Slot gaming is a hugely popular pastime, both in land-based casinos and online. Fans of the format enjoy the thrill of playing slot machines for their entertainment value coupled with the chance to win big prizes.

Online casinos have made slot gaming more accessible, with a wide range of titles available on mobile devices. Market leaders, Virgin Games, have revolutionized the way people play modern online gaming slots by developing a variety of games for a range of tastes and preferences.

The expansion of the casual game market, a consequence of the smartphone boom, has attracted a generation of new players to the easy to pick up excitement of traditional casino games, of which slots are among the most popular. The new wave of digital slot games, free from the constraints of physical machines, boast a vast selection of different themes, graphics, and gameplay features with many demanding a unique degree of strategy not seen before.

The convenience of mobile gaming has made it more available to players, who can now enjoy their favorite games on the go. Slot games also offer a wide range of wager amounts, allowing players with different budgets to participate.

But with slots now accessible to a growing audience, the question arises, how to best stay safe during your gaming sessions?

Regulatory changes are often slowly adopted into law leading to residents having to turn to offshore gaming sites which may not be regulated and licensed. Markets in the United States, Canada, Australia and the UK have begun to modernize their legislation in an effort to be more prepared for the future.

Here is a guide of our top 7 ways to stay safe playing online slots:

Use a Reliable Operator

The first step is to make sure you choose a reputable online casino like Virgin Games. It's important to do a small amount of research and make sure that your chosen provider is licensed, this will ensure that you are playing in a safe and secure environment.

Stick to Your Limits

Set a budget and stick to it. Before embarking on your gaming sessions, set a budget for yourself that you are happy to spend and if you exhaust it, it’s time to walk away.

Doing this will help you avoid overspending and potentially getting into financial trouble. It’s helpful to consider your limit as what you would be happy to spend for the entertainment you will experience – then you can regard any profits as a bonus.

You may also wish to set upper limits to your sessions. If your luck is in, and you hit a winning streak, it can be just as hard to walk away, but losing a win can sometimes sting more than an outright loss.

Avoid Chasing Your Losses

Slots are primarily a game of chance and even the best players don’t win every time. If you do lose money while playing, resist the urge to keep going in an attempt to recoup your losses – this can lead to an even bigger deficit.

If you abide by your limits, you can make sure playing slots remains a fun activity that can be enjoyed for many years to come.

Take Regular Breaks

It's important to take breaks while playing slots to avoid becoming too engrossed in the game. As with any mentally taxing activity, playing for too long will have a detrimental effect on your performance. Rest at regular intervals to help you stay alert and make informed decisions while playing.

Don't Share Personal Information

Online casinos have become more social places than they once were. Many operators include forums and chat rooms to allow players to communicate with one another and even forge friendships.

Never share personal or payment information with anyone outside of the secure payment page of the trusted website. This includes your full name, address and financial information.

Beware of Scams

Due to the competitive nature of online casinos, they have become known for offering bonuses and promotions. Be careful when clicking links from websites you don’t fully trust and always navigate to your trusted casino via the address bar.

Look for Multiple Payment Options

Some methods of online payment are preferred over others. Avoid making bank transfers as these offer the customer the lowest levels of protection – if your money does end up in the wrong hands, it can be difficult to get it back.

Credit cards are more secure since they place a safeguard between the payer and the payee but third party digital wallets offer the most protection. PayPal, Skrill and Google Pay’s Google Wallet are all examples of mobile payment services that offer solutions to quickly send and receive money online.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your slot gaming experience is safe, enjoyable, and free from unnecessary risks, and you can concentrate on having a great time.