Online Slots Guide
Slots are one of the most popular forms of casino games on the planet. When you walk into virtually any casino you’ll see hundreds of these bright, vibrant machines staring you in the face. Similarly, head to an online bookmaker, and you’ll notice that almost all of the games are slots.
On this page, we’re going to be taking a look at what slots actually are. We’ll begin by taking a look at the history of slots, followed by a look at some of the different types of slot machines. We’ll then look at some of the most popular slot machines you’ll find today. Finally, we’ll look at the best online bookies to play them at.
History of Slots
The history of slot machines dates back to 1891. This was when Sittman and Pitt, a U.S.-based company, introduced the first commercial slot machine to the world. This original machine was entirely mechanical, featuring five drums and utilizing actual playing cards. Players initiated the game by depositing a coin and pulling a physical lever.
Not long after, in 1895, Charles Augustus Fey unveiled the ‘Liberty Bell’ slot machine, marking the advent of classic slots. This pioneering device offered different payouts depending on the combination of symbols that appeared on the reels.
The slot machine landscape underwent a seismic shift in 1964. This was with the launch of the first electromechanical slot, dubbed Money Honey. Developed by Bally, a game development company that remains active today, Money Honey revolutionized the slot experience. Not only could players win up to 500 coins per spin, but the winnings were also dispensed automatically, eliminating the need for an attendant to hand out the prizes.
In 1975-76, the world was introduced to the first genuine video slot, courtesy of Fortune Coin. The game was displayed on a 19-inch Sony TV and made its debut at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas.
As the internet began its meteoric rise in the early 1990s, a new wave of digital-only slot game developers emerged. Throughout the ’90s and into the 2000s, video slots gained widespread popularity. Innovative features like bonus rounds and free spins were soon integrated into the games, adding new dimensions of excitement and opportunity. To delve deeper into the various types of slot machines, continue reading the section below.
Types of Slots
Broadly, slot machines can be categorized into two primary types, which you’re most likely to encounter in both land-based and online betting websites. Here’s a closer look at each:
Classic Slots: These are often designed with three reels and are relatively straightforward. Imagine an old-fashioned Las Vegas slot machine—complete with cherry, bell, and BAR icons and a large lever for gameplay. While classic slots still have a presence in casinos worldwide, both online and offline, they aren’t as predominant as they used to be.
Video Slots: These are currently the most prevalent form of slot machines you’ll encounter. Unlike classic slots with physical reels, video slots operate entirely through electronic means, with no moving components. Every time you hit the ‘Spin’ button, a computerized random number generator determines the stopping point of each reel. It’s worth noting that video slots usually feature a minimum of five reels.
In recent years, the traditional video slot formula has seen some exciting innovations, including the introduction of 6-7 reel games and unique winning mechanisms. A prime example would be the Megaways series from game developer Big Time Gaming, which offers customizable ways to win.
Slot Game Features
Video slots offer both players and developers a distinct advantage over traditional slot machines by allowing for the incorporation of bonus features. These added elements are a staple in modern video slots, and below we explore some of the most prevalent ones.
Free Spins
Arguably the most ubiquitous bonus feature in video slots, Free Spins are usually triggered by landing three or more scatter symbols on the reels. During these Free Spins, special game enhancers—like additional wilds, multipliers, or high-value symbols—might be introduced to increase your winning chances.
“Pick Me” Bonus
The “Pick Me” bonus feature appears in numerous slot games. Similar to Free Spins, it’s often activated by landing a certain number of scatter symbols. Once triggered, a selection of objects is displayed on the screen, and you’re invited to choose from them. Your choices could unveil prizes like cash awards, multipliers, or even additional Free Spins.
In-Game Bonuses
In-game bonuses, also known as base-game features or randomly triggered features, occur during the standard gameplay and don’t necessitate landing any scatter symbols. These bonuses can provide minor wins, unlock access to more significant bonus features, or offer other gameplay advantages, depending on the specific slot.
Progressive Jackpots
Growing ever more popular, progressive jackpot games offer the potential for enormous wins. A percentage of each player’s bet contributes to a central jackpot, which continues to escalate in value until a lucky player lands the specific combination required to claim the accumulating prize.
By understanding these common features, you can navigate the world of video slots with greater ease and maximize your gameplay experience.
Popular Slot Games
Today, there are tens of thousands of different video slots to choose from – from a number of developers. Some of the biggest game developers in the world include the likes of NetEnt, Microgaming, Yggdrasil, Playtech, Red Tiger Gaming, Quickspin, Pariplay, Thunderkick, Habanero, Big Time Gaming, Play’n Go, Amatic, Pragmatic Play, Amaya, Bally, Spinomenal, WMS and Barcrest. In the section below, we’re going to take a look at some of the most popular video slots ever released.
Starburst
Starburst is widely regarded as the most successful video slot in history – and it was developed by NetEnt (formerly known as Net Entertainment). The game is present at virtually all online casinos today, and offers players an exciting experience. Expanding wild symbols are present on the middle three reels, and landing one in view transforms that entire reel wild, before awarding a free re-spin.
Bonanza
Bonanza is a game from Big Time Gaming – a developer who, it’s fair to say – transformed the slots industry. Unlike most slots, which have a fixed number of paylines, the ‘ways-to-win’ changes on each spin, as the height of the reels can be between 2 and 7 symbols high. There’s also a super-lucrative free-spins bonus which is triggered by landing four or more of the gold scatter symbols anywhere in view.
Gates of Olympus
Gates of Olympus is one of Pragmatic Play’s standout titles that transports players to the mythical realm of ancient Greece. This captivating game invites you to join Zeus, the king of gods, in a celestial adventure filled with opportunities for big wins. In Gates of Olympus, landing four, five, or six of the Zeus scatter symbols anywhere on the reels initiates the Free Spins round. This highly sought-after feature offers players not only free spins but also an opportunity to accumulate multipliers for heavenly payouts.
Mega Moolah
The most successful progressive jackpot slot in history, Mega Moolah comes out of the Microgaming studio. Along with a pretty exciting bonus round, the game holds the current world record for the biggest progressive jackpot win of €17,880,900 (R365 859 504 at an exchange rate of 1 Euro = R20)
Where to Play Online Slots in South Africa Legally
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