The Best Online Slots to Play for Real Money & How To Win Them (August 2026)

The top draw of any good legal US online casino is their selection of online slots.

Quick gameplay, combined with the potential to win life-changing money, makes slot games the most popular casino option online.

When it comes to real money online slots, knowing what to look for makes finding top real money slots much easier, especially with a basic understanding of slot types, features, RTP, and what it all means. We’ll guide you through the most important factors to identify the best slots online that you should play for real money.

Where to Find the Best Online Slots

If you’re looking to play the best real money online slots at a legal US iGaming platform, you don’t have to look far.

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The Top 10 Most Popular Online Slots in August 2026

If you want to start playing some online slots for real money, these are the titles everyone’s looking for when they log-on to their app of choice.

From high-volatility thrill rides to steady spinners with solid bonus games, this list covers the biggest hits in US online casinos. We’re talking fan favorites, progressive jackpots, and features that actually keep you engaged — not just flashy animations. Whether you’re spinning for payouts or just chasing bonus rounds, here are the online slot games that are crushing it in 2026.

1. Huff N’ Even More Puff

A product of Light & Wonder, Huff N’ Even More Puff is arguably the most popular from the Huff N’ Puff slot series. Based on the children’s tale of Three Little Pigs, this slot game has produced the largest US online jackpot in history.
Bonuses/Jackpots: Free Spin Mode with five jackpot levels
Pros: Huge win potential, lot of action
Cons: Winning largely dependent on hitting bonus round

2. Cash Eruption

An IGT release with clean visuals, straightforward gameplay, and hold-and-respin jackpots. Great for players who want action without overcomplicated features. This original has spawned a series of Cash Eruption slots.
Bonuses/Jackpots: Four fixed jackpots, Cash Eruption bonus.
Pros: Balanced volatility, steady payouts.
Cons: Lacks big progressive appeal.

3. Divine Fortune Megaways

A reworked favorite with Megaways action. You still get mythical vibes and slick animations, plus more ways to win and a jackpot bonus game.
Bonuses/Jackpots: Free spins, bonus coin jackpot.
Pros: Big win ceiling, engaging bonus rounds.
Cons: Jackpots are fixed, not progressive.

4. Buffalo

A longtime land-based hit now thriving online. It’s simple, but the wild multipliers in the free spins round still slap.
Bonuses/Jackpots: Free spins with 2x–3x multipliers.
Pros: Nostalgic, straightforward play.
Cons: Doesn’t stack up feature-wise to newer games.

5. Dead or Alive 2

This Wild West classic from NetEnt is still a go-to for high-volatility fans. It features sticky wilds, intense free spin rounds, and the potential to hit up to 100,000x your stake.
Bonuses/Jackpots: Three free spin modes, multiplier wilds.
Pros: Huge win potential, cinematic feel.
Cons: Brutal variance. Not for casual play.

6. 88 Fortunes

A fan-favorite with a familiar Fu Bat bonus and four jackpots. 88 Fortunes is light on flash, heavy on feel-good spins.
Bonuses/Jackpots: Red envelope jackpot picks, free spins.
Pros: Consistent gameplay, good for beginners.
Cons: Limited variety over time.

7. Starburst

Simple, clean, and always in the top charts. It’s all about expanding wilds and re-spins — perfect for low-stakes players.
Bonuses/Jackpots: Wild re-spins, no traditional free spins.
Pros: Smooth and easy to play.
Cons: Max win is pretty low.

8. Blood Suckers

The original of the Blood Suckers slot series, this is one of the highest RTP slots you can find online and provides plenty of bonus hits. A vampire-themed game with simple graphics and mechanics.
Bonuses/Jackpots: Pick and choose, multiplier builder
Pros: Very high RTP with consistent wins
Cons: Wins aren’t as large as other top slots

9. Gates of Olympus

Zeus brings the thunder in this fast-paced slot where scatter multipliers drop out of nowhere.
Bonuses/Jackpots: Free spins with multipliers up to 500x.
Pros: Huge upside potential.
Cons: Can be a bankroll killer if cold.

10. Bonanza

Big Time Gaming made one of the most popular Megaways slots available in online gaming. This game has over 117,000 ways to win with cascading reels that provides multiple wins in a single spin.
Bonuses/Jackpots: Free spins with increasing multipliers
Pros: High-energy, fun format.
Cons: Bonus rounds are hard to come by

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Winning on the Top US Online Slots: What You Need to Know

If you’re playing online slots hoping to hit it big, it helps to understand how these games actually work. There’s no cheat code or guaranteed strategy, but there are a few things that can make your sessions more enjoyable.

RNG: The Brains Behind the Game

Every online slot runs on something called a Random Number Generator, or RNG. It constantly spits out random results, even when you’re not spinning. That RNG decides the outcome of each spin the moment you hit play.

Due to regulations of each legal online casino state, there’s no real predictability to an online slot. Regulators of each state ensure that every online slot is fair for every customer. That means:

• Each spin is totally random
• There’s no such thing as hot or cold streaks
• Your last spin has zero impact on the next one

And yes, technically, that’s all true. But I’ll be real with you… I’ve played enough online casino slots to believe streaks exist, no matter what the math says. I’ve seen long stretches where I couldn’t hit a thing, followed by a few spins where everything just lit up. So yeah, spins are “random” on paper, but anyone who plays regularly knows it doesn’t always feel that way. Eventually the odds need to sway in your favor.

RTP: The Higher, the Better

One of the key characteristics of a slot is its RTP, or Return to Player Percentage.

This number indicates the expected payback of an online slot game to its customers over its lifetime, or millions of spins.

The average RTP of an online slot is 96.0%. That means that particular game would be expected to payback 96% of the wagers it received over its lifetime.

Obviously, a higher RTP slot means it pays back more than a lower RTP slot. Any slot with RTP above 96.0% is considered high, and an appealing choice when searching for an option to play.

It should be noted that RTP is not an assurance of winning. Because a slot has a 97.0% RTP, that doesn’t mean you’re only going to lose 3% of your wagers each session. Again, the RTP is factored over millions of spins. Each win and loss ultimately balances that out.

Still, playing high RTP slots isn’t a bad strategy if looking for consistent success at online slots.

Volatility: Know What Payouts to Expect

Not all slots play the same. Some give out frequent small wins. Others make you wait but can drop a monster payout when they do. That’s what we call volatility. There’s three forms of volatility.

• Low volatility: These slots are great if you want steady action without burning through your bankroll. These feature more frequent payouts of a lesser variety.
• High volatility: These slots are more of a rollercoaster… long dry spells, but big hits when things go your way.
• Medium volatility: These slots land between low and high. Wins are bigger typically than low volatility slots, but not as frequent. They are typically more frequent than high volatility slots, but not for as much money.

Some online slots will qualify into a low-medium or medium-high volatility as well to better indicate their payout pattern. Pick based on your style and what kind of session you’re looking for. I personally enjoy the thrill of a high volatility slot, but to each is own.

Take Advantage of Bonus Spins, Bonus Credits

Online casinos throw out bonuses like match offers or free spins all the time, especially welcome offers. Use them.

If you have a series of bonus spins or bonus credits to use on online slots, take advantage of them. Though the spins will likely be for the lowest wager amount, it can still lead to a big win without costing you anything.

If you’re using bonus credits, slots are a great way to help clear any online casino wagering requirements. Just make sure to read the terms before you start. Playthrough requirements and other fine print can sneak up on you.

Bankroll Tips That Actually Matter

You can’t control the results, but you can control how you manage your money. Gamble responsibly when playing online slots.

• Set a budget before you play.
• Stick to bet sizes that give you plenty of spins.
• And don’t chase losses. That’s where most people go wrong.

If you’re down, take a break. There’s always another session.

Keep It Fun

At the end of the day, slots are a game of chance. The outcomes are random, and no system or secret strategy will change that. Play smart, enjoy the ride, and if a big win comes your way, even better.

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Online Slots With The Highest RTP in 2026

As we mentioned, high RTP slots are ones that have an expected lifetime payback of over 96.0%.

Many of these high RTP slots are among the most popular for online casino players.

New slots are released every week, all with a variety of RTP. You can find a game’s RTP in its information section, as each game operator is required to provide that information for players in each legal US online casino state.

Top Online Slots with the Highest RTP in 2026

Here are some of the highest RTP slots you’ll find in real money online casinos right now:

How to Use RTP When Choosing Slots

• Look for slots with RTP above 96% if you want the best chances long term.
• Consider volatility: high RTP combined with low to medium volatility means more steady wins.
• Remember RTP is a theoretical average… short-term results can vary wildly.

Why RTP Alone Isn’t Everything

Don’t just chase the highest RTP slots blindly. Sometimes the most fun, engaging slots have slightly lower RTP but more exciting bonus rounds and jackpots. The key is balancing good RTP with gameplay you enjoy. That way, you stay entertained and give yourself the best shot at wins over time.

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Online Slots With The Best Bonus Rounds in 2026

Let’s be real — it’s the bonus rounds that keep us spinning. Sure, base game wins are fine, but when a slot throws you into free spins, respins, or a shot at a jackpot wheel? That’s when things get real. These are five of the best bonus rounds you’ll find in real money slots right now.

Rising Rewards – One of 2025’s standout releases, Rising Rewards delivers big with its two-tier bonus setup. The jackpot wheel offers payouts up to 1,000x, and the free spins mode guarantees wilds on every spin. It’s clean, fast, and all upside if you catch the right run. You’ll find top-tier slots like this at many of the platforms listed on our online casino real money page.

Huff N’ Puff Slots –No matter which version of the Huff N’ Puff series you choose, the bonus round centers on collecting Hard Hat icons in the grid. Each Hard Hat that lands builds a frame around the space. It starts with straw, then builds up to sticks if another Hard Hat lands in the same spot. Should that happen again, the frame becomes brick or gold, depending on the game. You start with six free spins when the bonus round triggers and any free spin that lands three or more Hard Hats adds another spin. When the spins end, the Big Bad Wolf comes and blows the houses down that were built. The sturdier the build, the bigger the multiplier that appears.

Triple Cash Eruption – Another fun bonus round comes off the Cash Eruption series of games. With Triple Cash Eruption, players collect green, red, and blue orbs that feed into their respective volcano. Each orb increases the chances to land the bonus round. Eventually, one, two, or all three volcanos can erupt in a given spin to take you to the bonus round. The bonus round features a grid where you get three free spins, but every time a prize value lands on the grid, the free spins reset to three. This continues until you go three spins without adding an additional prize. In Triple Cash Eruption, the volcanos can add multiplier bonuses, collect’ em bonuses, or double the size of the grid depending on which volcano explodes. It’s possible all three perks can be added in the bonus round.

Mega Fortune – Still a legend. This classic from the old guard is famous for its progressive jackpots, but its multi-level bonus wheel is the real MVP. Hit three bonus symbols and you’re spinning toward serious money. Even if you don’t hit the mega, there’s plenty to grab. Want to try your luck without spending a cent? Sweepstakes casinos sometimes carry versions of it.

88 Fortunes – A crowd favorite that hasn’t lost a step. The Fu Bat bonus is a simple pick-and-win format where matching three coins triggers one of four fixed jackpots. Pair that with retriggerable free spins and golden symbols that up the win potential, and it’s no surprise this one still pops up at the top.

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Online Slots With the Best Bonus Buys in 2026

Bonus buys have changed the game — instead of waiting around for free spins or bonus rounds to trigger naturally, you can pay a little extra to jump straight into the action. Not every slot nails this feature, but a handful in 2026 are offering some seriously good value when you want to skip the grind and chase big wins fast.

Here are a few online slots where the bonus buy option actually delivers:

1. Sweet Bonanza
A fan favorite with a colorful candy theme, Sweet Bonanza lets you buy into its free spins round for up to 100x your stake. It’s volatile, but the multipliers during the bonus spins can skyrocket your returns. Easy to understand, and it pays off big when it hits.

2. Dead or Alive 2
This classic online slot lets you buy one of three bonus rounds — from sticky wild free spins to high-volatility shootout modes. Bonus buys here start around 100x your bet but can pay off handsomely if luck’s on your side.

3. White Rabbit Megaways
Known for its expanding reels and wild bonus potential, White Rabbit Megaways offers a bonus buy that launches you directly into free spins with growing reels — a serious win booster for patient players.

4. Triple Cash Eruption
Not available on all Cash Eruption games, Triple Cash Eruption features two bonus buy features. You can buy the bonus for 50x your wager and get either one, two, or all three added features. The other option is to do the Super Bonus Buy that assures all three features are included in the bonus round, but it costs 130x your wager.

5. Money Train 3
This one’s a high-octane slot with a popular bonus buy feature that throws you into a thrilling respin bonus full of multipliers and potential mega wins. It’s pricier but the payout potential is massive.

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Highest Paying Online Slots

While each slot can be capable of paying out various amounts of cash, there are select online slots that have paid out more than any others in US history.

Here’s a look at the 10 biggest jackpots in US online slot history.

As you can see, no one slot has led to multiple top-10 payouts, but some of the classic titles are featured. DraftKings Casino has been able to establish itself as the best payout online casino due to having seven of the 10 biggest payouts ever.

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Free Online Slots in 2026: Try Before You Bet

Are there such things as free online slots. Actually, yes. In 2026, most online casinos let you try their top slots for free… no account, no deposit, just straight-up demo play. And if you want free online slots and still to play for real money, plenty of casinos offer welcome bonuses with free spins included, so you can still get in on the action without putting much (or anything) on the line.

Why Play Free Slots?

Free slots are exactly what they sound like… no deposit, no real money, no risk. Here’s why they’re worth checking out:

• Learn how the game works before betting real money
• Try out different themes and bonus features without commitment
• See how a game “feels” in terms of volatility and pacing
• Test bonus rounds and mechanics like multipliers, expanding wilds, and free spins

It’s the best way to get comfortable with a slot’s rhythm, especially with so many new games dropping every month.

Free Spins Through Casino Bonuses

Here’s something a lot of people miss: you can also get free spins on real-money slots just by signing up for a new online casino.

Most top casino apps offer welcome bonuses that include:

• A deposit match (like a 100% match up to $1,000)
• Or a free spins offer on specific games — often on popular slots like 88 Fortunes or Starburst

That means even if you’re technically playing for real money, you’re using house credits or free spins to do it. It’s not quite the same as demo mode, but it’s a great way to get started without putting much of your own money on the line.

Some casinos even throw in a handful of free spins just for signing up, with no deposit required — though those offers usually come with wagering requirements, so always check the fine print.

Where to Find Free Slots

Most licensed online casinos in legal states offer a “demo” or “practice” mode right inside the app or site. You can search by game title or browse by category. Sometimes when loading the game, there will be a “Demo” icon you can flip to. In other cases, the online casino will offer a “Demo” button to choose while selecting the slot in stead of playing for real money. Almost every major slot is available to play for free, including:

• 88 Fortunes
• Cleopatra
• Divine Fortune Megaways
• Buffalo Blitz
• Wheel of Fortune Triple Extreme Spin

If you’re outside of a legal online casino state, you can still find free versions on the game developers’ websites or through regulated sweepstakes-style platforms, though those don’t pay out real money either.

Same Slot Game, Just No Payout

Free slots use the same mechanics and RNG as the real-money version. The only difference? You’re playing with fake credits instead of cash. So while you won’t walk away with a jackpot, you’ll get the full experience without putting anything on the line.

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Types of Online Slot Games

There are several thousand real-money online slot games available at legal online casino apps. So many that it can actually be a bit overwhelming.

Do you want jackpots? Three-reel slots? Five reels? Video slots? Megaways slots? Whacky-themed slots? We could keep going, but the reality is there are almost too many to choose from.

Fortunately for you, casinos do a good job of separating them into categories to help you find what you need. Here’s a breakdown of some of the bigger categories.

Classic Stepper Slots

Casino slot machines have come a long way from the early Vegas days of cherries and 7s spinning on a three-reel machine in a back room. But if you prefer that, online slots have you covered.

Often filed under “stepper slots” on casino apps, these three-reel classics can provide a bit of nostalgia while still paying you real money on your iPhone. Some examples include:

• Triple Treasure
• Triple Diamond
• Wild Wild 7s
• Blazin’ Gems
• Cash Machine

Video Slots

Video slots were the next step in the growth of slot machines, as they were able to go from the three-reel mechanism to more reels and moving images on a screen. This started in retail casinos, and easily made its way to online platforms.

Technically, all online slots are video slots in a way, as they are all animated and running on random number generators. But if you’re looking for flashy animations and icons, a video slot is what you want. This grouping is also where you’ll find many of your themed slots.

Video slots also allowed slot games to create more bonus features and bonus rounds that could entice customers with the chance at bigger payouts.

Here are some examples of video slots:

• Jimi Hendrix
• Mega Jokers
• Blood Suckers
• Cleopatra
• Wheel of Fortune

Multi-Payline Slots

With the advent of video slots came the ability to offer multiple paylines beyond straight across or diagonal.

Multi-payline slots offer you the chance to win with icons in several different lines and combinations. The incredibly popular megaways slots fall under this category, among others.

They often feature reels that change sizes to allow for more connections. Fair warning, for a beginner slot player, these games can be a bit confusing to follow. To help understand, view the information section of the game and check the paytable to see which paylines can earn you money.

Here are some examples of multi-payline games:

• Divine Drop
• Big Catch Bass Fishing
• Divine Fortune
• Buffalo
• Cash Eruption

Progressive Jackpot Slots

Progressive jackpot slots aren’t necessarily their own category, in that all of the above are included in some way. But online casinos will separate them to make it easier for you to find.

Whether you’re playing a megaways slot or a three-reel slot, part of your wager will go toward a progressive jackpot which builds up until it’s won. These are the big wins you see casinos advertise to help bring people in.

Progressive jackpots also vary by online casino. There are three key progressive jackpot systems.

• Standalone Progressive Jackpots: This is a progressive jackpot that builds within a single slot game.
• Wide-Area Network Progressive Jackpots: These are jackpots that build over multiple online casinos. Usually, a game provider has built the system to work over more than one platform.
• Local Progressive Jackpots: These are a collection of games on a given online casino that all share in the building of the jackpot. These are popular formats within DraftKings Casino, Golden Nugget Casino, Hard Rock Bet Casino, FanDuel Casino and more.

It can be fun to watch the jackpot build up as you play. Plus, many of these progressive systems can trigger on any spin at any wager. You don’t have to be a high-roller to be in the mix to win life-changing money.

Live Dealer Online Slots

It seems almost like an oxymoron, but live dealer online slots are actually a popular thing in 2026.

These are online slots that are simulcast from a live studio in the given state, and feature a “dealer” providing commentary on the game.

In some instances, the slot game is played until a bonus feature is hit. That bonus feature will then be a game show style event that is played out in the studio, thus combining the live dealer game show feature with an online slot. I personally enjoy the added touch of the live dealer, as it makes the bonus round feel even bigger. Plus, you can also enjoy a live chat with other players that are participating to keep the vibe social and fun.

These types of games are quite popular amongst the Alberta online casino and Ontario online casino market. Some of the live dealer slot games available are:

• Big Bad Wolf Crash & Crumble
• Buffalo Blitz Live
• Crazy Coin Flip
• Gates of Olympus Roulette
• Wolf It Up!

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Quick Hit Casino Online Slots: Classic Vegas Vibes with Real Payouts

If you’re into the classic Vegas-style slot machines, Quick Hit slots are probably already on your radar — and if not, you’re missing out. These games have been fan favorites in land-based casinos for years, and now they’ve made a smooth transition to the online world, letting you chase those Quick Hit bonuses right from your phone or laptop.

What Are Quick Hit Slots?

Quick Hit casino online slots are a series of games developed by Bally (now part of Light & Wonder). They’re known for their fast-paced action, classic slot visuals (think cherries, 7s, and bars), and of course — the Quick Hit scatter symbols that trigger instant bonus payouts.

These games are built for real money play, and you’ll find them at many top-tier U.S. online casinos. Whether you’re in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or another legal state, there’s a good chance your local casino app has at least one version of Quick Hit ready to go.

Most Popular Quick Hit Online Slots

Here are a few titles you’ll commonly see:

• Quick Hit Platinum
  One of the most iconic versions, this game offers 30 paylines, free games, and multiple jackpot tiers.
• Quick Hit Super Wheel Wild Red
  Adds a fun bonus wheel to the mix — spin the wheel for cash prizes, multipliers, and more.
• Quick Hit Ultra Pays Sun Dragon
  A newer version that cranks up the volatility and adds even more ways to win.

These games stick to what works — clean layouts, simple mechanics, and lots of ways to hit a bonus.

Why Players Love Quick Hit Online Slots

• Frequent bonuses: The Quick Hit symbols can pay out anywhere, and often.
• Low to medium volatility: Great for casual players who want steady action without huge swings.
• Nostalgic design: Feels just like being on a casino floor, minus the smoke and noise.
• Available on mobile: These games run smoothly on casino apps, making them perfect for playing on the go.

Real Money, Real Rewards

If you’re playing real money slots online, Quick Hit is a no-brainer to check out. These games are straightforward, rewarding, and ideal for players who enjoy classic slots with modern twist. And with the right casino promo, you might even be able to use free spins or bonus cash to try them out risk-free.

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Online Slots Real Money: How to Play and What to Look For

Let’s be real — if you’re here, you’re not just looking to spin for fun. You want to play online slots real money, and you want to know where to find the best shot at cashing in. Whether you’re a casual player or chasing a big win, today’s real money slots come with features, themes, and payouts that rival anything in a Vegas casino.

So, what exactly should you look for when you’re diving into the world of casino slots online real money? First, it’s all about trust. Stick with licensed casinos that offer games from legit developers. This isn’t just about flashy graphics — you want fairness, fast payouts, and slot games that pay real money, not just empty promises.

What Makes the Best Real Money Slots Worth Playing?

Here’s what separates the winners from the duds when it comes to real money slots online:

• High RTP (Return to Player) — You’ll want games that give you a fair shot at returns. Anything above 96% is solid.
• Bonus Features — Free spins, wilds, multipliers, and bonus rounds keep things exciting and boost your chances to win.
• Jackpots — If you’re swinging for the fences, progressive and megaways slots can pay out life-changing amounts.
• Game Variety — The best online casinos have everything from simple online slot machines to complex, multi-reel adventures.

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Advantages to Playing Online Slots

The No. 1 advantage to playing online slots is convenience. The fact that you don’t lose much—if anything at all—in regard to the overall social experience of playing a slot machine at a retail casino is just a bonus.

Online slot machines work much like in-person casino slots, but you don’t need to drive to the casino to play and win big. Simply pull out your Apple or Android device, open the online casino app of your choice, and start playing.

Your bankroll is automatically connected to the game, and your winnings will automatically be added to it as you go. There’s no need to cash out when you’re ready to leave or print out a ticket before moving onto the next slot game of your choice. Just exit that game and pick the next one.

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Best Online Slot FAQs (August 2026)

What is the best winning online slot game?

There is no concrete answer to this question, but the game with the highest RTP is Mega Joker, but it is not available at many online casinos. The highest payout slots will be any progressive jackpot game.

Where can I play real money slots?

Real money slot games are available at all of the online casino sites mentioned on this page.

What free slots are available?

There are different versions of free slots. Some online casinos allow you to play demo versions, but you cannot win real money. Free slot sites that pay out real money are not typically regulated, however, and not available at legal online casinos.

Can I use deposit bonuses for online slots?

Yes, in most cases any bonus offers received through a promo or bonus code, whether its free play, a first-deposit bonus, or free spins, can be used to play online slots.

Can money won from online slots be used on other online casino games?

Yes. Money won through online slots will go directly into your bankroll, which can then be used on other online casino games, or even in that casino’s connected online sportsbook, as most share a wallet.

Are there wagering requirements for online slots?

Each slot game will feature a minimum wager and a maximum wager. You can see those requirements by checking the information section while in the game.