The name "slot machine" comes from the English word slot, which means a slot into which coins are inserted to start the game. So, the first ones mechanical machines had drums on which were the symbols of the card suits — clubs, clubs, hearts, and spades. But later, when slot machines were outlawed, inventors had to resort to a trick. To circumvent the ban on gambling, sweets or drinks were offered as prizes instead of money.
All slot machines can be divided into three main groups according to the principle of operation and technology: classic slot machines, video slot machines and progressive jackpots. And now we will understand, what are slot machines, and what each of them represents.
1. Classic slot machines
Classic slot machines have earned a reputation as a starting point for new players, a springboard of sorts. Since the invention of the first one-handed slot machine in 1887, the basic rules of slot machines remained practically unchanged.
Classic slot machines have only one payline. To win, the characters must be on the same line, i.e. next to each other. Most people think about slot machines with 3 reels, but slot machines with 5 reels is now the new standard for classic slots, although there are versions with seven or even more reels.
Not only the number of drums has changed. Modern classic slots also have other features such as multiplier symbols and scatter symbols. Scatter symbols hide various additional features. Unlike other symbols, these symbols must appear somewhere on the reels to unlock free spins and other bonuses. The rules of each slot specify how many of these special symbols are required and what bonuses they give.
With more reels, bonus rounds and exciting features, classic slots remain favorites among experienced players. The most famous offshoot of classic slots are fruit slots. Fruit is probably the most recognizable symbol in slots. In fact, this is not unreasonable, because this symbol has been present in casinos since their inception. The depicted fruit is associated with the taste of chewing gum that could be won in the establishment, which was so attractive.
Today, spinning drums are no longer associated with chewing gum, but the principle remains the same. Classic slots have made a great contribution to the formation of modern slots, which can be inspired by any story: movies, musicians, books and legends.
2. Video slots
Modern gaming machines, which can be found in online casinos today, belong to the category of video slots. Although there are different numbers of reels, the most common variant is the 5-reel slots.
Unlike classic machines, video slots can have up to 100 winning lines, so the symbols do not necessarily have to appear in a row. Most slots have between 7 and 12 different winning symbols that vary in value. Scatter symbols or wild symbols, multipliers and other bonus features are more common in video slots. A wild symbol can be called a wildcard because it can replace other symbols.
A feature of video slots is their variety and attention to detail. The focus is on the topic. Seasonal holidays, such as Halloween and Christmas, or motifs from hobbies or interests, such as animals or mythology, are particularly popular themes. Franchise products are also a popular choice. These video slots are creatively based on books, movies, TV series, musicians and other pop culture phenomena.
Accordingly, players can count on exciting graphics and impressive sound in video slots. Many video slots tell a complete story. Some even start with an intro, a mini-story. You can also expect a little extra animation if you win.
The main difference between video slots and classic machines lies in additional multimedia elements, as the name implies. Countless tricks and interactive design of video slots make them especially interesting and exciting.
3D slots are the next stage in the evolution of video slots. If you want to be particularly picky, you can put them in the same category: all 3D slots are video slots, but not all video slots are 3D slots. However, if you dig into the details, you will see the unique characteristics of 3D slots. Most of them focus less on themes than on stories. The game has an integrated narrative that the player follows or discovers while playing the slot. They pursue different objectives during the game in order to progress or advance to the next level. Thus, 3D slots are the most interactive form of slot machines and can even resemble arcade games.
They are designed in a truly innovative way and boast the latest 3D graphics, because the main focus here is on the game experience. However, high-end slots are not suitable for all players. Some have problems with the 3D graphics of the slots, similar to the 3D movies. They see blurry images and experience headaches and nausea as a result.
However, the next generation of slot games is already waiting for these players as virtual reality knocks on the casino door. The biggest software developers have already released the first VR slots, which can be played using special virtual reality glasses. Currently, most video and 3D slots are still played on classic PC and smartphone screens, but it is surely only a matter of time before technology makes this possible, and mobile gaming machines will change significantly.
3. Progressive jackpots
Progressive jackpots are the most popular online casino game today because they offer the highest payouts. The actual highest amount ever won is the $18 million Mega Moolah progressive jackpot. Simply put, this amount is out of this world. But before talking about the progressive jackpot, you need to define the standard jackpot.
Simply put, these are games in which the winnings increase the more players participate. It is also called a progressive jackpot slot or a progressive slot. A random number generator on a virtual machine chooses a lucky recipient. By "shared", we mean that the progressive jackpot is linked to other prizes of the same online casino. The more people participate in different games, the faster the jackpot grows. Sometimes many casinos pool their resources to offer the same jackpot, which results in a rapid increase in the size and value of the prize. Of course, machines with free spins is a brilliant marketing move.
Another distinctive feature of progressive jackpots is that players receive a proportional share of the total when they hit a big win.
Unlike the maximum payout on fixed slots, which remains the same regardless of the bet, progressive jackpots increase over time. This is done so that a percentage of each player's bet can go directly into the jackpot. As long as no one claims the top prize, the amount continues to grow.
Conclusion
If you think that since the appearance of the first mechanical machines in Brooklyn in 1891, or seven years after the famous Liberty Well, something has changed, then you are deeply mistaken. Only changed types of slot machines. It is rare to find even a progressive jackpot where you can actually win. The chances of success are about the same as in the lottery. To increase your chances of winning, it is important to familiarize yourself with these representatives of the gaming industry. The best way to do this is to practice on a free slot machine.