Slot Machines Review

An Overview

While slot machines are relatively new to the gambling market in the grand scheme of things, it can safely be said that these draw the biggest crowds at traditional and online casinos. The reason for this is a combination of elements – the absolute easy at which the game is understood and played, the thrilling moments leading up the time when the reels come to a standstill and the fact that slot machines rely almost totally on luck, putting aside the need to develop strategies and calculate complex formulas.

The Objective

Despite the huge variety of slot machines available today, the basic premise of the game remains the same. Players choose a slot machine that appeals to them and insert coins of the correct denomination that will appear as credits in the machine. Players then choose the number of coins that they wish to play, as well as the number of paylines, where applicable. The next step is the simplest. Players pull the lever (or press ‘spin’ in the case of online slots) and reels begin spinning. When the wheels stop spinning, winning combinations are paid out and credited to the player’s account.

The History

The first slot machine was designed and produced by a Bavarian immigrant to the United Stated named Charles Fey in 1887. By the beginning of the 1900’s, Fey, together with Mills Novelty Company, was mass-producing his invention. Popularity grew through the 1940s and 50s with the introduction of specialized slots such as Big Bertha. The 1960s ushered in the electro-mechanical era of slot machines with the creation of Bally Manufacturing’s Money Honey. In the 1980s, computers overtook the inside workings of slot machines and video poker machines were born. Slot machine software companies continue to produce exciting versions of the game for the casino floor.

Online Slots

From the mid 1990s, slot machines found their way onto the internet and the rest, as they say, is history. Today the online slot industry generates millions of dollars, with online casino software companies vying to create the best themed games out there. Random number generators ensure that online slots remain fair at all times. Online slot tournaments are also a very popular part of the internet gambling world, and these attract players from all corners of the earth to try their luck for the pool prize.

Progressive Slots

An exciting development in the world of slots comes in the form of progressive slot machines. This means that a series of machines are linked to a network and the prize money on the machine increases every time a machine in that network is played. Prize money on these machines can reach incredible heights, and it is not uncommon for some online casinos to have progressive slot jackpots reach into the millions of dollars.

Conclusion

The simplicity of the game, combined with exciting themes, challenging bonus features and huge prize pools ensure that slot machines remain one of the most popular forms of gambling entertainment in the world today.