Real Money Online Slots: Best Games & Casinos September 2024
In October 2023, the American Gaming Association (AGA) published a report on American Attitudes Toward Gaming. The report showed that 49% of adults in the U.S. engaged in some form of gambling within the previous 12 months.
As online gambling expands its market share within the commercial gaming sector, online casinos continue to offer hundreds, if not thousands, of online slots. Options include progressive jackpots, entertaining video slots, and classic slots from software providers like Everi, Konami, Light & Wonder, IGT, and NetEnt.
Here's a quick look at some of the most popular real money slot games, including return-to-player (RTP) averages, available at reputable online casino brands.
CONTENTS
- Where Can I Play Real Money Slot Games?
- Best US Casinos for Real Money Online Slots 2024
- US States with Legal Online Casinos
- How to Begin Playing Real Money Online Slots
- Play Online Slots: Bonuses and Promotions
- Different Ways to Play Online Slot Games
- Real Money Slots Online VS Free Slot Games
- Are Real Money Slots Safe?
- Find your Favorite Real Money Slots
- Why Play Real Money Slot Games Online?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Real Money Slot Games
Among the approximately 2,000 online survey respondents (21 or older), 14% claimed they participated in real-money iGaming over the past year. The survey also highlighted that 9-in-10 Americans had favorable attitudes toward gambling, including more than 70% who believed casino gaming contributed positively to the U.S. economy.
The AGA’s Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker from May 2024 also reported that slot machines and table games generated a monthly revenue record of $4.46 billion in March. Real money slots generated nearly $9 billion in revenue in the year’s first quarter (Q1 2024).
Starburst
A popular slot game available at numerous online casinos, Starburst offers a 5-reel configuration with futuristic vibes based on colored diamonds and other gemstones. Players can set their wager via 'Bet' (ten through 100), 'Level' (one through ten), 'Coin Value' (0.01 to 1.00), and 'Coins' for a minimum bet of $0.10 and a max bet of $100.
Betting limits: $0.10 - $100
Features: Starburst Wilds (up to three re-spins)
Reels, Paylines, and RTP: 5 reels, three rows, ten paylines, 96.09% RTP
Software provider: NetEnt
Where to play: BetMGM Casino, Borgata Casino, Fanatics Casino, and more
88 Fortunes
As one of the most popular casino games among the best online slots and retail locations, 88 Fortunes is a 5-reel slot game with various features. Players can activate gold symbols to boost potential jackpot wins, while one or more FU BAT symbols trigger the jackpot feature (Mini, Minor, Major, and Grand). Only the max bet of $88.00 allows players to become eligible for the $200,000 Grand Jackpot.
Betting limits: $0.88 - $88.00
Features: Gold symbols (play one to five), Fu Bat Jackpots, 10 Free Games
Reels, Paylines, and RTP: 5 reels, three rows, 243 ways to win, 96.00% RTP
Software provider: Light & Wonder
Where to play: 888casino, BetRivers Casino, PartyCasino, Play Gun Lake, and more
Blood Suckers
With an otherworldly vampire theme, Blood Suckers is another top choice among the most popular real money slot games at online casinos. There are 18 betting options across 25 paylines, with three or more matching symbols offering payouts of $0.02 to $5.00 times an initial wager in the base game. Trigger the bonus game with three or more bonus symbols—and open coffins to find and slay vampires for the payouts listed, while an empty coffin ends the bonus round.
Betting limits: $0.25 - $50.00
Features: Wild symbol, Free Spin symbols, Bonus Game (812.8x the initial bet for a max win)
Reels, Paylines, and RTP: 5 reels, three rows, 25 bet lines, 97.99% RTP
Software provider: NetEnt
Where to play: Golden Nugget, Resorts Casino, Ocean Casino, and more
Divine Fortune
Divine Fortune is wildly popular as one of the best real money slots with four jackpots. Among the most widely available video slots, the classic slot game includes a Mega progressive jackpot with odds that increase with bet size. With 20 winning bet lines, players can adjust the Bet Level and Coin Value to engage with Greek symbols of classical antiquity like Medusa and lightning bolts for Free Spins.
Betting limits: Bet (20 - 200), Level (1 - 10), Coin Value (0.01 - 0.50)
Features: Free Spins symbols (for five to 12 free spins), Falling Wilds Re-Spin, Wild on Wild, Jackpot Bonus game (10 to 200x the bet level - Minor, Major, Mega)
Reels, Paylines, and RTP: 5 reels, three rows, 20 bet lines, 96.59% RTP
Software provider: NetEnt
Where to play: bet365 Casino, Caesars Palace Online Casino, and more!
Cleopatra
Rounding out the top online slots, Cleopatra ranks among the most popular real-money casino games. The slot game offers a thumping beat with the spinning reels set amidst an Egyptian theme. Symbols include the Eye of Horus, a navy blue scarab, and the Great Sphinx of Giza.
Betting limits: Lines (1 - 20), Line Bet (0.01 - 5.00), Total Bet (0.20 - 100.00)
Features: Cleopatra Bonus (15 free spins), Cleopatra Wild symbols
Reels, Paylines, and RTP: 5 reels, three rows, 20 paylines, 95.02% RTP
Software provider: IGT
Where to play: DraftKings Casino, Bally Casino, betPARX Casino, and more
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Where Can I Play Real Money Slot Games?
Real money slots are available at any of our recommended online casino options. After registering a new account, you can play online slots from a legal jurisdiction (see below).
Online slot games give first-time players the best chances of winning real money from welcome bonuses. Offers include deposit bonuses, a no-deposit bonus, free spins, and cash-back up to $1,000.
Head to your online casino of choice via the offers above, and use these steps as a guide to getting started:
- Click ‘Claim Now’ to sign up using one of our affiliate links.
- Tap the ‘Sign Up Now’ button to follow the on-screen instructions.
- Register a new account with your email (or other options like PayPal and Yahoo! Sports) and create a password.
- Enter your details (name, address, date of birth, mobile number, the last four digits of your SSN, etc.).
- Type in a relevant Bonus Code to receive your welcome offer.
- Confirm that you’re 21 or older, agree to the terms and service, and click ‘Complete Registration’ to create your account.
Best US Casinos for Real Money Online Slots 2024
Caesars Palace Online Casino
The Caesars Palace Online Casino offers hundreds of online slots organized into various categories. Options include Caesars Palace Exclusives, Featured Games, Megaways, and jackpot games. Wheel of Fortune progressives reach into the seven figures.
Other casino games include blackjack, video poker, and dozens of tables via the Live Casino section.
BetMGM Casino
The BetMGM Casino ranks among the top online casinos for iOS and Android mobile apps. Michigan and New Jersey players can access thousands of online slots at BetMGM. Exclusive Jackpots include MGM Grand Millions and Bison Fury, which comprise the Big Series of progressives reaching seven figures.
A ‘Summer Spins’ category offers seasonally themed slot games like Dazzling Sun, Summer Cash, and Red Hot BBQ Jackpot (five figures).
There are hundreds of other casino games available at BetMGM, including baccarat, blackjack, craps, roulette, and poker—with exclusives and sports-themed options. Dozens of live dealer games are available, including Super Sic Bo, Roulette Live From Borgata, Speed Blackjack, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, and Video Poker.
BetMGM also provides verticals for Sports and Poker.
bet365 Casino
The bet365 Casino offers a low-key approach to playing online slots. While bet365 provides some of the gaming industry’s most popular slot games, it also has unique in-house titles. First-time players can use the overviews for each game before playing slots online for real money to learn about bonus features, RTP, and volatility.
Other casino games at bet365 include blackjack, roulette, video poker, and a few live dealer titles.
DraftKings Casino
DraftKings Casino is among the best real-money casinos due to its high favorability among iOS and Android users. Along with its popular mobile casino apps, DraftKings provides a unique welcome bonus: Play $5, Get $50 in Casino Credits, and $35 extra with a qualifying deposit.
Besides verticals for Fantasy and Sports, DraftKings Casino offers hundreds of titles to players in more than four jurisdictions, a rarity among the industry’s top online casino brands. You can play slot games from various categories like Featured Games, Popular Jackpots, and Top Slots. Free slots are available via a Demo play option, which is valuable for beginners when they start playing.
Other games at the DraftKings Casino include exclusives and sports-themed table games, craps, baccarat, video poker, and keno. Live dealer titles include Adventures Beyond Wonderland Live, DraftKings Auto American Live Roulette, Video Poker, Lightning Roulette, and Infinite Blackjack.
BetRivers Casino
From Rush Street Interactive, the BetRivers Casino continues to evolve and innovate. The gaming categories show ‘Hot’ titles (with top payouts in the last hour) and a ‘Tourney’ tab for daily and weekly tournaments for playing online slots.
Paired alongside a Sportsbook vertical, the BetRivers Casino offers various games like blackjack, video poker, quick-play titles, and virtual sports (like BetMGM).
Live dealer titles include Baccarat Live, French Roulette Live, Power Blackjack, Three Card Poker, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em.
FanDuel Casino
Besides DraftKings and BetMGM, the FanDuel Casino & Sportsbook offers one of the most popular real-money options for online gambling via a mobile casino. Its standalone FanDuel Casino also ranks highly in the App Store and Google Play.
Of course, there are hundreds of slot games at the FanDuel Casino, plus virtual and live dealer baccarat, blackjack, craps, roulette, and more.
Golden Nugget Casino
DraftKings acquired Golden Nugget Online Gaming in 2022. Thus, the Golden Nugget Casino platform and mobile apps reflect the DraftKings brand or “skin.” However, there remain plenty of options for Golden Nugget exclusives like Cash Engine, Reel Wheel Cash Deal, and Golden Nugget Megaways.
Like DraftKings, Golden Nugget offers free slots through Demo play options. In addition to free online slots, players can navigate through various gaming categories, such as Tap Games, Table Games, Jackpots, Blackjack, and Video Poker.
For a taste of the previous Golden Nugget platform, dozens of live blackjack tables range from minimum bets of $15 to $250. There are plenty of other live dealer titles, and like DraftKings, progressive jackpot options include most of the games at the Golden Nugget Casino.
Fanatics Casino
Integrated with a sportsbook, the Fanatics Sportsbook & Casino is one of the newest online options for players in a handful of legal jurisdictions. Players can choose various slot games from top software providers, including a welcome bonus of 250 Free Spins at Cash Eruption with a $5 deposit.
Besides playing online slots at the Fanatics Casino, other games include blackjack, roulette, and video poker.
US States with Legal Online Casinos
Michigan
In Michigan, the legal sports betting and interactive gaming markets launched in 2021 (with approval from the Michigan Gaming Control Board). The Great Lake State offers one of the best regulated jurisdictions for those wanting to play slots online, with thousands of options via up to 15 iGaming brands. Michigan also signed onto the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) in 2022 for in-state players to play online poker against players from other states.
New Jersey
In 2018, New Jersey became the focal point for overturning sports betting prohibition (Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992) at the level of the U.S. Supreme Court. However, the Garden State initially legalized iGaming (including online poker) in 2013. Today, it’s one of the most robust legal jurisdictions for online gambling, with about three dozen iGaming brands available. New Jersey signed on to the MSIGA in 2017.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania passed its gambling expansion in 2017, while its iGaming market went live in 2019. About two dozen casino platforms are available to play online slots in the Keystone State.
West Virginia
West Virginia legalized iGaming in 2019, and the market went live the following year. Up to 15 in-state casino brands are available in Mountain State for those who wish to play real money slots online. Since November 2023, online poker players in West Virginia can compete against other players from MSIGA states.
Connecticut
Connecticut legalized and launched online gaming in 2021. Due to a restrictive online gaming environment, DraftKings and FanDuel offer the state's only real-money casino brands (including sportsbooks integrated with casinos and standalone casino options).
Delaware
In 2012, Delaware became the first state in the U.S. to legalize interactive gaming. However, only three in-state casinos partnered with BetRivers as the online operator with regulatory oversight from the state lottery. Along with Nevada, Delaware was also among the first two states to launch the MSIGA in 2014.
How to Begin Playing Real Money Online Slots
Choose a Casino
If you want to play slot games online, you’ll need to choose a casino that suits your bankroll and personal preferences. Casinos offering free slots via Demo play options might be valuable to those without gambling experience. However, we recommend trying various casino sites to see which one you enjoy the most.
Claim a Bonus Offer
Using bonus codes when you sign up means you’ll get an added boost when you start playing slots for real money. Take advantage of welcome bonus offers at multiple casinos to try to win cash prizes with your first deposit.
Make a Deposit
After entering bonus codes at various casino brands, you must make a qualifying deposit to receive your welcome offer. (For example, a 100% deposit match may require a minimum deposit of $10.) Use the cashier from your account dashboard and choose a payment method for an instant deposit at a real money casino.
Select a Slot Game
You can browse through various slots once you’ve registered and received your promotional offer from a first deposit. The best slot games offer bonus rounds from triggering free spins. Choose games with high RTP averages (around 95% to 96% or above) to get the most value when you play real money slots.
Play Online Slots: Bonuses and Promotions
To play slots online (or any casino game) at a real money casino, we recommend getting started with some of the following bonus offers:
- Caesars Palace Online Casino: Get a 100% Deposit Match up to $2,500 + 2,500 Rewards Points! with code: VIBONUS2500
- BetMGM Casino: Get a 100% Deposit Match up to $1000 + $25 on the House!
- Resorts Casino: Get a 100% Deposit Match up to $500 in Bonus Play!
- Fanatics Casino: Deposit $5, Get $50 in Casino Credit!
Different Ways to Play Online Slot Games
The best online slots are exciting as they are immersive. Enjoy standard three-reeled titles or complicated new modern versions for your taste:
Offline Slots
When you play slots offline, you may need to download iOS or Android mobile app software. However, we recommend using apps from legitimate software suppliers (which you can review on the App Store or Google Play).
Progressive Slots
Progressive slots are widely available at U.S.-regulated iGaming apps and desktop/web browser platforms. Some top prizes reach six and seven figures, while smaller jackpots might offer better odds for players with smaller bankrolls.
Themed Slots
When you play slots for real money, you’ll want to be entertained by games with exciting and interactive themes. For example, some themed slots like 88 Fortunes and Blood Suckers offer innovative features that allow players to click on in-game icons to view their potential jackpots and payouts. Other themes include Egyptian, Greek, Halloween, music, and fishing.
Vegas Style
Vegas-style slots offer players the chance to experience visiting the infamous Sin City without leaving home. You may find classic slots from Vegas within a unique gaming category dedicated to bringing The Strip to life on a mobile app or desktop platform. Titles include Double Diamond, Capital Gains, and Enjoy Rich Little Piggies Hog Wild.
Free Spin Games
Casino slot games might also include bonus rounds or free spins after triggering a particular number of Wild or Scatter symbols. Games that award free spins include Cleopatra, Starburst, and Green Machine Deluxe.
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Real Money Slots Online VS Free Slot Games
Real money casinos may offer free versions of their slot machines to give players a chance to see how online slots work. There’s no risk involved with free slot games, and players can try different titles to learn about RTP averages and betting across all available paylines.
Slots for real money require patience and a sizable bankroll, depending on your chosen game. With an added layer of excitement, it’s also essential to practice responsible gambling to protect yourself from the inevitable losses of any slot machine.
Are Real Money Slots Safe?
Real-money casinos receive approval and licensing from in-state regulatory agencies. Games get tested for accuracy and fairness by third-party companies. Software providers also test games to offer RTP averages based on an internal random number generator (RNG). Virtual table games also use an RNG to ensure casinos remain profitable based on a game’s house edge.
While most online slots offer RTPs between 95% and 96%, those payback percentages reflect a casino advantage of 4% to 5%. Players should stick to iGaming companies regulated in the U.S. to get the best possible user experience from reputable software providers and safe and secure online payments.
Find your Favorite Real Money Slots
Konami
Founded in 1969 in Japan, Konami has developed some of the world’s most popular arcade games. Over the decades, the company has also begun offering video games and slots. Popular Konami slots include China Shores (96.10%), Imperial Wealth (96.05%), and Lotus Land (96.06%).
IGT
International Game Technology (IGT), headquartered in Reno, Nevada, went public in 1981. In 1986, IGT introduced Megabucks, the first progressive jackpot slot. By now, IGT has developed over 100 games, including virtual table games. Popular video slots by IGT include Cash Eruption (96%), Wheel of Fortune Ruby Riches (96.15%), and Fortune Coin (96.20%).
Light & Wonder
Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Las Vegas, Light & Wonder (formerly Scientific Games) provides slots and virtual table games for the interactive gaming industry. Popular Light & Wonder slots include 88 Fortunes (96%), Monopoly Lunar New Year (95.95%), and Rise of the Mountain King (96.31%).
NetEnt
Founded in 1996, Evolution Gaming eventually acquired NetEnt in 2020. Among various virtual table games, some of NetEnt’s most popular slot titles include Blood Suckers (97.99%), Gonzo’s Gold (96.11%), Blood Suckers II (96.94%), Motorhead Slot (96.98%), and Mercy of the Gods (96.64%).
Everi
Everi was created in 2015 through a partnership between Global Cash Access Holdings and Multimedia Games Holding Company. Popular Everi slots include Black Diamond Platinum (94.95%), Triple Jackpot Gems (96%), and Cash Machine (96%).
Why play Real Money slot games online?
Once players create a casino account, they can access thousands of online games, from classic slot machines to new video slots with interactive graphics and entertaining sound effects. These games are conveniently available 24/7 from anywhere within a legal jurisdiction, while free demo versions are accessible to players outside those states.
While social casinos (or sweepstakes casinos) offer hundreds of free slots, some with the potential to win cash prizes with Sweepstakes Coins, real-money slots at U.S.-regulated casinos provide exciting mobile apps and interactive platforms to eligible players. First-time players may receive a welcome bonus to get started, and online slots offer the best value for “unlocking” those bonuses into real cash.
Check out our reviews and how-to-play guides to learn more about your options for playing some of the gaming industry’s most popular online slots.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Real Money Slot Games
Want to learn more about playing real money slots and where the best games are to win big? Read these common questions and answers we've compiled below.
Which slot game pays real money without a deposit?
First-time players at BetMGM and Borgata may receive a no-deposit bonus worth up to $25. However, there’s a 1x playthrough amount for clearing your bonus at eligible slots. We recommend playing online slots with a return-to-player (RTP) average of around 96%.
Where can I find real money slots on mobile?
Interactive gaming companies regulated in the U.S. provide real-money iOS and Android mobile apps on the App Store and Google Play. Top options include BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel.
Are real money slots online legit?
If you want 'fair play' slots, we recommend opening a new account with a U.S.-regulated gaming platform or mobile app. Online casinos regulated in the U.S. receive licensing and approval from in-state gaming enforcement agencies to deliver safe and legitimate user experiences. Third-party companies test those slots for accuracy and fairness while receiving regulatory oversight from in-state agencies.
What is the best online casino for real money slots?
Eligible players in Michigan and New Jersey may choose from thousands of online slots at BetMGM, Borgata, and PartyCasino (only available in NJ). NJ players may also choose from about three dozen new online casinos, including bet365, BetRivers, Bally Casino, Resorts Casino, and Ocean Casino. Pennsylvania and West Virginia players also get access to 15 to about two dozen casino brands—with hundreds of slots available.
Do you have to download software to play real money slot games?
Real-money online slots are available from desktop platforms and mobile web browsers. Only iOS and Android apps require downloadable software to play slots for real money.