Often viewed as a game of chance, slots are associated with gambling and real money bets. But you can find an impressive selection of slot games online for free without risking any cash. Unlike the physical machines, where players would pull on levers to spin the reels and hope for a win, modern digital slot games are controlled by computers and based on probability. While you cannot change the outcome of a spin, there are ways to increase your chances of winning by choosing games with high RTP (Return to Player) and low volatility.
One of the first innovations in slot machines was the introduction of a computer to control them. This meant that the machine could store multiple games and play them all at once, instead of waiting for each reel to stop spinning in turn. This new technology also allowed for the display of graphics and animations. These improvements led to the invention of video slots, which eliminated the need for mechanical parts and components. The first video slots were released in the 1970s and have since evolved to incorporate advanced graphics and features.
In addition to their advanced visuals, these games offer a number of bonus features that can increase your chances of winning. These include tumbling symbols, cascading reels, rolling symbols and avalanches. These features make the game more fun and can result in bigger payouts. In some cases, you can even use the winnings from a spin to try out other mini-games, like guessing whether a random card will be red or black.
The earliest mechanical slots were three-reel and had simple rules. Today, video slots are the most popular and feature a range of complex mechanics and themes. Some of the most well-known titles in this genre are the Gonzo’s Quest from NetEnt and the classic Cleopatra from IGT. Other titles to try are the 20 Super Hot, 40 Super Hot, Crown of Egypt, Blazing 7s and new Stinkin Rich. Novomatic are experts in nine-line slots and their Book of Ra Deluxe and other games deserve a look too.
There are also a variety of branded slots, drawing inspiration from the worlds of film, TV, music and more. Fans of the rock band Motorhead can enjoy their favourite tunes while playing the Rock of Cash slot, while Tetris fans will want to check out the new Reactoonz. Monopoly is another board game that has inspired a few slot games too, and you can try your luck with Monopoly Slingo and Monopoly Megaways.
Many online slot games are designed to run on all types of devices, including mobiles and tablets. The majority of these are developed in HTML5 so they can be played on most browsers without the need for a dedicated app. This means you can play on the go, during a commute or before bed, with no need to download any software. However, some online casinos still rely on Adobe Flash to operate and these will require an update before you can play them.