Best Online Slots Ireland

Online slots offer an extremely convenient way to bring the excitement of the casino floor into your home. They have become increasingly popular in recent years, leading to a proliferation in the number of sites offering slots online. The world’s largest bookmakers and land-based casinos now target Irish players with online slot games, putting them in direct competition with specialist online casinos. They are all seeking to secure your business, and it can be difficult to know which sites to choose.

Fortunately we have done your homework for you. Our expert team of reviewers constantly assesses the relative strengths and weaknesses of all the Irish online slots sites, allowing us to recommend only the best online slots providers. It is important to stick to the respectable, trustworthy sites that we recommend on this page, as a number of shady, unlicenced operators will also try to lure you in. We can help you separate the honest sites from the scammers and help you find online slots providers that offer great bonuses, fast payouts, impeccable software and superb customer service.

This article explains how we rate the best Irish online slots sites, the types of online slots you can enjoy and how the bonuses work. We also highlight exciting new online slots, the best mobile slots and the leading software providers. You will learn what terms like RTP (return to player), RNG (random number generator) and progressive jackpot mean, find out more about the top-rated online slots of 2020, learn how to play the games, discover the payment methods at your disposal and absorb the fascinating history of online slots. Once you have read this article, you will be armed with all the information you need to enjoy the best online slots in the business.

How We Rate The Top Slots Sites in Ireland

The CasinoSource team of expert reviewers performs a thorough assessment of all the different online slots sites before making recommendations. They sign up for an account at each site and monitor the simplicity of the process, while also assessing the level of security provided. They test the bonus offers and compare them against rival sites to see how much value they offer players. Our reviewers will make deposits via various methods and play the games on offer, testing them for fairness, speed, graphics and usability. They make withdrawals and assess how long it takes for payouts to arrive, while also interacting with customer service representatives and gauging how polite, professional, helpful and friendly they are.

The key criteria they look for are game variety, game quality, user experience, bonuses and the types of slots on offer. They give each online casino a star rating for these five categories, while also breaking each review down into bonuses and promotions, registration, deposits and withdrawals, experience, mobile play, software, game choice, VIP programs, customer support, security, responsible gambling and more. Then they give an overall score to each video slots online site, allowing you to compare them and find the best online slots.

The best Irish online slots sites work well on a number of devices, provide a compelling range of bonuses and offer a wide range of different banking methods. They have a history of paying customers on time, treating them with respect and keeping personal and financial details secure. We only recommend trusted sites that tick all these boxes. Our reviewers also constantly pay attention to the new online slots sites that are launched, as exciting new operators continue to muscle into this space. They revisit sites on an ongoing basis to check that they maintain the highest standards, ensuring that you receive up-to-date information at all times.

Types of Online Slots

The online slots sector has grown increasingly sophisticated in recent years. Players now have a thrilling array of different games to choose from, and many of them follow entertaining themes, but they can be broadly divided into five key categories:

• Video slots | These are the original online slots games and they continue to dominate the online slots industry. Video slots online include the classic 3-reel and the more elaborate 5-reel slots, which can contain exciting features like wilds and scatter symbols, with live-action backgrounds and animations to keep you entertained. The best video slots of 2020 include Kingdoms Rise: Captain’s Treasure, Wheel of Fortune, Starburst and Mega Joker.
• 3D Slots | Online slots have been given another exciting dimension with the advent of 3D slots, which are growing increasingly prevalent. The play is exactly the same as video slots, but the graphics have been given an update, there is a stronger narrative and the overall experience is more immersive. Top 3D slots of 2020 include The Rift, Turning Totems, Gonzo’s Quest and Jungle Jim El Dorado.
• Progressive Jackpot Slots | These games have proved extremely popular, as they offer players the chance to win huge prizes off relatively small stakes. A small portion of each player’s stake contributes to the jackpot, which continually rises until a player finally triggers it. There have been many instances of players receiving seven-figure and even eight-figure prizes lately. Top progressive slots of 2020 include Mega Moolah, Age of the Gods and Mega Fortune.

Online Slots Bonus Options

Most sites use an online slots bonus in a bid to attract new customers. They are varied, and they come with different wagering requirements attached, so it pays to shop around for the best offers. For example, one site might offer a 200% welcome bonus up to €500, plus 50 bonus spins, meaning you will receive €750 to play with and 50 extra spins if you deposit €250 of your own money. A rival site might offer a 100% welcome bonus up to €300, plus 300 extra spins. That would give you €600 to play with, along with 300 bonus spins, if you deposit €300 of your own money.

Another important factor to bear in mind it the wagering requirement, otherwise known as the rollover requirement. This refers to the number of times you need to play this bonus credit before you can think about making a cash withdrawal. You might have a 35x rollover requirement attached to the 200% welcome bonus up to €500, and a 40x rollover requirement attached to the 100% welcome bonus up to €300 promotion. Many players like to the lowest wagering requirements for bonuses on online slots.

Ideally you want the largest matched deposit bonus possible, as many free spins as possible, and the lowest rollover requirements possible. You generally have to make a compromise when selecting casino bonuses, but some sites offer a really compelling, rounded bonus in a bid to attract new customers. Some online slots sites also offer a free online slots no deposit bonus. If you ever see a free online slot no deposit offer, it is well worth accepting, as you do not need to deposit any of your own money, and you could earn a cash withdrawal if you are successful.

Irish Mobile Slots Sites

The best online slots sites now bring a myriad of exciting gaming experiences directly to the palm of your hand. This is very convenient, as you can play the very best video, 3D, progressive jackpot and branded slots while lying on the sofa, sitting on your lunch break, travelling to meet friends or anywhere else. The first mobile slots sites offered a minimal range of games, the graphics were rudimentary and there were frustrating lag times, but now the sector is extremely sophisticated. Some Irish mobile slots sites are now actually better than their desktop counterparts.

Most online slots sites are now adapted with HTML5 to be played on any mobile and tablet and any OS including iOS, Android, Windows Phone. Some can be accessed via your mobile browser, but many of the best online slots casinos now have dedicated mobile apps. Mobile use among Brits continues to skyrocket with each passing year, and mobile casinos are growing in popularity too. New online slot sites are launched on a regular basis, and many of these online slot sites now have a mobile-first strategy.

Best Slots Software Providers

The online slots industry is blessed with a wealth of extremely talented software providers. They all compete to launch the most exciting games each year, and the real winner is the player, as the top online slots are continually improving. These are the most important online slots software providers:

• Microgaming | The Isle of Man-based firm is one of the world’s largest online slots providers. It supplies hundreds of titles, including Mega Moolah, Game of Thrones, Mermaids Millions and Thunderstruck II.
• Playtech | The Matrix, Superman, Top Gun and American Dad are some of the exciting branded slots that Playtech has produced. It is also famous for making Age of the Gods and Frankie Dettori's Magic Seven, among many others.
• NetEnt | This Swedish software supplier is responsible for some of the best online slots games of all time, including Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest and Mega Fortune. It has also produced branded video slots such as Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen, and NetEnt casinos are very popular among players.
• Play’n GO | This is another Swedish company with a wealth of exciting online slots to its name. Play’n GO is responsible for hits such as Troll Hunters 2, Book of Dead and Mystery Joker.
• IGT | International Game Technology is a multinational firm headquartered in London, with offices in Las Vegas, Rhode Island and Rome. It is a pioneer in the field of branded video game slots, and its biggest hits include Family Guy, Da Vinci Diamonds, Pharaoh’s Fortune and Cleopatra.
• SG Digital | The digital division of Scientific Games produces a number of exciting slots after purchasing providers NYX Entertainment and NextGen. They include Raging Rhino Megaways, Lucky Lanes and Prisma Blast.
• Novomatic | Austrian software provider Novomatic celebrated its 40th birthday in 2020. It works with several of the best online slots sites and releases new online slots on a regular basis. They include Sizzling Hot, Book of Ra and Lord of the Ocean.
• Betsoft | This software firm is renowned for quirky releases such as The Slothfather and Good Girl Bad Girl. It has a particular focus on mobile casinos and 3D slots.

Online Slots Tournaments

The best online slots sites that we recommend often host tournaments based on a particular slot – typically either a classic game or a hot new release. You can join this tournament and bid to complete the challenges in order to climb up the board and win prizes. Exciting prizes include cash, trips, cars and gadgets. These online slots tournaments are generally hosted in collaboration with the software provider in order to boost the profile of a particular game. They provide players with a great opportunity to earn valuable prizes and they are always worth seeking out at the top Irish online slots sites.

Payouts and RTP

The key concept you have to familiarise yourself with when playing slots online is RTP, which stands for return to player. This percentage refers to the amount of wagered money a particular slot will return to you over a prolonged period of time. It essentially refers to the house edge. If a slot has an RTP of 94.75%, it means the average will eventually get back €94.75 for every €100 staked.

However, slots are games of chance, so some players will make a profit and others will make a loss in a playing session. The RTP gives you an idea of the average return you can expect. You should look for as high an RTP as possible. NetEnt’s Mega Joker has offered an RTP of up to 99%, while Jackpot 6000 goes up to 98.8%, making them some of the best games for players.

You should be presented with a payout table when you browse the games at the best online slots sites. It should tell you the symbol values, the special values and the paylines, while explaining the features and providing any relevant jackpot information. Payout tables should list the prizes either as a cash amount or as a multiplier. For example, if you see “100x”, it means you stand to win 100 times the size of your single line bet. It should inform you of the online slots bonus rounds and the minimum and maximum prizes. You can use this information to determine your projected payouts at new online slots.

*Casino payout rates are subject to change and provided by the operator via their own websites, they are correct at the time of publish and will be updated from time to time.

Online Slots Rules: How to Play Online

Use our comparison tool to find your perfect match, click on the link to visit the site and then set up an account by following these steps:

• Click the button that reads “Sign Up”, “Join Now” or “Register”.
• Provide your personal details, select your username, choose a strong password and select GBP as your currency.
• Agree to the terms and conditions and confirm your age.
• You will need to verify your email address by clicking through on a link, and follow a KYC procedure to confirm your ID. You generally need to provide a copy of photo ID and proof of address.
• Choose your online slots bonus if applicable.
• Visit the cashier and make a deposit using your preferred payment method.
• Select a slot that appeals to you, paying careful attention to the payout table.
• Set your bet and hit the spin button. Set the maximum bet per line if you are playing a progressive jackpot slot.
• Keep playing until you decide to make a withdrawal. Remember that all wins read from left to right.
• Visit the cashier to make a withdrawal. Choose your preferred withdrawal method, enter your amount and confirm. Withdrawals are never instant, and wait times should be made clear in the terms and conditions.

Top Rated Online Slots Games 2020

The best online slots are a matter of personal preference, as everyone has different tastes, but some slots have proved universally popular over the years. They include classics like Gonzo’s Quest, Mega Moolah and Rainbow Riches. A number of new online slots have also drawn considerable praise from players since launching in 2020:

• Happy Riches
• Immortal Glory
• Mayan Eagle Nobleways
• Nyjah Houston Skate for Gold
• Gems of Adoria
• Age of Conquest

Online Slots with the Biggest Progressive Jackpots

A number of Irish slots players have won life-changing sums by playing progressive jackpot slots at the best Irish online slots sites in recent years. The most famous triumph came in 2015, when an English soldier called Jon Heywood won a cool €13.2 million playing Mega Moolah. He staked just 25p on his final spin and landed the jackpot, which saw him land a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.

A Finnish player has since topped it by playing Mega Fortune, but many slots lovers are bidding to claim a new record each day. There are many more examples of players winning multimillion-pound payouts from online slots, and these are the online slots with the biggest progressive jackpot payouts:

• Mega Moolah
• Major Millions
• Arabian Nights
• Hall of Gods
• Beach Life

Slots Payment Methods

The best online slots sites will offer you a wide range of payment methods for making deposits and withdrawals. Credit and debit card payments are popular among visitors to online slot sites in Ireland. You can alternatively use an e-wallet such as Neteller or PayPal, but you will probably not be allowed to claim a bonus if you opt for Neteller or Skrill. This is designed to prevent bonus abuse. Vouchers such as a PaySafeCard are accepted at many new online slots sites, along with other prepaid cards, while you might also see niche methods.

Withdrawal times vary depending on the online casino you play at and the withdrawal method you choose. As a rule, bank transfers are normally a lot quicker than receiving a cheque in the post. You should expect to receive withdrawals via the same method you used to make a deposit, as this is a licensing condition designed to stamp out money laundering.

Slots RNG (Random Number Generator) and How it Affects the Games

A random number generator is used to calculate the result each time you hit spin on an online slot game. An RNG is also used on physical slots found in casinos and arcades, and it is also used to determine the results of online casino like roulette and blackjack. The RNG produces a random number at the software underpinning the game each time you hit spin.

This random number goes through the game software and produces a tangible result, resulting in a win or loss for the player. All licensed operators targeting Irish players will fall under the jurisdiction of Ireland Gambling Authority, which monitors the RNG technology that online slots sites use to ensure it remains fair and unaffected by any activity outside of the game engine.

Related Reading:

• The 5 Most Common Misconceptions About Slot Machines
• The Six Types of Slot Gamer: Which Are You?
• Top Movies Featured in Slot Games

Slots Selection at Online Casinos

There are several trustworthy casinos with attractive welcome bonuses, slick software and great customer service. What often sets them apart is game variety. Not all online casinos are created equal, and you will find a much broader choice of exciting games at some of the best online slot sites. Irish players have a wealth of options to choose from, so it makes sense to identify an online slots site with a great selection of games. Some players do not mind a small, streamlined selection, but it can grow boring after a while. The best online slots casinos list thousands of different games, created by multiple software providers, ranging from industry titans like NetEnt and Microgaming to small, independent studios.

History of Slot Machines

The first online casinos launched in Ireland back in the mid-1990s, with a limited selection of basic video slots and virtual table games. Players were faced with rudimentary graphics, lag times, games cutting out and a poor selection. However, the industry quickly matured. Major high-street bookmakers like William Hill and Ladbrokes piled in, land-based casino launched video slots online and digital sportsbooks branched out into casino games.

Increased competition forced operators to launch increasingly attractive online slots bonus promotions, and broaden their ranges. That led to an explosion in the number of software providers working in the space, and the overall level of quality and variety on offer soared. By the mid-2000s, progressive jackpots went past the €4 million mark, inspiring millions more Irish players to get involved in the action.

The growth in online slots accelerated with the launch of iOS and Android in 2008, and mobile casinos have continued to grow ever since. Now 3D slots are pushing the sector in intriguing new directions, and virtual reality promises to make the best online slots even more exciting in the years ahead.