Slot machines have come on leaps and bounds since their creation in the 19th century by inventor Charles Fey. The San Francisco mechanic’s original machine of the “Liberty Bell” was mechanical with three reels, which rang a high-pitched bell whenever the jackpot was won.
His idea was elaborated over time and has evolved into today’s sophisticated slots, which boast high-quality graphics to bring a broader fan base and wider audience.
The online gambling industry is booming, with a dominant position within the entire online gaming market even though Google Play only started to support sports betting apps in the UK five years ago.
Mobile Gaming
Apple, as expected, was on the ball to introduce mobile gambling apps in 2007 and has gone from strength to strength.
The convenience to gamble anywhere at any time on top of the high security of mobile wallets, as well as attractive bonuses, has enticed millions upon millions to deposit their money.
Online slots have fast evolved as technology has advanced, with a plethora of niche themes that tap into the popular culture of movies, music, and television. This immersion with pop culture further fuels excitement, as branded slots such as The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones Power Stacks, and Britain’s Got Talent Megaways inundate the market.
The Fundamentals
Yet the same basics are instilled to attract players. These fundamentals include bright designs, electronic sounds, a famous face, flashing lights and symbols that they can empathise with as well as a visual cue such as multimedia clips.
With thousands upon thousands of slot games online and new releases constantly coming out, competition is rife to prove popular.
The sequel of Money Train 3 was one of the most highly anticipated slots this year and achieved perfect scores on review sites. The game’s storytelling, which encompasses both sci-fi and western movies, paired with the visual elements has effectively engaged with their target audience.
The Money Train 3 slot made improvements on their previous incarnations by offering a fresh set of new features, five persistent symbol features and a higher maximum win with a 96.5% Return To Player (RTP).
It should not take too long to prove as popular as such slots as Book of Dead, Fishin’ Frenzy Megaways, Gonzo’s Quest, Starburst and The Goonies.
Yet the best enticement for players is to offer simple yet involving games with the potential to win big without needing to put in much effort.
Slots run rapidly, so players can just press a button to spin the reels without the need for skill or considering a strategy. Players can chance their luck to hit on a winning combination of symbols that will lead to a pay-out or trigger a bonus, which is potluck and down to the complex algorithm of the Random Number Generator.
Technology has led to some gripping games on a flat video screen, with some common features that encourage players to come back. These include Bonus Games, Cascading Reels, Free Spins, Multipliers, Progressive Jackpots, and RTP.
RTP
The RTP, expressed as a percentage to show the amount of the money wagered that a player can expect to win back, nowadays is generally between 92% and 96% depending on the game.
An important aspect in terms of the popularity of slots is the fact that incredible winnings are possible with low stakes. So it’s best to opt for the games with the highest RTP, even if they don’t always offer the highest jackpot.
With online casinos using highly protected and encrypted security systems to protect user data and their deposited money, the industry is attracting new players ready to give lady luck a whirl.
The astonishing advancements in technology coupled with players’ desire to effectively find a form of entertainment while engrossed in games, partly because of the sights and sounds incorporated into slots, accounts for why the mobile gaming industry is fast expanding.
