Slot machines have come a long way since the Sittman and Pitt poker machine of 1894. While new features like video displays and progressive pots improved slot games, arguably nothing has pushed one-arm bandits to evolve more than their move online.
Attracting a huge number of people, and revenue that makes grand jackpots look like pocket change, online slots are some of the most popular forms of entertainment in the digital age. But their potential is by no means used up, and this industry is still growing year after year.
Let’s take a trip through the evolution of online slot games, and find out which innovative ideas experts think have the potential to shape the future of online gambling…
The History of Online Slot Games
Microgaming is a gambling software company that, despite its name, has made some huge splashes in online slot gaming. In 1994, they began working on the first ever online casino, The Gaming Club. Even though it was the first casino to use the power of the internet, The Gaming Club still took payments manually, usually over the phone, or by check and bank transfer.
Microgaming was also responsible for the first online slot game, Cash Splash. Though rudimentary compared to the online slots of today, Cash Splash offered the chance of huge payouts that hooked players from their very first spin. Cash Splash is still playable, paying out an average of £22,000 every single day.
With the proliferation of Nokia mobile phones in the early 2000s, slot games made their way to the smallest screens of all. But, this was a unique time in online gambling, as casinos couldn’t take payment through mobiles. Players got to experience the thrill of online slots, without actually wagering or winning money.
Then came smartphones, and with their help video-based slot gaming experiences were brought to a whole new level. No matter where players were, as long as they had an internet connection, they could spin the reels and win big. Casinos and betting sites quickly developed new ways of hooking players, including touch-screen controls, achievement-sharing capabilities and in-app leaderboards, multiplayer options, and entire tournaments held solely online.
Looking to the Future
The evolution of online slot gaming shows no sign of slowing down, with several new technologies set for integration in the next few years. Some changes we might see include:
1. Virtual Reality (VR)
According to Stephen Hart, founder of Cardswitcher, the most promising of these new additions is VR. With VR headsets, players will be able to wander through casinos and select their slot machine all while in their own home.
2. Emerging Markets
Michael Maokhamphiou, Lightning Box Operations Manager, suspects the expected growth in online slot gaming will come from marketing to new demographics. This will come primarily from previously highly regulated countries relaxing their restrictions to take advantage of the taxable revenue.
3. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Many experts suggest that, like almost every other industry, online slot gaming will benefit from AI. In particular, John Williams, an online gambling content creator, believes AI will provide players with more personalized experiences depending on their preferences. He also suggests that AI could be used to detect and prevent fraud in online casinos.
4. Blockchain Technology
Global Brands Magazine, like many others, has theorized that blockchain technology will soon be integrated with online casinos. With this transparent and decentralized form of payment, online slot players can rest assured that their data is secure and safe from malicious actors. Plus, they’ll be able to wager bets in some of the most popular crypto-currencies.
5. General Improvements
Finally, we’ll likely continue to see general improvements in online slot gaming, such as improved graphics and innovative mechanics. With so much variety among online slots, developers are consistently finding new ways to immerse players and up the stakes. In particular, there will be a focus on further optimizing slots for mobile play.
In Conclusion
Slot machines have been evolving for over a century, and the information age has only expedited this process. Since slot machines moved online in the early 90s, they’ve undergone huge changes and have drawn in more players than physical casinos ever could.
With the emergence of new technologies, these changes to the world of online slot gaming show no sign of slowing down. In the coming years, we’ll likely see the integration of everything from AI and VR to blockchain.
As it always has done, the evolution of online slot gaming promises an exciting mix of innovation and immersion for players across the globe.