Video slots make up the largest percentage of the game portfolio offered by online casinos. Players from across the globe have embraced the spinning reels, exciting gameplay and special symbols which characterise these popular casino games. Slots have evolved considerably throughout history, and technological progress has enabled game developers to come up with more advanced game mechanics and immersive graphics to continue entertaining players.
In this article you’ll learn about:
- Free (demo) mobile slots
- Why you should play free (demo) slots
- How to play free (demo) slots
- What to look out for when playing free (demo) slots
Why are online slots so popular? Apart from being fun and convenient, one fundamental contributing factor is the straightforward gameplay. Your task is simple enough: you have a number of spinning reels with symbols and paylines, and you win if you land at least three identical symbols adjacent to each other on the same payline when you spin the reels. The longer the winning sequence, the more money you have a chance to win. How much you win depends primarily on the size of your wager and the value of the winning symbols (which you can find in each slot’s paytable located in the information section). Another factor contributing to slots’ popularity is their dynamic nature. Apart from the standard symbols, most slots are endowed with exciting bonus features and special symbols.
With thousands of slots gracing EnergyCasino and other casino sites, players are naturally at a loss on where to get started. Luckily enough, apart from playing for real money, you can now also take advantage of free online slots. You can play all your favourite slot games for fun without spending a cent at online casinos (brick-and-mortar casinos don’t offer this possibility).
Let’s go over the origins of these popular casino games before diving straight into free slots.
Slot History
Slots have indeed come a long way! When you compare the first-ever slot machine to the latest slots being developed, you will stand in awe at what technological advancements have enabled game providers to create. Slot history dates back to 1891 - when Sittman and Pitt released the first physical slot machine which used 50 playing cards and five mechanical drums. Rather than winning cash prizes, you could claim a free cigar or drink at one of the American bars and pubs in which these slot machines were located.
Later on, Charles Augustus Fey invented the first slot machine with automatic payouts, where reels substituted drums, and symbols replaced physical playing cards. Here we see the first fruit symbols being used, which then paved the way for more popular fruit machines. This automatic slot machine became known as the Liberty Bell because of the bell symbols this machine integrated.
In 1964, the game developer Bally released the first modern electromechanical slot which was called Money Honey. It displayed the slot symbols on a small screen using video graphics and players had to pull a lever to play. These types of slots found their way into several land-based casinos and began offering attractive cash payouts.
Online Slots
The first online slots were developed in the 1990s. With the introduction of the first online casino in 1996, hundreds of game providers started experimenting with modern algorithm-based slots, new features and exciting mechanics to stay on top of the gaming industry.
Thanks to continuing tech breakthroughs, online slot machines haven’t stopped evolving, and we’re still expecting developers to keep on adapting with the times. This doesn’t mean casino games with a traditional layout have become obsolete. Far from it! The 3-row, 5-reel slots are still very much alive. However, game developers are also creating sophisticated slots with more reels and symbols, extra special features, varying volatility and unique game mechanics to bring excitement up a notch. The Megaways system invented by Big Time Gaming is one such mechanic which has taken the gaming industry by storm, together with innovative progressive jackpots. The progress that has been made in the online gambling industry is inspiring, and we can expect the future to hold even more exciting opportunities. Who knows - we could see VR slots becoming the next trend!
Free Slots
Online casinos realised that the extensive range of virtual slot machines on offer made it hard for players to test out all the different casino games and find those which ticked their personal checkboxes. Players would have needed to commit a large percentage of their finances to go through a casino’s slot portfolio and experiment with each game’s unique features. Thus, we see the development of free virtual slots!
Free Mobile Slots
Soon enough, there was also a higher demand for mobile-friendly free slots. Since we’re continually using our phones for one task or another, this demand was to be expected. When playing free mobile slots, you can luckily enjoy the same interactive features as you’d find on desktop; some players find mobile slots to provide an even better gaming experience.
Free mobile slots can be accessed from any Android or iOS device - be it your mobile phone or your tablet. You don’t need to download any software - all you need is a fast and stable internet connection and you’re good to go. Whether you like playing on the go or at home, you can enjoy mobile-friendly free slot games at EnergyCasino.
Why should you play free online slots?
Every casino player goes through the same dilemma one time or another. Should you play free games or real money slots? There are certain benefits which go hand-in-hand with playing free slots.
- You can partake in all the excitement without putting your finances at risk. Since you’re not playing with actual money, you can just sit back and enjoy the spinning reels and the unique symbols as they trigger bonus rounds and possible virtual wins.
- You can check out the casino’s game portfolio without touching your bankroll. Does the casino you’ve chosen offer attractive bonuses? Are all your favourite slots and the latest releases on the site? Does it meet your expectations? Free casino games provide you with the opportunity to decide whether or not you want to place any deposits at a given casino, so you won’t waste any money on slots which are not to your liking.
- You can familiarise yourself with your favourite online slot machines. Enhancing your knowledge of a slot’s paylines, symbol values, bonus features, RTP (return to player) percentage, betting ranges and volatility may increase your chances of winning and get you to enjoy the game even more. Experience is the key to success!
Will free online slots help you win more when you play for real money?
Knowledge can bring you one step closer to a win according to professional slot players. Although we can say with certainty that slots are games of pure chance which use a random number generator (RNG) to ensure random outcomes with each spin, playing free slots is more beneficial than you might initially think. Free play enables you to explore a slot’s paylines, bonus features, jackpot sizes and its volatility, amongst other elements. Taking into account these factors will consequently help you choose slot machines whose features align with your playing style and with your budget. Let’s say you prefer frequent small payouts over more substantial, less frequent wins. In that case, you choose low volatility slots. However, you must always bear in mind that the amount you can possibly win is determined by the number of lucky stars looking down on you; there’s no strategy you can adopt when playing slots at online casinos.
Free Slots you can try out at EnergyCasino
EnergyCasino is home to thousands of free slots by a variety of game providers, including BF Games, Microgaming, Novomatic, Wazdan, NetEnt, Play’N Go and Pragmatic Play. Here are some of the most popular free slots you can try out:
- BF Games - Stunning Hot, Jewels World, Book of Gods, Book of Ming, Fibonacci, Royal Crown, Wild Jack and Ramses Rising
- NetEnt - Gonzo’s Quest, Starburst, Grand Spinn Superpot and Wild Wild West: The Great Train Heist
- Microgaming - BonanzaTM, Extra Chilli, Who Wants to be a MillionaireTM and Book of Oz
- Pragmatic Play - John Hunter slots, Wolf GoldTM, The Dog House and Mustang Gold
- Play’n Go - Book of Dead, Joker series, Reactoonz, Rise of Merlin, Legacy of Egypt, Wild Frames, Rich Wilde and the Tome of Madness and Honey Rush
How to play free online slots
Want to start playing one of these free slots? Simple - all you need to do is visit EnergyCasino’s website, find a slot, hover over the game’s thumbnail and click on the grey DEMO button. As soon as the game loads on your browser, you can click on the spin button and enjoy the slot for as long as you want using virtual currency. There’s no significant learning curve; you’ll find all the info you might need in the slot’s paytable - which you can access by clicking on the information button. Depending on your jurisdiction, you may be asked to register and complete the verification process to access the DEMOs. In cases where verification is not necessary, you may be able to play slots as a visitor.
If you’re still new to slots, take your time to browse through the game portfolio and check out which slots capture your attention. Otherwise, if you have a game or two in mind, use the search tab to find your favourite titles. You can also filter by the game operator, and access jackpot slots, the hottest and the latest slots conveniently by clicking on the relevant tab.
Rather than setting random bets when playing free slots, many casinos recommend playing with realistic wagers similar in amount to what you would bet if you’re playing for real money. This approach will help you determine whether a particular slot suits your budget and how many spins you’d be able to make with a specific bankroll until you deplete your funds.
What do you need to look out for when playing free online slots?
Free slots come in all shapes and sizes. From 3 to 7-reel slots, simple classic slots and more advanced modern casino games, the options are endless! Jackpot slots are one of the most popular slot categories in which players tend to try their luck. This comes as no surprise as they can possibly lead to attractive wins, especially in the case of progressive slots, such as Mega Moolah and Mega Fortune. The pot you can win with these kinds of slots is not fixed but instead accumulates every time a player places a bet and doesn’t win. As soon as the jackpot is won, it’s reset to a predetermined value. Although you can’t win a real jackpot when playing free progressive slots, it can provide you with the opportunity to understand how bonus rounds and wins are triggered.
Which themes do you find most aesthetically appealing? Are you into wild west adventures, space voyages or ancient treasure quests? Whatever your taste, you’ll find free slots revolving around any theme you imagine. From Egyptian slots to Oriental, animal, luxury, stellar, and fruit-themed slots, amongst many others, you’ll surely find an eye-catching theme. You can also find free branded slots inspired by popular blockbusters, TV shows, musicians and bands.
A large number of slots are packed with bonus features which make the gameplay much more exciting. When playing free slots, you can test out casino games with unique features to find out which ones you’re keen on, and understand how they function and how frequent they’re activated. Bear in mind that it may take some time until the bonus features are triggered. Here are the most popular special features found in today’s slots:
How often does a slot pay out? Check out the slot’s RTP percentage and volatility when playing for free.
The RTP is the percentage of bets returned to the player over millions of rounds. Thus, if a slot has an RTP of 97%, it returns 97% of the bets placed in the long run.
On the other hand, a slot’s volatility indicates how often it pays out and the win amounts. Low volatility means smaller, more frequent wins, while high volatility slots may grant you more significant, but less frequent wins. Specific slots even allow you to set the volatility yourself.
Nevertheless, it’s best to carry out a couple of free spins to determine how a slot pays, and keep track of your win amounts and how often they occur. Just keep in mind that results are always randomly-generated so you can be lucky one day and win nothing the next. The casino’s random number generator (RNG) guarantees every new spin to be independent of its previous one, so any spin could be a win or a loss, regardless of how much you’ve already won or lost.
Slots will vary in terms of the betting limits they impose. The minimum betting limit may be €0.10 in one slot and €2.00 in another, while the maximum limit may be €50.00 in a slot and €200.00 in another. Playing free slots will help you determine which slots best suit your budget.
You can start playing for real money whenever you feel comfortable doing so. Make sure you choose a licensed and regulated online casino, such as EnergyCasino, complete the registration details, make your first deposit, and get your hands on a Welcome Bonus to get started. Remember you’re playing with real funds, so set a budget and make sure you play slots responsibly at all times.
Free slot bonuses
While playing with real money, you can still enjoy some spins without using your funds. How? With the help of online casino bonuses! You can take advantage of Deposit and No Deposit Bonuses, Bonus cashback promotions, free spins with no deposit required, and much more. Remember that although you’re being granted extra cash or spins, bonuses will have wagering requirements in place. You may, for instance, need to place a specific number of bets before being able to withdraw your wins. Thus, make sure you always read the slots’ terms and conditions thoroughly before committing any funds.
Free Online Slots - Summary
Free slots have allowed players to check out all the classic hits and latest game releases without the need to tap into their bankroll. Apart from enjoying an entertaining experience with no financial risks, players can familiarise themselves with the different types of slots, the variety of themes and the bonus features related to each slot. Thus, you’ll be able to choose the slots which best suit your taste and your budget. This precious knowledge may even help you win when playing with real money.
Check out EnergyCasino’s range of top-rated free and real-money slots to enjoy a great online casino experience! Start by testing out some casino games in demo mode and only start playing for real money when you feel it’s the right time. We’re continually adding new games to our portfolio and offering special promotions and tournaments, so you can expect full-out fun with EnergyCasino!
⭐What are free slots?
Free slots are casino slots which you can play for fun without using any of your funds. Since you’re playing with virtual currency, you may play for as long as you want.
⭐Are free slots really free?
Yes, you don’t need to deposit any money and place any bets if you want to play free demo slots. You just spin the reels and enjoy the game risk-free. Naturally, you can’t win real money since you’re not placing real bets.
⭐Where can I play free slots?
EnergyCasino is one of the best casinos around the world offering a vast range of top-rated free slots. All you need to do is visit the online casino, hover over a slot, and click on the DEMO button to start playing for free. Depending on your jurisdiction, you may be asked to verify your age before given access to the free demo versions.
⭐Which slot games can I play for free?
All the casino slots on EnergyCasino can be played for free if you click on the grey DEMO button.
⭐What are the most popular free slot games?
EnergyCasino is home to a vast selection of slots with distinctive themes and exciting bonus features. Some of the most popular slots include Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, Book of Dead, Book of Gods, Grand Spinn Superpot, BonanzaTM, Extra Chilli and Who Wants to be a MillionaireTM. The Stunning Hot series, the Joker series and the John Hunter and Rich Wilde series are also popular franchises amongst many players.
⭐Is it possible to win real money in free casino games?
No, when you’re playing free slots, you’re only using virtual currency, so all wins are virtual too. You must deposit funds in your casino account and place real bets if you want to win real money.
- Types of free slots you can play
- Slot Themes
- Slot Bonus Features
- Wild symbols: can substitute any symbol to help create a winning combination on a payline.
- Scatter symbols: landing at least three scatter symbols on any reel may multiply your wins, trigger free spins or initiate a bonus round.
- Win multipliers: a wild symbol can activate a win multiplier - boosting your wins.
- Free spins: triggered by scatter symbols, free spins enable you to spin the reels at no cost, and possibly win without using your funds.
- Bonus Wilds: apart from the standard Wild symbol, you can find special Wilds, such as Expanding Wilds - which expand across a whole reel, and Sticky Wilds- which remain fixed to the reels for a specific number of spins.
- Re-spin function: a sticky wild may enable a free re-spin.
- Bonus rounds: may be activated by scatter symbols and can take the shape of a wheel of fortune.
- Cluster mechanic: win by landing clusters of symbols. The Wild Frames slot is one example which uses this mechanic.
- Hit frequency - Volatility & RTP
- Betting limits