If there’s one thing gamers love above all else, it’s a slot machine. Slot machines with 3 reels, 5 reels, 3D and even 6 and 7 reel slots are the affection of gamers.
The origins of modern slot machines date back to the 19th century. The first slot machine was created by the New York-based company – Sittman and Pitt in 1891. The game consisted of 5 drums and 50 playing cards.
Much has changed since then. The world was entering the age of the Internet and online casinos appeared.
But first, only a few games like roulette and blackjack were available. And after a while, slot machines became the most popular game in casino collections.
Since the mid-90s, the first online casinos have emerged and have captured the hearts of players.
Types of slot machines
There are a variety of slots that you can find at online casinos: from 3 and 5 reel slots to 3D and progressive slots. Additionally, you can play slots for real money with Minimum deposit: $ 10 and for free too.
3-reel slots
3-reel slots are the oldest games in the casino world. They have 3 reels and a payline. If you want to play for real money, you need to choose a bet amount and score a winning combination of symbols as you spin the reels.
The simplicity of the games appeals to both beginners and heavy gamers.
5-reel slots
5-reel slots (aka video slots) are the modern take on 3-reel slots. They have intricate graphics, great visuals, and last but not least, authentic sound effects. As the name suggests, 5-reel slots have two additional reels and more rows, allowing players to get more winning combinations. In addition, video slots offer more features such as:
â Payment lines;
â Wilds and Scatters;
â Free spins;
â Volatility;
â RTP;
â Bonus rounds.
Progressive Jackpot Slots
Progressive jackpot slots take a proportion of each bet wagered and add it to the jackpot. For example, if multiple players are playing the Starburst Slot Machine at the same time, they will contribute money to the jackpot, which one or more players can win.
When several online casinos offer the same slot machine game, the jackpots can reach millions of dollars.
3D slot machines
3D slots are video games designed to offer high quality graphics as if you are wearing special glasses while watching a movie. However, you don’t need it.
In classic 3D slots, the background is 2D, but the symbols and reels are three-dimensional.
There isn’t much of a difference between video and 3D slots. However, 3D slot machine games have higher graphics quality.
Popular slot machines
We have already mentioned the Sittman and Pitt Gambling Machine. But there is another invention you should know about: Liberty Bell.
Many players believe Liberty Bell to be the first type of slot machine. It is also called “fruit machine” or “one-armed bandit”. The Liberty Bell was created by Charles Fey in 1894.
Each of the three Liberty Bell reels has the following symbols: Heart, Spade, Diamond, Horseshoe, Star, and Liberty Bell. A player could pull the lever and the reels would spin. Then the rotation stopped at a random combination of symbols. A player got coins (winning) when the same symbols appeared on all three reels. The maximum payout a player could get was 50 cents.
No one could invent anything more interesting than Liberty Bell. However, in 1963, US developer Bally released the first electromechanical slot machine. It was called “Silver Honey“. A revolutionary slot machine offered a tempting offer: 500 coins won. It was the perfect niche at the right time.
The next invention was Fortune Coin – the first video slot machine – the origin of modern video slots. It was presented to the general public at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas.
Now Fortune Coin is owned by software developer IGT.
There is one iconic slot machine known to all slots fans: Cleopatra. This slot machine appeared in 2005. The Egyptian themed slot machine had 5 reels and 20 paylines. Cleopatra gave players a chance to win 15 free spins with a 3x multiplier.
It was a favorite slot machine for new players and professionals.
Nowadays, Cleopatra is available both in online casinos on your PC and on your mobile phone.
In 2013, one of the most popular progressive jackpot slots appeared. It was called “Mega Fortune”. One day, a Paf Casino player landed the jackpot, which amounted to ⬠17,860,868.
Times were changing and the gaming industry began to involve slots based on books and movies. So, software provider Playtech has released Marvel-themed slots such as The Incredible Hulk, Captain America, The Avengers, Thor and, of course, Iron Man. It was in 2014.
These creators have received positive comments and reviews.
2016 was the year of the release of the VR version of some popular slot machines. For example, Jack and the Beanstalk VR became one of the first VR slots, released by provider NetEnt.
We don’t know what the future holds. But with VR technology, that seems rather optimistic.