Online gambling is big business in the UK. According to the Gambling Commission, the country’s Gross Gambling Yield was around £15.6 billion in the financial year 2023/24. Of this figure, slot games account for around £3.6 billion.

If you’re looking to play online slots, then it’s a good idea to consider your strategy, and set a few limits, before you get started. This will give you the best possible chance of enjoying yourself.

Pick the Right Casino Platform

Gambling platforms in the UK are licensed by the Gambling Commission. Hand your money over to a site that isn’t, and you could well be putting that money at risk.

Some companies go above and beyond what’s required by law in terms of the tools and features they offer gamers. It’s worth shopping around, and seeing which jackpot slots game suits your needs and preferences.

Know the Latest Player Protections

Slots can be enormously compelling. For this reason, there are special regulations in place, designed to limit the risk that players can assume in a single game. Adults might be forbidden from betting more than £5 on a single spin, with each spin lasting at least 2.5 seconds. Bonuses need to be simple and clear, and players need to undergo vulnerability checks before they place a bet.

Manage Your Bankroll with Confidence

You can consider your gambling behaviour like any other project. You want to invest a certain amount, and get a certain amount of value from it. Consider these things in advance, and review them regularly. If you have a budget of a hundred pounds each month, then break it down into daily limits, and make sure that you aren’t gambling every day. Consistency builds a habit, but a deliberate lack of it can help you to break it.

Focus on Game Selection & RTP

How can you compare different slots games? Fortunately, there’s a simple metric available which can help you cut through the complexity and avoid being taken in by flashy, low-paying games. This is the RTP, or return-to-player, percentage. This figure represents how much of the deposited funds will, on average, be returned to the player.

It’s always less than 100%, since the casino will need to take a cut. If you’re gambling online, then the RTP of a slot machine should be close to 99%, since the operator’s overheads are much lower than those of a real-world casino.

Recognise and Avoid Scams

If you don’t stick to reputable, regulated brands, then you’ll be at risk of being scammed. This will often cause you to lose all of the money you put in. You might also expose your bank details, and other sensitive information. Stick to licensed brands, and keep a lookout for announcements about when operators are being suspended.