About 50% of Americans are going to gamble this year. Even among those who don’t gamble, most people have a favorable view of gambling and casinos. They believe gambling is a form of entertainment, and that it supports the local economies and communities where they’re located.
While there are many different ways for these millions of gamblers to try their luck at winning money, slots are definitely the most popular option. They are easy to play and very approachable, unlike many table games.
And the best part about playing slots is that you can now play slots online. So if you want the thrill of spinning the wheel and seeing what you’re going to get, you don’t have to try all the way to the casino to have that experience.
So what do you need to know about playing online slots for the first time? Keep reading below to find out now.
Is it Legal to Play Slots Online?
When it comes to gambling in any form, whether online or offline, gambling is legal at the federal level. However, each state can determine the final laws concerning gambling.
As such, a few states have banned it outright, like Utah and Hawaii. Most states allow gambling in some way, shape, or form, with some states embracing everything from casinos to online gambling to sports betting and more.
States like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Nevada will allow you to gamble however you want. Many states are in the process of legalizing additional forms of gambling.
The good news is that if a state offers online gambling, which most do to some degree, slots are usually the first game that is legalized.
Benefits of Online Gambling
So why would you want to play online instead of at a casino? Well, as we saw in 2020, sometimes you just need to stay home. Whether we are forced to stay home or choose to stay away from public places for health reasons, online gambling still gives us the option to play, have fun, and maybe even win some money.
Not only do you get to skip the large buildings full of crowds of people and machines that are covered in germs, but you get to skip the second-hand smoke. Public casinos aren’t the healthiest of places to be, although they can be fun and full of energy.
Health considerations aside, playing online saves time and money, as you don’t have to pay for gas to drive to the casino, don’t have to pay for parking, don’t have to buy overpriced cocktails, and don’t have to get a hotel room and stay overnight.
The result? More money in your pocket so that you can play more slots and win more money.
Benefits of Online Slots
So why do people love playing slots online? People play them because the outcome is based on luck. There is nothing you can do to move the odds in your favor.
This makes slots more fun and simple to use, especially for new gamblers.
On top of that, you aren’t competing against other people, like you are at table games. When playing poker or blackjack, you are trying to win money from other people, as well as the dealer. This creates a lot of pressure, and the level of competitiveness can detract from the experience.
Modern, online slots are also more sophisticated than the older machines that used to fill casinos. Powered by modern software, online slots ensure fairness by using more complex algorithms to generate numbers on a truly random basis.
And of course, there is the possibility of extremely high payouts. With online slots, you can win some serious jackpots, that go far beyond the money you put in. But with table games, the most you can win is what’s on the table.
How to Play Online Slots
The first step when playing slots online is finding the right casino to use. There are many online casinos available today. You can check a list of the best online slots here.
When choosing an online casino, see if they offer mobile gaming along with desktop support, so you can play at home or on the go.
Also, consider any other types of gambling you want to try. Some online casinos will only offer slots, though some will also offer table games like poker or blackjack. You may even get to play against other, real people, if that’s of interest.
Some people also like choosing a casino that offers sports betting along with slots. Sports betting is hugely popular these days, as it ties in elements of real life, as you follow and bet on your favorite teams.
And consider the funding method when choosing a casino. Most American casinos will allow you to deposit money from your bank account or credit card. But there are many offshore casinos that you can play on as well. These typically allow funding methods like cryptocurrency, which offers more security and privacy when gambling online.
Lastly, some online casinos will offer signup bonuses to new members. Compare bonuses between multiple casinos to see if you can get some free cash on signup.
Tips for Playing Online Slots
First off, never deposit more than you can afford to lose into an online casino. While the hope is that you will win big, to make up for the losses, you are still going to lose more often than you win.
Never gamble with money you can’t afford to lose, like your rent money or the money you need for groceries.
Also, look for games with smaller jackpots. While this seems counter-intuitive, games with larger jackpots pay out winnings much less frequently, hence the large jackpot. Games with smaller pots have more winners, so your chances are higher.
Lastly, remember to have fun. Take your time, slow down, and enjoy the process. Don’t just click the button as fast as you can. Find games that are visually appealing and soak up the whole experience. Because if you aren’t having fun, you might as well go invest your money in some boring index fund.
Get in the Game
Online slots are extremely popular. And with fewer people wanting to visit public casinos, and more people wanting to gamble all the time, online casinos will continue to see growth.
Are you going to be the next big winner from the couch?
If you want more money-making tips, be sure to head over to our blog now to keep reading.