Online slots are a modern phenomenon born at the tail end of the 20th century. The new millennium saw a tremendous increase in their popularity, taking the humble slot machine well into the 21st century and beyond. They evolve from 3 reel mechanical slot machines to highly advanced video slots with numerous features and extras. While the history of automatic places is rich in tradition, online slots have their unusual beginnings.
The First Video Slot
The first-ever video slot was called Fortune Coin and developed by a Las Vegas-based company of the same name. The futuristic leap took gamblers a while to get used to since mechanical spinning reels were prevalent at the time. Subsequently, IGT took over the company in 1978 and modified the video slot to incorporate random number generators (RNGs) to cheat-proof. By the end of the 70s, IGT’s Fortune Coin version improved RNG, additional paylines, and better payouts. The game went on to be A regular on the Vegas Strip in the late 1970s.
The 1990s
Fast forward to the 1990s, and WMS Industries Inc. grasped video slots by the horns and developed the first video slot machine with a second bonus screen. WMS had long been toying with the idea of entering the fray and innovating the medium by introducing the signature Reel ‘Em In bonus game. Players could activate a Pick them bonus game. That set the free spins and bonus round phenomena in motion, a trend that prevails to the present. Low cost and faster internet speeds led online slot manufacturers to develop video slots to play at home.
The Big Industry Players
Microgaming has been an inspiring leader in the field ever since its inception in 1994 when operating an online casino site. The company unleashed Cash Splash in 1998, which was the first online progressive jackpot video slot developed thus far. Increased broadband speed and more advanced operating systems heralded an increase in developers’ number entering the market. They include NetEnt, Playtech, and Play’n GO. Household names now, but relatively unknown in the 1990s. Online video slots started to become more readily available to play online or to download. They also become slicker with every conceivable style, and theme one can imagine.
1000s of Online Slots
There are thousands of online slot machines containing exciting features. Casino software providers have a wide variety of video slots with terrific bonus games, free spins and special features. Most games offer Free Spins bonus rounds, where you can gain 10 to 100 or more free spins with additional winning multipliers. That essentially means that you have free games to play on your slot machine also. Your entire winnings throughout the Free Spins Bonus Game have multipliers. The feature generates massive wins, and Free Spins Bonus Games are more comfortable to win. Most online video slot machines support that feature. It starts whenever you receive three or more scatters on your paylines, which isn’t that hard to achieve.
Bonus Slots
After you accumulate sufficient points, you’re in a great position to use the bonus, fold or call. The unique type of bonus works for those who have no issues paying and playing without undue delay. You are virtually guaranteed to enjoy the game, and you might consider sticking with one game to increase your bonuses.
Branded Slots
PlayTech is another established brand that includes branded slots that have captivated players. PlayTech has become synonymous with superhero slots and branded releases. They are all high-quality slots that provide unique experiences that immerse players into an incredible world. PlayTech is a top-rated slot developer with several Marvel titles, a top-rated series that has gained loyal fans’ legions. They include games like The X-Men, The Incredible Hulk and Iron Man. The slot releases have been catapulted to further success with the release of recent blockbuster movies based on Marvel Comics superheroes.
Mobile & The Future
By the turn of the millennium, Microgaming was busy setting records for progressive jackpot slots. Major Millions slot paid out $1.5 million; however, another player had broken the record within ten years. Mega Moolah has rewarded several million-dollar prizes. In 2015, as other record eas set for an online progressive jackpot payout when an Englishman won £13.2 million by playing The Dark Knight slot at an online casino! As smartphone technology improved, so too did the range of mobile slots. Popular online slots were optimized to work on several different devices. Although early mobile slots were clunky and utilized the handset’s buttons, games emerged that allowed players to use the newer touch screen devices. Games now work on tablets, too, with Microgaming even adapting their hit Mega Moolah slot for the Apple smartwatch. Slot game developers are only restricted by available technology and the freedom of their licensing jurisdiction. NetEnt has begun developing the first Virtual Reality slot machines that work with cheap VR headsets and allow for an immersive experience.