Slots are the most popular casino game, and there are thousands of different games available. Sweepstakes casinos bring the best real money slots to players in most US states for free, and you can even claim cash prizes for playing top online slots. Here’s everything most players in the US need to know about winning money on slots online.
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Best Real Money Online Slots
There are over 20,000 different slot games for hundreds of software providers in the iGaming world. Coming in all types of themes, game mechanics, styles, and budgets, slots are the most popular casino-style games. We are never going to do justice to the sheer number of games, and we 100% recommend you explore game lobbies for yourself to find hidden gems. Even so, the slots below are our top picks because they offer the best all-around experience to players.
Big Bass Bonanza
Big Bass Bonanza is a slot from Pragmatic Play with a fishing-themed. It has 5 reels, 10 paylines, and a 96.71% RTP. During the free spins feature, there is a Wild Collect mechanic with multipliers, with a maximum potential payout of 2,100x.
| RTP | 96.71% |
| Volatility | High |
| Max Win | 2,100x |
| Min Bet | $0.10 |
| Progressive Jackpot? | No |
| Bonus Features | Yes |
Yays:
- Free spins with 10x multiplier
- Generous 96.71% RTP
- Popular fishing-themed slots
- Simple gameplay for casual players
Nays:
- Relatively small maximum potential win
- Extremely high volatility makes bigger wins rare
Sweet Bonanza
Sweet Bonanza is another Pragmatic Play slot that has a sweet candy-shop theme. The game features 6 reels and a Cluster Pays mechanic. With Tumbling Reels, free spins, and multipliers, Sweet Bonanza has a lower-than-average RTP of 96.49% RTP, and cluster pays mechanics. In the free spins feature, Tumbling Reel with multipliers can lead to high wins of 21,100x.
| RTP | 96.49% |
| Volatility | High |
| Max Win | 21,100x |
| Min Bet | $0.20 |
| Progressive Jackpot? | No |
| Bonus Features | Yes |
Yays:
- Big 21,100x maximum payout
- Tumbling Reels with multipliers
- Cluster Pays
- Potentially unlimited free spins
Nays:
- High volatility may not appeal to all players
- Free spins are hard to trigger
Atlantis Megaways
Atlantis Megaways is an underwater-themed slot from ReelPlay, and it has 6 reels running the Megaways feature for up to 117,649 paylines. The game has an RTP of 96.10% and features Cascading Reels for stacking wins. The main payout is 8,641x, but there is also a local jackpot guaranteeing up to 2,000x when triggered.
| RTP | 96.10% |
| Volatility | High |
| Max Win | 8,641x |
| Min Bet | $0.20 |
| Progressive Jackpot? | No |
| Bonus Features | Yes |
Yays:
- Respins feature with jackpot
- Cascading Reels mechanic
- Megaways engine boosts paylines
- Beautiful underwater theme and design
Nays:
- Not as dynamic as other Megaways slots
- No Free Spins feature
Hypernova
Hypernova by ReelPlay has a vibrant space theme that offers slick visuals and straightforward gameplay. It has 5 reels and 10 paylines, with an RTP of 96.10% RTP. Look out for the Jackpot Respins feature, which offers bonus prizes and can lead to wins of 2,000x.
| RTP | 96.10% |
| Volatility | High |
| Max Win | 2,000x |
| Min Bet | $0.20 |
| Progressive Jackpot? | No |
| Bonus Features | Yes |
Yays:
- Jackpot Respins feature
- Simple gameplay for beginners and casual players
- Broad bet range for budget and high-rolling players
- Appealing design and theme
Nays:
- Does not have the biggest payouts
- No Free Spins feature
Gates of Olympus
Gates of Olympus is one of Pragmatic Play’s most iconic slots of all time. Featuring a timeless ancient Greek mythology theme, the slot has 6 reels and a scatter pays engine. With lots of volatility, this is a game with big win potential of up to 5,000x. It has an RTP of 96.50% and features including Free Spins and multipliers.
| RTP | 96.50% |
| Volatility | High |
| Max Win | 5,000x |
| Min Bet | $0.20 |
| Progressive Jackpot? | No |
| Bonus Features | Yes |
Yays:
- Tumble Reels mechanic
- Free Spins with multipliers
- Potential for unlimited free spins
- Multipliers up to 500x
Nays:
- Very high volatility
- Lacks innovative features
Sugar Rush
Pragmatic Play’s candy-themed Sugar Rush slot features a 7 reel and Cluster Pays configuration. The game has high volatility and an RTP of 96.50% RTP. Features include Multiplier Spots and free spins, with the potential to win up to 5,000x.
| RTP | 96.50% |
| Volatility | High |
| Max Win | 5,000x |
| Min Bet | $0.20 |
| Progressive Jackpot? | No |
| Bonus Features | Yes |
Yays:
- Multiplier Spots up to 128x
- Above average RTP
- Potential for unlimited free spins
- Wins available up to 5,000x
Nays:
- Remarkably high volatility
- Free spins are hard to trigger
88 Fortunes
88 Fortunes by Light & Wonder uses the Chinese lucky number of 8, which informs the free spins feature and jackpot. The game has 5 reels, 243 paylines, and a 96.00% RTP. The biggest standard win is 2,272x for the free spins feature, but there is also a Fu Bat local jackpot game.
| RTP | 96% |
| Volatility | Medium |
| Max Win | 2,272x |
| Min Bet | $0.08 |
| Progressive Jackpot? | Yes |
| Bonus Features | Yes |
Yays:
- All Up engine allows you to pay for bigger wins
- Progressive Fu Bat jackpot
- Potential for unlimited free spins
- Medium volatility provides balanced gameplay
Nays:
- Visuals look old
- The base game can be boring
Wheel of Fortune
Based on the iconic game show, the Wheel of Fortune slot from IGT has 5 reels, 30 paylines, and a 96.08% RTP. With a maximum win of 1,000x, the gameplay comes alive with the Wheel Bonus and Free Spins feature, where you can collect Jackpot symbols for bigger wins.
| RTP | 96% |
| Volatility | Medium |
| Max Win | 1,000x |
| Min Bet | $0.30 |
| Progressive Jackpot? | No |
| Bonus Features | Yes |
Yays:
- Based on the all-time classic TV show
- Free Spins with jackpot symbols
- Very straightforward gameplay
- Free Spins feature
Nays:
- Visuals look old
- Not much happens in the base game
Aztec Fire
Aztec Fire is popular on sweepstakes casinos because of its smooth gameplay and slick visuals. It is developed by 3 Oaks Gaming and has 5 reels, 20 paylines, and a 96.20% RTP. With an ancient civilization theme, you can find features such as Expanding Wilds, Hold and Win, and free spins, with a potential max win of 1,000x.
| RTP | 96.5% |
| Volatility | Medium |
| Max Win | 1,000x |
| Min Bet | $0.20 |
| Progressive Jackpot? | No |
| Bonus Features | Yes |
Yays:
- Immersive game theme
- Hold and Win feature
- Expanding Wilds
- Reasonable above average RTP
Nays:
- Not the biggest maximum win
- The base game is uneventful
Energy Joker
Energy Joker by Playson is a fruit machine-themed slot with symbols such as fruits, BAR, and bells. However, this is not a classic slot as it features 5 reels, 5 paylines, a 96.45% RTP, Joker wild symbols, and the Energy Spins feature. There is also a Pile of Gold collector game, which opens free spins if you get enough coins. If the reels land your way, the biggest win is 1,000x.
| RTP | 96.45% |
| Volatility | Medium |
| Max Win | 5,000x |
| Min Bet | $0.20 |
| Progressive Jackpot? | No |
| Bonus Features | Yes |
Yays:
- Classic fruit machine vibe
- Joker wild symbols
- Pile of Gold feature for bonus triggers
- Free spins with multipliers
Nays:
- Small maximum win
- Bland base game
How To Win Real Money Playing Online Slots
Sweepstakes casinos are available in most US states, providing a unique way to play online slots and claim cash prizes. Unlike traditional real money casinos, the sweepstakes model makes changes to ensure compliance. Plus, sweeps sites are available in more states (all except Idaho and Washington).
Sweeps casinos involve two types of on-site currency, Gold Coins (GC) and Sweeps Coins (SC). Gold Coins are a for-entertainment currency that you get through bonuses or by purchasing. Alternatively, Sweeps Coins are also available through bonuses or giveaways and can be redeemed for a cash prize or gift card.
Playing Slots with Sweepstakes Coins
Sweeps Coins are only available for free as there is no way to purchase them directly. There are several ways to gain SC, such as through no deposit bonuses, giveaways, mail-in requests to the casino, or as part of a Gold Coins purchase package. The whole point of Sweeps Coins is to be able to redeem them for real-life prizes such as gift cards and cash.
Some slots on a sweepstakes casino will accept SC, and give you Sweeps Coins as a reward for winning. To be able to redeem your SC, you need to have a balance higher than the minimum set by the casino. In most cases, you will need between 10 and 50 SC to claim a gift card or between 50 and 100 SC to claim cash.
Importantly, redeeming SC is not like withdrawing winnings from a real money casino. Instead, you are redeeming your SC for a cash prize.
Playing Slots with Gold Coins?
Gold Coins (GC) are for entertainment purposes only. You will not be able to redeem them for a reward, but they are the main currency for gameplay on sweeps casinos. It is possible to claim GC exclusively from bonuses and promotions, meaning you can always play slots for free without risking your own money. However, if you want longer gaming sessions and to top up your coins, you can purchase GC packages.
How To Choose a Great Real Money Slot
Slots are the most diverse group of games in the casino industry. Despite all games having similar gameplay, the variety of slots is immense. No two players have exactly the same taste, so there are lots of criteria to consider when choosing an online slot:
RTP
Return to Player (RTP) highlights how much a game returns to players on average. Online slots have an RTP average of 96%. In general, choosing a higher RTP game gives more chance of a return/win. Here are the highest RTP slots.
Volatility
Volatility dictates how much a slot game pays. Low-volatility slots will give you lots of winning spins, but the payouts will generally be small. High-volatility games are riskier for players as they return fewer winning spins but will typically pay out bigger when they do land.
Maximum Win/Progressive Jackpot
Some slots have a fixed maximum amount that can be won by getting a specific modifier and symbol combination. Progressive jackpot slots have a top prize that grows on every bet until someone wins it.
Minimum Bet
There are slots that cater to budget players better than others. If you have a small amount to play with, try choosing games with low minimum bets, such as $0.10.
Special Features
Unique game features include free spins, multipliers, wheel pickers, bonus rounds, and wilds. Some slots have features, and others may not. Decide which modifiers you want and choose games that cater to you.
Theme
Slots come in a wide variety of themes and genres, from movie-based slots to Irish luck, from ancient civilizations to tomb-raiding adventures, and from fluffy candy shops to outer space.
Types of Real Money Slots
Alongside the different themes and game features, slots also come in a variety of styles based on their core configuration:
3-Reel Classic Slots
A simple “classic” slot that has just three reels. These are throwback games with simple mechanics that are easy to play, often on a single payline.
5-Reel Video Slots
Sometimes also known as video slots, these are games with animations, immersive themes, and modifiers such as multipliers and free spins.
Progressive Jackpot Slots
These slots have a jackpot that grows with each spin until someone wins it, with jackpots often reaching millions of dollars.
Hold & Win Slots
In this type of slot, players can choose to hold reels to keep a symbol in place. The rest of the reels then spin, giving more chances of a win.
Slingo
Slingo is a hybrid game that combines bingo and slot mechanics. Players spin reels and match numbers instead of symbols.
Megaways Slots
Created by Big Time Gaming and licensed by other brands, the Megaways engine increases the number of potential paylines up to hundreds of thousands.
Cluster Pay Slots
Custer Pays is a mechanic that allows payouts to form by matching symbols in a cluster horizontally and vertically.
Branded Pop Culture Slots
Branded slots often have lots of features and design callbacks to the TV show or movie they are licensing.
Cascading Reels Slots
Also known as Tumble or Falling reels, this feature allows winning symbols to drop from the reels and other symbols to fall in. Each win is banked, so it is possible to stack payouts.
Real Money Slots Vs. Free Online Slots
Real money slots and free online slots are often the same game. If you are playing a free slot, it is going to be the demo version of a real money game. We recommend playing for free and real money as there are advantages and disadvantages to both styles.
| Real Money Slots | Free Online Slots |
| ✅ You can win real money payouts | ✅ Available at online sweepstakes casinos |
| ✅ Bonuses often require real money gameplay | ✅ Play games without any financial risk. |
| ✅ Some progressive jackpot slots are only available for real money | ✅ Learn a game’s frequency and features before using real money |
| ❌ You risk your own money when playing for real money | ❌ You cannot win real money |
Should You Play Real Money Slots?
Real money slots allow you to claim cash prizes and enjoy the true excitement of these games. Sweepstakes casinos offer the best of both worlds. You can play your favorite slots completely for free if you want to, as there is no commitment to purchase coins. However, if you win Sweeps Coins when playing and meet the casino minimum, you can exchange your coins for real cash prizes.