The classic slot machine has been a staple of the gambling scene for generations, offering a colorful, exciting and fast-paced experience to all kinds of players – whether you’re an experienced gambler or a newbie just out to have a little fun.
The slot machine – or slots game – remains a major favorite among many players and is a part of the furniture in even the most lavish casinos, sharing space with roulette, poker and blackjack tables.
In this article, we will examine how the game and equipment have evolved over time, including the major impact of the growth of the online gambling industry, which is now worth more than $50bn according to https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis.
A brief history
The classic slot machine, as it is known in America, can trace its roots back to the late 19th century, when manufacturers from Brooklyn developed a gambling machine that is widely recognized as the precursor to what eventually became the modern game.
The first electromechanical machine was developed in the 1960s and proved to be a game-changer, enabling much faster play, while the following decade saw the introduction of the video slot machine, featuring a 19-inch monitor to display the action.
It is the video slot machines, with their ability to produce limitless colors and animations, that have become the most popular format, although traditional mechanical units remain popular with many older players. You can read more about the history of the game at http://www.slot-machine-resource.com/slot-machine-history.
Going online
It was perhaps the advent of the internet that had the biggest impact on the humble slot machine, creating a massive new audience and unlocking almost infinite possibilities for gameplay.
Due to the popularity of slots games, a large number of gambling websites dedicated bigger resources to their development, offering a greater range than ever previously thought feasible. The new games included more ways to win, lower stake opportunities and an all-round more entertaining experience. And it’s only when you visit one of the leading websites that you can begin to understand the breadth of games available such as at https://games.paddypower.com/c/slots. The intense competition in this area means that sites go above and beyond to keep customers happy.
Major brands
The measure of how much the classic slot machine has evolved is perhaps in the number of major media franchise partnerships you can spot. Hollywood blockbusters like Sausage Party and quiz show favorites like Deal or No Deal both have their own dedicated slots games.
But developers are also working hard to build new slots brands, which feature stunning graphics and captivating themes designed to enthrall players like never before. The days of one-dimensional button pushing are certainly behind us, with players now expecting a vibrant, multi-faceted gaming experience as standard every time they log in.
And the humble gambling machines of the late 1800s seem a millennia away!
Today, slots games remain a major staple of the online gambling industry and are more popular now than they ever were. Their evolution to this date is fascinating to examine and it will be just as exciting to see what the future could hold.