⏰ When Is the Best Time to Play Slots Online?

1. Is there really a ‘best time’ to play slots?

Let’s get straight to it: slots are powered by RNGs (Random Number Generators), which means every spin is entirely independent. There is no built-in clock that tells the machine when to pay out. However, certain external factors can influence your experience:

• Peak vs Off-Peak Hours: Fewer players online might mean faster servers, quicker support, and less competition for tournaments or promotional rewards.
• Promotions and Bonuses: Slot sites often launch offers at specific times (weekends, holidays, Friday evenings), which can affect value rather than your chances of winning.

So while there’s no mechanical ‘best time’, your choice of when to play can affect overall value and enjoyment.

2. The jackpot timing myth

A long-standing belief is that progressive jackpot slots are more likely to pay out after reaching a certain size or after long periods without a win. While the logic seems tempting, it doesn’t hold water for most games. Here’s why:

• Progressive slots still use Random Number Generators, so big jackpots can hit at any time.
• Some jackpots are ‘must-drop’ by a set amount or time (e.g., daily jackpots), which can be strategically timed.

If a player wins the Mega Moolah Mega Jackpot, it doesn’t affect the chances of the jackpot being won again on the next spin. There have been several cases of a progressive jackpot won in quick succession with the 2^nd hit lower than the first: the minimum you’d win if this was the case would be £2 million (the seed value).

In theory, the more players that play a jackpot slot, the faster the jackpot will rise and hit. Whilst a win can happen at any time of the day, most jackpots are hit during evenings and weekends because that is when most players tend to play online.

As for must drop jackpots, check for ‘must drop before’ thresholds on jackpot games. If it’s near the upper limit, that’s a slightly more informed play, though still far from guaranteed. If you take Relax Gaming’s Dream Drop jackpot slots:

• The Mega Jackpot will pay up to €2 million meaning it has to be hit before it hits this amount. This means that it is recommend you play when the Mega Jackpot is nearing €2 million.
• You’ll also discover that Dream Drop games come with 3 Daily Jackpots which are won in 8-hour intervals.

ALSO READ

Dream Drop Slots: Reviews, Free Demos & Jackpot Winners

If you take the Daily Drop Jackpot network by Red Tiger Gaming, jackpots are guaranteed every single day. Available on all their games, the Daily Drop Jackpot must be won by 11pm UK time and the Hourly Drop Jackpot hits every hour, 24/7.

3. Do more players mean more wins?

You might hear that more players spinning equals more frequent payouts. While this is untrue for standard slots (because your spin is isolated), there is a kernel of truth in progressive jackpot games:

• More spins = faster pot growth and statistically more wins.
• Event-based promotions, such as prize drops or leaderboard races, may also offer better odds when more players are active.

So if you're chasing event-based rewards, playing during peak hours (evenings or weekends) might improve your chances of grabbing a prize. 

This is the case with Pragmatic Play’s Drop & Wins Slots promotion where there are daily slot tournaments.

ALSO READ

Drops & Wins Slots: Win a Share of £11.76 Million

4. Variable RTP rates

As per my slot myths and misconceptions guide, the overwhelming majority of slot games have multiple RTP settings. For example:

• Play ‘n GO’s Book of Dead as an example, there are 5 different versions (from 96.21% down to 84.18%).
• NetEnt’s Starburst has 6 RTP settings (from 96.1% down to 90.5%).

All online slot sites can change the RTP setting on slot games whenever they please, without having to publicly announce their decision. With RTP rates normally published in the game’s Paytable or Information section, some sites can switch to lower RTP settings during busier times.

If RTP rates are important to you, check out the list of the highest RTP slots which go all the way up to 99.07%.

ALSO READ

Highest RTP Slots & Best Payout Slot Machines

5. Seasonal and daily casino offers

Here’s where strategy can come in. Slot and casino sites tend to release high-value offers at:

• Weekend evenings (Friday to Sunday)
• Major holidays and seasonal events (i.e. Halloween, Christmas or New Year’s)
• Daily spin bonuses, which often reset at midnight or early morning

Timing your play around these periods means you might get more value per session, even if the game mechanics stay the same. In terms of casino bonuses and no wager free spins offers, these are available at any time of the day and every day (until they expire or are changed).

ALSO READ

Best Free Spins No Wagering Offers 2025

When it comes to slot tournaments, these are run during specific time periods on certain days. With most of them taking place in the evening and at weekends, some are based on your highest score on a spin or how many wins you get.

• Duelz Casino: they have cash tournaments every 15 minutes with nearly £10,000 in cash prizes every week.
• NetBet Casino: free spins can be won when you wager £10 on any slot game from Monday to Sunday

ALSO READ

Slots Tournaments Guide

6. Withdrawing winnings

Certain casino and slot sites will process withdrawals at specific times. With most sites offering instant withdrawals these days, you won’t have to have wait long before you get your winnings. However:

• Some sites don’t process withdrawals at weekends meaning you need to wait till Monday
• Some only process withdrawals once or twice a day
• Some sites will charge a fee if you make multiple withdrawals per day

If you want to, rightfully, get your winnings back quickly, this may influence when the best time to play slots online is. You may need to wait until Monday if your chosen gambling site doesn’t process weekend withdrawals or until later on in the day if they process them in the mornings or late in the evening.

7. Know when new slot games are released

Whilst there may not be a ‘best time’ to play online slots, it’s important to note than most slot games are released on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Whilst this doesn’t apply to all releases, it might be worth playing when a new game drops as it might end up being your favourite slot. Want to play the latest releases?

8. Psychological timing: when you play best

Interestingly, the best time to play might not be about the slot game, but about you.

• Are you focused and relaxed?
• Playing with a budget?
• In the right mindset to enjoy the game rather than chase losses?

These factors hugely impact your decisions and overall experience. Playing when you’re sharp, alert, and emotionally neutral can protect your bankroll and boost enjoyment.

9. Slot timing myths busted

Let’s quickly clear up some common myths:

10. Strategic timing tips for real play

Want to make the most of your play? Here’s how timing can help in a practical way:

1. Track casino offers and reload times (some bonuses refresh at midnight)
2. Play during promo periods for leaderboards or prize drops
3. Avoid late-night sessions if tiredness affects your decision-making
4. Use early mornings for faster load times and quicker customer support
5. Keep a session log to see when you play best (focus, budget, outcome)

Final Thoughts: time doesn’t change RNG, but it can change everything else

While there’s no magic hour for spinning a jackpot, playing at smart times can influence your value, experience, and mental edge. Combine good timing with a solid budget, and you’ll get more from your session, win or lose.

There will be periods where you're on a losing streak as well as every spin is giving you a win. It's all down to luck. Playing when you are relaxed and in control will see you make the most of your slots play. For example, it will also minimise the risk of playing at bet levels you can't afford or chasing a promotion that is unobtainable.