How to win at online slots – Top tips for winning

Top 10 tips for winning at slots

All online slots use RNG software to ensure fair play and random results, so there’s no definitive way to guarantee a win. But that doesn’t mean you can’t improve your chances of winning. If you’re ready to take your online slot gaming to the next level, use our top 10 tips and tricks to improve your odds:

1. Play at reputable online casinos

When playing slots online, it’s important to gamble at a licensed online casino. Regulated sites are approved by international authorities such as the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and employ modern encryption technology to protect your sensitive data.

If you play at an online casino that isn’t licensed, chances are games will be rigged, and you won’t be able to withdraw your slot winnings. Our experts have vetted dozens of online casinos in South Africa and shortlisted the top sites for safety, game variety, secure payments and reliable support:

2. Choose the right online slot machines

Choosing the right slot is essential as this will directly impact your payouts and profitability. With thousands of titles available at the best slot sites, players often jump into the first game they find. Instead, look for high RTP slots or titles with many bonus features, such as free spins, wilds and multipliers.

3. Practise in free-play or demo mode

When playing a slot for the first time, it’s best to practise for free in demo mode before risking real cash. Playing slots for free allows you to familiarise yourself with gameplay, test out strategies and track the results throughout your playing session. You can play free slots at most online casinos by registering an account. Alternatively, play 16,500+ free slots in demo mode here:

4. Find slots with free spins & bonus features

Slots with in-game bonuses are designed to boost your wins and make gameplay more entertaining. The best slots boast free spins, bonus symbols (wilds, scatters and multipliers) and other features to maximise your rewards. For example, in IGT’s popular Siberian Storm slot, you can unlock up to 240 free spins during the bonus round!

5. Claim casino bonuses and promotions

Take advantage of casino bonuses and promotions, or join a VIP programme to enjoy extra cash or free spins to use on slot games. Some of the best bonuses available to South African players include:

• Welcome bonus: Also known as a sign-up bonus, this promotion is exclusive to new players registering a casino account for the first time. They typically consist of match deposit offers, free spins, or a combination.

• Deposit bonus: This is one of the most generous casino bonuses. When you make a qualifying deposit, the casino will match a percentage of your funds up to a specific amount. For instance, depositing R20 with a 100% deposit match bonus will see you awarded another R20.

• No deposit bonus: A risk-free offer that’s highly sought-after by South African gamblers. Simply register an account to unlock free spins, bonus funds, or free credits to use on slot games.

• Free spins: A slot-specific bonus that grants the player a set amount of free spins to use on a particular game or the entire slot library.

Remember that casino bonuses come with T&Cs such as wagering requirements, expiry dates and minimum deposit requirements, so always read the fine print before you opt in.

6. Play high RTP slots

Playing online slots with high return-to-player (RTP) percentages can help increase your chances of winning a payout. RTP refers to the average amount of money you can expect to win from an online slot over time.

For instance, a slot game with an RTP of 96% is expected to pay an average of R96 for every R100 wagered. Theoretically, this means that the higher the RTP, the more money you’ll win over time. Still, it’s important to remember that RTP is not a guarantee and only serves as an estimation. Check out the highest paying slots below:

7. Consider slot volatility

When learning how to win in slots, understanding volatility is essential. Volatility indicates how often an online slot machine will trigger a winning combination and the typical size of the payout.

High-volatility slots tend to offer large payouts infrequently, while low-volatility games provide smaller payouts more frequently. Knowing how this will affect gameplay will allow you to factor in risk and make more informed betting decisions tailored to your playing style.

9. Manage your bankroll

Bankroll management plays a vital role in playing online slots and winning. Always use disposable income and set a budget to keep gameplay fun and avoid falling into debt. Never chase losses, and know when to end your gaming session.

10. Play responsibly

One of the best tips in our how-to-win slots guide is gambling responsibly. Part of this includes managing your bankroll, but you should also set deposit limits, time-out sessions and wagering limits to help you control your habits.

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, you can access responsible gambling tools and resources at your chosen online casino. There are also several professional support services available in SA, including:

• National Responsible Gambling Programme – Helpline: 0800 006 008

• South African Responsible Gambling Foundation – Helpline: 011 026 7323

• Recovery Direct – Helpline: 081 444 7000

Quick tips on how to win slots

So, now you’re armed with tips to help you become a more successful slot player and maximise your winnings. To give you an extra helping hand, we’ve compiled a list of quick tips on how to play slots and win: 

• Never play to win money – play for fun

• Only play with disposable income

• Always set a budget and stick to it

• Don’t chase losses

• Set time limits in advance

• Know when to walk away when in profit

• Never gamble when you’ve had too much to drink

• Don’t gamble when you’re upset or depressed

• Take frequent breaks

• Focus on slot games with a high RTP

• Claim casino bonuses and promotions

• Join loyalty or VIP programmes

How to win slots FAQs

• Can you win real money playing online slots?

  Absolutely! Simply register an account at a licensed online casino, make a cash deposit and spin the reels for your chance to win real money.

• Should you play new slots to win more?

  Slots are games of chance and use random number generators (RNG), so there’s no way to guarantee wins even on new slots. That said, new slots tend to boast more bonus features, which could help improve your winning chances.

• Which online slots have the highest payouts?

  Progressive jackpot slots have the most significant payout potential, but they are usually high volatility. Alternatively, play high RTP games like Ugga Bugga for big wins.

• Which slot games are the best?

  This is subjective and depends on individual preference. That said, industry-leading software providers like NetEnt, Pragmatic Play and Playtech regularly top our list for delivering exceptional slot games.

• Are online slot games rigged?

  No, provided you play at a licensed casino. Reputable online casinos in South Africa use RNGs to ensure fair gaming.

• Where can I find cheat codes for online slots?

  There are no cheat codes for online slots, as slots are games of chance, and results are based on luck.

• Can you predict when a slot machine will hit?

  Slot outcomes are random, so you can’t predict when a slot machine will hit. An RNG controls every spin to ensure unpredictable results.

Courtney Payne-Audsley

Verified expert

Global content writer

Courtney has an extensive background in creative and commercial writing across numerous iGaming verticals. As a self-professed lover of slots, Courtney is passionate about the casino and gambling industries. While her writing covers a wide range of topics, slots and bonuses are arguably her favourite gambling subjects.