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Brief History of Online Slots
Staff Writer 01/28/2021 Blog No Comments 25

When you hear the word “casino”, probably the first thing that will come to mind is an image of slot machines. This could easily change soon, as online slots are slowly but surely taking over the gambling world from their land-based counterparts.

Brits call them fruit machines, while in Australia they’re known as pokies or poker machines. The rest of the world simply calls them slot machines.

Slots have come a long way since the traditional machines ruled Las Vegas. And although classic slot machines have a certain charm, which cannot be found online, modern slots have so much to offer. No wonder they are one of the most popular casino games in the world.

Early Days of Slots

Slot machines were invented in California, in the late nineteenth century, by a man named Charles Fey. The first slot game was Liberty Bell. It was a very simple slot, and it came with three reels and only a handful of symbols. One of them, the Liberty Bell, has stayed a classic icon and is found in many modern games today.

At about the same time, Sittman and Pitt developed their own slot machine. It offered five reels, although it wasn’t as popular as Fey’s variant. The simplicity of the three-reel game and easier maintenance were the main factors behind its popularity.

In terms of design, the early slot machines offered three reels and a line that determined players’ winnings based on the combination of symbols, called a payline.

Slots quickly became very popular in pubs and bars. They didn’t award huge prizes, a couple of cents or a chewing gum at most. But, it was from the early slot machines that fruit symbols gained a status they have today.

More Features Means More Fun

One of the most significant advancements in the world of slots was made in the early 1960s, when Bally Manufacturing developer Money Honey, the first electromechanical slot machine.

A decade later, in the late 1970s, nearly a century after the original slot machine was invented, Fortune Coin Company launched the first video slot. The company’s product was the first one to use a graphical interface to display symbols on the reels.

The use of the graphical interface enabled casino operators to add more symbols and paylines to the reels. At the same time, it allowed them to gain more control over the game odds. Thanks to this, slots today have more than one paylines. Some of them even feature a hundred of them and more, with various shapes. In games with adjustable paylines, punters are free to choose the number of active lines and adjust the bet.

In addition to this, video slots could offer features like Free Spins, bonus rounds, and other gamble options unavailable on mechanical slots. Even though slots were all about simplicity, new features added to the excitement and provided a unique playing experience.

Online Casinos

Casinos made their internet debut in the 1990s. The progress in this segment was led by Microgaming, the company behind the first online video slot.

The launch of online casinos made video slots accessible to a broader audience of players, while games themselves were more convenient to play.

Today, gamers can log in to their account and enjoy their games from the comfort of their home, without having to visit a brick-and-mortar casino. Most online casinos now offer mobile versions of their sites, allowing punters to play on the go using their mobile devices. That way, players can play slots whenever and wherever they want.

In addition to accessibility, online slots came with more advanced features, boasting stunning visual and sound effects. Since there’s no constraint of physical space, online casinos can offer their customers a wide variety of slots, from classic three-reel games to more advanced ones with exciting themes, features and bonus rounds.

Advantages of Online Slots

Many players prefer online slots, and there are lots of reasons for it. In addition to being more convenient than the traditional ones, they also offer higher payout percentages.

With more paylines and reels, slots gained complex winning combinations, leading to bigger payouts and progressive jackpot prizes. Online slots are also the first choice of those players who enjoy additional features in a game. Classic slot machines can’t offer that.

Playing slots online allows punters to make the most out of the bonus and promotional offers, and even participate at online slot tournaments. Once you open an account at an online casino, there are loyalty points and cashbacks to benefit from. All these perks are not usually available at land-based gambling venues.

Not to mention you can play for free, without wagering any money.

The Future of Online Slots

The rise of online slots and the online gambling industry hasn’t made brick and mortar casinos obsolete. Players continue to visit casino resorts around the world. However, gambling has become much easier and more convenient.

Online slots are continually evolving, and virtual reality slots perfectly illustrate that statement. Technology is sure to provide more excitement in the coming years, while slot lovers around the world are sure to benefit from progress. Online slots have come a long way, but the future appears to be exciting. There’s just so much to look forward to.

It doesn’t matter whether you prefer classic slots or you enjoy modern feature-rich games. Online casinos have such a versatile offering. It’s this versatility that helps online casinos stay so popular. And that popularity is only going to increase.

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