When we look at the best slot games today and compare them to those from a decade ago, it’s clear how much the industry has evolved. In the past, NetEnt was the dominant force in the slot world, releasing groundbreaking games like Gonzo’s Quest, Twin Spin, and Dead or Alive. These hits defined the online slot landscape for years. However, around 2016, a new player emerged in the form of Pragmatic Play, whose rise to prominence has reshaped the modern slot scene. Although their early releases weren’t as memorable, Pragmatic Play quickly refined their offerings, creating a series of successful games that would come to dominate the industry.

Today, Pragmatic Play holds an impressive position with nine of their slots making it to the top 20 best online slot games in Ireland. Their success story is a testament to how quickly innovation can change the gaming world.

Let’s explore some of the top slots that are capturing the attention of players in 2024, featuring a mix of familiar favorites and new hits that continue to push the boundaries of what online slots can offer.

1. Big Bass Bonanza (Pragmatic Play)

Big Bass Bonanza from Pragmatic Play remains one of the top choices for slot enthusiasts. This fishing-themed slot took a simple concept and elevated it with smooth graphics, immersive sound effects, and thrilling gameplay. The game’s bonus round, which revolves around landing Scatter symbols for free spins, brings extra excitement as players aim to reel in cash prizes with the help of the fisherman collector symbol. The progression in the bonus round is enhanced by a multiplier trail, where every few steps can lead to more free spins and increasing multipliers.

Key Features:

  • RTP: 96.71%
  • Maximum Win: €525,000
  • Bonus: Free Spins with Multipliers

2. Big Bass Splash (Pragmatic Play)

A direct follow-up to Big Bass Bonanza, Big Bass Splash introduces new characters and upgraded features that enhance the gameplay. The bearded fisherman now has a more rugged persona, and the game features exciting elements like random Bazookas and the chance to trigger additional bonuses. The Bonus round can unlock special features like More Fish, More Fishermen, and extra free spins. With a higher maximum win potential than its predecessor, Big Bass Splash is a must-try for fans of the series.

Key Features:

  • RTP: 96.71%
  • Maximum Win: €1,250,000
  • Bonus: Free Spins, Dynamite Features

3. Gates of Olympus (Pragmatic Play)

Gates of Olympus is a standout in the ancient Greek-themed slots genre. The game features cascading symbols and the potential for massive multipliers during the Free Spins bonus. With a base game RTP of 96.50%, players can trigger wins up to 5,000 times their stake thanks to the Tumble feature and the generous multipliers that can appear during free spins. Players can also boost their chances of landing Scatters by using the Ante Bet feature, which increases the bet by 25%.

Key Features:

  • RTP: 96.50%
  • Maximum Win: €500,000
  • Bonus: Cascading Symbols with Multipliers

4. Starburst (NetEnt)

Starburst by NetEnt is one of the most iconic online slots ever created. With its bright, colorful jewels and simple yet effective gameplay, Starburst has remained a favorite for over a decade. The game has no complicated bonus rounds—its appeal lies in the expanding Wilds that appear on the central reels. When a Wild symbol lands, it expands to cover the entire reel, granting a respin. Multiple Wilds can trigger consecutive respins, giving players a chance for big wins with minimal effort.

Key Features:

  • RTP: 96.09%
  • Maximum Win: €50,000
  • Bonus: Expanding Wilds

5. Sweet Bonanza (Pragmatic Play)

Sweet Bonanza is another highly popular slot by Pragmatic Play that shares a similar game mechanic with Gates of Olympus, with cascading symbols and multipliers during free spins. However, it stands apart with its sugary-sweet theme, featuring fruits and candies instead of Greek gods. The maximum win potential of 21,100x is a huge draw for players, and the free spins bonus can lead to massive payouts thanks to multipliers as high as 100x.

Key Features:

  • RTP: 96.48%
  • Maximum Win: €2,110,000
  • Bonus: Free Spins with Multipliers

6. Gold Blitz (Fortune Factory Studios)

For players who enjoy high-energy slots with explosive features, Gold Blitz is a great pick. With a 6×4 reel setup and 4,096 ways to win, this slot is designed for high-volatility play. It includes random cash values that are collected with the Blitz symbol, as well as three jackpots that players can aim for: Minor, Major, and Mega. The bonus round lets players choose between free spins with multiplier Wilds or Gold Blitz Super Spins for even bigger rewards.

Key Features:

  • RTP: 96.00%
  • Maximum Win: €5,000,000
  • Bonus: Free Spins, Jackpot Prizes

7. 9 Pots of Gold (Gameburger Studios)

This Irish-themed slot from Gameburger Studios is filled with symbols of luck, including leprechauns, pots of gold, and four-leaf clovers. Players can trigger a bonus round by landing 3 or more Pot Scatters, which leads to a ladder climb with cash prizes. The free spin feature comes with multipliers and up to 30 free spins. The cheerful soundtrack and lively theme make this a fan favorite.

Key Features:

  • RTP: 96.24%
  • Maximum Win: 2,000x
  • Bonus: Free Spins with Multipliers

8. Gold Blitz Extreme (Fortune Factory Studios)

The sequel to Gold Blitz, this game takes everything players loved about the original and amps it up with new features and a higher maximum win potential. The core gameplay remains the same, but players now have a chance to unlock Rising Rewards jackpots by collecting tokens and triggering exciting features like the Blitz cash collector symbol.

Key Features:

  • RTP: 96.25%
  • Maximum Win: €5,000,000
  • Bonus: Jackpot Tokens, Cash Collectors

9. Mining Pots of Gold (Gameburger Studios)

In Mining Pots of Gold, Gameburger Studios combines two popular themes: gold mining and Irish luck. Players are guided by a leprechaun named Flynn, who helps them uncover hidden treasures in the bonus game. The game offers players the chance to trigger massive payouts through multipliers and bonus prizes, with a grand prize of up to 4,000x your stake.

Key Features:

  • RTP: 96.50%
  • Maximum Win: 4,000x
  • Bonus: Mining Bonus, Bonus Multipliers

10. Chilli Heat (Pragmatic Play)

Chilli Heat offers a fun Mexican-themed experience with a money respin feature and a spicy bonus game. The game includes Money Bags that appear on all reels and trigger the Money Respin feature when six or more land on the screen. The free spins feature can be retriggered by landing Scatters, and the lower volatility makes it a more accessible choice for players who prefer a steadier payout rhythm.

Key Features:

  • RTP: 96.50%
  • Maximum Win: €1,000,000
  • Bonus: Money Respin, Free Spins

11. Queen of the Pyramids Mega Cash Collect (Playtech)

Queen of the Pyramids transports players to ancient Egypt, where they can explore hidden treasures in the pyramids with the Cash Collect mechanic. The game features vibrant visuals and a reel configuration that combines traditional and modern elements. Players can collect coins during the base game and unlock extra features, such as sticky Wilds and extra free spins, during the bonus round.

Key Features:

  • RTP: 96.21%
  • Maximum Win: €500,000
  • Bonus: Cash Collect, Sticky Wilds

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned slot player or new to the world of online casinos, there’s no shortage of exciting games to try. The industry has come a long way in the last decade, with innovative game mechanics, vibrant themes, and the potential for massive wins. Pragmatic Play, in particular, has firmly established itself as a leader in the space, with numerous slots that continue to captivate players worldwide. So, whether you’re drawn to the thrill of fishing in Big Bass Bonanza or the high-energy action of Gold Blitz, there’s something for everyone in today’s slot game landscape.

If you’re on the hunt for the best-paying slot machines in 2024, you’ve come to the right place. While high RTP (Return to Player) slots are often a good starting point, the overall gaming experience depends on a few more factors: volatility, bonus features, and the specific payout mechanics. Let’s break down the slots that have the highest potential returns, including new games that have made their mark this year.

Top 10 Slot Machines with the Best Payouts

We’ve compiled the top slots based on their RTP, volatility, and bonus features. These games not only promise solid payouts but also bring engaging gameplay, exciting bonus rounds, and frequent wins.

  1. Mega Joker
    • RTP: 99%
    • Volatility: High
      This NetEnt classic is a fan favorite for a reason. With an impressive 99% RTP and high volatility, it offers the chance for huge wins, particularly during the Super Meter mode.
  2. Blood Suckers
    • RTP: 98%
    • Volatility: Low
      Known for its generous RTP, Blood Suckers offers frequent smaller payouts and a thrilling vampire theme that keeps you engaged. It’s a great option for beginners due to its lower volatility.
  3. Starmania
    • RTP: 97.86%
    • Volatility: Low to Medium
      This slot from NextGen Gaming is a simple, fast-paced game with a solid RTP, making it perfect for those who want consistent wins without the huge risk.
  4. White Rabbit Megaways
    • RTP: Up to 97.72%
    • Volatility: High
      Big Time Gaming’s Megaways mechanics make this game exciting with up to 248,832 ways to win. Expect big wins, but be prepared for higher variance.
  5. Big Bad Wolf
    • RTP: 97.3%
    • Volatility: High
      A popular choice from Quickspin, Big Bad Wolf’s high RTP and the fun, interactive bonus features like the “Swooping Reels” keep players engaged.
  6. Apollo: God of the Sun
    • RTP: 97.17%
    • Volatility: High
      Novomatic brings ancient mythology to life in this slot. With a solid RTP and high volatility, the potential for large payouts makes it worth the spin.
  7. Gorilla Go Wilder
    • RTP: 97.04%
    • Volatility: High
      Featuring an exciting jungle adventure theme, this slot from NextGen offers great chances for massive wins during its free spin rounds.
  8. Reel Rush
    • RTP: 97%
    • Volatility: Medium
      This NetEnt slot has a fun, arcade-like feel, and its medium volatility ensures you’ll see a good balance of smaller wins and occasional big payouts.
  9. Quick Hit Ultra Pays Eagle’s Peak
    • RTP: 96.89%
    • Volatility: High
      With the Quick Hit name, you know you’re in for some serious payout action. This high-volatility slot is perfect for those chasing big wins.
  10. Dead or Alive 2
    • RTP: 96.82%
    • Volatility: Low
      A sequel to the beloved Dead or Alive, this slot from NetEnt offers more ways to win, with great bonus features and a lower volatility for steady payouts.

What Makes a Slot Machine Pay the Best?

When choosing the best slot machines to play, there are a few key metrics you should understand:

  • RTP (Return to Player): This percentage indicates how much of your bet the machine is likely to pay back. For example, an RTP of 96% means for every $100 you wager, you can expect to get back $96 over time (though not in a single session).
  • Volatility: High volatility slots pay out less often, but when they do, the wins are larger. These are great for players willing to take risks in exchange for higher payouts. Low volatility slots are better for players who prefer more frequent, smaller wins.

Progressive Jackpot Slots: High Risks, High Rewards

While the highest-paying slots are often progressive jackpots, they typically have lower RTPs. These slots accumulate a jackpot from every player’s bet, making the payouts much rarer. If you’re playing for a huge, life-changing win, progressive jackpots are worth trying. However, they come with a much lower chance of winning compared to regular slots.

Some of the most popular progressive jackpot slots include:

  • Age of the Gods
  • Mercy of the Gods
  • Power Fortune

New Slots to Try in 2024

Though classic slots are always fun, new releases in 2024 are worth your attention. These fresh titles often bring better game mechanics, improved graphics, and sometimes higher RTPs.

  • Gates of Heaven (Pragmatic Play)
    • RTP: 98%
    • Volatility: High
      This game combines a heavenly theme with the potential for massive rewards, thanks to its high RTP and big win features.
  • Rockstar World Tour (Betsoft)
    • RTP: 96.42%
    • Volatility: Medium
      Perfect for music lovers, this slot packs in fun features and a decent RTP for a more balanced gaming experience.
  • Golden Joker 100 Hold and Win (Unknown Developer)
    • RTP: 97.2%
    • Volatility: Medium
      This joker-themed slot offers solid RTP and fun mechanics for players seeking something fresh.

Best Slot Bonuses for 2024

Maximize your chances by playing slots with generous bonuses. Many online casinos offer no deposit bonuses and match bonuses to help you try the best-paying games with less financial risk. Here are some offers to check out:

  • BetMGM Casino: $25 no-deposit bonus and 100% match up to $1,000 on your first deposit.
  • FanDuel Casino: 200 bonus spins and a $1,000 play-it-again bonus.
  • PokerStars Casino: $150 bonus play when you sign up, including bonus spins.

Conclusion

To maximize your chances of winning, focus on playing high RTP slots with medium to low volatility if you’re a beginner. As you get more experienced, you might enjoy the excitement of high volatility slots with bigger payouts, though they come with greater risk. Always play responsibly and take advantage of available bonuses to get the most out of your gaming experience.