Some people like to get behind the wheel and put in a few fast laps. Others would rather watch the chaos unfold, with a few surprises thrown in for good measure. And then there are the folks who like a bit of both. Racing games cover quite a lot of ground these days, from serious driving simulators to arcade racers and online slots packed with cars, speed and bonus rounds.
When the Racing Moves to the Reels
Of course, you don’t need a steering wheel or a gaming PC to get your racing fix. Racing-themed slots bring the same love of cars and speed to the casino screen, with bonus rounds and potential payouts replacing lap times and podium finishes.
Fast Lane from Rival keeps things old-school, with racing cars, expanding wilds and a bonus round that awards free spins. There’s also a separate feature involving racing flags, giving players another reason to keep an eye on the reels.
Dream Run from RTG takes things a step further with drag racing bonuses. This is an outstanding online slots game which has been a popular choice since its release. Pick a car, see how it performs in the race and the result determines how many free spins you get. A second race can award a multiplier, adding another twist to the action.
Fancy something inspired by a famous motoring event? Gumball 3000 from Play’n GO takes its name from the well-known road rally. Its bonus round sends players to an interactive map, where choosing a destination determines a potential cash prize.
Then there’s Monster Wheels from Microgaming, which lets you choose between different free-spin options, each with its own multiplier. And Drive: Multiplier Mayhem from NetEnt brings wild symbols with multipliers that can combine, along with a free-spins feature.
Real Racing, No Room for Mistakes
And off the reels, there’s plenty more action. Take Le Mans Ultimate, for example. This PC racing simulator puts you behind the wheel of official World Endurance Championship machinery, including those powerful hypercars. You’ll need to manage tyres, plan pit stops and deal with changing weather. It’s not just about flooring the accelerator and hoping for the best.
Then there’s Trackmania, which takes a rather different approach. Here, it’s all about beating the clock, shaving seconds off your best time and getting those awkward jumps just right. One little mistake can ruin a run, but the instant restarts make it tempting to have just one more go.
For serious online competition, iRacing is another big name. It’s built around organised races against real players, with a system that rewards clean driving as well as speed. It’s not the cheapest option, but if you enjoy proper wheel-to-wheel competition, there’s plenty to get your teeth into.
And if you’d rather have a few laughs along the way, Mario Kart World is a different beast altogether. With 24 drivers, power-ups and plenty of opportunities for a last-second upset, it’s racing without taking itself too seriously. Gran Turismo 7 sits somewhere else again, giving players a huge collection of cars to collect, tune and take out on the track.
