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Online slot players typically choose games to play based on factors such as RTP, volatility, or theme.
However, many players have no idea which slots to avoid or which ones are the worst to play.
Our guide below will advise which slots you should skip and list our least favorite slots of all time.
Read on to learn more about the worst slots to play so you can avoid them.
What Makes A Good Slot Machine?
First, let’s discuss what makes a good slot machine.
There are several factors to consider. Does the slot offer big payouts?
Does the slot have low-to-high buy-ins to suit your budget?
What about the return to player percentage (RTP)?
Does the game have a 95% or higher RTP?
This will ensure you have better odds of earning a win.
It’s also important to look at the features.
Games with free spins, wilds, bonus rounds, multipliers, and other features give you more ways to win.
Look for the Bonus Buy option or Bonus Bet to purchase the special rounds at an extra cost so you don’t have to wait around for a feature to trigger.
What Slot Machines To Avoid?
Now that you know what to look for, what about what you should avoid?
It’s important to note that the outcome is random when you play slot games.
So, avoiding these types of games does not necessarily mean you will win. It does mean you will maximize your gameplay time and bankroll.
Review the sections below to see which games we think players are better off avoiding.
Progressive Slots
One game type you might want to avoid is progressive slots.
This jackpot gaming option typically produces low RTPs.
Normal play mode usually has a smaller RTP, which lowers your chance of winning.
You are better off playing higher RTP games to increase your win potential.
| Progressive Slots RTP | Higher RTP Games |
| Cleopatra Mega Jackpots 91-92% | Blood Suckers 98% |
| Cleopatra 95.02% | Steamtower 97.04% |
| Finn and the Swirly Spin 92-96% | White Rabbit 97.72% |
| Quadruple Da Vinci Diamonds 97% |
Low RTP Slots
RTP will vary from game to game, and you won’t always experience an RTP as it is listed on a slot game.
However, players often avoid low RTP games because the odds are low that they will win.
Games like Super Lucky Frog and Gorilla Go Wild have a low 92% RTP.
These games are avoided as they pay less on average than other slots.
Look for games with a 95% or higher to increase your odds of earning a prize.
Slots With Adjustable Paylines
Some slots have adjustable paylines that you can use to lower your overall wager.
However, if you play with fewer pay lines, your winning odds decrease dramatically.
Slots like this are typically best to avoid because the payline feature is just a gimmick.
You generally get the same RTP whether you play one or all the lines. You are just encouraged to boost your bet with no real benefit.
High Volatility Slots
A high volatility slot is a game where you have a lower chance of winning, but payouts are larger.
This game type should be avoided if you are a casual player or on a smaller budget.
Wins do not come often, so you could use up your entire budget and never see a win.
High rollers typically enjoy this game type due to having bigger budgets and can afford to wait for a payout.
High volatility slots include:
- Almighty Buffalo Megaways
- Bonanza Falls
- Triple Red Hot 777
- Ultimate Fire Link China Street
- The Green Machine Deluxe PowerBet
Top 3 Worst Slots I’ve Ever Played
Slot gaming is a personal preference, so you may hate what one player might like.
Gaming is subjective, but some titles are so bad that no one wants to play them.
Let’s take a look at a few of the worst slots I have ever played to give you games to avoid!
I Need a Hero
Created by High 5 Games, this slot is a poor attempt at a hero-style theme. It has random firefighters, EMTs, and military members trying to look cool on the reels.
There are also royal icons, and the background is a weird, blurry image that doesn’t make sense. The soundtrack is awful, and there are minimal features.
The RTP is nice at 96.5%, but the theming and elements of the game make it hard to play.
The Price Is Right
While the gameshow is one of my favorites, the slot game is not.
Most gameshow-themed slots are fun, but Price is Right makes all the wrong moves. The game has poor graphics and a low RTP of 93%.
Congo King
Travel to the congo on the reels of this slot, and be prepared to spend a lot on your reel spins.
The game has a super high minimum bet of $4, making this one to miss if you are a low roller.
The title also includes a 94% RTP, lowering your odds to earn a win.