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The best online slots in the UK 2024

Check out our reviews of the best places to play every variety of online slots in the UK

Ella Duggan
Tuesday 17 December 2024 17:27 GMT
Real money online slots can be played at the best UK slot sites
Real money online slots can be played at the best UK slot sites (The Independent )

When it comes to slot sites, the best approach is to ensure you select the casino that caters most to your preferred type of slot games.

I’ve compiled a carefully curated list of the best slot sites whose games libraries, features and promotions stand out from the crowd.

The Independent is one of the UK’s leading national newspapers, we hold this position by ensuring all of our content, from our breaking news to our daily reviews, is impartial and reliable.

When ranking the best online slots sites, I took into account not only the details of their sign up bonus but also the best online casino gaming experience overall.

I made sure every new UK casino site offering slot games is certified by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, and offers secure payment options, plus a variety of high-quality slots too.

The best online slots come with a wide range of themes, styles and features and I’ve found several casino sites worth considering for their slot game package.

Whether it’s the standard slots sign up bonus, free spins, loyalty points or cashback deals there is something to suit every type of slot game player.

Read on to find the best slot sites for you with my comprehensive guide to the top casinos for playing real money slots today.

To find out more about how we rate online slots and about gambling responsibly please scroll a little further down the page.

Slot site

Best for

Welcome offer

Betfred

Free spins

200 free spins

Vegas Wins

Sign-up bonus

£500 bonus & 150 free spins

BetMGM

Progressive jackpots

100 free spins

PartyCasino

Megaways slots

Up to £100 in bonus funds

Pub Casino

New slots

100% deposit match up to £100

Coral

Best online slots app

£50 welcome bonus

How we rate

Our writer Ella Duggan tests out the gaming experience on slot sites
Our writer Ella Duggan tests out the gaming experience on slot sites (Ella Duggan)

For the last few months, I have been carefully pouring over dozens upon dozens of casino slot machine sites, in my quest to find the best. Through my research, I believe I have compiled an unbiased, thorough and well-measured list to help online players find the right site for them.

I was able to do so thanks to my strict criteria which meant each site met the following requirements; high-value promotions and offers, a wide variety of games and payment methods, efficient customer service, overall enjoyment of gameplay and of course, all had to meet the correct licensing and regulations according to the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC).

To create a full-rounded review I spent plenty of time on each of the sites themselves, as well as reading online reviews from other customers.

The best online slots sites for 2024 are:

  • Best for welcome offers – VegasWins
  • Best for free spins – Betfred
  • Best for progressive jackpot – BetMGM
  • Best for Megaways – PartyCasino
  • Best slots app – Coral

Best online slots site for welcome offers: Vegas Wins

Pros

Cons

Vast game library

The website lags a bit which does slow down the game

Weekly prizes

Generous welcome offer, without too many restrictions

Promotional perks and bonuses can make a huge impact on the enjoyment of any online casino game, but especially online slot machines.

Vegas Wins gets off to a strong start, offering 650 online slots and weekly prizes, such as free spins via their Lucky Wheel.

However, it is their welcome offer that caught my eye with new users able to claim up to £500 in casino bonus funds and 150 free spins when they sign up.

The sign up offer works by matching your first deposit up to 100 per cent and the next two will be matched up to 50 per cent. Spins are gradually unlocked in one tranche of 100 and two 25 spin portions.

There aren’t too many restrictions built into Vegas Wins’ sign up offer, other than the the free spins must be used on Starburst, one of the most popular slots online, and any winnings from your free spins and bonus funds will need to be wagered 30x before they can be withdrawn.

I did find the website itself a little on the slow side, which can get annoying when you’re on the precipice of a big win.

Vegas Wins has a generous welcome offer
Vegas Wins has a generous welcome offer (The Independent)

Best online slots site for free spins: Betfred

Pros

Cons

Plenty of opportunities for free spins

Promos are limited to only certain slots

Regular promos

Smooth sign up process

Responsible gaming features

The best friend of any online slots real money player are free spins. You’ll find plenty of free spins available for online slots, but Betfred’s generosity when it comes to free spins is tough to beat.

Betfred’s welcome bonuses mean new players can begin their adventure by claiming up to 200 free spins on some of the best UK online slots, such as Age Of The Gods and Better Wilds, just by depositing and wagering £10.

Regular users of the UK slots site can also gain up to 200 free spins each and every week through a variety of Betfred casino promotions.

Opt into the Mystery Free Spins promotion and you can claim free spins to use on a variety of online slots with Betfred hosting online slot games from more than 20 different providers.

The Free Spins Acca lets you build up free spins, giving you one for every £10 you wager on slots, while Comp Points can be earned by playing any game at Betfred’s casino, including one of the 90-plus jackpot slots they have available. Those points can then be turned into free spins, golden chips or cash.

During the sign-up process, I was impressed by the Reality Check”  feature. A setting that is put in place before you start gaming that allows the site to check in with you as you play, reminding you of how long you’ve been playing as well as your winnings and losses.

From here it will give you options to keep playing or call it a day based on your results so far. I found this to be a great touch that puts responsible gaming at the forefront.

Betfred provides plenty of chances for free spins
Betfred provides plenty of chances for free spins (The Independent)

Best online slots site for progressive jackpots: BetMGM

Pros

Cons

Best libraries of slot games I’ve ever seen

Delays when trying to withdraw winnings

Mega jackpot often stands at over £20 million

Small wagers

Slick website layout

BetMGM is one of the new online casinos on this list having only launched in the UK in 2023. But in a short space of time, the US casino giants have built one of the biggest libraries of slot games with a whopping 1600 to choose from.

Many of those online slots are progressive jackpot titles and the chance to land a massive payout are why many players use online slot machines on the best payout online casinos, such as BetMGM.

Players have a chance of winning a fortune through the site’s MGM Millions feature with the mega jackpot often standing at over £20 million.

For every 10p staked on one of the MGM Millions’ titles, 9p goes towards the jackpots, of which there are four different kinds.

Before embarking on any quests to win the biggest jackpot available playing UK slots, new customers can first enjoy 100 free spins on the popular title Big Bass Splash when they deposit and wager as little as £10 using the latest BetMGM Casino bonus code.

I found the website layout to be far more modern and up-to-date than competitor sites, with cleaner graphics and wishlist features, it made the overall gameplay a much slicker experience.

Some customers have reported slow withdrawal times when attempting to collect their winnings, so it’s important to keep that in mind as you play.

BetMGM has one of the best interfaces online
BetMGM has one of the best interfaces online (The Independent)

Best online slots site for Megaways: PartyCasino

Pros

Cons

More ways to win than regular slot machines

Less promos and offers up for grabs compared to competitors

Claim up to £100 as a deposit bonus and 50 free spins

Slot fanatics will know the difference between regular slot games and Megaways, but for those not in the know, I’ve got you covered. Megaways operate the same way as your classic slot, using random number generators (RNG) and memory-free software to guarantee games remain fair, fun and unpredictable.

The difference is that with a Megaways slot game, there are more symbols, more reels, more outcomes and therefore more chances of success. Some Megaways games can have over 500,000 ways to win.

PartyCasino knows this all too well and have over 130 Megaways slot titles to choose from. The online casino has a strong track record of providing some of the best UK slots and often is one of the first places you can play new slots, including the latest Megaways games.

For those new to PartyCasino, you can claim up to £100 as a deposit bonus and 50 free spins on selected games. It has to be said though that I found PartyCasino had a lot less promos and offers up for grabs versus other sites.

PartyCasino has a compelling welcome bonus
PartyCasino has a compelling welcome bonus (The Independent)

Best online slots site for new slots: Pub Casino

Pros

Cons

Impressive game gallery

40x wagering requirement on bonus funds

Regular updates

Long-winded verifcation process

Good deals for new customers

Well designed site

Pub Casino launched in 2023 and already has an impressive collection of over 2000 UK slot games. But they aren’t resting on their laurels and continue to update their library, adding the latest online slots.

Pub Casino has slots from all the major providers such as NetEnt, Play’n GO, and Evolution Gaming and its extensive collection means they have themes that will appeal to most bettors.

New customers using the Pub Casino bonus code can claim its welcome offer worth a 100 per cent deposit match on their first deposit, up to £100. But any winnings generated from the bonus funds will carry a 40x wagering requirement.

Similar to BetMGM I took a shine to the layout of this site. It was cool and calm, with simple signage that made gameplay straightforward and hassle-free. The digital countdown clock in the corner works as a nice reminder for players to be aware of how long they have been playing for, so as not to play for too long.

While many online reviews praised the site's customer service team it should be noted many cited issues with the verification process.

Pub Casino regularly updates its game library
Pub Casino regularly updates its game library (The Independent)

Best slots app: Coral

Pros

Cons

Perfect options for players who prefer mobile gaming

Parent company has payed fines in the past for social responsibility

Over 3,400 different slot games

Highly rated on the App Store

Navigation and game speeds were also of the highest standard

These days, there can be very little difference in playing online slots on a desktop site or casino app. Coral may be the best option for those who like playing on their mobile.

The app houses over 3,400 of the best online slots and has received scores of 4.6 out of five on Apple’s App Store and 4.4 on Google Play from other users.

Online reviews detail the excellent functionality of Coral’s app across both Apple and Android platforms, while the navigation and game speeds were also of the highest standard.

The brand may be a synonymous betting site, but Coral is far more than that now, and new users can test out the firm’s capabilities as a slots site extensively thanks to their £50 welcome bonus, which is unlocked after depositing and betting £10 or more.

However, after doing some research I do think it’s important to note while the company seems to be running smoothly today, there have been issues in the past. In 2019, Ladbrokes Coral Group were required to pay a £5.9m fine for past failings in anti-money laundering and social responsibility according to The Gambling Commission.

Coral has a quality casino app
Coral has a quality casino app (The Independent)

Slot Game of the Week

Santa Express

Christmas is just around the corner and there are lots of festive casino games currently available across our recommended operator list. One of those is Santa Express, with StakeLogic the software provider behind this title.

This has a 96% RTP and is a high volatility offering, with 20 paylines and 5 reels available when you play this game. There’s a max multiplier of 20,000x, as well as a maximum win of £500,000.

Lots of bonus features await players when they step on to Santa’s train, with the reels being filled with traditional Christmas symbols, and we like the addition of the Super Stake button. This enables you to double your stake and add extra bonus opportunities within the game.

The best-paying symbols are reindeer, elf and candy canes.

How we rank online slots  

To ensure I recommend the very best online UK slots sites for our readers, I adhered to a strict criteria when assessing the contenders. I paid close attention to the quality and value of welcome offers, ensuring they were worthwhile and delivered on their promises.

The same also goes for any promotions and offers currently available to existing customers, looking at whether they offered good value for money.

The variety and quality of the slot games themselves were taken into account. It’s not just about the size of an online casino’s slots library, but the quality of their collection and how often its updated too.

Payment methods were of peak importance. All the slot machine sites I chose offer a wide range of secure payment methods that are speedy and convenient.

Customer service was another key area for UK slot sites to perform well in. I believe, if players have a problem, they should be able to get help quickly and have a choice of contact methods.

My most important consideration when ranking online UK slots sites is licensing and their commitment to safer gambling practices.

I ensured that every one of our recommended gambling sites has a valid licence from the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC). This guarantees sites are regulated according to strict government policy and protect a customer’s personal and financial information.

Finally, I explored the responsible gambling practices of each online casino. I took a look at which safer gambling tools they offered, how much information they provided on gambling addiction and whether it was easy to get help via their platform.

Payment methods for online slots UK

There tends to be plenty of options available when it comes to selecting your preferred payment method on an online slots site. Essentially you want to make sure deposits and withdrawals are speedy and legitimate and that all exchanges are secure.

I also recommend looking out for minimum deposit casinos to avoid putting down a large amount on your first deposit, while still qualifying for all the benefits of a new customer.

Debit cards: The most widely accepted payment method on casino sites is debit card. Payments made by debit card tend to be reliable and are often processed quickly, although some online casinos can take a few business days to clear withdrawals.

E-wallets: Third-party sites and e-wallets offer speedy transactions with enhanced security as the middleman, meaning you are not sharing bank details with the casinos directly. PayPal casino sites can sometimes charge a transaction fee, while welcome offers are rarely eligible from Skrill casino sites. However, always read the terms and conditions before using this method.

Mobile banking: Apple Pay casinos and Google Pay casinos are becoming increasingly popular, although they are not yet widespread. These modern payment methods are linked to your debit card but it’s quicker and more convenient than using a bank card and there’s no need to share card details with the casino.

By phone bill: While pay by mobile casino sites may sound a little strange, this can often be the quickest and easiest payment method. All you need to do is enter the deposit amount and your mobile number and the casino will send you a text message with a verification code. The issue with this method is you can’t make withdrawals and the deposit limit tends to be low.

Bank transfers: This method is particularly useful for high rollers who are transferring large sums of money, however, it is one of the slowest methods too, even at a fast withdrawal casino.

Pre-paid card: Pre-paid cards are widely accepted among online casinos. Paysafecard casinos are one of the most popular ways for users to to deposit due to the privacy and security offered, requiring only a 16-digit code to add funds into an online account. However, there’s no way to withdraw funds using this method.

Tips for playing online slots

I want to make sure our readers are ahead of the curve when it comes to playing online slots so I’ve laid out my top five tips for playing online slots in the UK.

Welcome bonus: These are a great way to get a head start on your game, often boosting your bankroll with deposit matches or handing you free spins. Always read the terms and conditions on any offer with wagering requirements as it can be tricky to turn a bonus into real cash if the wagering requirements are particularly high. One of the best time to play slots can be with your welcome bonus, but do look out for the terms and conditions to maximise your winnings.

Practice: It’s important when playing any online casino game to make sure you’re familiar with the process before any stakes are introduced. If you want to know how to play online slots and the best slot tips, I recommend practising, either by using free online slots or by using any free spins that might be available to you first, before staking your own money.

Budget: Slots should be fun and entertaining, so the best way to keep it that way is by having a strict and realistic budget in mind. Having slots bankroll management skills keep you disciplined so you are more likely to find that online slot games remain a positive and responsible experience.

RTP: Refers to the casino phrase, ‘return to player’. If you’re wondering, ‘What is RTP?’ The key fact is the higher RTP a game has the better value for money the game is likely to be over a period of time. This is a great way to decide which slots you should invest in.

Games: There are different types of slots available for customers. Have a look at the catalogue of games available and pick the slot game that suits your preference or budget. You may choose a game based on potential earnings or a particular theme, such as films or TV shows.

Promotions: Always seek out sites and games that offer you the most value for your money. Usually, this comes in the form of regular bonuses and offers. While welcome bonuses will be provided by almost every online slot site, existing customer promotions are less wide-spread. Free spins, profit boosts and deposit bonuses are promotions I suggest you check for at an online casino before signing up.

Most popular Pragmatic Play slots

In order to get a steer on the most popular slot games, I asked Pragmatic Play - one of the best providers of online slots - what their most-played games are this year, and there’s a clear trend.

The Big Bass Bonanza series, a fishing-themed collection of online slot games, has proven phenomenally popular with iGaming fans over the past few years, so much so that one version or another locks out the top eight in Pragmatic Play’s most played slot games of 2024:

Rank

Slot Game

RTP

Maximum Win

1

Big Bass Splash

96.71%

£1,250,000

2

Big Bass Bonanza

96.71%

£525,000

3

Big Bass Mission Fishin’

96.50%

£1,250,000

4

Big Bass Secrets of the Golden Lake

96.07%

£750,000

5

Big Bass Vegas Double Down Deluxe

96.50%

£1,250,000

6

Big Bass Hold and Spinner

96.70%

£5,000,000

7

Big Bass Amazon Xtreme

96.07%

£2,500,000

8

Bigger Bass Bonanza

96.71%

£960,000

9

Buffalo King Megaways

96.52%

£625,000

10

Gates of Olympus

96.50%

£500,000

Online slot sites promotions and offers

These are some of my favourite promotions and offers that online slot sites are likely to offer you, so keep an eye out and make sure you’re getting the best deal possible:

Welcome bonus: You can expect to receive a welcome bonus when you first sign up to a new online slots site. All sites differ on the style of bonus, but most likely customers will receive free spins and/or a deposit match. Make sure to browse all our chosen sites to see which welcome offer suits you the best.

Free spins: Possibly the most common, and one of the most valuable, promotions are free spins. Somewhat self-explanatory, this is where a site gives you a certain number of free spins, usually as a welcome or when you complete an offer, such as bet £10 on a chosen slot and receive 10 free spins.

Deposit bonus: The casino will offer to match your deposit up to a certain amount, therefore giving you more funds to play with. Often offered to new and existing customers alike, this is usually one of the highest-value promotions. That being said, wagering requirements are often attached to a deposit bonus and can limit the value of such an offer.

Loyalty programmes: Regular online slots users can sometimes find they are rewarded with bonuses and offers via online casino loyalty schemes. Think of it like your casino Nectar card, collecting points that can be spent elsewhere. Once you have accumulated enough points they can be exchanged for other bonuses, like free spins and golden chips.

Cashback: Another offer to keep an eye on is cashback, which allows you to gain back a certain percentage of your losses. They are often paid out weekly and tend to range from between 10 and 20 per cent of your deposit losses in that week.

Responsible gambling

The best way to play online slots is to play responsibly. It is down to the casinos and online slot sites to follow the strict conditions and codes of practice as enforced by the UKGC to form a safe and enjoyable environment.

But it is also on the player to have a clear and reasonable understanding of their own limits, and when they have passed them.

It’s particularly important not to get carried away by casino offers or free bet offers, both of which are available in abundance on gambling sites, but must be approached with caution.

For those struggling with addiction or reckless playing, you can reach out for support and address your issue head-on, whether you’re losing control on slot sites, betting apps, poker sites or bingo sites - they all offer ways of limiting your spend.

In the UK there are a number of gambling addiction charities ready and prepared to help you with counselling, support groups and practical advice on how to help you recover if you do lose control:

The Independent’s view on the best online slots

Using the information in this article, myself and The Independent hope readers can now make a well-informed decision when picking out the best UK online slots sites.

Looking at the safest and most responsible gaming environments, all of my recommendations come with UKGC licensing and regulation.

I’ve got my personal favourites for various categories, but ultimately, which is the best UK slots site comes down to personal perference.

Be sure to work through my checklist when examining a new UK casino, looking at everything from the casino sign up bonus through to customer support and responsible gambling.

Why you can trust us

Ella Duggan is a freelance writer and production journalist who has been working for The Independent since 2023.

Her speciality subject is reviews of all kinds. From food and travel to beauty and fashion, she now turns her attention to the world of online casinos. She has spent the last several months researching and testing out a wide range of online casinos to find the very best casino bonuses, slot machines, PayPal casinos, the fastest withdrawal casinos and more.

Ella prioritises responsible gaming over all else in her fair and unbiased reviews.

FAQs for Online Slots UK

Which mobile casino app is best for playing slots?

The Virgin Games casino app ranks highest in our list of the best casino apps, and much of that is because of the slot game experience on mobile. Virgin have over 900 slot games available on their app, including both real-money slots and free-to-play slots and the mobile gaming experience is of a very high quality.

What slot app wins the most?

It’s difficult to give an accurate answer here, but in terms of the highest payout online casinos who have mobile slot apps, Bet365 (98%), Betway (97.30%), 10Bet (97%) and Grosvenor Casino (97%) have the highest RTPs. In most cases, a bookmakers’ online betting app doubles up as a casino app.

What is the most popular Pragmatic Play slot game?

This calendar year, Big Bass Splash is the most-played slot game from major provider Pragmatic Play. With an RTP of 94.6%, this high-volatility slot game pays out less often than other popular slot games, but it’s popularity is likely due to the sheer size of the payouts when they do come along. Big Bass Splash is available on all of the best slot sites.

We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

We aim to offer every online gambler and reader of The Independent a safe and fair platform through unbiased reviews and offers from the UK’s best online gambling companies.

Gambling can be addictive, always play responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose. Gambling sites have a number of tools to assist you to stay in control, including deposit limits and time outs. If you think you have a problem, advice and support is available for you now from BeGambleAware or Gamcare.

Any offers or odds listed in this article are correct at the time of publication but are subject to change. Terms & Conditions apply to all offers.

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