At Gambling.com, take a spin on the best free online slots also available to play for real money at the most popular online casinos in the US. If you want to play the best slots games for free, you can experience it all first-hand right here at no cost to you. There’s no download required to play the free slots featured here. We also provide reviews of each slot, so you can learn more about each game. We even show you all of the gaming platforms available near you that you can use to play these same slots for real money.
Our Recommendation for the 5 Best Free Slots Machines to Play
You can take your pick of thousands of exciting free slots games. Many of the world’s leading slots developers are now licensed and regulated in US states. It can be hard to choose which free casino slots you should play. That’s why Gambling.com has carefully picked some of the best free slot machines on the internet.
Let’s take a closer look at our top 5 slots for 2020. You can play these free slots right now at 100% legal online casinos:
| Rank | Free Slot Game | Software Provider |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Gonzo’s Quest | NetEnt |
| 2. | Guns N’ Roses | NetEnt |
| 3. | Cleopatra | IGT |
| 4. | Da Vinci Diamonds | IGT |
| 5. | Rainbow Riches | Barcrest |
Gonzo’s Quest (NetEnt)
Gonzo’s Quest is a 5-reel 3D slot from Scandinavian, developer, NetEnt. The game utilizes the exciting Avalanche Reels feature, where winning symbol clusters disappear to make way for symbols sitting above on the reels. On each consecutive winning spin, a progressive prize multiplier is applied to each winning spin. Multipliers go from 1x to 2x, 3x and 5x. Check out Gonzo’s Quest here!
Guns N’ Roses (NetEnt)
Guns N’ Roses is one of a range of free slot games from NetEnt based on popular rock artists. Other games include Jimi Hendrix and Motorhead. The 25-line slot features actual video footage from a classic Guns N’ Roses concert. You can also trigger free spins in the game. Check out Guns N’ Roses here!
Cleopatra (IGT)
Journey to Egypt with this popular free slot game from IGT. Cleopatra features a free spins bonus where you can win 15 free games. It’s also possible to win up to 180 free games during play. Check out Cleopatra here!
Da Vinci Diamonds Dual Play (IGT)
Da Vinci Diamonds Dual Play is an updated version of IGT’s hit Da Vinci Diamonds slot. This free slot boasts 40 paylines across two sets of reels. The game spreads the Tumbling Reels feature, where winning combinations disappear and make way for new symbols dropping from above. Check out Da Vinci Diamonds Dual Play here!
Rainbow Riches (Barcrest)
Barcrest provides an entire range of Irish-themed free slot machines to legal online casinos in the US. Rainbow Riches is the first slot in the series and boasts bonuses galore like the Trail feature, free spins and a Pick ‘em bonus. Check out Rainbow Riches here!
How We Pick the Best Free Slot Games to Play
At Gambling.com, we rate and review hundreds of free online slots. Only the best video slot games make it onto our list. Here’s what our team of reviewers look for when selecting slots for you to play.
Licensed in the US: You can now play free casino slots legally across the US. But we make sure that all online slots on our pages have the correct licensing from approved jurisdictions.
Software & Graphics: Gameplay and graphics are important factors when choosing free slots. Graphics should be attractive and the gameplay should be smooth.
RTP: Every slot has an RTP (Return to Player percentage), the long-term average payouts made to the player. Slot RTPs can vary depending on the number of symbols and their arrangement on the reels. A good RTP can range from 96-99%, while a poor RTP may be in the low 90s. We always check the RTPs to ensure good payouts.
Variance/Volatility: Slot variance relates to the frequency with which payouts are made. High-variance slots pay large but infrequent prizes. Low-variance slots pay lots of small, regular prizes. At Gambling.com, our reviewers gauge the variance by studying the paytable and testing the free slots.
Bonus Features: Good free online slots should boast at least one bonus feature. Bonuses can be as simple as a wild symbol or include free spins or a progressive jackpot game. We do a thorough check on bonus features in free slot games. We’ll know if they are generous payers or fail to trigger regularly.
Mobile Compatibility: In the US, you can play hundreds of great free slot games on your PC. However, many slots have also been adapted to work on smartphones and tablets. We always check to see whether a slot has been adapted for iOS and Android devices and how the games compare to desktop versions.
Why Play Free Slot Games?
It’s fun to play free online slots. But that’s just one of the reasons to log on and load up a game on your PC or smartphone.
100% Legal Where You Live: Free slots are completely legal across many US states. You can enjoy games instantly through your browser or download a casino app for your smartphone or tablet.
All the Slots Action, None of the Risk: You can enjoy free slot play without risking a dime. Try real slots with play credits awarded by the casino before you start playing for real money.
Test Games Before Paying: Most free slot games look and feel exactly like real-money versions. That’s why they are great for testing out the variance and bonus features before you commit real cash. Casinos can’t alter RTP (Return to Player) to entice people. The game mechanics are identical.
Learn the Rules: Free video slot games are perfect if you are new to online casino gaming. Learn how bets and paylines work and understand how bonus features trigger.
Can I Win Real Money Playing Free Slots?
Free slot machines are widely available at US online casinos. But you won’t be able to win real money playing free slots.
When you open a free slot game, the casino awards you with play credits. Once you run out of credits, you exit the game. You receive more credits the next time you load a slot in your web browser.
Free casino slots offer the perfect preparation for real money games. Once you’re ready to play games with cash, simply make a deposit and select the “real money” option in the slots lobby. You can now set your own stakes and coin sizes or simply tap the “Max Bet” button for the biggest possible wager.
Alternatively, players can try out slots when visiting any sites from our list of sweepstakes casinos which are free to play. Players who wager with sweeps coins can potentially win real money.
Are Free Slots Legal in the US?
Online casino gaming has been legal in some US states since 2013. In 2020, only a handful of states offer regulated casino betting and slots. However, more states are introducing their own legislation and gaming laws.
New Jersey, Delaware and Nevada were the first states to pass internet gaming laws. Find New Jersey casino sites to start playing free slots, as this state was one of the first to offer them! Delaware, Pennsyvania, and Michigan have also legalized casino games such as slots, while Nevada allows poker only. There are a ton of great NJ slot sites with scores of free slots to play.
Since 2017, Pennsylvania slots sites have begun to appear. Online casino gaming and slots are now legal in PA, and you can enjoy real money games at a range of licensed sites.
In those states, you can play free slot machine games and real money slots online as long as you are 21 or over. You must also be physically located within a regulated state when you log on and play. You can also start playing free slots games at social casinos in states that have yet to legalize online casino gaming, and you’ll find offers for those casinos at Gambling.com as well.
Can Playing Free Slots Online Help You Win on Real Money Slot Sites?
When you try free online slots, you get to test out the mechanics of a game without any of the risk. The reels look the same as the real-cash version and contain the same symbols. Bonus features also trigger in the same way, usually by landing scatter symbols anywhere in view.
Playing free slots is a great way of singling out the best real money games. You can test whether a slot is too volatile and too high a risk for your bankroll.
If you love free spins, a free slot is a good way to find out whether the bonus often triggers. You can also get a feel for how much the bonus pays out on average.
Free slot play is also great when trying out new releases. Is the new slot interesting to play? Will you get bored playing the game and is the gameplay fast enough?
What Do I Need to Play Free Online Slot Machines?
It’s easy to get up and running with free slot machines. All you need is a Windows PC or Mac to play games through your internet browser.
At Gambling.com, we recommend you update your web browser before you start. Most modern slots require an up-to-date browser such as Google Chrome 30+ that can handle slots programmed in HTML5.
Other slots still work in Adobe Flash Player. You can download Flash from the Adobe website or through the casino lobby. However, Flash is slated to be discontinued in 2020.
Some legal US casinos let you try free slot games without an account. Simply find the “Demo Play” option in the casino lobby to get started. If you have a valid account, you can try Demo Play games or real money games as long as you have funds available.
How to Play Free Online Slots
Ready to play some free slot games? Slots are easy to play, as long as you understand the basic functions. Here’s a step by step guide.
Choose a Game: First, check the casino lobby to find a slot you like. Legal US casinos offer hundreds of free casino slots for you to try. If a free slot is available, it will have a tab labeled Free Play, Demo Play or Practice Money.
Open the Game: Click on the tab to open the slot in a new window. Make sure you have a good internet or Wi-Fi connection. Remember you can play a range of free casino slots on your mobile device too.
Choose Your Stakes: Before you have a spin, choose your stakes. You must select a coin value, and sometimes the number of coins you want to bet. You can also choose the number of paylines you want to bet on if the game doesn’t feature fixed win lines.
Spin the Reels: Once you’ve set your stakes, hit the Spin button. A slot consists of a series of vertical reels containing up to 30 or 40 symbols each. Most modern video slots contain either 3 or 5 reels, but some games can have as many as 7 reels. After a spin, the reels come randomly to a stop. Typically, you win play credits by matching any symbols horizontally from left to right along designated paylines, though some slots have vertical or diagonal paylines.
Triggering a Bonus Feature: Many free slots offer at least one bonus round. In general, you trigger a bonus by landing scatter symbols anywhere on the reels. Scatters are special icons that pay out regardless of where they land. Bonus features vary from slot to slot. Common bonus rounds include free spins or a wheel of fortune offering multipliers or cash prizes. In a free slot, the bonus will also award play credits, not real money.
Trying a New Game: You can only earn play credits when you play free slot machines, not real money. Once you close the game and open the lobby again, your play credit balance is reset. You can try the same game again or find a new game to play. You will be awarded with more play credits to gamble with.
Types of Free Slots to Play
You can enjoy a range of free slot games at our top-rated US casinos. There are several main types of free slots:
Classic Slots: Classic slots are nostalgic games reminiscent of old-school Vegas slot machines. Typically, classic slots feature 3 reels with a limited range of paylines and bonus features. Luckily, many top developers like IGT and Bally already offer a range of legal classic slots in the US.
5-Reel Slots: These slots have 5 reels, usually combined with 3 or 4 rows. The greater number of reels allows room for more horizontal paylines. 5-reel slots can often cope with 20, 30 or 50 lines. 5-reel slots also come with bonus features like free spins or a wheel of fortune.
Multiway Slots: Multiway slots don’t use traditional paylines. Instead, you win a prize simply by matching symbols anywhere on adjacent reels. Multiway slots can therefore offer many thousands of “ways to win.”
3D Slots: 3D slots feature the latest animated graphics, sound and character development. They will often boast innovative bonus features too for a truly unique slots experience. Best of all, you can experiment with 3D free slots without risking a cent.
Progressive Jackpots: Progressive slots feature a special jackpot that can be triggered at random or through playing a bonus game. A portion of every bet goes toward the jackpot. And because games are played online by lots of players, the jackpots can be huge. Luckily you can test out some progressive free slot games online. The main difference is you won’t be able to trigger any of the special jackpots and win real money.
Bonus Offers for Free Slots
While free online slots can’t win you money by themselves, you can still unlock casino bonuses.
Many online casinos in the US offer slots free with a bonus. Free spins are awarded when you first open your casino account. You then have a time period within which to play out your spins. Any winnings you make are released once you meet the wagering requirements.
Top casino sites also offer regular free spins promotions. As a loyal customer, you may be awarded bonus spins on the latest big slot release. Wagering requirements may apply too. You may have to wager any winnings you make 10-20 times in order to withdraw them.
You can enjoy slots free with our casinos and BetMGM bonus code. Sign up today and find a US casino that is right for you.
Top Free Slots Software Providers
NetEnt: Award-winning Swedish company founded in 1996, NetEnt is an industry leader with such popular titles as Gonzo’s Quest, Guns N’ Roses and Hall of Gods. Know for dynamic graphics and storyboards.
IGT: Started in Las Vegas and has produced some of the most recognizable slot games in the industry. It’s Monopoly line was one of the first significant licensing deals for an online gaming company and among its most popular titles are Cleopatra and Da Vinci Diamonds.
NextGen: part of the Scientific Games Digital family, NextGen utilizes special features and bonuses to attract and keep slots players around the world. Sporting a stunning visual presentation, some of its top titles include Foxin’ Wins and Merlin’s Millions.
Playtech: Founded in 199 and one fo the most trusted brands in the world, Playtech has won numerous awards for its slots and live casino games. With top-notch visuals, titles such as Top Gun, the Age of Gods series and Buffalo Blitz keep patrons coming back for more.
Barcrest: A well-established European company in business since 1968, its Rainbow Riches slot thrust it into the spotlight. “Second-chance” bonus games are found in many of its slot games.
Bally: The Nevada-based slot developer invented the first slot data system in 1976. Currently under the Scientific Games umbrella, Bally has such notable titles as Anchorman, Celestial King and Cash Spin.
WMS: The Chicago-based company has produced video slots and casino games for decades. Popular titles inclode Elvis, KISS, The Wizard of Oz and Star Trek.
How to Choose the Best Free Slots to Play
At Gambling.com, we have an unrivaled selection of free slot machine games for you to try. But how do you go about choosing the best slots?
The easiest way is to follow our strict criteria. When choosing free slots, first look at the paytable to see how generous the payouts are. You can also compare the biggest and smallest jackpots to gauge the slot’s variance.
We also recommend looking at the slot’s RTP (Return to Player percentage). You will usually find this information in the paytable too. The RTP gives you an idea of how much is paid out to the players over the long term. The higher the slot’s RTP, the better.
Start your free slots journey with Gambling.com. Choose some top games today and start enjoying the best 3-reel and 5-reel games.
References
FAQ
Are free slots the same as real money slots?
Free slot games look and feel exactly like real money games because the mechanics are the same, as is the RTP. The difference is you can’t win real money by playing them. Instead, you use play credits awarded by the casino.
Are free slots really free?
Yes. You never have to risk any money when playing free casino slots. Often you don’t have to make a deposit to access free games but you won’t win any real prizes when playing them.
What are some features of free slots?
Free slot games look and feel like real money slots. They have reels, paylines and bonus features and are governed by random number generators (RNGs).
Do I have to deposit any funds to play free slots?
Not always. Some US casinos will only let you play free slots after you have verified your ID and made a deposit. For the majority of legal casinos you can try free slot games without depositing money.
What are the best free online slots?
You will find the best free slots on our page at Gambling.com. Look for games from established software developers like IGT, NetEnt and Bally, all legal in approved US states.
What devices can I play free slots on?
You can try free slot play on a desktop PC or Mac. You can also play hundreds of free online slots through your mobile browser or via a download app.
Can I win real money playing free slots?
No. When you try free slot games, you are awarded with play credits to use. You can only win more play credits which have no monetary value.
Can I play online video slots for free?
Yes. On the pages at Gambling.com, you can find a top selection of 5-reel video slots with animated symbols and bonus features.
What do I need to download to play free slots?
Some US online casinos offer download software which you can access via your desktop. Most casino games can simply be accessed through a standard web browser.
Are the payout percentages the same on free slots as real money slots?
In most cases, the RTPs in free slots are exactly the same as those in real money games. However, some free slot games will have more generous payouts than their real cash versions.
Should I play free slots before playing real money slots?
We advise trying free casino slots before playing real cash games. You can get a feel for the bonuses without risking a bankroll. You can also gauge whether you like the theme and overall gameplay.
