The first slot game machine was invented as early as 1894 in the US as a coin operated gambling machine. Since then, the slot game industry has never looked back in which slot games are even more popular today than when they were invented.
Thanks to the ingenuity and adaptability of the industry, slot games have managed to always stay one step ahead of the latest gaming trends, keeping people amused for decades. However, today’s online slot games are hardly recognisable when compared to the original invention, so how have they remained popular while keeping the integrity of the game?
Below, we’ll take a look at how online slot games like those offered at Bally’s Casino UK, are still so popular and how the industry is continuing to grow.
The popularity of traditional slots
Traditional slot games were clunky machines that would sit in the back of a bar or pub, with loud flashing lights and quirky music to attract players over. The symbols were almost always the classic dollar sign and fruit symbols, of which everyone came to know and love.
The appeal of the game was that it was simple, fast and fun. There was no complicated strategy involved, the game didn’t take hours, you could play on your own, and you were highly likely to win money when compared to any other casino game.
Therefore, it’s not difficult to see how slot games were so popular to begin with.
The evolution of online slots
Online slots were a game changer for the industry as they opened up the field to a whole new audience. While slot games were once played by people who would visit the casino or a bar, they were closed off to the likes of young women, older people, teenagers turning 18 and other groups who found them difficult to access.
However, online slots made the game accessible to people from all walks of life across the world. Suddenly, it didn’t matter if you had never stepped foot in a casino before, or even if casinos were outlawed in your country. Online casinos appeared in the form of offshore providers who could provide their services across the globe to anyone, at anytime, day or night.
How have online slots remain current?
While online slots are one of the most popular casino games around, it is important for the industry to ensure slot games remain current and don’t get passed by while other games adopt the latest technologies.
As such, software developers have had to dig deep to completely transform the slot game experience to fit with the times. While there are still traditional slot games available, here’s how some of today’s slot games have developed:
Themed slots
There are a huge range of themed slot games on offer that are based on the latest hit blockbuster movie or tv show. Popular themes include music themes, underwater themes, Ancient Egypt, Greek mythology, pop culture, holiday themes, and so much more.
These themes allow people to connect with the game as they include their favorite characters from old shows that create a sense of nostalgia. Similarly quirky underwater games or Ancient Egypt themes offer a fun factor that make the game amusing and easy to play without thinking too much about the gambling aspect of the game.
Holiday versions of slot games jump on the back of seasonal commercialism and are able to attract players who love to get involved with festivities.
The video gaming experience
As video gaming has evolved, players now expect a lot from their games, in which technologies like VR headsets and advanced gaming chairs allow players to feel like they are really inside the world of the game. In order to keep up with this, many online slot games now offer an experience that is similar to a video game where players can get lost in the world of the game.
From mystical realms and magical worlds, to action filled tasks as bonus games, there’s lots going on in these slot games to keep players on their toes.
Promotions and bonuses
The latest online slots are able to offer a whole variety of promotions and bonuses in order to stay competitive as the online slot market is now highly saturated. Some of the most popular bonuses and promotions include no deposit sign ups for new players, enabling you the opportunity to essentially ‘try before you buy’.
In addition, thanks to the increased number of players in the online world, the jackpots are now higher than ever,
Overall, the online slot world has a lot going for it, in which the constant innovations from the sector have helped to keep slot gaming alive and ensure it remains one of the most popular casino games around. As technology develops, and marketing tactics grow, players should keep their eyes peeled who what innovative features slot games will offer next.