Can you play penny slot machines in online casino?

To the uninitiated, online slots take a bit of getting used to. Indeed, if you were to be critical, you could go as far as to say they are overwhelming, confusing, and intimidating.

The truth is that modern technology, an explosion in popularity, and incredible immersive gameplay put forward by some incredibly advanced game developers mean more and more big-win hunters are turning to online slots for their online gambling entertainment.

But what about the newcomers - where do they begin? What if, for example, they just want to test the waters at minimal stakes?

There are plenty of options - you just need to know where to look.

Let's take a deeper look at the best penny slot machines to play at the casino of your choice!

laptop with online penny slot machines on the screen

What is a Penny Slots Machine?

Let's start with the basics - these slot machines are named after their low betting denominations, with players typically wagering one penny per spin, hence the name!

Land-based penny slot machines are a common feature on many a casino floor, with rows and rows of flashing lights and tinny sound effects - like dinging bells and the clickity-clacking of matching symbols left to right - attracting players with their low minimum bets.

These physical slot machines often have a variety of themes and features, making them entertaining for players of all levels. However, one drawback to playing penny slots in a traditional casino is the lack of privacy and the potential for long lines during peak hours.

In contrast, online penny slot machines offer convenience and privacy for players. These virtual machines can be accessed from the comfort of one's own home, allowing for a more relaxed gambling experience. Additionally, online penny slots typically have higher Return To Player (RTP) percentages than their land-based counterparts, making them an attractive option for players looking to stretch their budget.

Online Penny Slots VS Land-Based slots?

The advent of the video slot opened an entirely new world for bettors - players could explore new bonus rounds, instant prize jackpots, and reel modifications. As the decade has worn on, fresher and more engaging concepts have been introduced, driving a race to the top in terms of quality and originality.

It's an obvious thing to state, but online technology travels much faster than its physical machine counterpart, which means online developers have been much more creative with what they can achieve than game providers for brick-and-mortar casinos.

That means online penny slots have unique features not found in land-based slots. These include bonus rounds, multipliers, and progressive jackpots.

The sheer variety of online penny slots dwarves that of a land-based slot game terminal, which means much more choice for a player. A typical online casino will have hundreds of penny games available through various providers. In contrast, traditional penny slots in land-based casinos tend to limit the number to single digits per terminal, although it depends on the machine and the casino.

Because we are all about order, we’ve broken it down into a table:

differences between land based penny slots and online penny slots
Land Based Penny Slots Online Penny Slots
Traditional and fun Easy and convenient
Limited gameplay options More range
Distinctive sound effects Immersive gameplay
Old school 2D graphics Stunning graphics
Handle pull sensation hard to beat Responsible gaming tools available

land based casino with slot machines

What Are Famous Online Penny Slot Machines?

While there are several to choose from, it's difficult to ignore Book Of Dead as the most obvious contender. The Play'n Go classic has a max win of 5,000x the stake - that means a $0.01 stake could return up to $50. It is a leading example of how penny slots allow players to gamble minimal amounts for juicy potential returns.

Based on ancient Egyptian mythology, the game follows the adventures of Rich Wilde as he goes on a quest to uncover the secrets of the Book of Dead. The Book of Dead symbol serves as both the wild and scatter symbol, substituting for all other symbols and triggering the free spins round when three or more appear on the reels. During the free spins round, players are awarded ten free spins and a special expanding symbol is randomly chosen. This symbol can expand to cover an entire reel and pay anywhere, increasing the chances of winning big. The bonus round can also be retriggered, giving a player more chances to bag big prizes.

Other famous penny slots include:

  • Golden Colts (Play'n Go)
  • Vikings Go to Hell (Yggdrasil)
  • Divine Fortune (NetEnt)
  • Valley of the Gods (Quick Spin)

How Do Online Penny Slot Machines Work?

Before playing any penny slot, check the game's minimum bet requirement. This information is usually displayed on the game's paytable or in the game rules. Depending on the slot machine, the minimum bet can vary from one penny to up to more. If you do not have the option to bet a penny on the slot, you are not playing a penny slot machine.

The Science Behind The Slot

When you play an online penny slot machine, you essentially play a game of chance. The outcome of each spin is determined by a Random Number Generator (RNG), which ensures that the results are entirely random and not influenced by any external factors. This means that each spin has an equal chance of winning or losing, regardless of how many times you have played before.

So, what exactly is an RNG? In simple terms, it is a complex mathematical algorithm that generates thousands of numbers per second. These numbers correspond to the symbols on the reels of the slot machine. When you hit the "spin" button, the RNG stops at a particular number, determining the combination of symbols on your screen.

This process happens extremely quickly, giving you the illusion that you have some control over the game. However, it's important to remember that penny slots are purely based on luck and there is no way to predict the outcome of each spin.

Slots Must Meet Legal Safety Standards

An RNG is a regulatory necessity for all online slots. Developers must ensure they meet the standards an independent body sets - failure to meet them could lead to a license suspension imposed by the relevant authority. An RNG is rigorously tested over millions of spins to ensure the slot is available for fair and proper use.

Bigger and Better Bonuses Than Ever Before

Additionally, many online penny slots offer bonus rounds and special features that can increase your chances of winning. The RNG also determines these features, making them just as random as regular spins. So, while they may seem like a strategic way to win, they are ultimately still based on chance.

One thing to note about online penny slots is that the payback percentages are often higher than those of traditional slot machines. This means that, on average, you have a better chance of winning when playing an online penny slot. However, this does not guarantee consistent wins, and it's important to remember always to play responsibly.

Michelle Thomas
Former Author
Master of Business and Finance
Expert in:
  • News
  • Blog
Reviewed by Head of Content:
Dmitry Rogalchuk
Last updated on: 17.02.2024

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