One of the games that is most associated with casinos is slots. That’s because slots are one of the casino games that have stood the test of time and continue to be enjoyed by new generations.
As they’re so easy to play — and have been enhanced by new technologies over the past several decades — slots are a firm favourite game of many people around the world, with people of all ages picking them as their go-to for entertainment.
But how exactly do slots work? And what are some of the best games out there to play? Read on to find out everything you need to know.
The history of slots
Before we get into how slot machines work, we want to delve into their history. Slot machine games have their origins all the way back to the 1800s. The first ever slot machine was invented by a man named Charles Fey in San Francisco. These machines had three reels, and the symbols included the Liberty Bell, spades, hearts, diamonds and horseshoes.
Over time, the machines became so loved by players that they ended up in places like barber shops and saloons. Although they were banned in many states, the machines remained popular and in 1964 the first electronic slot machine was invented. Just over a decade later and the state of Nevada was home to over 150,000 slot machines.
Things went next level for slots alongside the internet boom of the 1990s. With the creation of online casinos came convenience — and soon players were beginning to enjoy their favourite slot games from on the go, or at the comfort of home. These days, more people than ever are spinning the wheels of slot machines, either at land-based casinos or online ones. And with increasingly fast technological development, slot games are more engaging and entertaining than ever before, with online casinos competing to get the newest and latest games available like the starburst slot on their platforms.
Understanding the game’s dynamics
While slots are known for being easy to play, some dynamics can help you better familiarise yourself with the games and enhance your playing experience.
Here are just a few of the aspects of slots you should know.
Paylines and combos
Different slot games have varying paylines and combinations which lead to a win. By playing a game of free slots you can better understand how these work in relation to the game. Although some players enjoy the surprise of when they happen (and the sounds and graphics that come along with a win!).
Bonus features
Most slot games will have their own bonus features which makes them more exciting to play. These can include everything from free spins, to wild symbols and additional bonus games that extend playtime. These can have a positive impact on your potential winnings and really add to the gaming experience.
Volatility & RTP
Volatility is an important part of how slot games work. Low volatility means that a slot will have more regular but smaller payouts, while high volatility games work the opposite way, so are ideal for those who like a bigger risk (and bigger win!). You can also spend some time researching an individual game’s Return to Player (RTP) percentage, which can help you understand how the game works and generates payouts.
Differences in gaming experiences
One major benefit of modern slot games is the multitude of different gaming experiences you can have. Game developers are working hard to ensure that slot games are as entertaining and technologically advanced as possible, as well as being exciting to their players. That’s the point of playing them, after all?
Every game will have a unique look and feel, so that there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The graphics, sound design, bonus features, and more can all have an effect on this, so it’s worth trying out a few different slots to find the one that suits you best!
There are wide array of themes for you to try too. From themes that play on ancient civilisations like Egypt and Greece to others that take you to space or fantasy locations to some of the more classic and traditional options, you can find a theme that you like. Or try out one of the brilliant pop culture themes available that covers everything from the music industry to Hollywood and more!
