Slots can perhaps be the most popular casino game ever created. The thrill that it delivers every time you spin its reels and the excitement of anticipation for each combination you might get.
For some people, slots are the first thing that comes to mind when talking about casino games. It’s simple yet fun gameplay, attracted many players, both professional players, and beginners alike.
In this article, we’ll dive into the fascinating history of slots and how it has evolved over the years. In addition, we will also provide some helpful tips and tricks that can get you on your feet in winning your next reel so you’ll never have to resort to quick hits slots over and over again.
History of Slots
In the year 1891, the first slot machine was invented in Brooklyn, New York by the company Sittman and Pitt. The machine that we all know and we’re familiar with is entirely different at the time.
The machine had 5 drums with a total of 50 traditional playing cards. Players pull a lever and you win based on poker mechanics. What’s interesting is that this game was not intended for any gambling at all but instead was used so customers at bars (where this machine is typically found) can get or win free bottles of drinks or even cigars.
The next iteration of slots came around 1887 and 1895 where a man named Charles Augustus Fey created a newer machine that allows payout automatically. The man was also often regarded as the inventor of the first slot machine despite without having solid proof of his contribution prior to Sittman and Pitt.
The most obvious change was the removal of some drums making it down to only 3 drums this time around. In addition to what has drastically changed, playing cards were now replaced with 5 symbols: spades, diamonds, hearts, horseshoes, and a bell.
Getting the 3 bell symbols gives you the highest payout, hence why this machine was also fittingly named the Liberty Bell.
The next developments added alterations such as fruit symbols and other logos that are associated with the manufacturer. Soon after, electromechanical slots are becoming a thing. Paving the way for manufacturers to incorporate actual tv screens for display.
Another evolution that became a staple for slots is second screen bonus rounds. Triggering a bonus round allows the player to play at an entirely different screen for a bonus game where additional payouts can be won for that round.
It is also at this point where slots became so widely popular not just for players, but to all trusted online casino Singapore business owners as well.
If there is one thing that slots are iconic for, it’s probably none other than its lever. Sadly, as technology started to take its shape, it was not long before it was all replaced and dropped entirely.
Modern slots will now commonly have push buttons or even touch-capable screens for more intuitive gameplay. Earning payouts are also made easier through digital transactions.
While slots at land-based casinos all over the world remain popular, it has also found its market online. Casino owners are constantly making sure that their online games would include only the best slots to meet not just the demand but also overall customer satisfaction.
Currently, it’s hard to tell whether the future of slot casinos lies in the web space. But based on the revenues it generates, it seems to be the actual case.
How to play slots
Playing traditional slot machines is as simple as inserting a coin in the machine to start playing. You pull the lever and hope for the best that you’ll get the necessary combination of symbols in order to win a prize. Depending on the slot machine, you may even get a chance to play bonus rounds for higher payouts!
That’s basically how slots are played. Did you know that there are several types of slots? Yes, and no matter what type of slot machine it is, the idea is somewhat the same.
In no particular order, let’s look at some of the types and the quick rundown of how they work.
Virtual Reel
Also called video slot machines, these are machines that utilize a tv or a screen for display. Machines that use fruits as symbols instead of card symbols are commonly used for this. Lastly, some machines also have more than 3 drums for a more challenging experience.
Progressive Jackpots
These are slots that constantly increase your payout the more you spend time and win. The progression sadly resets when a new player comes into play.
Linked Progressive
Similar to Progress Jackpots, a small amount of wager is continuously added until the jackpot is won. The main difference is the machines involved, sharing the same jackpot within a network of slots.
These are just some of the examples of slot machines in existence. Some casinos offer a specific kind of slot casino while others use a combination of different types.
Tips on how to win on slots
Most people think of slots as a game that purely relies on luck. That is not the case, however, or at least not the whole story. It’s not as easy as finding lucky slots then always guaranteeing a win.
Like any other casino game out there, if you actually pay attention or capitalize on strategies that are proven to work, you might just end up winning them all. Who knows? You’d probably be looking at slots like never the same before.
In any case, whichever type of slot you are in to, the following strategies can help you become a better player on your next reel!
Find great deals
Taking advantage of a variety of promotions such as no deposit requirements, rebates, discounts, welcome bonuses and more can always come in handy. You may also want to keep an eye out of free slots or spins available as much as possible so you can invest more at a later time.
Review jackpots
You’ve already learned about progressive jackpot slots. You must then try to understand that either can do you very favorably depending on the jackpot in question. Take your time to analyze whichever will give you a better payout.
Paying attention to pay tables
Pay tables are what allows players to have an idea of the multipliers and such that the slots have. Different slots have a wide assortment of this so it never hurts to always check first before playing. You can play free slots for practice to get yourself more familiar with pay tables if necessary.
Loose slots are a myth
Not entirely. Since virtual slots involve generating random numbers, it’s quite hard to say so. If you are not familiar, machines that people believe to have a higher chance of payout than others are called lucky slots or loose slots. Just be careful not to rely much on beliefs and focus on realistic statistics.
Summary
Slots have seen a huge innovation over the years. And it’s all for the better. A game that was meant for pure entertainment still delivers and further offers even more delightful experience up until this very day.
There are a variety of slot machines for everyone to try. There is no shortage of themes players can choose from and every game is just as fun. Trying a selection of slot games for free is a good way to start things off.
Dominating the casino market for many years, it’s hard not to see why this game is for sure to stay. That’s to say that the future of slots can still offer new and exciting stuff for players to look forward to. The already-established accomplishment of its innovation through the years is a living testament to that.
