Online slot gaming is one of the most popular forms of gaming at the moment. There are several reasons behind its popularity as this article will explore.
Before exploring the factors behind online slot gaming's popularity, it is important to understand the roots of slot gaming itself and how slots have evolved over the years.
The history of slot machines
The first slot machine ever created is believed to be Sittman and Pitt's 'One-Armed Bandit'. It was released around 1891 and was based on a poker game.The slot machine included 50 cards. The players would insert coins into the slot machine and pull on the lever.
The machine would then spin the cards. The winner was rewarded with a free beer instead of a financial reward.
However, others argue that the first real slot machine was the 'Liberty Bell'. This slot game was invented in 1894 by an American inventor called Charles Fey.
This machine included bells and reels. The player would pull on a lever for the machine to begin spinning the reels.
Three symbols would then appear. If the symbols were identical, the player would receive a financial reward.
The game included hearts, spades, diamonds, bells and horseshoes symbols. The highest winning combination was three bell symbols which is why the game became known as 'Liberty Bell'.
This type of slot machine is quite similar to the type of traditional slot machines we find in some classic casinos.
The development of slot machines did not stop there. Other types of slot machines were created throughout the 20th century.
The first ever video slot was invented in 1976. This type of technology was developed by a company in California known as Fortune Coin Co.
Slot machines were soon faced with a new challenge at the beginning of the 1990s. The first online casinos were launched with online casinos now offering video slots.
The creation and development of video slots forced many casinos and game developers to focus massively on online and video slots rather than slot machines. Soon enough, slot machines became a bit antiquated and pushed to the background.
Some gamers still prefer to play on a real slot machine for a more traditional gaming experience. Some older slot machines have also become very expensive to buy as they are now considered to be 'vintage' or 'antique' pieces, prized by collectors.
However, nowadays, the majority of gamers prefer to play on an online slot machine at virtual gaming venues like Rainbow Riches Casino. Here are some of the reasons why online slot gaming is so popular.
Reasons behind the popularity of online slot gaming
Slot games, particularly online slot games, are very popular for a series of reasons.1. Quick and easy to play
The first and most important reasons behind their success is how quick, convenient and easy they are to play. Gamers can start a slot game online within a couple of seconds.Slot games are usually short and sweet and require no real strategy, experience or concentration. All that players need is a bit of luck when pulling on the lever.
Other casino games that require more practice, training or experience can be harder for players and therefore less popular. For example, casino games like poker require more concentration, strategy and math skills.
Because of this, poker is sometimes less appealing to players who want to relax after a long and exhausting day at work.
Slot games, on the other hand, attract all types of players: beginners, intermediate and advanced gamers. This contributes hugely to their success.
2. Fun themes and winning combinations
As slot machines began to develop and increase in popularity, the competition became increasingly fiercer.To distinguish themselves from other providers, game developers had to come up with original storylines, variations, themes, visuals and winning combinations.
Now, players have the option to play an extremely large variety of slot games each with its unique theme, motifs and storyline.
They can discover new worlds, mythologies and even countries through slot games.
Winning combinations can vary extensively depending on the game and the variation which is one of the reasons why slot games are so popular.
Some of the classic slot games that players can try in online casino venues include:
- Rainbow Riches
- Stardust
- Cleopatra
Some of these games have more than three slot reels which increases the chances of scoring a small winning combination.
3. Advantageous discounts and bonuses at online casinos
Another important reason behind the popularity of online slot gaming is the welcome offer that an online casino can provide. New gamers and old gamers can usually find advantageous discounts, bonuses, promotions and free games at online casinos.For example, some casinos will offer free spins to their new clients who play a slot machine game. Others will give cashback on a high deposit.
So, clients who deposit a large sum into their virtual casino account will sometimes get rewards, benefits and promotions simply for placing money on their account.
These offers all provide an incentive to start playing slot games online rather than in a land-based casino.
Final thoughts
This article discussed the evolution of slot machines from their creation in the 19th century to their availability online since the creation of virtual casinos at the end of the 20th century.The evolution of slot machines was then followed by a list of reasons behind the popularity of online slot games. These reasons explain why online slot games are quickly replacing physical slot machines.
