Slots are probably the most popular and easy casino game that has won the hearts of players as soon as it has been invented. It was way back in 1894, and a lot has changed since then. But the popularity of slots has been increasing, especially when video slots come to the market and allow players to use different kinds of bonuses (to improve winning chances), including no-wagering ones 777pokies.casino/no-wagering-casino.
In this article, we want to trace the history of slots from the end of the 19th century to these days. If you want to find out more about the most popular casino game, stay tuned.
First Slot Machine
We are sure you’ve seen pokies in movies or on TV: those huge, flashy slot machines that seem to beckon gamblers from across the casino floor. But have you ever stopped to wonder how these machines came to be?
The first slot machine was invented by Charles Fey in San Francisco in 1887. Fey’s machine, called the Liberty Bell, had three spinning reels with five symbols on each: a horseshoe, a diamond, a spade, a heart, and the eponymous Liberty Bell.
Fey’s machine proved immensely popular, and soon other businesses were clamoring for their slot machines. The Mills Novelty Company introduced its machine, called the Operator’s Bell, in 1896. Mills also added a lever to the side of the machine, which allowed players to set the reels in motion without pulling a handle.
Slots in the 20th Century
We can say that slot machines have also undergone some technical advancements in the 20th century.
Some of the most significant advancements in the slot industry during the 20th century include the introduction of electronic gaming machines (EGMs) and the development of random number generator (RNG) technology.
EGMs were first introduced in casinos in 1976 and quickly became hugely popular among players. These machines allowed for a much more immersive and exciting gaming experience, as they featured vibrant graphics and sound effects. The popularity of electronic gaming machines led to the development of new and more sophisticated designs and a variety of new symbols. These machines were much more user-friendly than their predecessors, and they quickly became a staple in casinos around the world.
RNG technology was developed in the early 1990s and revolutionized the way slot machines operated. This technology ensured that each spin on a slot machine was completely random, which made the games fairer and more exciting for players.
Video Slots
The 21st century has seen even more advancements in slot technology, with the introduction of video slots developed in 1976 in Kearny Mesa (a central part of San Diego) and progressive jackpot machines. These machines offer players even more ways to win big money prizes, making them some of the most popular in casinos today.
Modern online slots come in all shapes and sizes: they can have three, five, six, and even seven reels.
The technology behind modern video slots is quite complex, but at its heart is a simple concept. Video slots use random number generators (RNGs) as well as slot machines at the end of the 20th century to determine the outcome of each spin. These RNGs are constantly generating numbers, even when the machine is not being played. When you hit the spin button, the RNG “freezes” on a number and uses that to determine the outcome.
The actual spinning of the reels is just for show — the outcome has already been determined by the time the reels start to slow down.
Video slots also use symbols that are weighted differently. It means that some symbols are more likely to land on the reels than others. The most common symbols are usually lower-paying, while the higher-paying appear less often.
There are also special symbols that can trigger bonus features, like free spins or bonus games. These features add an extra layer of excitement to the game and can often lead to some big wins.
The future of slot technology looks even more exciting, with innovations such as virtual reality (VR) slots being developed. VR slots will offer players the chance to step into another world and experience their favorite games in a completely new way.
Top 3 Online Slots
With so many different online slots on the gambling market, it can be tough to know which ones are the best. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best online slots. Whether you’re looking for classic 3-reel pokies or modern 5-reel video slots, we’ve got you covered.
So, without further ado, here are the best online slots:
Starburst
Starburst is a classic 5-reel video slot from NetEnt. It’s one of the most popular games in the world, and for good reason. The graphics are colorful and eye-catching, and the gameplay is fast-paced and exciting. There’s also a generous helping of bonus features, including wilds, scatters, and respins. And if you’re lucky enough to hit a winning combination, you could be looking at massive payouts.
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Gonzo’s Quest
Gonzo’s Quest is another 5-reel video slot from NetEnt. But this one has a bit of a different feel than Starburst. It’s set in the jungles of South America and tells the story of Gonzo, a Spanish conquistador in search of the fabled city of gold, El Dorado. The graphics are impressively realistic, and the gameplay is just as exciting as Starburst. Plus, there’s a unique Avalanche feature that can lead to some huge payouts.
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Mega Moolah
Mega Moolah is a progressive jackpot slot from Microgaming. It’s one of the most popular slots in the world, and for good reason. The graphics are colorful and cartoonish, and the gameplay is simple yet engaging. But the real draw of this slot is the massive progressive jackpot. It starts at a whopping $1 million and keeps getting bigger and bigger until someone hits the lucky combination and walks away with the cash.
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