The evolution of online slots
From early fruit machines to Vegas slots and now virtual games, the evolution of online slots has been nothing short of phenomenal. Who would have thought that the humble beginnings of reel slots would undergo such a sophisticated transformation? Or that slots would even continue to be as beloved as they are today?
Even if you’re more of a table games or specialty games fan, you can’t deny the impact and the thrill of online slots. And their progression from where they began to where they are today is nothing short of spectacular. Take a journey back in time with us to travel along the key milestones of slots, and let’s uncover the secret to their enduring popularity together.
Slot machines evolution in the 19th century – the journey begins
Flashing lights, neon colours, loud noises and huge tinkling jackpots. To look at the wonder of slot machines today, it’s difficult to think of them as ever being simple, run-of-the-mill games. And yet that’s exactly how their evolution started in the 19th century. With actual reels featuring minimalistic symbols like bells and bars. Still in use today in traditional reinterpretations.
It was the simplicity of these early slots that led to their growing popularity though. With their evolution, captivated by the idea of uncomplicated games offering the chance to win cash prizes. Easy play, easy money. And so the thrill of slots gaming was born!
Today it’s common to see slot machines not just in casinos. But in bars and restaurants (and sometimes even airports) as well. In their early years, they were found in venues as diverse as barber shops and cigar shops. Anywhere patrons could pay a few cents and have the hope of winning an instant prize in return. These slots weren’t fully automated though. They needed an operator to manually pay out prizes to the winners. This is part of the evolution of slots.
It was only with the development of the Liberty Bell Machine in 1887 that slot machines began their inexorable evolution into the machines of today.
All thanks to the inventor Charles Frey. With three actual spinning reels, eye-catching symbols like horseshoes, spades and hearts, and automatic payouts. The Liberty Bell Machine was an instant hit. And played in slot evolution that marked the way forward for modern slots as we know them.
The undeniable success of Frey’s invention led to further innovations being made. Broadening the appeal of slots with every new improvement. Take for example Herbert Mills, an entrepreneur who saw the opportunity to elevate the Liberty Bell design even further. Introducing the Operator Bell Machine in 1907. By adding a lever to the machine to start the reels spinning, Mills increased the game’s potential for interactivity. Boosting its popularity even further at the same time. And this is where the evolution began.
More than this, Mills also introduced the concept of easily recognizable symbols like the bar logo and various fruit icons. As well as the possibility of winning a jackpot by hitting a certain combination of symbols. This element of chance combined with the new payout system and new mechanics too made the Operator Bell Machine a surefire hit, cementing its place in slots evolution.
From slot evolution to another innovation.
Following the success of the Liberty Bell Machine and the Operator Bell Machine, inventors were quick to jump on board. Helping to progress the evolution of slots even further with new concepts and innovations. One of these was the electromechanical slot machine, derived from Sittman and Pitt’s original mechanical poker machines invented in 1891. These new machines featured even more complex game play and added payouts. Creating extra excitement around the concept of slots play evolution.
Eventually gambling laws had to be considered to ensure that slots play remained legal. Which is where inventors’ ingenuity came into play. Rather than keeping the usual fruit symbols on the reels. The Industry Novelty Company replaced them with chewing gum instead. And used the machines to dispense actual chewing gum. Cleverly staying within the bounds of gambling laws and this goes down in slot evolution.
The next notable development in the evolution of slot machines came with the release of Money Honey in the 1960s.
Developed by Bally Technologies, Money Honey was a significant milestone in the progression of slots. A machine featuring a lever that activated a motorized mechanism. Effectively replacing the more traditional spinning reels. With symbols now able to be selected by the motorized mechanism at random. The scope for complexity and innovation was wider than ever before. Opening up a whole new range of possibilities for developers to broaden slot evolution.
Just 10 years later the next progression came, this time in the form of Fortune Coin. Thought to be the very first video slot machine ever. Introducing new features and mechanics to the industry as early as the 1970s. Fortune Coin used a video screen to display the slot symbols, rather than the more traditional spinning reels. And it was this technological advance that saw slot machines take a giant leap forward in complexity, evolution and sophistication.
How did Fortune Coin ensure random outcomes with every spin?
By way of the first Random Number Generator. An algorithm designed to ensure fair outcomes with every wager. And an innovation that changed the face of gaming forever. Slots quickly became more intricate in their evolution. More engaging, more interactive, and evolved from electronic machines into the digital ones of modern casino fame.
So if you’re a fan of land-based casino slots, or just slots in general, you know who you have to thank. The early gaming innovators and visionaries of yesteryear for slot evolution as we know it. What began as a simple reel game has today transformed into something almost unrecognizable. Going from increasingly more complex real-life versions to online. Mobile and virtual reality variations too. And with every different iteration and evolution, slots games have become more thrilling and more enthralling, spin after spin.
The rise of online casino gaming and its evolution
While today the internet is an everyday necessity, in the early 90s it was still very much a novelty. Making the development of online casino gaming a technological marvel when it was first launched. Even in its early days of evolution, online gambling was an immediate crowd-pleaser. Its premium accessibility and convenience making it an attractive proposition for new and expert gamblers the world over.
While popular games like Blackjack and Roulette made the transition to online gambling in even the earliest casino iterations, there was one that stood out as an instant hit in the virtual world – slots. Featuring simple graphics and game mechanics at first. Online slots technology soon progressed. With more complex slots games being released just a few years later. With more innovation and more ingenuity being channelled into slots development. And more technology too, the category flourished. Introducing features like interactivity, bonus rounds, immersive game play. Captivating themes, inventive mechanics, and of course, huge life-changing jackpots to contribute to its evolution.
Thanks to these advancements, today the sheer selection of online slots available is staggering in its variety:
Classic slots: Old school is cool, and so are classic slots. If you’ve ever had a desire to go back to the early days of slot machine evolution, such as the Liberty Bell Machine and the Operator Bell Machine. Classic slots are the closest you’ll get. With traditional symbols like bars, fruit, sevens and diamonds as well as 3 or 5-reel formats, classic slots are retro in the best way possible.
Video slots: These are by far one of the most popular drawcards at any online casino, hands down. They’re easy to understand, easy to play, and they offer instant thrills and exhilarating game play. From themes and branding to bonus features like multipliers, free spins, tumbles, cascading reels, wilds, scatters and more, every spin is like a shot of adrenaline that keeps the heart pumping! A crucial category in slot evolution.
3D slots: Yet another evolution in the world of slots, 3D technology takes gaming to another level. Offering a user experience that’s more immersive and engaging than ever before. With an extra dimension of visual appeal added, it’s gaming entertainment like no other!
Progressive slots: From one spin to a life-changing win – that’s what progressive slots are all about. And that’s where the multi-million jackpots come in. Connected via a progressive network. Each bet placed on the same slot in any online casino round the world contributes to the total jackpot. So the more players who place their bets, the bigger the grand prize could ultimately be!
Gambling on the go with mobile slots
Some may have thought that online gambling was the furthest slots play could go. But they’d be wrong. Gambling online is thrilling, and far more convenient than going to a casino to play. But what if you want to enjoy gambling on something other than a computer? That’s the question that the brightest minds in the industry asked. And the answer came to them in two words – mobile gaming. Very crucial in slot evolution.
Thanks to the introduction of mobile gaming, accessible via smartphone or smart device, gambling has become more accessible and more popular than ever before. This kind of evolution is astounding. With the industry booming as a result. No more going to a land-based casino, and no more going home to a computer either. With the emergence of mobile gambling, any mobile phone or tablet can be transformed into an online casino. Offering instant gaming on the go, anywhere, anytime. And one of the most popular games available via mobile? Online slots, of course!
What makes mobile slots so entertaining?
They’re convenient: Log on wherever you are, whenever you feel like it – you’ll always find a slot ready for you to play.
Easy to play: No complicated rules, no expensive wagers – just simple game play and affordable bets to suit every bankroll.
Very exhilarating: From free spins and multipliers to wilds, scatters and other bonus features, they’re every bit as exciting as regular online slots.
They’re accessible: Whether you’re using Android or iOS, you’ll be able to log on from a compatible device and play to win.
More than this, mobile slots have also given developers the opportunity to explore their creativity. Resulting in a wide variety of action-packed games designed to excite and delight. From Microgaming and NetEnt to Play’n GO, RTG, Pragmatic Play, Yggdrasil, Relax Gaming and many more. The world’s leading online slots developers are pushing innovation in this space, resulting in some of the most thrilling gambling the world has ever seen. And keep watching slots evolution – they’re not done yet!
The future of online slots and their continued evolution
From reel slots to online slots to mobile slots and beyond – what does the future of slots hold? What does their evolution look like? If past ingenuity is anything to go by, the possibilities seem endless. And with the rapid advances in today’s technology, the sky really may be the limit.
As far as tangible future developments go, virtual reality looks to be the next step for slots games. A world of gambling more authentic and immersive than ever before. Forget regular brick and mortar casinos. And even the casinos accessible via computers and mobile devices. Now the casino comes to you, literally, wherever you are. A completely virtual space set within a realistic environment. This is the future of slot evolution. Where you’ll be able to play your favourite slots and other casino games just as you would at any land-based venue.
There’s also the possibility that blockchain technology could soon be integrated into online slots gaming as well.
Given its foundation in cryptography and decentralization, blockchain adds an extra level of security, ensuring fairness and transparency, and offering players invaluable peace of mind. Add to this the inevitable further advances in sound, graphics, themes and bonuses, and the future of online slots evolution looks bright!
The evolution of online slots is a testament to the power of technology and innovation. From their humble 19th century beginnings to the booming multi-billion-dollar industry of today. Online slots continue to push boundaries and innovate beyond expectation, offering players an unparalleled gaming experience rich in entertainment, excitement, and opportunity. And if the lessons of the past have taught us anything, it’s that slots will only continue to evolve and transform from here. Want to be part of the future of slots gaming? Then start today! Find your favourite game, place your bets, and watch history in the making!