If you observe carefully, you will notice that online slots are the most evolved games in the online gaming space. Ever since the inception of the internet gambling idea, these machines have changed significantly.
Software companies have tweaked multiple features in these sets including, graphics, music, number of reels, and even themes, to resemble the modern gaming realm.
Here’s a deep dive into online slots. Learn what it’s taken to have these colorful games evolve so much.
Slot Machines: The Beginning
Before the invention of digital games such as the Wheel of Fortune slot machine, bettors would enjoy their gambling sprees in brick-and-mortar casinos, the original homes of slot machines.
However, there was a time in history when these machines were scarce and wager enthusiasts would have to visit a particular location to take part in this game.
1894 was when the gaming scene first encountered the slot machine. Known as the Liberty Bell, the first slot had similar features to what we have today, just that it was mechanically operated. Charles, Fey, the pioneer of this design, only equipped the game with three spinning wheels and a single payline.
The payout system was automated, meaning players didn’t have to prompt anything when they won a round. Card symbols were the ruling graphic images in this era.
96 years later, Mills Novelty Co. introduced the ingenious Skill Stop feature, which made it possible for a gamer to stop the game in an attempt to influence the spin’s outcome. Signs of civilization in the slot gambling scene were observed in 1963 when the Money Honey joined the bandwagon.
The Screen Games
The rise of slots that remotely resemble digitization came into the picture in the 70s. Video slot machines became a common occurrence during this time. These were instrumental in the formulation of the slots that have bonus rounds and other features synonymous with this game.
The internet boom of the 20th century was pivotal in the production of online slots among other games. Seeing that slots were a popular set in the betting world, it was only natural that they would be among the first ones to shift to the digital sphere when the whole world was transitioning to the internet.
The technology at that time wasn’t too sophisticated so the reel machines didn’t have the most mesmerizing graphics. Nevertheless, players were happy to have access to online gambling, which was more convenient than the traditional options that had been a part of their lives for centuries.
There was only one gaming software company specializing in the production of online casino games. Microgaming had the monopoly share of this niche for a few years, but other innovators realized that this was a realm worth tapping into and they put a foot into the business.
With this came heavy competition that forced these entities to up their game to ensure they stayed at the top of the game. They focused more on the creation of alluring graphics that made the gaming experience livelier.
However, with time, these became monotonous, ushering in the era of multiple themes. Instantly, these games became the most popular ones, thanks to their easy accessibility. Progressive jackpots and jackpots made their debut in the gaming scene shortly after, thereby increasing slots’ popularity among the wagering community.
Diversity in features, themes and graphics created a more immersive gaming encounter that revolutionized the internet-betting scene. And that was not all. More innovations happened before iGaming became a multibillion sector.
Random Number Generators (RNGs)
Slots are heavily reliant on chance. As such, there was a need to provide a solution that would ascertain the player and game provider that the game’s results were fair.
This would be monumental in reducing the number of complaints registered by gamblers regarding the manipulation of slots in favor of casinos. This software is responsible for producing random results with each spin, which provides unique results each time.
Mobile Gaming
The concept of playing games on the go seemed to be far-fetched up until mobile devices became a necessity. The shift in communication channels and the introduction of mobile phones allowed bettors to walk around with casinos in their pockets.
HTML gaming was the initial option that was readily available to gamblers, a practice that was introduced in 2003. Mobile devices at that time were not advanced and their specs weren’t sophisticated enough to accommodate applications. The late 2000s welcomed the app casinos after the introduction of the App Store.
This meant that gamblers would have the same experience on their smartphones as they did on desktops and laptops.
Blockchain Tech
Fiat currency had ruled the internet-gambling scene for decades until Satoshi Nakamoto developed the infamous Bitcoin. Digital gambling became more interesting with the introduction of a payment option that was instant and didn’t require high fees as payment for transactions.
The technology behind this innovation is secure and private, a key component that gamblers look out for whenever they want to indulge in wagering activities in an online casino. Slots became even more exciting considering players got better bonuses for depositing funds using this currency.
Responsible Gaming Initiatives
As is with other casino games, slots are highly addictive and can become a menace if an individual falls into this rut. As such, casinos and gaming software companies partnered to provide responsible gaming initiatives to avoid the occurrence of this vice.
In-built algorithms and AI-operated tools can easily detect if a user is gambling out of addiction or is simply having fun. These entities also provide limit setters that enable bettors to set money and time limits, which regulate how much they indulge in slot gambling activities within a particular time.
The Reel Story
The evolution of slot machines has been a gradual one. What started as an in-person gambling experience has slowly graduated to a virtual one but with better graphics and features. For two centuries, people have gone from pushing levers to hitting keys on their laptops and mobile devices to play the same game.
