Slots have been a popular game for more than a century, since the earliest days of automation when they were just spinning wheels with playing cards attached to them. Poker fans soon saw the appeal of a mechanical opponent who paid in prizes if you won and the process of automating made them even more popular.
When digital gaming was in its infancy, it became clear that casino games were ideal for conversion to video games. The relative simplicity of a game that relies only on numbers and the rules that cover every eventuality meant that slots could easily be digitised without changing the gameplay at all.
Throughout the history of slots, technology has advanced and slots designers have adopted it almost instantly and this looks set to continue. From automated payouts to thousands of online games, the appeal of slots has created a dynamic market that evolves quickly and adapts to meet players’ needs.
Online slots maintain their appeal by keeping up with trends such as:
Themed Slots
From sport to history, music to mythology, there are so many themed slots available for players to enjoy that anyone can find their perfect game when they play online. Hit TV shows such as Stranger Things, Rick and Morty, and Game of Thrones have all been immortalised in slots, and fans of almost any cultural movement can find a slot aimed at them.
For those who aren’t into popular culture, there are plenty of other slots to try. History buffs can immerse themselves in slots based on Ancient Egypt, Norse Mythology, and the Aztecs, those who love animals can find slots that suit their interests, and even horror fans can get their spines tingling with slots designed to give them a scare.
Mobile gaming
The ubiquity of mobile phones and increasing internet coverage means that mobile gaming has evolved incredibly quickly. When the first Nokias began to include ‘Snake’ as a way to pass the time with your phone, the developers couldn’t possibly have imagined that the global mobile gaming market would be worth billions within a few short decades.
Games are now being designed specifically to be played on mobile devices with features and functions that make them suitable for gaming on-the-go. Players have embraced every new development wholeheartedly to create a market that is diverse and packed with options, giving gamers the option to play from wherever they are, whenever they can.
Mobile gaming also means that players can enjoy online slots with friends, either in person or virtually, as they can join a game whenever the opportunity arises rather than having to be at home on their computer to play. As more games are designed for mobile users, the gameplay can be adapted to make it easier than ever to enjoy slots on the train, on breaks from work, or wherever players happen to be.
Staying Social
Alongside the rise in popularity of online gaming, the sudden explosion of social media has had a massive impact on the way people play online. The ability to ‘meet’ like minded gamers and enjoy the camaraderie of playing together has turned slots into a social phenomenon as well.
Players can join groups based on the games they like to discuss tactics, share tips, and celebrate their big wins. News about promotions and special offers can be spread and players can join forces to make the most of seasonal events and deals.
Cryptocurrencies
When the idea of virtual currencies first entered the mainstream, there was understandable scepticism about how it would work. Technophiles embraced the chance to decentralise the financial systems and enjoy the fruits of their electronic labour, but many traditional industries struggled to see the appeal of crypto.
The world of online gaming, however, was one of the first to embrace the use of cryptocurrencies. Online providers appreciated the potential appeal of an anonymous way to conduct financial transactions without relying on data being held by banks or other financial institutions.
Cryptocurrencies also offer other advantages such as the speed of transfer, which can be many times faster than traditional banking allows. Minimal transaction fees are also a popular reason to use cryptocurrencies, especially for those who want to move money from country to country without losing a large percentage to conversion fees.
Online security
The industry approach to cryptocurrencies may be related to the high standards that the online gaming world has for security and online safety. Regulators the world over have increasingly stringent criteria for providers that are registered with them and players can check the status of any site they want to play on within a few seconds.
As with any organisations that handle a lot of financial transactions, online gaming uses the very latest security technology. Providers are constantly reviewing their systems to ensure that they have robust anti-fraud measures in place, and new developments in online security are adopted swiftly and effectively.
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