In the simplest terms, video slots are slot machines that feature a video screen instead of mechanical reels. You can play them on desktop casino sites and online casino apps. 

This differentiation was born in land-based casinos, where video slot machines first rose to prominence in the 1980s. In this setting, video slots provide the clear advantage of faster gameplay over games with reels. 

When you play an online slot game, you are technically always playing a video slot because all games are digital without mechanical parts. People usually call standard online slots "video slots," while other types get their own names, like jackpot slots or classic slots. Mobile slots are the next step in the evolution of video slots.

If you’re looking for the best video slots online, this is the page for you. Our recommended online casinos provide access to the best slot games of all time at the best online casinos. There are thousands of slots available, so choosing a list of the absolute best is entirely subjective. Even so, the following popular games will give you an amazing time playing video slots online.

Bloodsuckers – RTP: 98%

NetEnt’s vampire-themed slot, Bloodsuckers, has been a hit since 2009, and it continues to be a favourite. With five reels and 25 paylines, this game has features, such as bonus spins, with a 3x multiplier and a Vampire Slaying Bonus-picking feature. However, this game is all about that 98% RTP, which puts Bloodsuckers in the top bracket of best payout slots. 

Reactoonz – RTP: 96.51%

Known for its bouncy cartoon design, Reactoonz from Play’n GO is a fun-looking video slot that uses an animated alien theme to good effect. It has a dynamic base game where each win charges a meter to land one of the five Quantum features. These include wilds, low-value symbol upgrades and removals, and Gargantoon wilds. Using a 7x7 grid with cascading symbols mechanics, Reactoonz is constantly exciting.

Thunderstruck II – RTP: 96.65%

Microgaming’s Thunderstruck II is an all-time classic with a fantastic math model. Its above-average RTP and high variance mean the wins flow regularly. Since 2010, Thunderstruck II has been the ultimate Norse mythology-themed slot. A bunch of other game providers have tried to copy it. It has this legendary Great Hall of Spins bonus that gives you a different number of free spins depending on how you trigger it. Other features on the 5-reel slot include the 243 ways-to-win engine.

Starburst – RTP: 96.09%

Starburst is proof that the best UK slots online do not need to be complicated to be successful. It impresses players with awesome visuals and smooth gameplay, making it a hit among UK slot fans.

NetEnt’s game is a bona fide classic and the most popular online slot ever made. Much of that success comes from the flexibility of Starburst, which offers something for all players. Spin over five reels and 10 paylines and soak in the space-style arcade theme. Starburst Wilds are your ticket to the big prizes, providing three re-spins and wild reels. 

Book of Ra Deluxe – RTP: 95.1%

As the name suggests, this is the deluxe version of Novomatic’s Book of Ra, perhaps the best adventure-themed slot of all time. You get the standard “Book of” set up of five reels and 10 paylines as you attempt to plunder the treasures of ancient Egypt. Don’t be too put off by that below-average RTP, although the extreme volatility means this is the kind of slot where you bet all or nothing. If you’re willing to take the risk, Book of Ra Deluxe delivers with the excellent Free Games feature that offers expanding symbols for big wins.

Fishin’ Frenzy – RTP: 96.12%

Cast off and see if you can reel in a big prize with Fishin’ Frenzy, a popular Blueprint Gaming video slots game with a unique theme. Since arriving in 2014, the game has remained popular thanks to its simple gameplay. Yet, the high volatility means there is always excitement around the corner. Spin on five reels and bet on up to 10 paylines, with the bonus spins feature being your gateway to the fish-catching bonus round. 

Wizard of Oz – RTP: 95.99%

Wizard of Oz from SG Interactive is a popular video slot available at many UK online casinos. It takes a hugely popular theme and applies slick visuals and dynamic gameplay for an all-around solid video slots experience. With five reels and 30 paylines, Wizard of Oz has several bonus features, such as the Winged Monkey and Emerald City. 

The Goonies – RTP: 96.00%

Some of the best online video slots of all time are based on well-known TV shows or movies, and The Goonies is among the greatest. Blueprint has taken a cult classic 80s film and turned it into a thrill ride of a slot with a massive 12 bonus features. Featuring five reels and 20 paylines, you can enjoy stacked wilds, free spins, multipliers, win spins, and more.

Book of Dead – RTP: 96.2%

Book of Dead is one of Play’n GO's most important real money slots online, and one of the most popular video slots ever. You take control of Rich Wilde as he seeks ancient Egyptian treasures in an adventure setting. The five reels and ten paylines point to a basic game. But Book of Dead is super flexible thanks to its free spins, which can trigger over and over again.

Here's a preview of some of our favourite slot casinos:

Video slots boast many of the same gameplay elements as other slot games. Players place a bet and spin reels featuring symbols of varying values. Wins come from landing winning combinations of those symbols or triggering an online slots bonus round.

Let's take a look at the core elements of the best video slot online games:

• RNG: Online slots use random number generator (RNG) technology to decide the outcomes of spins. This means all spins of the reel are decided by random chance, with no influence from the provider, the casino or the player.
• Reels/Paylines: Video slots come in all sorts of setups, which changes how many reels, rows, and paylines you can play with. Standard configurations include five reels, three to five rows, and between 10 and 25 paylines. 
• Symbols: You will find low-value and high-value symbols on each reel. Wins happen on a video slot game when pre-determined combinations of these symbols land on the reels.
• House Edge: this is the weighting on slot games that determines how much profit the casino makes off players on average. If a game has a house edge of 3%, it means over enough spins of the reels, the casino will take 3% in profits.
• RTP: return to player (RTP) percentage is one of the determining factors of the house edge. It is a number that highlights how much video slots pay back to players on average. In theory, games with a higher RTP will pay out more to players than a game with a low RTP. You'll see lower RTP at video slot sites than at blackjack casino sites, for example.

While all games are decided by random chance, having a fundamental knowledge of video slots may help you keep your bankroll longer. Below, you can read our straightforward overview detailing the basics of online slots:

• Paytable: The paytable is where you’ll find all the important info about the game. It shows the winning symbol combinations, betting limits, bonus features, and the jackpot.
• Coins/Bets (budget): All slot games have a specific bet limit showing the minimum and maximum you can bet on each payline per spin.
• Types of Slots: as well as the best online video slots, you can also choose to play jackpot slots, progressive jackpot slots, and classic slots. 
• Jackpots: slot jackpot amounts vary greatly. Some video slots will have a large jackpot while others a more modest top prize. Video slots are fixed jackpot games, meaning the top prize never changes.
• Bonus Rounds: Bonus rounds really set video slots apart from the classic ones. Check the paytable to see which bonus feature your selected game has and how you can trigger the bonuses.

There are some of our preferred slots:

In the land-based casino slot industry, differentiating between video slots and a classic slot machine is easy. Video slots use a digital screen, while a classic slot machine is a mechanical device. However, in the online industry, all games are digital/virtual, so the differentiation is less obvious. The best mobile casino has the same game types.

Technically, all online slots are video slots. However, players and casinos still categorise video slots and classic slots differently. 

Classic slots have basic gameplay and a much simpler structure. For example, fewer reels, paylines, and bonus features like scatters and wilds you might find at a UK free spins casino. That makes them an ideal choice for beginners to online slots or players who like fast-paced, simple gameplay. 

However, classic slots do lack some of the dynamic elements that make video slots so popular. One area where there is a clear difference between the two is in terms of design, audio, and theme. Online video slots have rich themes with impressive graphics and immersive soundtracks. On the other hand, classic slots can be less show but mainly substance. 

We only select the most reputable and respected online casinos. Still, thousands of video slots are available, even free slots online to help you get familiar. So, choosing the best online slot for you can be a little more challenging. With the tips below, you will be able to apply some knowledge to help you pick the best online video slots.  

• Searching for online casinos: Game collections change from casino to casino. So comparing multiple sites is the best way to find the games you enjoy. And by selecting one of our recommended sites, you are guaranteed a trustworthy and top-quality brand.
• Try the slot in demo: when you choose an online slot, give it some spins in demo mode. Casinos provide free access to games. While you cannot win real money, free slot demos are great for getting to know a new game and practising at new online casinos.
• Reading video slots reviews: found a game and like how it looks? Reading reviews will help you understand if your first impressions are good or whether the slot may not be as incredible as you first thought.
• Check for a bonus: Video slots feature heavily in all kinds of promotions. A UK casino no deposit bonus, for example, will allow you to play, and potentially win money on, video slots without you having to risk your hard earned cash.

Below you can see previews of some awesome slot sites which feature super slots with jackpots:

Video slots are the most popular category at online casinos, so providers are constantly rolling out brand new slots of this type. 

Here are the ten most recent video slots released in the UK for you to check out.

UK bettors love video slots because of their variety, quality, and fun gameplay. Yet, numerous other advantages come with playing video slots. Here are some of them:

• Ease of playing: video slot games are easy to play and understand. Even when they have complex features, you simply bet and spin the reels.
• Wide range of banking options: When you play video slots online, you’ve got many banking options. You can pick from many casino payment methods. 
• The array of games: no other online casino game category has as much variety as video slots. There are thousands of games with varying themes, genres, feature sets, and budgets.
• Exciting slot tournaments: Casinos often run tournaments where you can play video slots to win prizes.
• Game availability: Classic and progressive slots aren't always available at online casinos. But most sites have a large selection of video slots.
• Rewards and incentives: Operators know people love video slots, so they often focus their best casino bonuses on these games. Plus, video slots count 100% towards any bonus wagering requirements, making them a go-to choice for players.
• Flexibility in stakes: Unlike progressive slots that need big bets for huge wins, video slots are more friendly. They let you play on any budget. Everyone can have fun and maybe even win without breaking the bank.
• Higher payouts: The payout rate (RTP) of slots can differ. But this type of game usually has better payout rates than most.
• Game options: Need a break from the video slots? You can always mix it up with online poker, show-style games, or baccarat on the same site.