Slot machines have always been one of the most popular casino game, ever since the first one was invented in 1891. They quickly found their way into bars and casinos all over America, and then all over the world. First, they couldn’t pay out money, and prizes had to be collected manually, often in the form of cigarettes or goods. But it wasn’t long before the automatic payout function was added and their popularity soared.
As technology advanced, so did the machines, and it was in 1976 that slot machines became digitised. The introduction of the video slot was a revelation that led the way for more games to appear in a video version, including poker and roulette. Players were enthralled by the displays, with their flashy colours, catchy soundtracks, and animated movements. Of course, compared with today’s offerings, they look dated and clunky, but at the time these were some of the first commercially available video games.
When the first online slot appeared in 1996 the games were able to reach a completely new audience. Online gaming has since grown to eclipse land-based casino gaming in terms of revenue and number of players, while providers like Megaways often find online slots remain the most popular game. Here are some of the main reasons why.
Great for Beginners
Slots have always been simple to play, meaning they are not only great for beginners but also for anyone who plays to relax. With no complicated strategies to plan, no opponents to second-guess, and only a handful of rules to learn, getting started with online slots is quick and easy. Simply choose the amount you want to bet and press the button to start the reels spinning. You don’t have to look for winning patterns, the game will identify them for you, so all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the top-quality graphics and music that will accompany your spin.
Wide Variety
Although the basic idea of slots remains unchanged – spin the reels and match symbols to win – the gameplay can be dressed up in a number of different ways. Themed slots have moved away from the traditional fruit symbols, and you can now find slot machines in almost any style. Ancient Egyptian, animals, and treasure themes are some of the most popular.
Different slot themes are designed to appeal to different people. Some are even designed with imagery from popular films like Psycho and A Nightmare on Elm Street. Others contain music and images from famous musicians like Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, and Kiss, appealing to music lovers who feel that their favourite band might bring them luck.
Low Cost, High Prizes
Most online slot machines let you choose the number of coins you bet on each spin, usually between 1 and 100, with the players having full control over how much they spend. Prizes are calculated with a multiplier, so the more you wager, the higher your potential winnings will be, but if you’re happy to play with pennies then you can do. Some machines also have a set jackpot, giving players the potential to win a lifechanging amount of money – although the odds of hitting it are very low, it can be an exciting addition to the game.
Online slots are transparent about how they are programmed so players can find one that is right for their playing style. Some pay out frequent, low amounts, which is great for those players that enjoy the feel of the win. Others pay out infrequently, but the eventual rewards are larger, which appeals more to those get the thrill from the anticipation of a big win. You can also see each online slot’s RTP (return to player) percentage which will help you figure out which are the best value to play.
Casino Incentives
Most online casinos offer incentives to new players to encourage people to sign up with them. One bonus offer is to reward customers with free spins on one of their most popular online slots. Not only does this encourage new players to try different games, but it is also the perfect way to introduce online slots and showcase how much fun the games actually are.
Live Slots
Live casino games are the newest technological advancement which has been catching fire at online casinos. Faster broadband connections and better graphics processing have made it possible for live streamed games to be followed at home in real time. Live games also add back in the missing social aspect of being able to talk to the dealer and get a real time response. They started with card games but now live slots have been added into the mix. Play along with thousands of others as the dealer spins the reels for you and get into the community spirit of winning as a group.
Summary
Online slots have always been the most popular item at an online casino and this demand from players has led to developers putting out some excellent output in order to please them. Top quality slots with HD graphics and multiple ways to win give players an exciting time and will see them coming back again and again.
