Slots have captivated the world ever since they were created several decades ago. In fact, the slots you play today differ completely from the very first slots as they are now more accessible, convenient, and diverse. As slot games are being played by more people all over the world, let’s delve deeper into the evolution of slots.
Slots Though Time
Slot machines are also known as fruit machines or poker machines and are gambling devices that require players to spin the reels and hope for a prize. Back in the day, people flocked to traditional brick-and-mortar casinos to play the physical machine. The term “slot machine” originates from the slots where coins were put in and where people would collect rewards. In the 19th century, the ‘One-Armed Bandit’ emerged onto the scene, which featured three spinning reels with different fruit symbols. This became known as the ‘fruit machine.’
Its popularity carried on throughout the 20th century, but it was soon overshadowed by video slots that popped up in the 1970s. This introduced microchips and personal computers. The presence of screens added a layer of enjoyment and excitement to the experience of playing slots, but it was also more technical and fairer, as the Random Number Generator guaranteed fairness and randomness. Slots would soon be transformed by modern technology in the mid-1990s when it became possible to play online slots.
Impact of Online Slots
Online slot games have been revolutionary for the casino gaming industry as they have brought a whole new meaning to playing slot games through themes and bonus rounds. When the first slot machines were invented, the themes were limited as it was thought there may be some level of confusion around how to play them.
In fact, it was common to only see slot machines with fruit symbols as early online slots were basic compared to today’s sophisticated versions, featuring simple graphics and limited gameplay options. However, nowadays, there is a huge catalog of slot games, such as bally slots, with different themes to choose from. For example, there are slot games based on Egyptian themes as well as those based on movies, TV shows, and even popular music bands.
This doesn’t mean that the original slot games are not able to be played, as it is still common to see variations of the traditional games in physical casinos and virtual casino platforms.
Of course, those early physical slot machines were not able to offer players a high range of bonuses and rewards because they were restricted in what they could provide. Bonus and rewards, such as wild symbols, scatters, free spins, and interactive mini-games, are now standard in online slots. Progressive jackpots are also the norm, making slots even more popular among new players and those who have been playing slots for a long time. Slots have grown even more because of multiple payment options available to players, such as credit/debit cards, E-wallets, and cryptocurrency.
Impact of Mobile Gaming
Mobile gaming has also completely transformed how people play slot games as they can play on the go or from the comfort of their own homes instead of having to travel to a land-based casino to play a physical slot machine. These smartphones were more akin to small home computers, on which you could download simple programs called apps. This has given slots fans an easy way to access the game, with some even being able to be played offline, which is perfect for those who regularly travel on planes.
It is also worth noting that slot games are being played by more people because casino fans are becoming more trusting of online casino platforms. When online casinos first cropped up on the scene, they were viewed with skepticism and suspicion because of the prevalence of cyber criminals.
Although fraudsters still exist in various shapes and forms, game developers and casino operators have wielded technology to ensure that people are protected while they play slot games. For example, encryption and two-factor authentication have been implemented to safeguard the details of players. If you are playing online slots, it is best to make sure that the casino you are playing with is properly regulated and licensed to ensure that your details are looked after while you enjoy yourself.
Overall, the evolution from manual slot games to online slot games is impressive as it has attracted even more slot fans than ever before. Slot games have come a long way from their humble beginnings as they can now be played on the go, straight from your mobile device. It is anticipated that slot games will become even more popular with the public thanks to modern technology and the availability of modern payment methods, which will make the process of accessing and playing slot games even easier.