Slots have earned the title of the most popular casino game ever, which can easily be explained by their high entertainment value and profitability. They are available in almost every casino, whether land-based or online. In fact, slots are so popular that they can be found in venues other than gambling establishments, including hotels and even pubs. This popularity stems from the fact that practically anyone can play slots, even if they have no previous experience whatsoever.
Players are drawn by the possibility of winning a huge prize with relatively small stakes, so it is hardly surprising that these games are in such great demand. This also explains why, in the majority of cases, nearly half of online casino portfolios consist of slots of every imaginable theme.
Many advanced video slots boast special features such as multipliers, wild symbols and bonus spins, all intended to make players’ gaming experience even more rewarding. Others feature progressive jackpots that keep growing with every single spin of the reels.
When it comes to slots, there is something to suit every player’s individual preferences. However, newcomers to the game are advised to play cautiously. Although stakes on slots can sometimes be quite small, these games are played at an exceptionally rapid pace and losses can mount quickly, especially when one engages in advanced, multi-line slots. As with other luck-based casino games, slots require a good amount of self-control on the part of players.
How the Very First Slots Appeared
If you are new to the game, you might be surprised to learn that its history dates back to 1895. It was Charles Fey, a young mechanic from San Francisco, who invented the first-ever slot machine and called it the Liberty Bell. It is worth noting that other coin-operated gaming devices had existed long before Fey’s creation saw the light of day. Yet it was precisely his Liberty Bell that paved the way for the present-day slot machines.
Fey’s slot machine featured a slot into which players inserted their coins and a handle used to set the reels in motion. Speaking of reels, there were a total of three, and there were five possible symbols. Instead of the now-emblematic fruit symbols, the mechanic chose to use card symbols on his machine, such as spades, hearts and diamonds. Naturally, the Liberty Bell character after which the machine was named was also among the available symbols.
A distinctive feature of Fey’s slot machine was that it had just one payline running through the middle of the display, and players received a payout whenever three Liberty Bell symbols appeared on it simultaneously. This combination awarded the top prize of 10 nickels.
It is fair to say that Fey’s creation attracted considerable attention, but a similar coin-operated machine had been designed by Sittman and Pitt of Brooklyn back in 1891. This device was poker-based and featured ten card faces distributed across five reels. When a new round commenced, players were presented with a five-card poker hand.
It also appears that colour wheel games enjoyed some popularity in those days, but they quickly faded into the background.
Herbert Mills’ Take on Slot Machines
As Fey’s slot machine met with instant success, other inventors soon followed in his footsteps. His invention was refined by arcade-game manufacturer Herbert Mills. Back then, slot machines contained only three reels with ten symbols each. Today, the number of symbols per reel has increased significantly, and the majority of land-based slot machines contain up to twenty symbols per reel.
In essence, Herbert Mills introduced his slot machine in 1907 and named it the Operator Bell. Mills’ contribution to modern slots is significant, as he was the first to incorporate fruit symbols into the gameplay. The popularity of these icons became so immense that in some countries, including the United Kingdom, slots are still colloquially referred to as “fruit machines”.
It is interesting to note that when slots first appeared, they were intended purely for entertainment, primarily to occupy the wives of gamblers who took wagering more seriously. For that reason, the stakes these machines accepted were kept at the lower end of the spectrum, while the prizes on offer were relatively modest.
Bally Technologies Hits the Scene
Another turning point in the development of slots was the establishment of the Chicago-based company Bally Technology, initially known as Lion Manufacturing, which was determined to relegate Mills’ machine to the background.
There is no denying that the company made a valuable contribution to the evolution of the game, as it created the Bally Bell, which was, in practice, the earliest slot machine to accept multiple coin denominations.
Still, it was the release of Hi-Boy that helped Bally establish itself as one of the major players among slot developers. The innovations introduced by the company revolutionised slot design by adding electronic components and the coin hopper.
International Game Technology has also played a major role in refining slots; its improvements include the introduction of random number generators. Most importantly, the company pioneered computerised slots with virtual reels and wide-area progressive games.
Gradually, the popularity of slots spread like wildfire, and they became one of the most beloved casino games among both novices and seasoned players, whether they prefer betting online or in brick-and-mortar casinos.
As you might expect, slot machines have gone through various phases, and players today face multi-line, multi-reel, computer-controlled games that are often overflowing with special features and bonuses.
Development in Slot Technologies
It is fair to say that slots have come a long way since the first machine was introduced; they have been greatly modernised and no longer rely on mechanical, clockwork mechanisms. Technological developments have turned slots into fully computerised units that captivate with their aesthetics and immersive sounds.
To gain a proper understanding of present-day slots, it helps to look back at the game’s early days. As mentioned already, one of the very first improvements introduced to slots was the implementation of the virtual reels. This was a turning point, as previously the odds of each game were limited by the number of symbols that could appear on each reel, which resulted in smaller payouts.
The implementation of virtual reels can rightly be described as a game-changer because it allowed more symbol combinations and, consequently, more substantial jackpots. It also enabled software providers to produce slots covering virtually every imaginable theme.
Another major advance in slot-machine technology was the implementation of linked progressive jackpots. With such slots, a specific portion of each stake is added to a constantly increasing pot. When a lucky player lands the big prize, the jackpot resets and begins building again.
Initially, jackpots were confined to a single machine, but they were quickly replaced by jackpots that link together multiple games, hence the term “linked progressives”. There is no doubt that wide-area progressive jackpots are the most alluring because they offer truly massive prizes; they link not just several slots, but games offered by different casinos.
Interestingly enough, the very first such game was IGT’s Megabucks, which debuted in 1986.
Speaking of jackpot slots, we should also mention the introduction of multi-tiered progressives. In their early days there was only one prize, awarded when players managed to hit a rare combination of the most rewarding symbols. Things have changed dramatically: with some modern progressive slots, players have the chance to bag one of four major prizes.
The availability of more winning opportunities undoubtedly adds to the appeal of these games, but players should remember that they are designed to hold attention by providing modest yet frequent wins.
Perhaps the advent of multi-line video slots offering bonus play remains one of the most influential advances, profoundly affecting the experience players enjoy when spinning today’s reels.
The popularity of slots has carried over to the online gambling scene, and they now dominate the portfolios of most virtual casinos. The number of reels has increased dramatically; players can choose from games with 9, 15, 20 or even 100 win lines. Games that boast the 243-ways-to-win format are also hugely popular among avid slot fans.
How Slot Machines Work
Slots are straightforward, yet fun and entertaining, which explains why they lead the popularity charts among casino games. Even so, players are advised not to start betting on a whim and without sufficient knowledge of the game’s intricacies, as this approach can quickly deplete a bankroll.
If you decide to play slots in a land-based casino, the first thing you need to do is insert a coin into the coin slot and then pull the lever down (some machines have buttons instead of levers). This activates the reels inside the machine, which spin for a predetermined number of seconds before coming to a stop and displaying the symbols in the machine’s front window.
It is important to mention that, while modern slot machines are designed to look and feel like the old mechanical ones, they operate on an entirely different principle. The outcome of each spin is not determined by the motion of the reels themselves but is controlled by a pre-programmed computer. This computer relies on a programme called a Random Number Generator (RNG). The RNG produces a new random number several thousand times per second, and it is precisely that number which decides the outcome of the game. The number that determines the combination of symbols you receive is the one generated at the exact moment you pull the lever or press the button.
All slot machines are programmed to return a specific percentage of the money wagered. The figure might be 95%, for example. Thus, for every £100 you insert, the machine is programmed to return £95. The remaining £5 counts towards the “vigorish”, or built-in advantage, the casino holds over its players.
There is one thing all slot players must remember: Every single spin of the reels is completely random and is not connected to previous or subsequent spins produced by the machine. Consequently, there is no possible way of predicting whether you will win or lose on any given spin.
How Online Slots Work
Many players choose to bet on slots over the Internet, finding the experience both straightforward and thrilling, which explains why online casinos that focus on slots often enjoy a loyal following.
Although more diverse and visually appealing, the slots you find at online casinos operate on the same principle – Random Number Generators are again utilised to determine winning or losing combinations. The only difference is that you are at home, sitting at your computer, which provides far greater convenience and, above all, the freedom to play whenever you feel like it.
In addition, leading gaming software developers offer video slots that often surpass their land-based counterparts in terms of visuals, sound and gameplay. In addition, online video slots are said to have higher payout percentages.
Before starting to bet, players should ensure that the funds in their bankroll will cover the entire session. Once their chosen game has loaded, players need to check out if the reels are fixed or adjustable. In the first case, gambling enthusiasts will be required to bet on all paylines simultaneously, while in the second, they are free to decide which win lines to activate or deactivate.
Then you simply select a coin value and click the spin button to set the virtual reels in motion. Slot lovers should remember that coins are one of the game’s peculiarities and deserve special attention before betting. As it turns out, coin denominations often cause confusion, especially among inexperienced players.
Coin denominations indicate the value assigned to each coin you stake. Most of the time, players will notice that these values range between 0.01 and 1.00, but this is game-specific.
To calculate the size of their next wager, players must consider the number of win lines, the chosen coin value and the number of coins they intend to stake.
There is also the option to bet on all win lines at the same time, and stake the highest possible amount simply by selecting the maximum bet. However, doing so on a whim is ill-advised, as the stake can sometimes escalate to several hundred pounds per round.
As you might expect, coin denominations translate into broader betting limits, meaning that a given slot is likely to appeal to players on all budgets.
Types of Slots
With so many options available at their fingertips, the only difficulty slot fans face is deciding which video slot variant to try out first. There is something to suit every preference, with titles featuring different numbers of reels, paylines and bonus features, promising a bespoke playing experience. Read on to discover more about the types of slots offered at online casinos.
Rules and Basics
Slot Types
Choosing Online Slots
Line Number and Multiplier
Classic Online Slots
Classic 3 Reel Slots
The classic 3-reel slots are the closest to the machine invented by Charles Fey. In most cases, 3-reel slots have only one payline; the winning combination of symbols is displayed across the middle line of the three reels. However, some 3-reel slots might offer three or even five paylines. In many cases, fruit such as cherries, lemons and oranges are used as symbols. Other popular symbols you are likely to encounter on a classic 3-reel slot include lucky sevens; single, double or triple bars; as well as playing-card symbols.
5 Reel Slots
The 5-reel slots resemble their 3-reel counterparts to a great extent; the difference is that they have five reels instead of three. Hitting a winning combination on a 5-reel slot is more difficult, but the higher payouts are well worth it. Many 5-reel slots enable players to bet up to five coins per spin. Some even include additional features such as a wild symbol, which functions as a joker and helps form winning combinations. This means that if players land two identical symbols plus a wild, the latter assumes the role of the missing symbol to create a win.
Multi Spin Slots
Many gambling aficionados consider this type of slot more suitable for seasoned players. Multi-spin slots typically feature up to nine sets of reels in a single game. This, however, means that players must bet nine coins, one for each reel. Interestingly, Multi-spin slots resemble video-poker variations such as the popular Jacks or Better when played with 100 hands.
Players will be able to find high-quality Multi-spin slot titles at casinos, running on Microgaming’s software. One example is Microgaming’s Major Millions, which can be played in multi-spin mode and has a massive progressive jackpot attached.
Bonus Spin Slots
Bonus Spin slots also enjoy great popularity, and for good reason – players are granted free spins whenever they land three or more bonus symbols. The bonus symbols for a specific slot are typically listed in the game’s paytable.
Players who are lucky enough to hit the requisite bonus symbols are immediately notified on screen. They simply need to hit the Start button and the spins will play out automatically. Once all bonus spins are used, you will be informed of the winnings generated. A well-known video slot with bonus spins is NetEnt’s Gonzo’s Quest.
Slots with Progressive Jackpots
Slots with progressive jackpots enjoy tremendous popularity because they offer the chance to win life-changing prizes. Each participating player contributes a small percentage of their bet that goes towards the overall pot.
The jackpot continues to grow until one lucky player hits the combination that triggers the massive prize. However, to qualify for the jackpot, players are usually required to place the maximum bet. If you hit the winning combination with the help of a wild symbol, you may not qualify for the entire jackpot, although the payout will still be impressive.
Key Features of Online Slots
As mentioned earlier, there is an abundance of slots to choose from online. Each title has its distinct theme and boasts impressive sounds, visuals, and animations. In addition to their visual appeal, video slots offer numerous features designed to enhance gameplay and make each session more rewarding.
As you may know, the reels are the vertical positions on the grid, and the most common way to classify slots is by the number of reels. Players may encounter cascading, rotating and tumbling reels.
Another special feature is the wild symbol, which substitutes for regular symbols and thus helps complete winning combinations. Wilds appear on the reels at random but cannot substitute other bonus symbols such as scatters. In some slots, wilds are the highest-paying symbol. There are various types of wilds. Expanding wilds, for example, cover an entire reel. Sticky wilds provide players with the opportunity to complete more paylines as they stick in place over multiple spins. Stacked wilds appear one on top of the other on a single reel.
Players might also encounter random and even transferring wild symbols. Although rare, walking and shifting wilds can be found in certain games.
Another exciting feature in some slots is the win multiplier, which boosts winnings by a predetermined figure. Thus, in most cases, players can double or triple their winnings. Some multipliers can increase returns even further by multiplying them a hundred or a thousand times. Depending on the slot, these multipliers may appear only in the base game, while in others they are available exclusively during bonus features.
The scatter symbol is another player favourite. Its function is to unlock a number of handy features such as free spins and various mini games. Scatters are usually the highest-paying symbol in most video slot games. Unlike wilds, which must be lined up on a payline, scatter symbols simply need to appear anywhere on the reels to trigger bonus features.
Free spins are another popular feature that works to players’ advantage. The bonus spins can be triggered in a variety of ways, but in most cases, they are unlocked whenever players succeed in lining up a specific number of scatter symbols across the reels. Players are then granted a set number of spins free of charge, which are typically played at the same bet amount that activated them.
Bonus games remain one of the most popular special features in modern slots. More often than not, these special games are activated when a particular combination of special or rare characters appears on the reels. To heighten the excitement of these features, software providers often add plots or storylines to the gameplay, which explains why they continue to turn heads.
Another quirk of these bonus games is that, on most occasions, they are chance-based, although some require players to demonstrate a degree of skill too.