2024's Most Popular Online Slots: A Gamer’s Paradise

What makes a particular slot game popular? It could be anything: Big payouts. There are lots of little payouts. Fun gameplay. Great graphics.

If you're starting, knowing which games are popular matters because you're less likely to have a losing program burn you if you begin by playing the most popular slots at the world's best online casinos.

About Online Slots

We combed several industry insider lists to find the most popular online slots. Since they all use different criteria, they each arrive at different results. We then combined the top results across the variety of these industry lists to bring you the top five online slot games. Not surprisingly, the most popular online slots are also among the most popular casino slots.

You definitely will find a slot game (or three) that suits you amongst our list of the five most popular online slot games. But be smart – play for free until you understand how your chosen game works. These games offer a free online version to try before betting real money.

Gonzo's Quest

Introduced by NetEnt in 2010, Gonzo's Quest rocketed to the top of the popularity charts and has dominated the top positions on industry lists ever since. The game features fun gameplay, superb computer-generated imagery (CGI), and big payouts. It should take a little time to hit a thousand coins or get a bigger payout.

Unlike other slots, gameplay in Gonzo's Quest does not involve spinning symbols. Instead, the symbols fall as stone blocks. A win will cause the winning symbols to "explode" and generate another "avalanche" of symbol blocks. Each avalanche increases the payout by multiplying it until you hit a big win after three winning avalanches. The free spins, called "free falls," are fun to play. They're probably the most entertaining free spins in the industry.

Winning on Gonzo's Quest Slot Machines: The big payouts come only in the "free fall" rounds. Play intelligently, as you can burn a lot of bankroll before hitting one.

Gonzo's Quest Statistics

• Type: Video slots

• Payout: 96.1%

• Win: 40.6%

• Volatility: High

• Paylines: 20

• Free spins: Yes

• Bonus game: No

• Scatter: Yes

• Wild: Yes

• Jackpot: 2500x / 50,000 coins max

• Devices: PC / Tablet / Mobile

Starburst

Low volatility, high payout, and straightforward gameplay make Starburst the ideal game for beginners and slot junkies alike. Starburst is frequently found in the top position of industry lists.

The standout feature in Starburst is the wild symbol. This symbol appears only on reels 2, 3, and 4; however, if it seems, it triggers a re-spin of every other symbol. If another wild appears, you get another re-spin, and so on, until there are three wilds.

Winning on Starburst Slot Machines: The modest Starburst jackpot will not pay off your mortgage. However, it remains the online slot for those seeking a simple, dependable run of modest payouts.

Starburst Statistics

• Type: Video slots

• Payout: 96.1%

• Win: 22.5%

• Volatility: Low

• Paylines: 10

• Free spins: Yes

• Bonus game: No

• Progressive: No

• Scatter: Yes

• Wild: Yes

• Jackpot: 500 x max bet only / max lines selected

• Devices: PC / Tablet / Mobile

Rich Wilde and the Book of the Dead

Occupying the number two position on most industry lists, Play'n GO's Rich Wilde and the Book of the Dead dominate brick-and-mortar casinos and online casino lobbies alike. This fast and fun slot rivals Gonzo's Quest's enjoyable gameplay.

While you can go a long time without a win, this game packs an exciting punch with its expanding scatters. The scatter – a book symbol – is also the wild. If it appears three times, it triggers the free spins. But it also triggers one of the symbols to "expand" to fill all the paylines if it appears in any payline. Nothing beats the expanding symbols if you like big payouts and the fireworks that go with them!

Winning on Rich Wilde and the Book of the Dead Slot Machines: The base game wins tend to be small. The big wins show up in the free spins and the bonus gambling round after each win, and these wins can be spectacular; however, to chase those wins, you will likely have more than one bankroll demolished.

Rich Wilde and the Book of the Dead Statistics

• Type: Video slots

• Payout: 96.6%

• Volatility: High

• Paylines: 10

• Free spins: Yes

• Bonus game: Yes

• Progressive: No

• Scatter: Yes

• Wild: Yes

• Jackpot: 5,000 x bet

• Devices: PC / Tablet / Mobile

Cleopatra

ITG's Cleopatra is a veritable antique among online slots, first appearing in 2005. Year after year, it sits atop the industry popularity lists, even though its manufacturer, ITG, has released a sequel.

Why is this slot game so popular? Cleopatra is a low-volatility, simple game that plays well on PCs and tablets. Although it's only a basic slot game, the symbols are genuinely interesting, and it looks great. Its basic gameplay, compelling graphics, and generous free spins and multipliers make it the game of choice for beginners.

Cleopatra Slot Machines Info: Truth be told, it's not very fun. Besides having stunning graphics, it's just an ordinary slot machine. However, Cleopatra continues to be at the top of online charts because beginners love it.

Cleopatra Statistics

• Type: Video slots

• Payout: 95.02%

• Volatility: High

• Paylines: 20

• Free spins: Yes

• Bonus game: No

• Jackpot: 10,000 x

• Devices: PC / Tablet / Mobile

Thunderstruck II

Since its introduction in 2010, Microgaming's Thunderstruck II has consistently ranked among the online slot games. With its gigantic jackpot (2.4 million coins) and a veritable crowd of free spins and games, Thunderstruck keeps bringing in player after player.

Thunderstruck II Slot Machines Winning and Tips: The payout plunges to a dismal 70% when the giant jackpot is factored out. In addition, many of the free rounds do not include high-value symbols. The free spins make the game exciting, but the low payouts on free spins make the game expensive for newbies.

Thunderstruck II Statistics

• Type: Video slots

• Payout: 96.65%

• Volatility: Medium

• Paylines: 243

• Free spins: Yes

• Bonus game: Yes

• Jackpot: 2,400,000 coins

• Devices: PC / Tablet / Mobile

The Most Popular Online Slots Games: FAQ

What factors make online slots popular among players?

The popularity of online slots stems from various factors, including the potential for big payouts, frequent smaller wins, engaging gameplay, and high-quality graphics. These elements combine to create an enjoyable gaming experience, attracting a wide range of players, from beginners to seasoned slot enthusiasts. Whether you're drawn to the thrill of the chase for significant rewards or the constant gratification of smaller wins, a slot game will capture your interest.

What are some top tips for beginners playing Gonzo's Quest?

Gonzo's Quest, a fan favorite since its release in 2010, introduces an innovative gameplay mechanic where symbols fall into place rather than spin. For beginners, the key to winning is focusing on the "free fall" rounds, where big payouts are more common. It's essential to play strategically, as you can quickly deplete your bankroll waiting for a significant win. Please take advantage of the game's free version to understand its mechanics before placing real bets.

Why is Starburst considered ideal for both beginners and regular players?

Starburst stands out for its simplicity, low volatility, and frequent payouts, making it a perfect game for beginners and slot veterans. The game's wild symbol, which can trigger re-spins and potentially lead to multiple wins, adds an exciting dynamic to the gameplay. Its straightforward nature and reliable payouts ensure that Starburst remains a go-to slot for players looking for a dependable gaming experience without the complexity of more feature-rich slots.

How can players maximize their winnings on Rich Wilde and the Book of the Dead?

Rich Wilde and the Book of the Dead is known for its "expanding scatter" feature, which can lead to significant payouts during the free spins round. To maximize winnings, players should focus on triggering the free spins and bonus gambling rounds, with a higher potential for substantial rewards. However, managing your bankroll effectively is crucial, as chasing the big wins can quickly lead to losses. First, engaging with the game's free version can help players understand the mechanics and strategize accordingly.

What makes Cleopatra remain atop online slots' popularity lists year after year?

Cleopatra's enduring popularity is attributed to its straightforward gameplay, engaging Egyptian theme, and the potential for generous free spins and multipliers. Despite being an older game, its charming graphics and simple mechanics make it a favorite among beginners. The game's ability to balance simplicity with engaging features ensures it remains a staple in the online slot community, even as newer games enter the market.

What should players know before playing Thunderstruck II?

Thunderstruck II, with its Norse mythology theme, offers a massive jackpot and a variety of free spins and bonus games. However, players should be aware that excluding the jackpot will cause the game's payout rate to drop significantly. The free spins often feature lower-value symbols, affecting the overall winnings. Beginners should approach this game with caution, as Thrilling attributes and the possibility of significant victories come with the risk of lower payouts without hitting the jackpot. Familiarizing yourself with the game's mechanics through its free version can provide valuable insights and strategies.