Best Penny Slot Machines To Play

The term “penny slots” may immediately conjure up visions of buckets of copper to feed one-armed bandits for hours. But penny slots have come a long way over the years.

You don’t need to be a higher roller to take advantage of modern video slot gaming with bonus rounds and 3D features, as many of today’s titles let you pick your preferred investment. So, instead of risking 0.01 every game, you can opt for more paylines or increase your credit value if you’re winning.

While you now have the flexibility to jump all over the place with your wagering, it’s nice to know that you’ve got some fun online slots at your disposal that will accept 0.01 at a time. Locating those particular games can be tricky, though. It’s not like walking into a casino and seeing the big flashing sign that reads “penny slots.”

Find the high roller lounges and you will find these slots for $1,$5, $10, $25, and $100 a spin and those rooms have multiple jackpots every time I am in there. The trick is to only bet the minimum on the $5 slot and wait for the bonus screen to appear and pray for a jackpot. Slot machines have been circling the globe since the late 1800s, offering gamblers fantastic alternatives to traditional casino card games. The penny slot was created as an entertaining gateway slot for new players to get their feet wet. They allow for low starting bets and a less complicated set of rules than higher odd slots. Playing online slot machines are fun, too. If you don’t require bets to make a game interesting, online slots players may be interested in finding free slots for fun just to pass the time. Even if you prefer real money online slots, gamblers might want to sample new games, learn how to play a slot before betting on the game, or test out the. If you ever think about not max betting, just get up and walk out of. The best penny slots strategy is to play the maximum lines available, which increases your hit frequency. Betting just one cent per line, you’re not likely to hit any huge wins. Jackpots and bonus rounds pay in multiples of your bet, so a 10,000 coin jackpot will pay just $100 for a penny per line bet.

I’m here to help! I’ve got some tips for finding the top penny slots at online casinos, and I’ve also listed the best online penny slots for 2020.

There are thousands of slot machines that start with 0.01 credits. But for a machine (or virtual machine) to be a real penny slot, you need more than the penny acceptance. If you know that you’re sticking with minimum betting, you’re going to need a few more things.

• Variable paylines
• Jackpots without maximum betting requirements

Actual penny slots can have more than one payline, as long as you have the option to choose how many you want to play. Variable paylines are the ones that give you the flexibility that you’re seeking. So, even if it’s a 50-line slot, you can stake 1, 2, 5, 10, all 50 lines, or anything in between.

The opposite of the variable payline setup is a fixed version. If you run across a fixed payline title, then you’re committed to the staking all possible winning ways. Or, in the case of a slot like a “243 ways to win” game, you may have a 25 or 50 credit minimum.

Another thing you’ll want to keep an eye out for is the jackpot games and their stipulations. While some machines will pay regardless of how much you’re investing, others have different requirements.

You may need to bet all paylines, or there could be other requirements. Most of today’s games give you a variety of credits from which to select. While there are slots that pay according to how much you’ve wagered, others could attach the big prizes to more valuable coins.

For example, if you’re playing a slot that gives you a range of 0.01 to 0.25 per line, you’ll want to double-check to make sure that you don’t need to be playing 0.25 to be in jackpot contention.

With all of these hoops to jump through, it can be challenging to find the best games that fit your criteria. But you’re in luck here, as I’ve compiled a list of the top five all-around best online penny slots as well as another five that also merit a few spins.

These are slots that allow for 0.01 per game. So, whether you’re looking to get your feet wet as a new slot player or you want just a tiny bit of cash in the game, as opposed to playing for free, then any of these ten picks should fit the bill.

The first slot on the list is not only a player favorite but an ideal place to start for anyone who is brand new to online gaming.

Miss Kitty is fun and straightforward, with simple betting that lets you play one line at 0.01. That’s just the beginning, though. You can pick a coin value from 0.01 to 0.25 and then select from one to 50, as this is a 50-line slot.

Regular game spins are enhanced by the Wild Cat that can show up on reels two through five. It takes three moons to get into the bonus round. Bonuses start with ten free games. Additionally, though, the Wild Cats become sticky, and a moon that shows up under a cat will get you a prize.

However, keep in mind that if you’re betting just 0.01 per spin, you can only win on the first top line (of four). That means it’s tougher to get the three moons for the bonus round, and you won’t be eligible for the new bonus moon-cat combination.

Best Three-Reel Game: Lucky Stripes

For the next game on my list of top online penny slots, I’m going retro with a three-reel slot by iSoftbet. It’s called Lucky Stripes, and not only is it whittled down to three reels, but just one payline.

If you’re like me, you may jump to the conclusion that the premise could get old and quickly. But that’s not the case. This game has some new integrations that give you multipliers in the main game and a “Rockin’ Re-spins” bonus with unlimited free games potential.

Lucky Stripes is ideal for penny slot players because you’re only betting one payline. Wagering can be as little as 0.01 or as much as 1.00, and no one is missing out on anything.

There are only a few colored stripes, but each pays at different levels. That’s because the middle reel is a prize multiplier. So, for example, three gold stripes could be worth X30, X50, or the top prize of X100, depending on the center symbol.

In the Rockin’ Re-spins bonus, you’ll spin for free until you get a collect symbol.

My next pick takes the excitement of a video slot to a whole new level. The game, 300 Shields, is based on the movie 300, starring Gerard Butler.

You can get in on the high-intensity gaming for just 0.01 if you’re okay playing the middle line and nothing else. However, in this case, you may want to consider raising the stakes, as there’s an X300 top-value multiplier, as well as a 1,000-credit prize for five wilds. As it’s a 25-line slot, you can cover every which way for 0.25.

Every spin is a thrill ride in 300 Shields, but the Battle Feature amps up the action even more. So, this title is a perfect example of how you can get the best of all worlds and stick to an authentic penny slot experience.

Best Retro Penny Slot: Rubik’s Riches

Rubik’s Riches expands a typical slot game into a 3D puzzle experience.

Yes, the Rubik’s in Rubik’s Riches is based on the 1974 phenomenon, the Rubik’s cube. Matching up colors back then gave you bragging rights. But in the slot version, it’ll convert to cash rewards.

You’re not going to get rich playing Rubik’s Riches, but again, we’re talking penny slots here, and this is an ideal one for recreational players. You can stick with 0.01 per game, but you can’t go higher than 0.05. There are only three possible wagers (0.01, 0.02, and 0.05).

Prizes are paid based on lines of matching colors, either horizontally or vertically. If you complete an entire face, you receive even more. Plus, there’s a “sticker peel-off” bonus round that’s randomly activated. When you see “RUBIK’S” entirely illuminated, it’s time to start pulling stickers off of the cube.

Merlin has a few tricks up his sleeve in Play ‘n Go’s 2019 game release, Rise of Merlin.

This particular slot features impressive design elements, but there’s also substance to the setup. As it’s a ten-payline slot, you’re not missing out on as much if you decide to stick with one line at a time for the actual penny experience.

However, with not just one but two high-value five-of-a-kinds, each worth 5,000 credits, you may want to cover all ten lines for 0.10.

A magical orb acts as both the wild and scatter, also providing scatter pays. Another benefit of this particular game is that it has a slightly higher RTP (96%) than the other online penny slots on this list.

Five Penny Slots for US Players

I think that the entertainment value of the top five slot games is excellent. However, there are plenty of other penny slots in the virtual casino world that are also worthwhile.

So, I’ve put together a list of five more games that are also worth checking out if you’re looking to build an entire collection of go-to titles.

In addition to having some fun features, each of these slots are in US friendly online casinos.

The Mariachi band keeps you entertained as you move from day to night mode in Popping Pinatas by Rival Gaming.

It’s a 50-line slot with variable paylines. So, if you’re intent on sticking to 0.01 per game, you can stake the middle line exclusively. The Senorita is worth 2,500 credits for a five-of-a-kind in the night round but sleeps during the day. You’ll whack pinatas and then swap wild symbols as the evening rolls around in this unusual slot experience.

RealTime Gaming has quite a few slots that feature 0.01 credits. However, when it comes to variable paylines, the options narrow.

Ancient Gods is an RTG slot that allows for penny play, though. It’s a 25-line game on a 5 x 3 board, so the middle line is in play with a 0.01 bet. Gameplay features multipliers and free spins. If you head into the bonus round based on four or five scatters, then your winnings will be doubled or tripled, respectively.

You’ll go old school with this Rival Gaming three-reel slot. It’s got one payline and very few symbols. The beauty of it is that you won’t be missing out on anything if you opt to play 0.01 per spin. You’re staking the only action in the game.

After you select a coin value, you’ll decide whether you want one, two, or three credits per spin. That’s where the prize differences come into play. For example, the top three-symbol combination pays 750 credits for one coin. If you increase your risk to 0.02, you’re eligible for 1,500, and three credits will reward you with 2,500, the all-around best in 7s and Bars.

Betsoft takes you on holiday with Gary in a 20-payline game that has variable paylines, so it’s perfectly suited for penny players.

The Tipsy Tourist takes place on a 5 x 3 screen, so a 0.01 wager gets you action on the middle line. This particular slot features an unusual bonus round that’s a virtual drinking game. If you play well, your credit balance will rise significantly. Of course, it’s all relative, as you’ll reap more significant benefits if you opt for more paylines or more valuable credits.

My final pick is similar to Miss Kitty in its simplicity, although the themes are quite different.

Day at the Derby is another Rival Powered slot. While it’s a 20-line game, you can play anywhere from one to all of the winning ways. The top five-of-a-kind is worth 2,500 credits. But the best part of the gameplay revolves around the horse. Not only is it wild, but more than one horse on a payline will create a multiplier. There’s also a 20-game bonus with triple payouts.

Where to Find More Penny Action

My shortlist of top online penny slots in 2020 should give you a head start in finding a favorite low-limit game. But we stay up to date with new recommendations that come out.

Whether you’re looking for a penny game, a new release, or just some overall recommendations, you’ll want to check out our collection of slots posts, as well as the list of all-around best casinos for slot gaming.

Casino floors used to be filled with nickel and quarter slot machines. And casinos made healthy slots profits with these coin denominations for decades.

But nowadays, penny slot machines are the dominant game. These slot machines are enticing because they only require players to bet one cent on each payline.

Some might think of these games as mindless entertainment due to how you’re merely spinning the reels over and over. But I’ve actually learned some important lessons from playing penny slots.

Here are the 5 biggest lessons I learned from penny slot machines, including things I’ve applied to both gambling and real-life situations.

1. Always Understand What You’re Getting Into – Especially With Penny Slots

The name alone is what draws many players to penny slot machines. The term penny slots creates the idea that you can play for as little as one cent per spin.

But this isn’t the case at all, because most penny slots force you to play a fixed number of paylines. If you’re on a 50-line penny slot machine, then you’ll need to wager a minimum of $0.50 per turn.

This isn’t exactly what beginning gamblers have in mind when they sit down to a penny slots game. The same players are often shocked when their money quickly vanishes.

I myself fell for this the first time I played a penny slot machine. I automatically assumed that the game was going to be really cheap, but it drained my funds faster than a nickel or quarter machine.

I’m not saying that casinos are evil for putting these games on their floors. But you need to be aware of what you’re getting into with these games, just like anything else in life.

Here’s a dramatic comparison. You should always read through a contract before signing it, because failing to read a contract before signing could loop you into a bad deal. Likewise, you shouldn’t play a penny slot machine without first reading the help screen.

I realize that there’s more at stake when you sign a bad contract without reading through. But I want to stress that some penny slot machines are like bad contracts of the gambling world.

Penny Slot Machines

This explains how many lines you need to play along with minimum bets for specific bonus features and the jackpot.

For example, Aristocrat’s Game of Thrones slot machine requires that you make a 100-credit wager to active the Fire & Blood Bonus.

You can risk less than this on Game of Thrones. But most slots players don’t want to play a game where they don’t qualify for the best bonus features.

Some slot machines require that you play up to 300 credits, or $3 per spin for certain bonuses and/or the progressive jackpot, and $3 is hardly what players expect to wager on a penny slot machine.

Again, read the help screen to find out how much you need to bet to be eligible for every feature. This prevents you from being shocked when having to risk $1-$3 per spin to play.

The good news is that you can find cheaper penny slot machines in land-based casinos. Some of these games only require that you play 20 lines or less to qualify for everything.

2. Prepare Your Bankroll for the Worst

Continuing off the last point, many penny slots can be expensive. And this taught me both a life and gambling lesson in that you should always prepare for the worst.

Sometimes unexpected things happen that can rock you financially.

Nobody expects their heater to go out. But when it does, and the heater needs replaced, you’re staring at a $1,200 bill.

Hopefully no slot machine ever becomes this expensive for you. But on a smaller scale, you should always plan for the worst with slots.

This is especially the case with penny games that require playing 100-300 credits to unlock every feature. You’re risking between $1 and $3 per spin in this case.

Slot machines are already volatile, meaning they produce very unpredictable short-term results. Adding expensive bets on top of this volatility can create a bankroll nightmare.

How do you avoid this nightmare and plan for the worst? The best way is to do some simple bankroll calculations.

Best Penny Slot Machines To Play In Vegas

Here’s an example for a land-based penny slot machine.

• The average land-based penny slots player loses 350 bets (units) per hour
• You have a $500 bankroll
• You choose a penny slot with 50 lines ($0.50 minimum bet)
• 500 / 0.5 = 1,000 units
• 1,000 / 350 = 2.86
• You can expect your bankroll to last for 2.86 hours on this 50-line game

Keep in mind that this is only an average estimate, and you should have enough money to cover an even-worse scenario. As long as you only bring money to the casino that you’re fine with losing, then this won’t bother you.

3. Don’t Let Colorful Themes and Small Payouts Trick You

We all know that companies use clever marketing campaigns to get us to buy the products.

I accept this fact because businesses are out to increase their profit margins. And marketing is one of the best tools to make this happen.

But on the same note, I don’t want to be a slave to clever marketing and buy a bunch of things I don’t need.

Slot machines are similar in that gaming companies use colorful themes, 3D graphics, music, bonuses, and more to attract your attention. Slots makers know that their products will be placed in more casinos if they draw a large share of players.

I have no problem with people choosing slot machines based on the themes and surrounding entertainment. After all, the point of playing slots is to have fun.

But don’t get so sucked into the theme, graphics, and alluring music that you lose all sense of time and money. Instead, realize that these elements are designed to keep you playing longer than you initially planned for.

Another trick to avoid involves the numerous small payouts that modern slot machines offer.

Multiple studies have shown that a psychological effect kicks in when players receive small rewards after each spin. These frequent payouts convince players that they’re winning, even when they’re losing money overall.

Here’s an example to illustrate this phenomenon.

• You’re playing 100 lines on a penny slot ($1 bet)
• You win a $0.20 payout on one line
• While the win is nice, you’ve technically lost $0.80 overall

Stepping back, anybody can logically see that this is a losing long-term proposition. And $0.20 payouts don’t make up for the loss of $0.80.

But it’s tougher to think in these terms when you’re engrossed in a game while making span after spin. This is another area where you need to be consciously aware of what game manufacturers are doing.

While it’s great to net lots of wins in each session, you also need to keep your overall winnings and bankroll in mind.

4. Playing Lots of Lines Is Entertaining

I’ve already discussed how expensive penny slot machines can be. But one of the greatest benefits is that you can also win lots of payouts thanks to the numerous lines.

Every payline that’s in play gives you a chance to win. And while the odds of winning with each line aren’t great, it’s still fun knowing that you have 50 or more chances to win on each turn.

The same lesson can be applied to life in that people are sometimes willing to pay more for certain forms of entertainment.

One example is how you can race Ferraris and Lamborghinis around the SPEEDVEGAS track for anywhere between $50 and $80 per lap.

Driving go-karts is cheaper and also entertaining. But go-karts don’t give adults the same thrills as driving a Ferrari around a race track.

Playing penny slot machines with lots of lines doesn’t have to comparatively be so expensive either.

Instead, you can choose games with lower volatility that increase your hit frequency, or the odds of winning with each individual payline. Doing so boosts the chances that you’ll net frequent wins and better sustain your bankroll.

A small number of slot machines actually offer a volatility rating in the help screen. For example, you might see between 1 and 5 lightning bolts to indicate how much variance is involved.

Unfortunately, most penny slots don’t have volatility ratings. You have to look for specific factors in this case to determine the game’s volatility.

Here are 3 factors that can help you out.

• Jackpot size
• Number of large payouts
• Number of small payouts

Low-volatility penny slots feature a smaller jackpot, fewer large payouts, and more small prizes than the average game.

A smaller jackpot combined with fewer large prizes means that a slot machine doesn’t need to make up for the top-heavy payout structure. In turn, the game can offer more small payouts on a frequent basis.

Of course, some players are only interested in playing for big jackpots and other prizes. This is perfectly fine if you don’t mind dealing with the chance that your bankroll will quickly disappear.

But if you want to extend your entertainment on a penny slot with 100 or more lines, then look for signs of low volatility.

5. Cheaper Penny Slots Alternatives Exist

Many of the lessons that I’ve learned regarding penny slots came in land-based casinos. But one more lesson I learned comes from the world of online penny slots.

When people can’t afford a specific item or form of entertainment, they seek out companies that can provide them for a cheaper rate.

Not everybody can purchase expensive Gucci or Chanel clothing. But almost everybody can afford clothes at Walmart or on Amazon.com.

And you can look at online penny slots as the Amazon or Walmart of the gambling world.

I’m not saying that the value from online penny slot machines comes entirely from how cheap they are. In fact, a great deal of people play these games just because they’re more convenient than going to the casino.

But it should also be noted that internet penny slots are perfect for anybody who finds land-based slot machines to be too expensive.

Best Penny Slot Machines To Play At Casinos

Some online penny slots truly embody the name, because the minimum bet is $0.01 (one cent on a single line). This is what many gamblers have in mind when they first hear the words penny slots.

Other games require you to play between 20-50 fixed paylines. While this is expensive for some players, it’s still cheaper than what’s seen in land-based casinos.

On these games, I usually play anywhere from 20-30 lines at a penny apiece.

Also note that many online penny slot machines see you qualify for bonuses and the jackpot no matter how much you wager. This is good for anybody who cringes at being forced to play 100-300 lines for the features.

That said, check out online casinos if you don’t like the prospect of spending $0.50 or more on the average penny slot machine.

Conclusion

The main lesson worth noting about penny slot machines is that they’re not what the name implies. As long as you understand this fact going in, you’ll be perfectly fine with these games.

You should note that penny slots in land-based casinos have fixed payline amounts.

Brick-and-mortar casinos have more expenses to pay than online casinos. Therefore, they need to win back a greater rate from slot machine players.

Remember that casinos are businesses like anything else. And their goal is to earn enough money to make profits. That said, requiring 50+ pay lines and using entertaining themes to keep people playing doesn’t make them corrupt.

On the other hand, you want to know this all right away. By knowing this info, you’ll avoid having to learn the same lessons that I did through penny slot machines.