Online Slot Games To Avoid – Don’t Waste Your Casino Bankroll

Posted: May 24, 2024

Updated: May 24, 2024

It's important to understand that not all slot games are equal. There can be huge differences with both RTPs and volatility. For example, although some of the progressive jackpot slots look very tempting, in reality, you'll struggle to hit the jackpot. We suggest that you stay away from certain types of slots if you want to preserve your bankroll whilst still having an enjoyable time.

Stepping into the online casino world can be overwhelming. This guide is designed to help you, especially if you’re new to the online slots scene. We’ll not only expose slot games to avoid, but also explain unconventional features and payout mechanisms you might encounter. Plus, we recommend trying free demos – a fantastic way to test the waters, understand volatility, and experience a game’s true feel before committing real money.

Think of this Gamingzion.com guide as your cheat sheet to a more enjoyable and potentially more profitable online slots adventure. We might even surprise you by highlighting some popular titles that, despite their fame, don’t quite live up to the hype. With this knowledge in hand, you can navigate the online slots-cape with confidence, maximising both your fun and your potential winnings.

Why You Shouldn’t Be Wasting Time – Slot Games To Avoid

Do you think all online slots are just about glitz and guaranteed wins? Not quite. Just like any market, there are duds hiding among the diamonds. Knowing the worst offenders can be just as important as chasing the best jackpots. Here’s why:

Maximise Your Money: With thousands of slots out there, why waste your hard-earned cash on games better known for low payouts or unfair mechanics?
Avoid the Boredom Trap: Not all slots are created equal. Some boast flashy graphics but lack engaging gameplay or even bonus features.

Slot Games to Avoid That Drain Your Funds

When compiling our list of online slot games to avoid, we weren’t just playing favourites. We focused on key criteria that separate the winners from the, well, losers. Here’s what landed a game on our “avoid” list:

The RTP Sting

The Return to Player (RTP) rate is the golden rule. It tells you the theoretical percentage of money a slot pays back to players over time. The industry average sits around 95%, but some games dip as low as 92%.

slot games to avoid — Picture Source: Pexels

Our advice? Steer clear of anything below 94%. Remember, a lower RTP translates to a higher house edge, meaning your chances of winning shrink.

Player and Critic Consensus

Sometimes, the loudest voices belong to the players themselves. If a slot games to avoid is riddled with negative reviews and player complaints, it’s a red flag. According to online casino news in the US, you should also consider feedback from reputable online casino critics – their expertise can help identify hidden problems. Games with a history of unfair mechanics or glitches might find themselves on our list of no-go slots.

The Aesthetics Abyss

Let’s face it, online slots are about escapism and entertainment. Who wants to stare at a bland, uninspired design? We avoid games lacking creativity or boasting outdated graphics. After all, a visually appealing slot with engaging features keeps your experience exciting, not mind-numbing.

Slot Games to Avoid – Bonus Bonanza

Bonuses are great, but not all are created equal. We consider the frequency and type of bonus features offered. If a slot games to avoid has limited bonus opportunities or features that are difficult to trigger, it might not be worth your time. Look for slots with diverse and engaging bonus rounds that enhance your gameplay and potentially boost your winnings.

Not All Slots Are What They Seem

By understanding these criteria, you’ll be equipped to identify the “duds” on your own. Remember, avoiding these red flags ensures you’re playing slots that offer better odds, a more enjoyable experience, and the potential for bigger wins. While popularity can be a good indicator, it doesn’t always translate to a winning experience. Here are some well-known slots that might not be worth your time, along with the reasons why they landed on our “avoid” list:

Mega Moolah

Mega Moolah by Microgaming is a famous slot. In fact, it’s legendary for its record-breaking jackpots at online casinos like King Billy Casino. But hold on to your safari hat! While the jackpot might tempt you, Mega Moolah‘s RTP (return to player) is only 88%. This means the house edge is very high. To the point where it’s reducing your chances of winning smaller payouts more frequently.

Adventures in Wonderland

Alice in Wonderland slot might lure you in with its whimsical theme, but beware! These slot games to avoid RTP sit at a mere 86.4%, only inching up to 88% with the progressive jackpot. This means the house edge is steep, making wins less frequent. Focus on slots with higher RTPs for a more balanced gameplay experience.

Mega Joker

Don’t be fooled by the “world’s highest payout” claim of this slot! While Mega Joker boasts a 99% RTP in Super Meter mode, that’s only a small portion of gameplay.

The standard mode suffers from a weak 85.28% RTP. This massive difference means you’ll likely face frequent losses until (and if) you hit Super Meter. Stick to slots with consistent, high RTPs for a fairer experience.

Slot Games To Avoid – Not So Obvious Reasons

We’ve revealed specific slots games to avoid, but some entire categories might not be ideal either. Understanding these before you play is key:

Low RTP Slot Types: Certain categories are known for lower RTP rates, meaning you might lose more often. Research average RTPs for each category before playing.
High Variance Slots: These offer big wins but with a catch – long stretches of low payouts. If you prefer consistent wins, look elsewhere.
Licensed Slots: Popular licensed themes can be fun, but often come with lower RTPs compared to non-licensed games. Licensing fees can affect the house edge, reducing your potential payout at the best online casino sites in the US.
Not All Slots Are Created Equal: This isn’t a call to completely avoid these categories, just be aware of the downsides. Consider exploring slots with higher RTPs, lower variance, or non-licensed themes for a more balanced experience.

Progressive Jackpots

Progressive jackpots might sound tempting with their massive prizes. But we suggest erring on the side of caution. These slot games to avoid often have a lower base game RTP to fund those jackpots. This means you’ll likely lose more frequently. Plus, after a jackpot win, the remaining prize pool is going to be much smaller, so the chase for a much smaller prize becomes an even worse RTP proposition. In those cases, skip the progressive jackpots and stick to high RTP slots for a better return on your investment.

Megaways Games

Big Time Gaming‘s Megaways slots, with their ever-changing reels and massive win potential, have taken the online casino world by storm. However, the dynamic nature of the feature can be a double-edged sword. Frequent reel size adjustments mean you’ll often play with fewer than the advertised 117,649 ways to win, and even with the full layout, the payout structure can be complex. While Megaways slots aren’t necessarily to be avoided, just be prepared for a less intuitive winning experience compared to traditional slots.

Slot Games to Avoid – High Volatility Games

It’s an unfortunate truth that not all wins are created equal. Slot volatility reflects how often a game pays out. Low volatility means frequent but smaller wins, keeping the gameplay fast-paced. High volatility offers the chance for huge wins, but with longer stretches between payouts. This is independent of the overall return (RTP). So, if you crave frequent action and don’t mind smaller wins, low volatility slots might be your jam. But if patience is a virtue you lack, high volatility’s long wait times might not be for you.

Play These Good Slots

OK, let’s forget the slot games to avoid and shine a light on some more stellar slots! These critically-acclaimed games, coming from industry giants like NetEnt and Playtech, boast cinematic visuals, immersive sound effects, and innovative bonus rounds. Some even offer progressive jackpots alongside high RTP base games. Independently audited for fairness, these slots are a guaranteed good time. All these excellent slot games can be found online at the equally excellent, King Billy Casino.