If you liked to play slots online, you may be wondering what other people loved playing in 2022. Join us as we take a look at five of the most popular online slot games that people played in the past year.

Our top 5 online slots from 2022

1. 88 Fortunes

You don’t have to play online slots in the UK to enjoy the first of the games on our list. 88 Fortunes is a classic riches- and Chinese-themed slot from Scientific Games. This 5-reel title has 243 paylines and an RTP of 96%. 

The graphics in 88 Fortunes may appear similar to other games with a Chinese theme due to its red-and-gold colour scheme, but it features a level of polish that many other titles lack. Players can enjoy detailed symbols such as the money turtle, golden gong and Fu Bat. The graphics are accompanied by a classic Chinese-influenced soundtrack that will make you feel like you were transported to Ancient China.

But it’s not just the high-quality graphics and sound effects that keep people coming back. It also has an exciting four-tier jackpot. The tiers include the Mini, Minor, Major and Grand. The amount you can win is relative to the amount that you wager. Players can also look forward to free spins if they land three or more Gong symbols. This will trigger 10 free spins. 

2. Gonzo’s Quest

Gonzo’s Quest is a South American-themed slot from popular developer NetEnt. Originally released in 2011, this title keeps on going strong. Players of this slot can enjoy action on 5 reels, with 20 paylines providing wins and an RTP of 95.97%.

The visuals in Gonzo’s Quest may not be as cutting-edge as they once were, but it’s amazing how well they have aged. Players watch the action unfold on a meticulously illustrated ancient wall, filled with symbols of animals and other mythical creatures as Gonzo searches for Eldorado, the rumoured city of gold. The sound effects will immerse you in the jungle, complete with chirping insects and pipe instruments when you spin the reels.

With regards to gameplay, Gonzo’s Quest offers many thrills with its exciting Avalanche reels mechanic. When players land a winning combination, those symbols will disappear and be replaced by other symbols, potentially triggering another win. Each time this happens, the win multiplier increases by 1x, with players standing a chance to win a maximum of 5x their wager if they get five wins in a row. Free spins are another feature that players can look forward to, with scatter symbols awarding players 10 free spins.

3. Raging Rhino

If you prefer your slots with an African setting and strong African beasts, then you’ll want to take a look at Raging Rhino. Developed by WMS Gaming, this slot offers a massive 4,096 paylines and an RTP of 95.91%. It also spices things up by adding an additional reel to the classic 5-reel formula for a total of 6 reels.

Players will spin reels filled with a range of wild creatures, from the deadly crocodile to the blazingly fast leopard, and, of course, the mighty rhino. The game is set against a golden African savannah and beautiful blue skies. An upbeat African rhythm with powerful tribal chants sets the tone for this game, with marimbas highlighting any successful wins you get or bonuses that you trigger.

The action and bonuses on the reels may not offer anything innovative, but it’s still highly enjoyable. Players who land multiple diamond symbols stand a chance to multiply their wager by 1,000x. There are also free spins, with up to 50 available if you get really lucky. Players will also be pleased to know that winning combinations don’t only go from left to right, but also from right to left, further increasing your chances of walking away a winner.

4. Starburst

Starburst is another “golden oldie” from developer NetEnt. This game was released in 2012, featuring 5 reels and 10 paylines. The RTP for this beloved slot is 96.1% and it is a low-volatility game. This means that payouts will be more regular but smaller compared to medium- or high-volatility slots.

Despite its age, Starburst still offers a highly polished (if somewhat simple) graphical experience. Gems fill reels that are set against a space backdrop, filled with stars and a glimpse of a planet. The sound effects and soundtrack offer a serene journey through space, and will likely remind players of many other sci-fi adventures portrayed in the media.

The main reason players are likely to return to this slot is just how simple and easy it is to pick up and play. The game features expanding wilds but is otherwise a straightforward slot without any other complicated features to learn. Just like our number three on this list, this game pays out both ways.

5. Wild Toro

The fifth and final game on our list is Wild Toro, a Spanish-themed slot from ELK Studios. This slot has 5 reels and 178 paylines. Players can look forward to slightly higher-than-average wins with a 96.40% RTP and medium volatility.

This is undoubtedly one of the most graphically enticing slots on our list, with beautiful animations from the moment you load the game. The symbols also have a nice cartoon style that many players will undoubtedly find appealing. The soundtrack has a hip-swinging guitar tune and sound effects that will have you grabbing the edge of your seat when you land a win.

The three features that spice up this Spanish-themed slot are Toro Walking Wilds, the Matador Respin Challenge, and Toro Goes Wild bonus. Toro Walking Wilds will see Toro the bull rush across the reels, triggering respins. Players will then receive payouts based on their winning combinations. 

What to look for when choosing a slot game

If none of these slots has grabbed your attention, here’s what you should keep in mind when looking for a fun online slot to play:

• What is its RTP? No matter how fun a game may be, you’re going to get frustrated with it if it never pays out. Look for a slot with an RTP of roughly 96% or higher, as 96% tends to be the industry average when it comes to RTP.
• Do you know what volatility you like? Slots have differing volatility, which means how often they pay out. Slots with low volatility pay out less but more often, while slots with a medium volatility offer a mix of low and high payouts. Finally, high volatility slots don’t pay out often but when they do payout, they offer big prizes.
• What bonus features does it offer? You may be someone who is looking for thrilling bonus games, or you may be someone who likes your slots simple and to the point. This is why it’s important to check what the bonus games are when deciding which online slot to spend your money and time on.
• Does the slot have a jackpot? True, not all slots will have a jackpot prize, so if you’re interested in some really big wins, keep an eye out for slots with jackpot prizes.
• Do you have fun when you play? At the end of the day, gambling is about fun, so all you need to do is pick a game that you enjoy playing.

Types of online slots

There are many different types of slots available. Here are some of the different types you can find:

• Classic: These are 3-reel slots with few to no bonus features.
• Five-reel: These are 5-reel slots with a variety of different bonus games for you to enjoy.
• Multi-payline: These are games that award prizes for winning combinations that are spread across multiple paylines in a reel.
• Progressive: If a slot offers a jackpot and that jackpot grows based on bets made by players across multiple slot machines (or online slot games), it is a progressive slot.
• VR: Slots that you can play in virtual reality.

Is there a slots strategy to help you win?

Slots are games of chance, so when you play you must remember that each spin of the reels is like a fresh roll of the dice: it’s entirely up to luck whether you win each time you play.

Enjoy more exciting slots at The Phone Casino

We hope you enjoyed this list of popular slot games from 2022 and the breakdown of what else to keep in mind if you were curious about other exciting slots. But that’s not all we have to share with you. If you’re looking for the best slots to play online, The Phone Casino also offers a huge variety of thrilling slot games, as well as other exciting casino experiences like blackjack, roulette, video poker, and more. Register at The Phone Casino to try out these exciting gambling games and discover what lady luck has in store for you.