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Find the Best Slot Themes for You 2024

Themes are one of the biggest contributions toward slot games’ enduring popularity at practically every casino site, and the best online slot themes are ones which entice the player with their originality and impress with their execution.

Football ThemedGold Rush Theme

What Are Video Slots?

Video slots are multimedia versions of the iconic slot machines you’ll find at practically every casino out there. They derive their name from the slots they have for players to insert coins and retrieve winnings.

Much like those at brick-and-mortar casinos, video slots are operated by a random number generator (RNG), which ensures that the outcomes remain random and fair for players. Getting into the nitty gritty of how a slot’s RTP works or how slot paylines work can help you get better insight into this ever-popular type of casino game.

What Are Video Slot Themes?

Themes are to slots as flavours are to ice-cream. In other words, slot machine themes give you an idea of what topics, genres, or motifs to expect from a slot game’s design.

These themes can be varied, and among the most popular are those related to animals, ancient Egypt, sport, and gems. Next time you browse your favourite casino’s games list, keep an eye out and check how many of them include elements from these!

A slot’s theme will normally inspire every element in a video slot – from the symbols that fall onto the reels to the way the in-game bonuses work. A good execution of the theme means every element links back to the overarching motif.

Slot themes add spice to these otherwise simple games, and help to create a storyline that makes spinning the reels vastly more interesting.

Play For Real!

Are you in the mood to play some of the best real-money slots featuring your favourite slot theme? Then here’s the list of the top profitable slot sites to put on your radar!

 

 

Play Slots For Free!

Looking to play slots for fun? Many casinos give you the opportunity to play free demos, which include those for the top titles in each category of the best online slot themes.

While this means you won’t win any real money, there are still numerous benefits of free play casino games online.

The Top Slot Game Themes

The best slot themes are those that capture a mood, feeling, or setting. You know, those slots that immerse you in a different world where pigs own mansions, where El Dorado really exists (or Atlantis, for that matter!), and where you can spin and sing alongside your favourite singers.

Are you ready to discover a new theme? Take a look at are our favourites!

1. Adventure Slots

Strap on your trustiest pair of shoes and get ready to join the main protagonist of each game on the journey of a lifetime. The best Adventure slots are those that get the heart racing as you wait with bated breath to see how it all ends and where the reels will stop. Below is a little taste with our top three:

Our Top Three Adventure Slots

Game Provider – Blueprint Gaming

RTP – 96%

Volatility – Medium/High

Release Date – 2018

Read our full The Goonies slot review!

Game Provider – Big Time Gaming

RTP – 96.65%

Volatility – High

Release Date – 2021

Game Provider – Microgaming

RTP – 96.13%

Volatility – Low

Release Date – 2020

2. Animal Slots

From the king of the jungle to pampered pooches, the best Animal-themed slots exploit our love for all awesome and furry creatures – and we love them for it. So get ready to play online slots alongside the cute, magnificent, or fierce characters of the animal kingdom.

Animal Slots

Game Provider – Pragmatic Play

RTP – 88.12%

Volatility – Medium

Release Date – 2006

Game Provider – Pragmatic Play

RTP – 96.55%

Volatility – High

Release Date – 2020

Game Provider – Relax Gaming

RTP – 96.19%

Volatility – High

Release Date – 2022

3. Asian Slots

Invoke the ancient allure of symbols, coins, and medallions to bring good fortune to your game. Or perhaps you find references to powerful eastern empires from historic bygone eras more appealing! Although somewhat clichéd, the best online Asian slots are incredibly bright, incredibly pretty, and incredibly fun to play.

Our Top Three Asian Slots

Game Provider – Bally Technologies

RTP – 96.06%

Volatility – Medium/High

Release Date – 2019

Game Provider – Playtech

RTP – 95.97%

Volatility – Low

Release Date – 2016

Game Provider – NetEnt

RTP – 96%

Volatility – Low Volatility

Release Date – 2015

4. Aztec Slots

The legendary Mesoamerican civilisation continues to inspire countless top Aztec-themed slots. Here, you can join archaeologists, conquistadors, native Aztecs, and ancient gods on many-a-treasure-hunt. So, will you be the one to find El Dorado? There’s only one way to find out.

Our Top Three Asian Slots

Game Provider – NetEnt

RTP – 96%

Volatility – Medium – High

Release Date – 2011

Game Provider – Relax Gaming

RTP – 96.25%

Volatility – High

Release Date – 2019

Game Provider – Play’n Go

RTP – 96.69%

Volatility – Medium

Release Date – 2017

5. Branded Slots

Pop culture comes to life in the best branded slots, where you can spin the reels alongside legendary musician Jimi Hendrix, join Rick and Morty as they explore numerous universes, and even have a shot at a video slot bearing your favourite casino’s logo.

Be aware, though, that while this is by far one of the most popular slot themes, titles in this category tend to have a lower RTP.

Our Top Three Branded Slots

Game Provider – Microgaming

RTP – 95%

Volatility – Medium/High

Release Date – 2014

Game Provider – Play’n Go

RTP – 96.20%

Volatility – High

Release Date – 2021

Game Provider – Blueprint Gaming

RTP – 95.99%

Volatility – Medium

Release Date – 2020

6. Christmas Slots

Whether the holidays are around the corner or you’re just in the mood for some festive spirit, the best Christmas slots will certainly hit the right note. These jolly titles have wreathes as symbols and play merry tunes that would melt even Scrooge’s heart.

Our Top Three Christmas Slots

Game Provider – iSoftBet

RTP – 95.98%

Volatility – Medium/High

Release Date – 2021

Game Provider – Yggdrasil

RTP – 96.75%

Volatility – High

Release Date – 2016

Game Provider – Elk Studios

RTP – 96.4%

Volatility – High

Release Date – 2016

7. Egyptian Slots

Game developers’ fascination with the land of the pharaohs knows no bounds, and we are here for every title that that spawns. The top Egypt slots hark back to the time of the Tutankhamun and Cleopatra, where magic was everywhere and booby traps were common.

Our Top Three Egyptian Slots

Game Provider – Play’n Go

RTP – 96.21%

Volatility – High

Release Date – 2016

Game Provider – IGT

RTP – 95.7%

Volatility – Medium

Release Date – 2009

Game Provider – Pragmatic Play

RTP – 96.50%

Volatility – Medium

Release Date – 2019

8. Fruit Machines

The iconic lemons, cherries, BARS, and 7s make a glorious comeback in some of the best fruit slots of our age. From traditional 3×3 games to ones with more complex mechanics, like Megaways™ and Megaclusters™ slots, there’s a fruit-themed title for every taste and occasion.

Our Top Three Online Fruit Machines

Game Provider – NetEnt

RTP – 98.90%

Volatility – Medium

Release Date – 2014

Game Provider – Big Time Gaming

RTP – 96.25%

Volatility – Medium/High

Release Date – 2021

Game Provider – Playson

RTP – 93.97%

Volatility – Low/Medium

Release Date – 2014

9. Irish Slots

Cheeky leprechauns, pots of gold, four-leafed clovers, and tonnes of rainbows: the legends of old serve as a springboard for the truly colourful worlds created for the top Irish slots. May Lady Luck smile upon you!

Our Top Three Irish Slots

Game Provider – Barcrest

RTP – 95%

Volatility – Medium

Release Date – 2009

Game Provider – 2 By 2 Gaming

RTP – 93.99%

Volatility – High

Release Date – 2018

Game Provider – Blueprint Gaming

RTP – 96.42%

Volatility – Medium/High

Release Date – 2018

10. Manga Slots

Japan’s iconic comics and graphic novels inspire the top manga slots, where princesses hail from the moon, bows have faces, and dragons lead to payouts. These games are a total must-play for anime and Japanese fans alike.

Our Top Three Manga Slots

Game Provider – Play’n Go

RTP – 96.2%

Volatility – High

Release Date – 2021

Game Provider – Playtech

RTP – 95.03%

Volatility – Low

Release Date – 2016

Game Provider – Betsoft

RTP – 95.27%

Volatility – Medium

Release Date – 2016

11. Movember Slots

Movember first made the news in 1999, but has since grown into a worldwide event. In fact, loads of people now grow a moustache each November to raise awareness for prostate and testicular cancer. Our Movember slots article puts together the top moustache-themed titles, and explains how some of the top casino sites mark the occasion.

Our Top Three Movember Slots

Game Provider – Thunderkick

RTP – 97%

Volatility – Medium

Release Date – 2017

Game Provider – Microgaming

RTP – 96.38%

Volatility – High

Release Date – 2018

Game Provider – Yggdrasil

RTP – 96.2%

Volatility – Low/Medium

Release Date – 2020

12. Pirate Slots

Land ahoy – but is there treasure abound? The best pirate-themed slots have plenty of loot for the taking, but you’ll need to navigate the seven seas, avoid men with hooks for hands, and dodge vicious parrots to get to it!

Our Top Three Pirate Slots

Game Provider – NetEnt

RTP – 95.28%

Volatility – High

Release Date – 2013

Game Provider – Red Tiger Gaming

RTP – 96%

Volatility – High

Release Date – 2022

Game Provider – Leander Games

RTP – 95.01%

Volatility – Medium

Release Date – 2019

13. Sports Slots

Football, rugby, horse racing, hockey: kick off your slot session with one of the most exciting sports slots and try your luck at winning the championship. Is it any wonder that this theme is becoming one of the most popular slot themes out there?

Our Top Three Sport Slots

Game Provider – Stormcraft

RTP – 96.88%

Volatility – High

Release Date – 2020

Game Provider – Playtech

RTP – 95.99%

Volatility – Medium

Release Date – 2016

Game Provider – Microgaming

RTP – 96.42%

Volatility – Medium

Release Date – 2011

14. TV Slots

Are you ready to sit in the hot seat? Or perhaps hang out with Family Guy’s Peter Griffin? Game shows and iconic TV series make up the bulk of the titles in the best TV slots, one of the best online slot themes for anyone into anything pop culture!

Our Top Three TV Slots

Game Provider – Big Time Gaming

RTP – 96.24%

Volatility – High

Release Date – 2016

Game Provider – IGT

RTP – 96.2%

Volatility – Low/Medium

Release Date – 2017

Game Provider – Blueprint Gaming

RTP – 96.55%

Volatility – High

Release Date – 2020

15. Vegas Slots

Sin City takes many forms in the top Vegas-themed slots: sometimes it’s a city of crime, sometimes it’s a place where a frog is an Elvis impersonator, other times it’s merely a casino bursting with features. So which will you choose when you play slots online?

Our Top Three Vegas Slots

Game Provider – Big Time Gaming

RTP – 96.59%

Volatility – High

Release Date – 2020

Game Provider – Microgaming

RTP – 95.77%

Volatility – Medium

Release Date – 2016

Game Provider – BGaming

RTP – 96%

Volatility – High

Release Date – 2020

16. Viking Slots

The Dark Age-seafarers are out to pillage and plunder, and they need your help to make their quest a successful one. Or, actually… would you rather hang out with their mighty gods as they control thunder and watch over Valhalla? Whatever mood you’re in, there’s bound to be a title in our best Viking slots article for you!

Our Top Three Viking Slots

Game Provider – NetEnt

RTP – 96.05%

Volatility – Medium/High

Release Date – 2018

Game Provider – Yggdrasil/ReelPlay

RTP – 96.18%

Volatility – Very High

Release Date – 2021

Game Provider – Microgaming

RTP – 96.65%

Volatility – Medium

Release Date – 2010

Read our full Thunderstruck II slot review.

17. Wild West Slots

Rowdy saloons and dusty landscapes define the Wild West online slot theme. Here, bandits and sheriffs have face-offs, and wagons make their way west in search of gold. All that’s left is stepping into John Wayne or Clint Eastwood’s boots and asking yourself one question: ‘Do I feel lucky?' – Well, do ya, punk?

Our Top Three Wild West Slots

Game Provider – NetEnt

RTP – 96.08%

Volatility – High

Release Date – 2009

Game Provider – Spinmatic

RTP – 95.18%

Volatility – Medium

Release Date – 2020

Game Provider – Pragmatic Play

RTP – 96.51%

Volatility – High

Release Date – 2020

Crazy Slot Themes to Also Check Out

When you start to play online slot games, you’ll notice that some titles fit very neatly into one slot game theme or another. Vikings Unleashed Megaways™, for example, which is one of the top Blueprint slots, is obviously Viking-themed. While the Rainbow Riches slot by Barcrest couldn’t be more Irish-themed if it tried.

You might also encounter less common (but still cool!) motifs such as with Wizard Themed Slots, which overlap with Fantasy Themed games, but offer their own distinct style!

Nevertheless, there are some titles that don’t really fit into one specific slot theme – and these tend to be the wackiest slots of all! But, of course, they also tend to be super fun. So here are our favourites – just in case you want to check them out.

1. Tiki Vikings

RTP: 96% | Volatility: Medium

Tiki Vikings is a collaborative effort by Microgaming and Just for the Win, and it’s a total clash of cultures. In this game, a group of Vikings head to a Tiki jungle where they camouflage themselves with flowers, bananas, and pineapples (or, at least, that’s what we assume they’re doing). It’s also constantly snowing, which is a bit random.

Tiki Vikings screenshot
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2. Leprechaun Goes To Hell

RTP: 96.54% | Volatility: Medium

A sexy she-devil called Evilene and an Irish leprechaun are the main characters in Play’n Go’s Leprechaun Goes To Hell. In fact, this is the whole theme of the game, where pots of gold can sit side-by-side pentagrams, and Celtic-looking numerals and letters land next to tridents.

Leprechaun Goes to hell screenshot

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3. Cyrus the Virus

RTP: 96.3% | Volatility: Medium/High

We don’t imagine there are many people out there who feel like taking a break from real life to play online slots about viruses… but then again, Yggdrasil have made this game so intriguing, it’s hard not to want to spin the reels. All you need to know before you begin playing Cyrus the Virus is that the symbols are five colourful viruses, and the Wild – which is also a virus – looks extra mean most of the time.

Cyrus the virus screenshot

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4. Rudolph’s Revenge

RTP: 95% | Volatility: Medium.

This Reel Time Gaming slot may be set during the festive season, but it’s anything but jolly. Instead, there are bombs and missiles threatening to end civilisation, and the famous red-nosed reindeer has had enough of the other reindeers laughing at him and calling him names. So…he’s frozen some elves in giant ice cubes, and he’s even holding Santa hostage…

This one’s a bit tough to find at legal and licensed casinos, but you can find a free-play version of it quite easily.

Rudolph's revenge screenshot

5. Tombstone RIP

RTP: 96.08% | Volatility: Very High

The Wild West has always been characterised by bandits and guns, but it’s honestly never looked bleaker than it does in this game by Nolimit City. Here, the symbols include an axe chopping off someone’s hand and a hanged bandit for a Wild. Meanwhile, some bonus features actually work against you because life just isn’t fair, apparently!

Tombstone RIP screenshot

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The Best Slot Developers for Online Slot Themes

Slot themes have been taken up by practically all of the best casino software providers. Indeed, releasing games with a great mechanic and a killer slot game theme can truly help cement a developer’s name in the industry.

Just think of NetEnt games, for example. These Swedish providers have given us Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, and Dead or Alive, which are unarguably the most iconic gem, Aztec, Wild West games, respectively.

In fact, there are some developers that do so well from one particular slot theme that they release a whole series: Yggdrasil slots have given us five Viking Go titles, while Reel Time Gaming have given us at least four Fishin’ Frenzy titles.

In other words, there are great slots by great developers for every theme under the sun, and that is what makes it so much fun to explore them!

Read the Review Before You Play! Read the Review Before You Play!

While many slots may tickle your fancy, they’re not all worth spending your money on. That’s why we recommend checking out casino slot reviews so you can find out more about the game before you play it!

Why Play Themed Video Slots?

If you’re looking for a casino game with very few rules and that’s easy to play, then you can’t go wrong with one of the best real money slots. But how should you narrow down your choice from the thousands of different games available?

Once you know what features, specifications, and parameters you’re after, your choice comes down to which slot best matches your interests, personality, and taste – and that’s where a slot’s theme will shine!

In fact, modern games with the best slot themes take this to the next levels, with their great storylines extending to the symbols, bonuses, and soundtracks tying into their theme of choice.

The question for us isn’t why you should play themed video slots, but why you wouldn’t! They’re fantastic games that offer tonnes of fun, mirror your interests, and give you the opportunity to win some cash along the way!

Always Play Responsibly

Slot game themes are there to make video slots more enticing and fun: without them, online slots would be rather dull. Nevertheless, this shouldn’t make us forget that video slots are a type of gambling game.

That’s why it’s important to always play responsibly – especially when playing for real money, which can lead to losses as well as winnings.

So here are some general tips to keep you safe when you play online slot games:

  • Only join a legal and licensed casino.
  • Always read the terms & conditions of every bonus.
  • Set a budget before you play and always stick to it.
  • Never play more money than you can afford to lose.
  • Monitor how often you play and how long you do so for.
  • Don’t be ashamed of seeking help.

Final Word on Online Casino Slot Themes

Slot themes are one of the most wonderful innovations to have hit the world of video slots. Thanks to them, there’s a title for every taste, every mood, every season, and every occasion. They are indeed incredibly fun and they’re well worth checking out!

Slot Themes FAQs

Slot themes are basically the topic a particular slot title covers. A Viking slot, for instance, will be themed as such, with warriors or gods inspired by Dark Age, Nordic people. There are plenty of slot themes, of course, and each of them opens a door into a great world full of possibilities.

That’s a hard question to answer because it depends on a lot of factors. For our money, however, two of the most popular slots are NetEnt’s Starburst slot and Play’n Go’s Book of Dead slot.

This is quite subjective as all slot themes are popular with their target audiences. Even so, we’d have to say that Ancient Egypt, the Aztecs, and Adventure slots remain among the most popular.

Of course! All casino sites will carry at least one title in each of the popular slot themes mentioned above. These can be played for real money and therefore give you the chance to win real money, too.

Totally! You can play slots for free at most online casinos – and that includes themed slots. Of course, if you don’t stake any real money, you won’t receive any real winnings.

Yes! In fact some of the games we mentioned above can be played at the top free spins casinos. Moreover, you can also use credit from your online casino welcome bonus or your casino reload bonus to play themed slots.