Our helpful guide will teach you the best way to play penny slot games online, from handy strategy tips to boost your play to recommendations for newcomers.
Penny slots are an affordable way to play without risking huge losses. While they’re often considered to be an old-school slots experience, you can still have plenty of fun playing penny slots online, with a wide variety of styles and themes to choose from.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to play these games, as well as give you some tips on the best strategy for penny slots. From a breakdown of the most common formats to details on how you can boost your play, read on for everything you need to know about playing penny slots online.
What are penny slots?
As the name suggests, penny slots are low-cost slot, with original models requiring just a penny to play. Since the stake is so small, they typically offer lower payouts than more expensive machines, but they still provide a fun, low-risk slots experience that many players prefer.
Nowadays, since many games have multiple paylines, penny slots typically cost more than they did when they were introduced in the 19th century, but they’re still generally playable for less than £1.
Penny slots are a fun way to start your online casino journey if you don’t want to start spending large amounts in your first games. But before you get going, here are a couple of the phrases you’re likely to hear:
Paylines
Paylines are the results on slot that pay money to the player. These are usually lines of matching symbols that cross each reel, with payouts being provided if the player has bet on that specific combination. While straight lines are the most common form of payline, many games also include zig-zagged paylines.
RTP
RTP stands for Return to Player and is a representation of how much you could potentially earn back from your original stake in a long play session. For example, if a machine has a 95% RTP, you could reasonably expect to earn 95% of the money you bet back from winnings. This rate is taken across the full breadth of players, though – so you can feasibly win much more!
Ready to start playing? Check out our full array of penny slot games!
Why do some penny slots cost more than a penny?
While the earliest penny slots were playable for just a penny, the name has become a bit of a misnomer over time. It’s not just inflation that has led to penny slots becoming more expensive, but also the gameplay.
Nowadays, penny slots typically feature multiple paylines, offering many different ways to win. In some games, you’ll be required to spend a penny for each payline available, meaning your stake comes to more than a penny in total.
How much can you win playing penny slots?
The exact amount you can win on penny slots varies depending on your stake and your chosen game, so be sure to do your research before you start spinning. While penny slots typically yield smaller payouts than machines with larger stakes, the potential winnings from a machine can still be worthwhile, especially when playing a progressive slot where every game adds to a total jackpot.
Common penny slot formats
Like with other slot machines, there are plenty of ways to play penny slots to suit your preferences. Here are just a few of the most common formats you’re likely to encounter:
3-reel penny slot
As you’d expect from the name, a 3-reel penny slot game features three reels that stop at different times. This is the classic penny slot format with limited paylines, but its low stakes make it easy to replay.
Progressive jackpot penny slot
In progressive slot games, a portion of each stake is added to a jackpot that grows with each new game. This adds a community aspect to the game, as each player is competing to earn the grand prize.
Megaways penny slot
In Megaways games, the number of symbols on each reel can change per spin, adding an extra layer of strategy to the experience. This means the number of ways you can win during a game is constantly changing, adding to the excitement.
Cluster pays penny slots
Cluster pays penny slots differ from regular variants as they don’t require paylines to win. Instead, the aim is to form groups of symbols, known as clusters, which can be connected horizontally or vertically.
Cascading reel penny slots
With cascading reels, winning symbols are removed from the reels once they’re featured in a payline. The symbols above then fall into place, leading to extra chances to win and adding the possibility of exciting combos.
Penny slot strategies for beginners
Though there’s no guaranteed strategy for winning each time you spin the reels on a penny slot, if you’re looking to boost your play, there are a few tips you can use to get the most out of your stake. These are our tips to help you find the best strategy for penny slots:
Consider low volatility games
Some slot machines can yield huge payouts, but these tend to occur only in rare circumstances, with a low chance of winning big for the rest of the game. For a more reliable experience, look for low-volatility penny slots, which offer smaller, potentially-more-regular payouts and more chances to win.
Learn through ‘demo’ versions
Many slot games offer free ‘demo’ versions that allow players to learn the format without spending any money. While there’s no chance of earning a payout through a demo game, they’re a fast and easy way to learn the ropes of a slot machine without committing to any stake.
Cover all the paylines
While the low cost of penny slot machines is a major part of their appeal, a low stake will rarely cover all the game’s paylines. Consider your options carefully and try covering all the possible ways to win, as this will give you more chances of a hit, even if your full stake isn’t returned at first.
What are some of the most popular penny slot games?
Looking for penny slot recommendations? Here are some of our most popular offerings:
Hockey Fever Penny Roller: Get ready to lace up your skates with this thrilling ice hockey-themed penny slot machine.
Football Penny Roller: With three reels and a minimum bet of just £0.01, this penny slots game is perfect for footie fans.
Cricket Penny Roller: This fun but straightforward penny roller format offers all the action of a cricket game from the comfort of your sofa. Howzat!
Sure Thing Penny Roller: Enjoy a day out at the races with the Sure Thing Penny Roller, featuring horse-racing themed graphics for a unique look.
How to play penny slots responsibly
Even with the low stakes of penny slot games, it’s important to play responsibly. Here are some tips for keeping your online casino experience fun:
Learn the ropes: Before you play, make sure you understand the ins-and-outs of your chosen game, so you won’t get frustrated by missing out on important info.
Manage your spending: Knowing your limits is essential when playing online casino games. Set aside a specific amount of money to play with and don’t bet more than you can afford to lose.
Take breaks if needed: We all need a moment to relax from time to time, so if you feel like the game isn’t fun anymore, take a break and refocus.
Avoid chasing losses: It can be tempting to try and earn your losses back through more bets, but if your next bet isn’t successful, you could end up with even less money. Take yourself away from the game if you feel a losing streak coming on and bet with your head!
Where can I play slot games online?
Ready to go for a spin? Head to our slots page to find our collection of fun games, with styles and themes for every kind of player. You can also download the Betway app from the Play Store or the App Store, giving you the casino experience wherever you are.
