Playing for the thrill, not the win
If you are fortunate enough to live in a U.S. state that allows real money online casinos, you may already have experienced the thrill of playing online slots either as a big roller or a low-stakes gamer. Either way, the excitement is often not in the actual win but in the potential prize: the dream, the anticipation, the moment between action and reaction.
In fact, you do not need to live in one of those states to be able to join in the fun, as social and sweepstakes casinos are widely and legally available across the US. The adrenaline rush is there for the taking, whether you are playing with Gold Coins, Sweeps Coins, or for real money.
Playing it safe
The big question is not ‘can I play?’, but ‘how do I know where is best to play?’. Many people assume that the easiest way is to find the biggest and most lucrative welcome bonus and just jump on in. However, experts advise caution as not all welcome bonuses are equal and, sadly, not all online casino sites are safe. While you might assume, particularly if you are not playing for real money, that online security is not the be-all and end-all, but it genuinely is. Your data, with or without financial data, is a valuable commodity that needs to be safeguarded. Sometimes, a massive welcome bonus is just to lure you in, but there might be undisclosed risks.
Choices, choices
The sweeps casino model is now larger in the US than its real-money counterpart, in both revenue and reach. While what is available varies by state, there are literally tens of thousands of titles to choose from, and they are adapted to fit the legal model of your state. With so much choice, it can be confusing. When there are too many real money online slots and sweepstakes choices, an independent expert review site like Casino Guru can be a useful partner in helping you choose where to play. They put player safety front and center and demystify the choices available.
Things to look out for
Rather than just looking at the size of the welcome bonus, experts advise players to check out payback options, game volatility, site safety, and choice. The most important thing to remember is that playing online slots is entertainment and not a surefire way to make money (in fact, it is almost certainly the opposite, as, ultimately, the house always wins). So, finding a safe site that has games you enjoy must be the priority. Do not grind away at a game that does not bring joy just because you think you might pot a big win. While you might, is it really worth your valuable time? Probably not.
Game developers
Decent slot casinos partner with reputable game developers who have player safety and fun built into their games. Reputable gaming companies like Microgaming, NetEnt, Relax Gaming, and Play’n Go bring some of the most exciting games, regardless of casino format. Look out for fantastic titles that deliver on fun, fairness, and frivolity.
Particularly rewarding titles include Book of Dead, Gonzo’s Quest Megaways, Money Train 4, and Big Bass Bonanza. All have exciting features and are quite different from each other. Players can rest assured that when they play games from reputable software houses, the Random Number Generators that determine the odds of winning have been tested and certified by independent gaming authorities such as eCOGRA.
RTP
Return to player (RTP) is one of the most important things to understand when playing online slots. It is calculated as a percentage and explains how much the online casino retains of the ‘winnings’. So, an RTP of 97% means that for every $1 deposited, the payout is 97 cents. However, it is not calculated on a per-dollar basis but over thousands of transactions. So rather than being linear and predictable, it is random. However, the essential thing to remember is that online casinos are businesses and, ultimately, they are always the winners.
Volatility
How frequently the games payout depends on volatility. High-volatility games are probably the most nerve-racking to play, but possibly the most thrilling. They usually offer larger rewards, but they happen less frequently. Lower-volatility games are steadier and deliver more (but lower-value) prizes. Think about it a bit like the race between the hare and the tortoise, where the tortoise is lower volatility, but the hare is the excitement. However, in the slot world, there is another racer (the casino) which is definitely the ultimate winner.
The Return to Player (RTP) of a slot should probably be at the top of a slot fan’s checklist. It is something you should always have in mind when playing slots – high RTP and high volatility are a thrilling mix.
You’re welcome
So, when choosing where to play, take a little time to explore what is on offer. If you have found the game you love, the welcome bonus is a good way to choose where to play, but always check the terms and conditions for wagering requirements, time limits, minimum deposits, and maximum withdrawals. However, the most important metric must be the site’s Safety Index, because if it is not safe, legal, and properly licensed, it could all end in tears.
Leave A Comment