Even the slightest mention of the word casino triggers images of vast gaming floors filled with glamorous video slot machines. That is the charm of land-based casinos. Slots are the most popular casino games and account for a large chunk of revenue. Known as fruit machines in the UK and Australia, video slots have come a long way since inception.
The Humble Beginnings of the Slot Machine
Slots machines were introduced in the early 19th century and featured a simple 3-reel design with a few symbols. The Liberty Bell was among the first logos to be used and remains a favorite among classic slot enthusiasts. Although a 5-reel slot came into existence over the years, 3-slot fruit machines are evergreen.
The early slot machines were simple and offered a single payline. They were popular in bars across the United States and offered modest winnings like bubble gums or a few cents. Thanks to classic slot machines, fruit symbols became a popular figure in modern video slots.
The first electromagnetic video slot was unveiled in 1963 and offered players a maximum payout of 500 coins. This was the first time that slot machines used a graphical theme on the screen instead of mechanical reels. With the introduction of software, game developers were able to throw more symbols, paylines, and reels into the mix, while having greater control over the payouts.
It was due to this innovation that modern video slots have multiple paylines. These can come in various shapes and sizes, including horizontal, vertical, zig-zag, or diagonal patterns. Unless the game has a single payline, players can choose to bet on multiple paylines by increasing the bet before every spin.
The Evolution of Online Casinos
Online casino first appeared during the 1990s with the evolution of computers and the internet, which took the world by storm. While improvements to video games introduced innovative video slots, online casinos brought the experience closer to the average audience. Among the primary benefits of virtual casinos, accessibility ranks at the top of the chart.
With mobile devices getting popular over time, the online casino experience was accentuated even further. Besides bringing video slots at our fingertips, the online casino experience offers greater perks compared to its land-based counterparts. Greater RTP and lower buy-ins are a few basic examples.
The future looks even more promising as Virtual Reality is poised to enter the frame. Once that happens, video slots will never be the same again. However, people missing physical casinos can make do with the live casino experience for the moment. The setup uses an array of sensors, cameras, and software magic to replicate the feeling on the smartphone or desktop.
When we look back and reminisce the evolution of video slots, we realize the game progressed over centuries to reach its current position. And from where we’re seeing, the future looks promising too!
