Slot machines are one of the favored staples of casinos around the world. They’ve had several nicknames over the years and have been referred to in the past as ‘’one-armed bandits’’, ‘’cherry machines’’, “fruit machines”, and even “vending machines”.
Their colorful appearance and enticing sounds have drawn in patrons who delight in the simple mechanisms and chances to win big. From where they’ve come from to what we have today, it’s worth brushing up on their history before seeing what fun can be had on modern machines.
A History of Slots
At the end of the 1800s, the popularity and creation of mechanical items was in full swing. It was during this era that the first-ever mechanical slot machine was created. It was called the Liberty Bell and was designed and made in 1895 by a mechanic called Charles August Fey. It was incredibly simplistic, bearing only three reels that featured symbols like stars, horseshoes, and playing card suits. Part of the machine’s charm was the fact that the Liberty Bell had an automatic payout mechanism once winning symbols were struck, and this is what made it a rather groundbreaking invention for the time.
While it became the basis for most early slot machines, the 20th century had arrived and during the 1960’s new electromechanical machines were being toyed with. The availability of the newly- introduced electromechanical components was what drove the more complex game features in newer slot renditions. The first fully electromechanical slot machine known as “Money Honey” was made by Bally Technologies in the 1960s. It was revolutionary at the time since it allowed for automatic payouts via a bottomless hopper, and this feature would pay out up to 500 coins without an attendant needing to administrate the coins.
When the 1980s rolled around, the side lever that most slot machines were known for was slowly being phased out. The machines were being replaced with the newer video slot machines which utilized a screen as opposed to physical reels. The virtual reels interacted the same way the physical ones did but were made for a machine that had a sleeker profile and more advanced features. From the ability to add graphics and special effects when bonuses were activated to newer bonus combinations, these machines were an instant hit wherever they appeared. The very first video slot to hit the scene was called “Fortune Coin” and was released by IGT in the year 1976.
In the 21st century, we have transitioned away from the all-mechanical and electromechanical slots and have embraced a more digital transition of them. The ability for Random Number Generators (RNGs) to be able to influence the overall gameplay and ensure a fair experience for all changed things for the better in the world of iGaming. This led to many more creators making games for online slots and gave rise to different slot formats that were accessible online via laptops, computers, and mobile phones as well as at physical casinos and online ones.
Today, modern slots offer a wide range of games, styles, themes, and draws, and are a great way to pass the time, especially if you suffer from insomnia. From more advanced graphics and even more immersive adventures to exciting bonuses and additional reel spins, there’s plenty to entice new and current players to keep exploring the world of slot games. Progressive jackpot slots are one of the most popular slot types to play since every buy-in for the machine goes to a large, linked pool which one of the linked machines could hit at any time and they’re well worth trying at least a few times to see if they’re for you.
Things to Consider Before Starting A New Slot Game
Before you jump into the world of slot games at a top-rated site like Lucky Creek casino, it pays to understand the basics. This is so you can make the most of the experience and maximize your winning potential.
- Slots games are entirely random. Your first spin is as likely to land you a win as your 9th, 10th, or 12th one. The symbols that appear on the reels are what create the winning combinations. The various paylines determine the winning or losing outcomes. As such, it pays to familiarize yourself with the rules and payables. Also, read up on any special features, before you begin playing.
- Since there are hundreds upon hundreds of slot games to choose between it can often be hard to decide where to start. Narrow down your categories to those that you may enjoy the most. Whether that is history, fantasy, or fictional characters, or even science fiction settings. Pay attention to the type of slots that you choose. High-volatility slot games may provide much larger payouts, but they do so far more infrequently. Slots that have low volatility tend to offer more frequent but smaller wins. Check the RTP payouts to see what percentage of your initial wagered money the slot will return to you over time.
- Check out the bonus features that are on offer. Things such as free spins, bonus rounds, and even multipliers can change your luck as you play. However, you may have to pay a certain amount to activate these. The paytable should show you which ones may be worth your time.
- Free Play slot options are worth checking out to decide if you like the game you’ve discovered. These ‘’free’’ slot types are also known as demo slots and are a great way for players to try out new games they may enjoy. With free play slots, you can learn about the game features and bonuses without spending any real money.
Conclusion
From a humble beginning as a mechanical entertainment option, slot games have come a long way to the diverse digital experiences we can experience today. By understanding where slot games came from you can have a better context in understanding their evolution and where it is that they could go. Before trying your luck with slots, take the time to understand the basics so you can pick games that you’ll enjoy. After that, have fun exploring the many slot options that are out there.
