Slot machines have remained casino staples since the very beginning. Still to this day, they are a major attraction for many players at some of the world’s largest in-person and online casinos. Today, around 70% of all online casino games are slot games!
Despite this, slot machines have come a long way since they first came about. With technology constantly changing and developing, there’s a bright future ahead for the concept of online slot machines.
Here’s everything you need to know about online slots.
What Are Online Slots?
Slots are a type of casino game where players actively bet against one another using either virtual coins or chips. These games can be played from the comfort of your own home using a computer or a mobile device. The main goal is to match the symbols on the reels to win prizes.
There aren’t any physical cashiers in a game of online slots so the overall process of making withdrawals or deposits is much swifter than in a traditional brick and mortar casino.
How They Work
The first machines were electromechanical devices. In all types of casinos today, the functioning of a slot machine is entirely controlled by software. This software uses a Random Number Generator (RNG) to determine the symbols that are displayed on the reels at the end of the spin. It also ensures that all outcomes are independent and random.
RNG greatly increases the trust that players have when playing slot machines as they are guaranteed an unbiased and random outcome.
Licensing and regulatory agencies make sure that all tested software cannot be altered by online players or casinos.
Slot machine operations can be divided into the following parts: placing your bets and then receiving payouts.
The Things That Make Online Slots Tick
Aside from being a fun recreational activity to play, there are a few additional factors that have contributed to the growing popularity of online slots.
Innovative Design
Without developing innovation, it would be quite easy for people to lose interest in playing online slots. But, thanks to the ambition of game developers and their penchant for seeking out relatable and immersive features to include in their games, such as themes or customized soundtracks, online slots remain extremely popular.
Not Skill-Based
You don’t have to be an expert or a highly skilled player to have an enjoyable experience playing slots. The outcome is based entirely on luck so you don’t need a complex strategy to win.
Higher Payout Ratios
Online slot machines will either pay out 1000x of the line bet or more to winners. The prospect of winning large amounts with very limited stakes is appealing.
Types Of Online Slots
Branded Slots
Branded slots are one of the newer developments in the world of online slots. They are themed after recognizable aspects of pop culture including tv personalities, music, and also movies.
Classic Slots
These machines feature three reels and are relatively fast-paced. They use regular symbols including diamonds and fruits, but don’t have any bonus features.
Progressive Slots
These slots are among the highest-paying slots out there. As the title suggests, these are highly progressive which means they increase every time the slot is played but isn’t won. The ultimate winner walks away with the full amount.
Video Slots
These slots come with a minimum of 5 reels. They have impressive levels of technology and are visually appealing, featuring a myriad of audiovisual effects and high-quality images. A lot of available slot games in a casino are classed as video slots.
Need To Know Vocabulary
Much like in a casino, there is some essential vocabulary you need to know when it comes to online slots. Without this knowledge, you’ll likely end up becoming confused about some of the things that you encounter.
- Return To Player Percentage: This percentage is a guaranteed return of the betting amount you will expect to receive from playing using slot machines. It can never be 100% because of the house edge, which is the automatic advantage of the casino over its players.
- Payline: This is the line on which you can make winning symbol combinations. There is often more than one of these in an online slot.
- Wild: Lots of online slots feature a wild symbol. This can be swapped with other icons other than the scatter to create winning combos.
- Scatter: A common symbol in online slots that will often lead to a free spins bonus round.
Summary
You’ll learn plenty more about online slots as you play, but this is some of the most essential information out there. Not only do online slots offer an exciting new way to gamble and provide large progressive jackpots, but players can experience what it’s like to play slots in a casino without having to leave their own homes.
