and this newest title is no exception. Expanding on the Progressive Trail feature, found in other top Blueprint titles, this entry adds even more life to the King Kong Cash formula with new bonuses and Cash symbol modifiers. Couple that with the Medium volatility, and competitive 95% RTP, and this is a new title to check out for any level of slots player looking for features galore and a decent number of wins along the way. Pros✅ A fresh entry in an established slot series; with new bonus features & improvements from past games✅ Progressive Trail feature adds additional incentives to play; popular in titles like The Goonies & Dragons Clusterbuster✅ Slot theme is colorful and inviting to players with plenty of satisfying visual elements for features & wins; Kong's animations are a particular highlightCons❌ Veterans of the series might find the features a bit too similar to past titles🏅 Top features: Cash Collect, Progressive Trail upgrades, Free Spins, Instant prizes💛 Best for: Fans of progressive unlock features or other King Kong Cash titles
📈RTP rate: 95%
💰Max win: 10,000 x stake
⚖️Volatility: Medium-High
🎯Hit frequency rate: 33%
📐Reels/Paylines: 6 reels/up to 4,096 ways to win
🎰Slot type: Video slot
Mental 2 (NoLimit City) - Expert pick
✍️ My review: The horror returns with Mental 2 from NoLimit City. Debated as one of the studio's most gruesome slot offerings (and that's saying a lot), Mental 2 expands on the blood-soaked original with new features and a boosted max prize of up to 99,999x your total bet. What makes this a personal recommendation for me is the overload of features available with tons of free spins modifiers, bonus games, and base game features to enjoy. Couple that with the insanely High volatility, and this is one not for the faint of heart (or stomach). Play if you dare!Pros✅ Boosted max win of 99,999x your total bet; up from 66,666x in the original title✅ Tons of new features and improvements from the previous title; including the xGod bonus game✅ One of the boldest slot themes on the market; making it stand well apart from the crowdCons❌ Not all players enjoy High volatility as wins are less frequent than lower volatility titles🏅 Top features: Split symbols, Free Spins, Super Free Spins, xGod Instant Wins💛 Best for: Fans of High volatility slots or NLC titles like Blood & Shadow or The Crypt
📈RTP rate: 95.23%
💰Max win: 99,999x stake
⚖️Volatility: Very High
🎯Hit frequency rate: 31.41%
📐Reels/Paylines: 3-2-3-2-3 grid/108 betways
🎰Slot type: Grid slot
Book of 99 (Relax) - best high RTP slot for players
✍️ My review: Hitting the market in 2021, Book of 99 still holds the distinction of being one of the highest RTP slots available in the US market. Boasting a 99% RTP value, putting it far above the average 95%-96% of most online slots, the game is more than just that single USP. Containing the Expanding Symbol feature, found in games like Book of Dead, players can enjoy a familiar slot experience with a certified classic bonus mechanic. The High volatility may hold back some players, but the 99% RTP coupled with the popular bonus mechanics make this a title that's hard to ignore. Pros✅ 99% RTP value; one of the highest available RTPs of any online slot on the market✅ Player-favorite Expanding Symbol feature; popular in slots like Book of Dead or Book of Tut✅ Wild collection mechanic gives you additional ways to unlock free spins modeCons❌ 99% is calculated over many spins; personal RTP can be lower with High volatility in mind🏅 Top features: Wild collection meter, Free Spins mode, Expanding Symbol feature💛 Best for: High RTP slots or fans of Greek-themed titles like Thunderstruck
📈RTP rate: 99%
💰Max win: 5,000x stake
⚖️Volatility: High
🎯Hit frequency rate: 29.83%
📐Reels/Paylines: 5 reels/10 paylines
🎰Slot type: Video slot
Expert insight: How to pick the best slot machine for you
Victor H. Royer, published author and US casino expert
“When choosing a slot machine, there are three things to look for. If you’re playing for fun, look for games with lots of bells and whistles. This includes bonus rounds, frequent pay, and lots of animation, color, and music. If fun and profit are your goals, then look for medium volatility games with less pay but better value. If you wish to maximize your winnings, consider high-volatility games. These slots may pay out less frequently, but when they do, the wins can be larger.“
Ten new slots to watch out for in July
We constantly test new slots to keep our recommendations up to date. Want to know which titles we're expecting to earn a place on our list of the best slots for real money? Check out the hottest anticipated slots of 2025 and their release dates.
🎰Game Name
🧑💻Software provider
🕚Release date
Zombie School Megaways
Pragmatic Play
August 4, 2025
Age of the Gods Gold Trio
Playtech
August 4, 2025
Fishin' Frenzy The Big Catch 3
Blueprint
August 4, 2025
Phoenix Graveyard 2
ELK Studios
August 5, 2025
All My Gold
Light & Wonder
August 7, 2025
Argonauts
Pragmatic Play
August 7, 2025
Sonic 7s
High 5 Casino
August 10, 2025
Deal or No Deal Community
Blueprint Gaming
August 11, 2025
Big Bass Reel Repeat
Pragmatic Play
August 11, 2025
Space Jars
Push Gaming
August 12, 2025
The Jetsons
Blueprint Gaming
August 18, 2025
Cash Eruption MegaJackpots
IGT
August 18, 2025
Blood & Bounty
Hacksaw Gaming
August 21, 2025
Editor's pick: Upcoming slots
Lewis Crane: Content Editor and former casino employee
“As someone who used to work on the inside at an online casino operator, I’ve seen my fair share of slot releases; some groundbreaking, some... not so much. In 2025, I'm looking forward to Blood & Bounty by Hacksaw Gaming. From early previews, fans of Wanted Dead or a Wild will be in for a treat. The other one I'm looking out for is The Jetsons by Blueprint Gaming. Blueprint are the kings when it comes to licensed slots, with big hitters like The Flintstones and The Goonies, and The Jetsons is shaping up to fit comfortably alongside those stellar titles.
Discover the best new slots
If you're looking for the hottest releases, check out our dedicated new slots page. Here, you can play the latest game demos for free no download required, and find the best casinos for playing new slots in the US.
There are tons of sites available in the US to play slots with sites hosting over 1,000+ on average. Check out our top 5 choices we recommend to play in your state including the biggest roster of slots and the best slot-focused welcome bonuses.
Looking for sweepstake slot sites?
We've highlighted our top real money slot sites for players in NJ, PA, WV, CT, DE, and MI above. If you're playing from a different state, however, fear not. We have a comprehensive list of sweepstakes slot sites, too.
Understand how we rate the best slots for real money
Now you know which online slots we recommend, here’s a look at how we go about choosing them. Our 25-step review and rating process you that these are actually the best slot games that pay real money, benchmarked against other titles and industry stats. Here’s what we would suggest you look look out for to find your own top slots.
Return to player rates
Before anything else, we check the slot's return to player (RTP) rate. Slots have an average RTP of 96%, so anything below this won’t make the cut. Marching Legions by Relax Gaming and 1429 Uncharted Seas by Thunderkick win this round, with industry-leading RTPs of over 98%.
💡 Expert insight:The return to player rate represents the percentage a slot will pay back to players over time. While this is a theoretical rate, calculated over millions of spins, it’s still important. Simply put, the higher the RTP, the better your chances of winning in the long run.
Maximum win figures
All slots have a maximum win amount, per spin. This is expressed as a multiplier (e.g., 5,000x stake), though it’s not just the payline wins that contribute. Max win amounts are usually only achieved via bonus features working together. For example, Money Train 4 offers max wins of 150,000x your stake. These come via the Money Cart Bonus feature where 20 special symbols can upgrade wins.
💡 Expert insight:The higher the winning figure, the more you can theoretically win per spin and the more rewarding the slot. While we've seen maximum win amounts drop in recent years (10,000x your stake is considered a decent stat), providers such as Relax Gaming and NetEnt still produce slots with huge winning potential.
Bonus features
Bonus features give you extra chances to win real money slots. As such, it's easy to think the more bonus features, the better. However, they must work well together and be easy to understand too.
💡 Expert insight:Money Train 4 boasts 20+ features confined to one bonus round, so they're not too overwhelming. Starburst XXXtreme fairs well too. While the bonus features are limited, they trigger often and are very simple.
Graphics and theme
Unique themes and design choices make the best slots stand out. For example, 4 Fantastic Fish in Egypt spins the classic Egyptian theme on its head. It features animated symbols and you can play in 'Big Reel Portrait Mode' for an immersive mobile slot experience.
💡 Expert insight:In 2024, we don't want to see a slot's graphics described as 'smooth' or 'crisp' - that's the bare minimum you should expect! Instead, look for exciting cut-scenes more akin to Xbox games than one-armed bandits. These keep you engaged and motivated - hitting spin repeatedly gets old fast!
Original mechanisms
Innovative online slots will feature interesting layouts and payout mechanisms. For example, slots with the Megaways mechanism by Big Time Gaming are incredibly popular. These can offer up to 586,971 ways to win. Other examples include the Infinity Reels mechanism by Relax Gaming and scatter pays slots. Overall, if a slot offers something fresh, it gets points from us.
💡 Expert insight: New game providers looking to make a splash on the market will be among the ones to watch for the most cutting-edge features.
Licenses and fairness
Any slot featured on Casino.org will be properly licensed and tested for fairness. For instance, NetEnt Americas is licensed by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, the Pennsylvania Gambling Commission Board (PGCB), and the West Virginia Lottery (WVL).
💡 Expert insight:The best slot software providers are part of eCORGA. eCOGRA is an independent testing body that ensures game results are random and RTP rates are correct. Software providers don't need to be eCOGRA certified to gain licenses, so this extra certification is a huge mark of trust.
Overall player experience
Finally, we decided on the overall player experience. Some slots may have all the bells and whistles, but it comes down to the gameplay. Once we know that the game ticks all the boxes, this is the point at which we will recommend it to our players.
💡 Expert insight:With 30 years of experience reviewing slot games, our team has played thousands. You will not find a team with more insights into how slots really perform than on this page.
Slots sites we don't recommend
While there are a plethora of real money sites that offer a great selection of legitimate games, not all casinos are worth spinning on. Below are some sites we suggest you avoid as they offer glitchy/unsatisfying games, poor RTP values, or unsatisfactory customer service experiences that make them not worth your time.
Expert Rating
1.3/5
Why you should avoid
Weak player promotions for slot games
Poor selection of games that fall well below the average library
Lack of quality titles from known software providers like Pragmatic Play
Expert Rating
1.4/5
Why you should avoid
Multiple reports of accounts being closed without reason given
Poor communication around wagering requirements or time restrictions on bonuses
Weak game selection with unsatisfactory list of software providers
Expert Rating
1.2/5
Why you should avoid
Multiple reports of glitchy games with unsatisfying win rates
Poor customer service with minimal knowledge around slots queries
Slow withdrawal times with payment requests exceeding 6+ weeks to complete
Claim slots bonuses and promotions at US casinos
All of our recommended slot sites in the US offer you a welcome bonus or a sign-up bonus when you register for the first time. This might be a percentage of your first deposit or a free spins bonus. Find the details of the best bonuses for you below. This list automatically updates so they're all available wherever you're visiting from. We also provide the bonus code so you needn't dig around elsewhere.
EXCLUSIVE: Up to 220%, 2,000,000 GoldCoins + 80 SC Free + 1000 VIP pointsRealPrize
Just like free spins bonuses on sign-up, regular free spins give you a certain number of free games to spend on a specific slot or range of slots. These are generally awarded to celebrate a new game launch or highlight a particular casino favorite. These generally come with wagering requirements but can be as low as 1x.
As their name suggests, slots tournaments pit you against against other players. Play selected slots during the tournament period and win points for winning spins, bonus round triggers, and more. Climb the leaderboard to secure a prize.
If you want to play online slots for real money at online casinos in the US, just follow these simple steps.
1Use our list of recommended casinos
Choose a high-rated US slot site for our list above with some featuring 1,000s of slot games.
2Register & make a deposit
Sign up and fill out your details to get started. Some slot bonuses may require an initial deposit to be activated.
3Choose a slot game
Once you've deposited, you're ready to play. Pick a slot from the lobby and let's get spinning
4Set bet limits & spin
Once the game has loaded, set your bet level using the '+' or '-' and press spin to play.
Learn about different online casino slots types
When you enter a slots lobby you'll find games sorted by category. Real money slots range from classic three-reel games, to colorful and feature-packed video slots. This gives you a huge amount of choice but it can be hard to know where to start.
Take a look at the most popular online slot types below. Learn how each works and try the best of each variant with free demos. Recommend by our experts, these offer great examples of the features you can expect.
Three reel slots
As the name suggests, three reel slots are played over just three reels. In general, they don't have many paylines and often feature old-school symbols such as 7s and bars. To win, simply line up three matching symbols on a single payline. In addition, Most three-reel slots don't include bonus rounds and may not even feature many special symbols.
💡 Expert insight: Many older slots are three-reelers but there are great new titles too. Toro 7's by ELK Studios, for example, mixes this traditional layout with new features.
🎰 Best three-reel slots: Toro 7's by Elk Studios, Break Bones by Hacksaw Gaming, Mega Joker by NetEnt
Most video slots have five reels or more. This simply refers to the number of columns in the game, and these spin independently of each other. Paylines here can range from 10 to well over 100. Winning combinations are generally formed by landing 3 or more matching symbols across consecutive reels. Expect a wide range of features such as wilds, scatters, and bonus games.
💡 Expert insight:With these types of slots, your bet is usually set per line, although you have to play all paylines. Play a 5 reel, 10 fixed payline slot, and you can bet $0.10 per payline. This means each spin costs $1 in total.
🎰 Best five-reel slots: Starburst by NetEnt, Book of Dead by Play'n GO, Big Bass Bonanza by Pragmatic Play
Megaways is a game engine/mechanic created by Big Time Gaming (BTG). Megaways slots are played with up to 6 reels where the number of symbols on each reel changes with each spin.
The number of symbols on each reel creates the number of available ways to win. For example, in a 117,649 Megaways slot, each reel can contain between 2 and 7 symbols. If each reel displays 3 symbols each, the number of Megaways will be 729 (3^6=729). Seeing 7 symbols on each reel, however, gives you the maximum 117,649 Megaways (7^6=117,649).
💡 Expert insight:Although the Megaways mechanism was first developed by BTG, they have licensed it out to many other providers. This means you can play Megaways versions of many popular slots.
🎰 Best Megaways slots: Bonanza Megaways by BTG, Blood Suckers Megaways by Red Tiger, Buffalo Blitz Megaways by Playtech
Grid slots, also known as cluster pays slots, are played on grids instead of reels. They do not feature paylines and instead, to form a win, you must land matching symbols in a cluster formation. Symbols must be next to each other, touching either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. The bigger the cluster, the bigger the win.
Grid slots almost always feature cascades/tumbles. Winning clusters are removed from the reels, allowing them to be replaced by new symbols. This can lead to consecutive wins if you land further winning clusters.
💡 Expert insight:Grid slots have soared in popularity and now come in all shapes and sizes. Slots like Dam Beavers by ELK Studios take this to the extreme, offering expanding grids and different playing levels.
🎰 Best grid slots:Dam Beavers by ELK Studios, Lure of Fortune by Relax Gaming, Cluster Tumble by Relax Gaming
Scatter pays slots feature a specific mechanic where winning combinations can be formed by symbols appearing in any position on the reels, instead of along paylines. You could have 1 symbol on each reel for example.
💡 Expert insight:Whilst scatter pays slots are usually played across a grid, they aren't to be confused with grid slots. The difference is the way symbols pay out - in random positions vs in clusters. That said, in most cluster pays slots, winning symbols are also removed from the board by a cascade/tumble feature.
🎰 Best grid slots: Money Train 4 by Relax Gaming, Gates of Olympus 1000 by Pragmatic Play, Sweet Bonanza by Pragmatic Play
Progressive jackpot slots are individual slots, or series of slots, that share a jackpot prize pool across a network of casino sites. Each time a player bets on the slot, a portion of that bet goes towards the jackpot. As players across the world are adding to the jackpot constantly, progressive jackpot figures can grow quickly. Progressive jackpots seed at different amounts. For instance, the Mega Fortune Mega Jackpot seeds at $150,000. This is the minimum you can win.
💡 Expert insight:The world’s most famous progressive jackpot slot is Mega Moolah by Microgaming. Unfortunately, this slot is not available in the US.
🎰 Best grid slots: Mega Fortune by NetEnt, Age of the Gods by Playtech, Space Miners Dream Drop by Relax Gaming.
Branded online slots are games inspired by movies, board games, television shows, or even cartoons. Branded slots don't feature any specific mechanisms or layouts, so expect them to come in all shapes and sizes. Providers like NetEnt and Playtech are well-known for producing a lot of branded titles.
💡 Expert insight:Branded slots often have lower RTP rates than regular titles. This is because the slot provider must pay a licensing fee to the movie/TV studio. What's more, a studio may pull a branded slot at any time. The Marvel slots by Playtech, for example, were once huge. However, when Disney bought the Marvel brand, they ceased to exist.
🎰 Best grid slots: Jurassic Park by Microgaming, Narcos Mexico by Red Tiger, Breaking Bad: Cash Collect & Link by Playtech
Slots lobbies may also be sorted by software developers. These are the studios that create the games, and each casino offers titles from a range of developers.
Each software developer has its own style of graphics and features. Below, you can learn more about the most popular brands at real money slot sites in the US.
NetEnt slots
NetEnt has been creating games for more than 25 years with online slots like Starburst and Dead or Alive 2 in its portfolio. It was also the first brand to release a grid slot, with Aloha! Cluster Pays in 2018. In 2020, NetEnt merged with Evolution alongside other studios like Red Tiger. Check out our NetEnt casinos guide to learn more.
📍 Established: 1996
🎰 Number of slots: 200+
🌟 Popular slots: Starburst, Gonzo's Quest, Dead or Alive II, Mega Fortune
Relax Gaming slots
Bursting onto the US slot scene in 2023, Relax Gaming is one of the most exciting brands right now. With high payout slots like Money Train 4 and the Dream Drop jackpot series, it's easy to see why their games attract so much attention. Relax Gaming also expertly adopts mechanisms from other providers, check out Temple Tumble Megaways for proof.
📍 Established: 2010
🎰 Number of slots: 100+
🌟 Popular slots: Money Train 4, Hellcatraz, Marching Legions, Dead Man's Trail Dream Drop
Playtech slots
The world's largest provider of casino games, Playtech slots are available in over 180 countries. With over 20 years of experience, famous slots include the Age of the Gods jackpot series. This provider also produces excellent branded titles such as The Walking Dead 2 and Rocky.
📍 Established: 1999
🎰 Number of slots: 700+
🌟 Popular slots: Buffalo Blitz II, Age of the Gods, Breaking Bad: Cash Collect & Link
Microgaming slots
Microgaming creates a range of real money slots that players love. With 20+ years in the industry, titles such as Thunderstruck II and Game of Thrones stand out. In 2022, Microgaming joined the Games Global brand along with over 40 other independent studios. Read our guide to learn more about Microgaming casinos.
📍 Established: 1994
🎰 Number of slots: 800+
🌟 Popular slots: Jurassic Park, Immortal Romance, Pharaoh’s Fortune, Mega Moolah
Big Time Gaming slots
There aren’t a lot of slot providers who have had as big an impact on the industry as Big Time Gaming. Always at the forefront of innovation, the brand is famous for its Megaways titles. Other popular BTG mechanisms include Megaclusters and Megaquads.
📍 Established: 2011
🎰 Number of slots: 50+
🌟 Popular slots: Bonanza Megaways, Danger High Voltage, White Rabbit Megaways, Monopoly Megaways
Play'n GO slots
Another industry-changing brand, Play'n GO was the first provider to release mobile slots. The brand is best known for Book of Dead, however, a slot that spawned thousands of imitations. With thousands of characters and over 300 slots, you can expect creativity at Play'n GO casinos.
📍 Established: 2011
🎰 Number of slots: 50+
🌟 Popular slots:Book of Dead, Reactoonz, Colt Lightning, Legacy of Dead
Editor's note: Look out for emerging providers
Daisy Harrison, Content Editor
"As the US online casino market continues to grow, many other software providers are bringing their games across the Atlantic. Most recently, Thunderkick, 4ThePlayer, and Hacksaw Gaming launched in selected states. Elsewhere, Pragmatic Play continues to dominate sweepstakes slot sites but isn’t yet available at real money casinos. Bookmark this page to stay up to date with new providers."
Master slot game symbols and bonus features
As you can see, the best online slots for real money come with special symbols and bonus features. Discover how each works below.
🔥 Special symbols in online slots
Wild symbols: These can be found in most slot games and substitute for any paytable symbol to create a winning combination. Wilds can also carry cash values which are paid when you form a combination of wilds along a payline.
Scatter symbols: Match three or more scatters anywhere on the reels to unlock a special feature. This could be a free spins round or a bonus game.
Multipliers: Multipliers, as their name suggests, times your total win by a specific value. Multipliers may be found in the base game or a bonus round.
Expanding wilds: Expanding wilds are similar to regular wilds, though they can expand to cover a whole reel. This gives you plenty more opportunities to create winning combinations.
Sticky wilds: These wilds remain in place until you get a winning combination, or throughout a bonus feature.
Modifier symbols: These symbols may change the size of a reel, the number of reels in the game, the payouts of a certain symbol, or replace low-paying symbols with higher ones. Ultimately, modifiers can do just about anything.
💰 Online slot bonus rounds
Free spins feature: You’ll get a number of free spins, allowing you to play without placing extra wagers. Free spins are often played out on a different game screen and may come with multipliers.
Respins feature: This gives you a second chance at creating a winning combination, or allows you to create consecutive wins. Winning symbols may be held and respins may continue until no new wins are formed.
Pick me feature: This is a simple bonus round where you reveal objects to collect cash prizes.
Trail feature: Roll a die or spin again to work your way around a trail. Along the way, pick up extra prizes depending on where you land. Generally, the further along the trail you get, the bigger the prizes.
Gamble feature: Choose to gamble your wins to play on in free spins or to multiply wins. Common gamble features include picking a card, higher or lower, gamble wheels, or coin flips.
Bonus buy: In some slots, you can simply buy your way into a bonus round for a fixed price. This allows you to bypass the base game. though it can be expensive.
Are there other symbols cropping up?This list is by no means exhaustive. Slots providers are constantly coming up with new bonuses and features to beat the competition. Always read the paytable carefully before playing to understand what's available and how it works.
Real money slots vs free play
If you're unsure whether you want to try some free slot games first or jump straight into playing for cash, we compare the pros and cons of both below.
Slots for real money
Free slots games
Access the full range of up to 1000s of games online
Play without signing up to a casino
Play for progressive jackpots worth up to millions of dollars
Hone your skills before staking any cash
Enjoy bonus games and other in-game features
Try new free slots without using your bankroll
You are risking your money when playing
No real money prizes for winning
The importance of RTP & volatility for slots
Swain Scheps, Casino Expert
"If you don’t see an RTP figure listed in the game rules or in a public forum, it’s probably because the percentage is embarrassingly low, so be cautious. More important to me is the game’s volatility. People have different tastes and tolerances, but I would gladly trade in a little bit of RTP and the possibility of a huge jackpot in exchange for a game that pays out more frequently."
Trending US online slots to try for free
Some slots never fall out of favor. Often these titles offer familiarity as they're based on branded games. Others have become cult classics in their own right, through high payout rates or great features.
Here's a few of the most popular casino slots this July. Practice and play for fun, then deposit to be in with a chance of winning real money.
Want more? We've got over 19,000+ free games you can play right here with no deposit required. Try out your favorites from the biggest software providers around and practice your skills.
If you choose to play slots for real money, paying attention to the RTP rate is key.As we mentioned earlier, RTP rates represent the amount you would win back from your bets over a long period. For example, a slot with a 96% RTP rate will pay you back 96% of your stakes, in time. Wager $100 and you’ll get $96 back on average.Naturally, short-term results are variable and RTP rates are theoretical. However, in general, the higher the RTP rate, the better paying the slot. Check out the highest RTP slots in the US below. For context, the average payout on a slots game is 96%.
Confused about high paying slots?With factors like RTP rates, volatility, and max win amounts, finding the best real money online slots can be challenging. Fear not. Our complete highest payout slots guide simplifies everything. Unearth the best payout slots, as chosen by our experts, and where to play them.
Play real money slots like a pro with our expert tips
Now you know everything about online slots in the US, it's time to get started. Before you do, consider these top tips from our Content Editor, Daisy.
Choose slots by RTP and volatility
Before I play a slot, I always check the return to player rate. If it's below 96%, I'm likely to give it a miss. The higher the RTP rate, the better the long-term payouts. However, it's also useful to factor in volatility. If I want to play for longer, I'll choose low-volatility games that pay out frequently. If I've got the bankroll to survive a dry spell, I'll choose high volatility slots that pay out large amounts once in a while.
Choose slots you enjoy
Despite the fact I always check the stats, it's equally important to play games you actually enjoy. With thousands of slots out there, there are themes and features for everyone. Personally, I enjoy unique themes with new mechanisms - the more absurd the better. Many players enjoy simple slots, however, so figure out what works for you.
Practice with free demos
If you are opting for slots with new bonus features, always play free demos first. They allow you to understand exactly what's going on, and how the slot pays out, without risking your bankroll. Once you're comfortable, you can give them a spin at a real money slot site.
Use bonuses and promotions to try new games
Many top slot sites offer free spins to new players. They may also run promotions when new slots launch. This is the perfect opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and try something different. Remember to read the T&Cs, however, as some slots are excluded. For example, wagers on Blood Suckers by NetEnt often won't contribute towards wagering requirements as the slot has such a high RTP rate.
Play at trusted US slot sites
I only ever play at slot sites with positive user and industry reviews. Naturally, it's easier for me to find these sites (as I do the reviewing!) but you can use our list instead. All of our recommended slot sites are guaranteed to provide a great slots experience.
More slots strategy guides
Responsible gambling
Responsible gambling is about enjoying slots in a safe way. Set limits on your time and spending, and never gamble more than you can afford to lose. If you feel gambling is becoming a problem, here are some of the most popular organizations in the US that can offer support:
Chris has been working in iGaming for 15 years, and is now bringing his experience and expertise to Casino.org's exhaustive coverage of online casinos within the US.
Scott Roeben checked all US casino details on this page. Scott established Vital Vegas in 2013. It's the foremost authority on Las Vegas news and insight. Scott's recognized by numerous national and international media outlets as the leading authority on all things Las Vegas. He previously authored the Pulse of Vegas Blog for Caesars Entertainment, the world's largest gaming company. He also had a stint on the team at LasVegas.com for several years.
Swain Scheps is a sports betting veteran and casino gambling expert based in Oregon. He has written extensively on the topic, including the well-received "Sports Betting for Dummies" and "Casino Gambling for Dummies" books. Swain has also provided gaming advice for Fodor's Las Vegas travel series. Swain's academic credentials include a BA from The University of Texas and a Master’s degree from the University of Houston.
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