Casino games are trending nowadays, and slot machines are one of the most played games out of it. The requirement for less strategy and comparatively higher payouts makes it a favorite game among both newbies and high rollers. Slot games can be played online and in conventional modes. Online slots offer numerous games to choose from, free slots as well as real money slots.
What is a Slot Machine?
Table Of Contents
- 1 What is a Slot Machine?
- 2 Why Slot Machines are called ‘Slot Machines’?
- 3 The History of Slot Machine
- 4 How do Slot Machines Work?
- 5 Types of Slot Machines
- 6 Best Strategies for Slot Machines
- 7 Betting Strategies in Slots
- 8 Online and Land Based Slots
- 9 Technologies Behind the Slot Machines
- 10 How to Pick a Slot Machine That Wins?
- 11 Slot Machines with Highest RTP
- 12 Are Slot Machines Rigged?
- 13 Future of Slot Machines
- 14 Online Casinos Offering Best Slots
- 15 Final Thoughts
- 16 Frequently Asked Questions
Slot machines are gambling devices with a definite number of reels having different symbols in which players spin the reel and try their luck. The generation of specific combinations of symbols offers payouts.
The symbols in the slot machines and the payouts offered may vary depending on the casinos in which they are played. In some countries, slot machines are called fruit machines, since they contain fruit symbols in their reels.
Why Slot Machines are called ‘Slot Machines’?
Earlier, slot games were played in a machine consisting of slots to insert coins for beginning the gameplay, and once the winnings are made, the winning amount gets retrieved through the same slot.
From then onwards, slot machines got the name as such, and even now, with greater advancements in the machines, the slot machine remains known as the ‘slot’ machine.
The History of Slot Machine
The slot machines that we play at online casinos are very different from the earlier slot machines. The history of slot machines is very long, and with many evolutions, the present slot machines came into existence.
The first slot machine was developed in New York in the 19th century by Pitt and Sitman, though it doesn’t have many similarities with the present slot machines, it is where the journey of slot machines began.
The machine consists of fifty cards and five drums, in which players have to line up their poker hands to become the winner. The Pit and Sitman model was very popular back then.
In 1894, Charles August Fey, a mechanic by profession, created the first automated slot machine known as the ‘Liberty Bell’. The machine consists of three reels with a total of five symbols including horseshoes, diamonds, hearts, spades, and a liberty bell.
Fey made numerous changes to the Pitt and Sitman model, replacing 10 cards and five drums with five symbols and three reels respectively, reducing the complexity of determining a win.
It used a slot to insert and retrieve the coins, since then the machine has been popularly known as a slot machine. The machine was a huge success, even though it was banned in California later.
In 1907, another slot machine very similar to Fey’s Liberty Bell was designed by Herbert Mills. He made minute changes to Fey’s model and replaced the poker card symbols with the fruits, the main reason slot machines are called fruit machines.
In 1963, a fully electro-mechanical slot machine was designed by Bally, known as Money Honey. The machine consists of a bottomless hooper offering a payout of up to 500 coins.
In 1976, the Las Vegas-based company Fortune Coin Co designed the first video slot machine using a modified Sony Trinitron color for the receiver and logic boards for slot functions.
In 1996, another video slot machine Reel’ Em In by WMS Industries offering a second screen for a bonus round. Once the bonus round gets activated, the display changes, providing a different game.
Later, the era of online slots came into existence, offering a wide collection of slots to play in the comforts of one’s home.
How do Slot Machines Work?
A slot machine consists of three or more reels, each having a distinct number of symbols. The number of symbols varies depending on the casino, generally, a conventional casino offers 20 symbols per reel, whereas an online casino offers up to 256 symbols per reel. The pay line of the slot also varies, the combination of symbols that offer a payout are called pay lines.
The Modern slot machines work on a random number generator algorithm which generates different combinations of symbols on spinning a reel. The random number generator ensures every spin results in an independent, unbiased random outcome without any outside interventions.
Players can make bets by predicting the outcome of spins, the reels are spun, and payouts are made. A slot machine game works mainly on luck, as spinning of reels involves no strategy.
Types of Slot Machines
The slot machines are classified into many types based on their differentiating features including the number of pay lines, graphics, payouts, etc.
1. Progressive jackpot slots
Progressive jackpots accumulate bets made by players in which a certain percentage is transferred to the pot amount, offering the possibility of bigger wins. The winnings of the jackpot increase with the increasing number of players.
2. Video slots
The video slot offers a real spinning wheel with a large number of pay lines and numerous winning combinations. The bonus feature offers free spins, jackpots, and other bonus games.
3. Mobile slots
Mobile slots are slots are slots that can be played on mobile devices with a similar graphical and navigation experience to computer devices. It allows one to play their favorite game anywhere any time. Most slots available now are with multiplatform compatibility, ie they can be played on both mobile devices and desktop computers.
4. Single and Multiline slots
The slots are classified based on the number of pay lines offered, a single pay line slot offers only a single winning combination whereas a multiple pay line slot offers more than one winning combination.
5. Combination slots
A combination slot combines two or more different slots together, it can be a multiline jackpot slot or a multiplier classic slot. It adds the fun and excitement of both types together, offering enhanced gameplay.
6. VR slot machines
VR slots provide a real-life casino experience using a 3-dimensional technology. The immersive graphics and seamless gaming experience give a real casino vibe.
Best Strategies for Slot Machines
1. Choose slots with higher RTP
RTP is the percentage of money a player gets in return from the casino after making the initial deposits. Slot machines offer different RTPs, so choose games with higher RTP to improve the winning chances.
2. Play slots with varying numbers of pay lines
Some slots offer a fixed number of pay lines that can’t be adjusted by the player, whereas others offer varying pay lines. By choosing a varying pay line slot, one can change their bet size and win big with smaller bets.
3. Choose slots with smaller jackpots
Though large jackpots offer bigger wins, the chances of winning them are less often. Smaller jackpots can be won more frequently than bigger jackpots. Check the amount of jackpot prizes before playing the game.
4. Bet maximum
A progressive jackpot is won when the maximum bets are made. Betting a maximum increases the winning chance.
5. Play fixed jackpot slots
The winning amount is fixed in a fixed jackpot slot, ie they are not affected by the number of players and their bet size. The chances of winning a fixed jackpot are higher than a progressive jackpot slot.
6. Leverage bonus features
Casinos offer bonuses and rewards to increase the engagement of players, one can use these bonuses effectively to generate free spins, multipliers, and wild symbols, which trigger the winning.
7. Play within limits
Set a proper bankroll and stick within its limit to reduce the risk of money and enjoy long-term gaming. Once the winnings get doubles stop the game, or else stop when a lose limit is attained.
Betting Strategies in Slots
A player can apply different betting strategies in their slot games to improve their payouts. Below are some of the proven betting strategies that increase the winning percentage.
- Levels Betting
Levels betting is one of the most used betting strategies in which a player starts betting by one unit and increases the level after five consecutive losses. This strategy aims to gain back the previous losses. The worth of each level is five units. Increasing the bets after certain losses increases the payouts after landing a winning combination and also triggers free spins.
- Fixed Percentage Betting
Instead of changing the bet based on the outcome of the game like in that of levels betting, a fixed percent betting uses a fixed bet.
- Martingale Betting System
The martingale betting system is the best betting strategy known, but in slots, a modified martingale betting strategy is used in which a player doubles the bet on every loss encountered and begins from the initial bet after a win.
- Progressive Jackpot Strategy
According to the progressive jackpot strategy, a player has to start a bet with a small amount and increase the bet gradually over time.
Online and Land Based Slots
Online and land-based slots differ not only in their locations but also in the gaming experience offered. Let’s compare slot games at online and conventional casinos based on certain features.
Gaming place
Conventional slot games can only be played at brick-and-mortar casinos, which are located in specific areas.
Online slots can be played from anywhere and at any time if a player holds a compatible device and a network connection.
Number of games
The number of games in conventional casinos is limited, they offer standard forms of slots along with few variants.
Online casinos offer a large number of slots, with different pay lines, graphics, symbols, etc.
Gaming experience
Land based casinos offer an unmatchable gambling experience, players interact with others, play games, eat food, share different cultures, etc.
Online casinos provide a seamless gaming experience without the need to go out or without disturbance from the crowd. Though it reduces interaction, one can enjoy gaming without involvement from outside factors.
Bonus and rewards
Traditional casino bonuses are limited with fewer variations. It includes welcome bonuses, free spins, or any similar rewards.
Online casinos offer a wide variety of bonuses including non-deposit and deposit bonuses, wild, multipliers, free spins, loyalty rewards, etc.
Security
Conventional casinos ensure security in their gaming environment, if any frauds are suspected or detected, players get thrown out of the casino.
Online casinos use encrypted and robust technologies to ensure security in the platform.
Technologies Behind the Slot Machines
Slot machines have been one of the staples of the casino industry, be it online or offline. Slot machines have undergone many evolutions to be at the stage that we see now. Let’s analyze the technologies that uplifted the casino slot machines.
1. Random number generator
The outcomes of slot machines are random and independent, which is made possible with the implementation of a random number generation algorithm. An RNG algorithm generates an outcome for every spin of the reel that is independent of the previous one. It ensures fairness and randomness in the game.
2. Graphics and audios
The advanced graphic processors and engaging audio technology provide a seamless gaming experience for players. The animated graphics and different varieties of symbols bring a difference in every slot played, eliminating the boredom of playing similar games. The audio themes that match the graphics of the game elevate the player’s mood and keep them engaged for a prolonged period.
3. Security protocols
Not only slots, but all casino games follow certain security protocols to prevent the chance of fraud. Casinos adhere to security standards like the need for KYC to get signed up. Casino transactions are done with the help of blockchain technology, eliminating the chance of looting.
4. Multiplatform compatibility
Slot games can be played on mobile devices and computer screens, which are made possible by multiplatform compatibility, giving a similar gaming experience for mobile users and computer users.
How to Pick a Slot Machine That Wins?
Slot machines are games of luck, which means the outcome is determined by the luck of the player. Still, one can choose a slot considering certain factors.
- RTP and Payouts
A slot with a higher RTP offers more winning chances than a slot with a lower RTP.
Choose games with higher payouts, as they offer a good amount once won.
- Look for the rating
The ratings of slots are available on different online sites and also can be seen while downloading them from the Play Store or App Store. These ratings are made by the experts or players who played the game before. Choosing a high-rated slot offers compelling gameplay.
- Play slots with multipliers and wilds
Some slots offer unique bonuses and choosing such games can trigger the winnings. Features like multipliers and wild symbols can trigger the bonus rounds choose slots with these features.
- Analyze the review
Different online sites provide reviews on different slots, one can read them and choose the bets according to their preferences.
Slot Machines with Highest RTP
1. Ryse of the Mighty Gods
RTP: 99.1%
The game of Ryse of Mighty Gods takes place on a battlefield where soldiers and gods battle. The game includes a 4×6 grid offering a payout of up to 10,000 times the initial wager.
2. Book of 99
RTP: 99%
The game of Book of 99 takes place in ancient Greece, where players have to match Greek heroes, monsters, and numbers in a 3×5 grid.
3. Jackpot 6000
RTP: 98.9%
In a Jackpot 6000 slot, a player aims to match three symbols in a row or diagonally. Matching combinations in a row offers a payout equal to the wager made while a diagonal match offers much more than the wager.
4. Gold Digger: Mines
RTP: 98.88%
In a Gold Digger: Mines slot a player aims to dig for gold without hitting a mine.
5. Chess Mate
RTP: 98.72%
Chess Mate is a game in which players spin the reel to match the chess pieces across the 3×5 board. Make matches in a row or diagonal to earn payouts.
Other slots with higher RTP
- 1429 Unchartered Seas (98.6%)
- Blood Suckers (98%)
- Guns N Roses (96.98%)
- Fruit Shop (96.71%)
- Medusa Megaways (96.28%)
Are Slot Machines Rigged?
Slot machines are not rigged due to the use of the Random Number Generator (RNG) algorithm, generating unbiased random outcomes. The RNG system undergoes a continuous evaluation process by a third-party operator to ensure fairness. The gambling laws of every country make it mandatory for casinos to stay fair to get license renewed. Thus the chance of a rig is less, however, casinos utilize the house edge as an advantage to maximize their profit.
Future of Slot Machines
The future of slot machines seems very promising with the impact of advanced technologies. Slots integrate new technologies into their platform to enhance the gaming experience, thereby increasing player participation.
1. Integration of blockchain technology
Though blockchain has already integrated with slot machines, in the future their impact may result in more engaging gaming by providing ownership and security for virtual assets. The use of smart contracts will help in the automation of gaming funds and their transactions.
2. Cross-platform compatibility
Most slot games can be played on mobile and computer devices, which is made possible by cross-platform technology, allowing one to play their favorite games without any interruption or loss of continuity.
3. Integration of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
The integration of virtual reality and augmented reality in gaming platforms brings a surreal experience like never before, creating an environment where players can interact and make movements just like the brick-and-mortar casinos.
Though the cost of these technologies is high, making them inaccessible for all, in the future with the advancing technologies, the devices may get cheaper, creating an immersive gaming experience for all.
Online Casinos Offering Best Slots
If you are searching for a free slot game, try playing at LuckyLand Slots.
For playing a slot game for real money, FanDuel Casino and 888 Casino are the best options.
Final Thoughts
Slot machines are casino games that are played by spinning the reels, and creating matching symbols to collect payouts. Due to the simpler game rules and higher payouts offered, a slot machine is one of the most played casino games all over the world.
Slot machines are available at both conventional and online casinos, both real money and free games. Being a game with no requirement for complicated skills and strategies, one can increase their winning chance by choosing the game with higher RTP and utilizing the bonus features effectively.
With the rising popularity of online casinos, players prefer playing slots online, as it offers a wide list of games to choose from along with numerous bonus options. The integration of blockchain technology creates a robust security system in the slot machines preventing the chances of fraud. Virtual reality and augmented reality, once implemented in online slot games create a new era of online slot games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mega Joker, Ryse of the Mighty Gods, and Book of 6000 offer an RTP of 99%.
Da Vinci Diamonds, Starmanaia, Fortune Coin, Crystal Vault, Starburst, and Wolf Run are some of the lowest volatile slot games available.
Slot machines are a luck-dominant game, though one can increase their winning chance by understanding the game rules effectively, choosing slots with high RTP and low house edge, using casino bonuses effectively, etc.
The slot machines work on mathematics and probability which is implemented using a random number generator. The RNG mechanism ensures fairness by eliminating the chance of bias.
