How do slot machines work, and how to recognize your favourite one?
⎯ January 22, 2024 ⎯
Discover the fascinating world of video slots at OneCasino. Slots are the foundation of our casino and for good reason: video slots are popular with basically everyone. But how did these popular casino games originate? And what has changed since the first slot machine was launched?
We dive into the history and technology behind video slots so you know where they came from and how to recognize your favourite.
The first slot machine was designed in 1894 by mechanic Charles August Fey. He worked on his idea for a while, and in 1899 the Liberty Bell slot machine hit the market. Liberty Bell consisted of bells, horseshoes, and playing cards and laid the foundation of the slot machine we know today.
By 1909, the first fruit machine was shining in saloons. This variation on the earlier slot machines proved to be a hit, because, to this day, fruit machines are abundant in casinos. Just under seven years later, the jackpot was added to this slot machine.
Despite stricter laws and regulations, the popularity of the slot machine continued to grow, and in 1930 the first slot machine was placed in a hotel in Las Vegas—a fun fact: the machine was intended to entertain women while their husbands played other casino games. Luckily, we know now that the slot machine is a big hit with both men and women.
The video slot was a logical continuation of the traditional slot machines. After the invention of television, it was only a matter of time before this element was added to slot machines.
In 1976, the first video slot appeared. Because it was not hampered by what was mechanically possible, more symbols could be added, and thus the number of winning possibilities grew.
With the advent of the Internet, more and more activities moved to an online environment. Gambling is also increasingly happening online from the beginning of this century, and game developers are capitalizing on this. Due to the many possibilities of video slots, the extra features, bonus games, and graphic delights are endless.
The most important difference between video slots and slots is the screen. This screen ensures that video slots are constantly evolving.
Fruit machines can be either video slots or traditional slots, but the symbols consist of fruit. You will find fruit machines that work exactly like the first slots, but there are also fruit machines with added features such as multipliers and Wilds, which you find mostly in online video slots.
The basics of each slot are still the same as those of the first slot machine. As a player, you bet an amount per spin and then spin the reels. When the reels come to a halt, you see the symbols on the various reels lined up: if there is a winning combination in such a line, you win. How much you win depends on the combination of symbols,
In video slots, there can be additional ways to win something, by playing a bonus game, for example. This game has its own game rules and is often activated by a combination of symbols on the reels. Especially in modern slots, you’ll find extra features that can add more action to the game. Each game developer outshines the other, and there is a huge amount of choice for the player.
Wilds, also called Jokers, replace another symbol, giving you a winning combination. Super Wilds that can replace multiple symbols.
Multipliers speak for themselves: they double your bet for that spin. Sometimes you get three multipliers during a spin and thus your bet becomes three times as much, and you can win three times as much. Free spins or re-spins are also common. When these are activated, you get extra spins.
The jackpot has been around for more than a century. Although not all online video slots have a jackpot, it is quite common. The progressive jackpot is fairly new and keeps rising until it falls. The progressive jackpot may be a few euros, but it can also be millions.
The name says it all: mega ways to win. While on regular slots you have a maximum of 243 ways you can win, on Megaways slots this rises to as many as 117,649 ways. This is because the number of rows and reels can vary per spin.
Bonus games are extra games you play on a video slot. For example, you may play a video slot, activate the bonus round, and then a wheel of fortune opens. It’s an extra game within the normal slot. With the bonus game, you can also win prizes such as free spins, multipliers, or a jackpot.
The great thing about video slots is that they never get boring. Even the most basic slot machines are actually still hearty fun and popular. Classic slots don’t lose their charm despite modern technology. Popular classic slots include Super 7S, Mystery Joker, and Mega 1000.
Modern video slots give your familiar classic slots a surprising boost. Due to extra rules, games, or a progressive jackpot, they are extra exciting and also popular. Examples of popular modern video slots include Big Bass Bonanza, Mega Moolah, and Book of Dead.
At OneCasino, you will find thousands of video slots to play, and we regularly add new ones. Our offer ranges from the latest types of video slots with high jackpots and multiple features to simple classic slot machines and fruit machines. There is something for everyone and every moment.
Enjoy the game, but play responsibly. Have fun!
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