Picking the right slot game for you

Slot games are one of the most popular games of chance around and plenty of people head straight to the slots whenever they set foot in a casino. Part of the appeal is the combination of skill and luck, and although absolute beginners may just head for the nearest one, seasoned players will often be looking for something particular. 

This is also true of online slots, whose history dates back to 1976 when the first video slot machine was developed in the global gaming capital: Las Vegas. The flexibility of the display meant that the traditional slot machine format could be enhanced with sleeker graphics and more interesting designs.

The natural evolution of video slots has been to capitalise on the advances that have brought cutting edge technology to a variety of traditional casino games. Slots are perhaps an obvious choice to go online considering the combination of simple chance alongside the extra effects that keep players coming back for more. 

Although bricks and mortar casinos still offer video slots alongside their more traditional games, online slots have become a huge market that has continued to grow over recent years. They offer players plenty of benefits, from the flexibility of being able to play wherever they want to the variety of games available, although it can be hard to identify the ones that will suit each player until they have a little more experience. 

A wide variety of slot games

For those that are familiar with traditional slots, the online experience combines the familiarity of game-play with the sheer wealth of different options on offer. With no limits to the design of the games, online versions offer much more variety with themed games, the diverse array of options and the creativity of the designers and developers. 

Some use the hundred-year history of slot machines as inspiration for their designs, including traditional symbols such as fruits and bells in their online counterparts and drawing on the more familiar designs and game-play options. Conversely, other games make the most of the ability to include more outlandish elements and give the game a 21st-century makeover.

Online slots also have the advantage of offering more features that simply weren’t possible on traditional machines. Alongside the traditional reels in various numbers, online slots can include thematic elements that allow players to engage with the games on another level. 

From popular cultural references to classic themes, online slots can include the latest crazes, such as hit television shows and the latest films to current events and even historical events. Everyone, from history buffs to sports fans, can find online slots that appeal to them, tying the games in to a theme that already has an appeal to create a truly engaging game that players will want to play.

Online slots in the 21st century

One of the key factors that make online slots a lasting success is the improvements in graphics that have been made over recent years. With designers and developers able to create realistic graphics and attention-grabbing on-screen action, online slots have the advantage of offering more than just the basics of spinning reels and matching symbols. 

As well as the ease of automating the technical side of things, online slots have the advantage of offering players additional features as they play. In-game extras are easily accessible via online slots, meaning that players can enjoy a variety of additional gaming elements such as:

• Jackpot rounds
• Free spins
• Bonus rounds
• Wilds and scatters
• Mini games
• Extra features
• Premium slots

As well as finding a game that appeals visually and from a gameplay perspective, players need to find an online slot game that gives them a good chance of winning. Games have a ‘return to player’ (RTP) figure which gives players an idea of how often they can expect to win. 

Playing a game with an RTP of 97.5% means that for every £100 played, the gamer could expect to win £97.50, with the ‘house edge’ of £2.50. This is where luck plays its part and online gamers will be trying to beat those odds to come out on top, so it’s important to have an idea of which games have the ideal RTP for each player, so a little research can go a long way when it comes to improving your odds. 

Most players are looking for a combination of a favourable RTP and an appealing game with incredible graphics and cool sound effects, and the sheer number of online slots available means that there are plenty of games that combine the two. Players considering online slots as a way to relax and unwind can find a game that suits their playing style and appeals to their interests.

Online slots combine the thrills and excitement of taking on lady luck with the convenience and flexibility of being able to play whenever and wherever you want. With mobile gaming becoming more and more popular, online slots are one of the top choices among gamers who want a little fun on the go. 

The online slots industry is expected to be worth more than $90 billion by 2024, with new players joining the legion of fans every day. Not only are online slots a fun way to entertain yourself in your down time, but the chance of winning a big cash prize is an added bonus.