In terms of gaming entertainment, online slots are one of the world’s favourite games to play.
Recent studies have shown that over 1.6 million people enjoy these types of games daily. If that number is impressive, imagine that it is projected years’ time.
As more and more adults discover how easy it is to play, more are playing in their spare time.
While online slots such as monopoly may be new to some, in fact their origins go back a long way. In fact, it’s been well over a century since Charles Fey, a car mechanic invented the first mechanical slot machine.
The beginning of slot machines
In 1895, he created the Liberty Bell in his basement in San Francisco. This was prompted by the popularity of card machines, which were all over the city at the time.
The Liberty Bell was a three-reel machine with a staggered stop. If you landed three bells, you were a winner!
Fey knew he had created a fun game, but he didn’t know it would become the standard. Even now, online you can find games that are inspired by the Liberty Bell with symbols including:
- The bell
- Diamonds
- Hearts
- Spades
- Clubs
His machine spread across the US quickly, with some variations on the original theme. Some machines gave out flavoured gum as a prize, which is why fruit symbols became popular.
It’s also why the UK refers to slots as ‘fruit machines.
Moving from mechanical to electronic machines
In our fast-moving world, many are aware that if you don’t adapt, it’s easy to get left behind.
The way we socialise and play games has changed over the past 130 years. Game creators have always been ahead of the curve, so it’s no surprise that we have more options than ever.
In 1963, Bally brought out Money Honey, the first electronic slot machine.
Instead of the mechanical parts, it used electrical solenoids. This switch meant they could add sound and light effects and make the gameplay more advanced.
Two major changes were the addition of the features ‘hold’ and ‘nudge’. Giving players more control contributed to a more exciting experience.
Video slots arrive
In the 1970s, video technology became sophisticated enough to add to game machines. A video screen replaced the traditional reels, and it allowed game creators to add:
- Bonus rounds
- More creative themes
- Multiple paylines
This attracted more players who were interested in new technology. It became common to see groups gathered around the machines, revelling in the excitement.
The 1980s brought the magic of random number generators (RNGs), ensuring that gameplay stayed fair and unpredictable. This move solidified the reputation of video slots among both players and regulators alike.
Widespread internet brings new options for gaming
By the 1990s, home PCs became more widespread, and the world wide web changed everything. Advents in technology meant that game developers could experiment with new themes and especially bonuses, which players love.
After taking inspiration from Ancient Greece and Rome, slots also emerged based on:
- TV shows
- Bands
- Sci-fi themes
Going mobile
The explosion in popularity that online slots has experienced in the past decade is down to mobile phone play. Four out of five people worldwide own a mobile phone, and at least three fifths of these have internet access.
Most game developers now consider mobile phones as their primary market and develop games for this sector.
This allows adults to play an online slot games within seconds. They can also take part of tournaments and play for worldwide rankings.
Here are some ways that going mobile has improved the gaming experience for players:
- Storage: it’s possible to stream games so no waiting around or being unable to due to low memory
- Playing: no glitches as game software can run online
- Music – no longer tinny, it really rounds out the experience
- Graphics – state-of-the art themes and symbols
What’s next in the online slot’s evolution?
Game developers aren’t simply resting on their laurels – they have their eye on the future. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are already part of the gaming realm and will continue to grow.
These innovations will transport players to different worlds. From allowing them to feel like they are at a real casino to playing in a galaxy of stars.
The possibilities are simply endless.
AI (Artificial Intelligence) is also improving game play, as systems learn player preferences. This means the experience can be tailored to exactly what you like and when you like it.
The options are vast for players these days, but choosing a trusted platform such as Virgin Games is a priority. Knowing that your details are safe is key to relaxing and enjoying a few games.
Online slots are definitely here to stay, with numbers growing every day. The only question is, what’s next?
