You’ve probably read those alarming blog posts trying to convince readers that slot machines are a no-go zone. Most of them claim that winning at slot machines is more challenging due to the luck-based nature of the games.
But although there’s some truth in that, slot machines remain to be the most played online casino games. So, what makes online slots stand out from other games like craps, poker, blackjack, and roulette? This detailed read finds out!
Slot machines use a relatively straightforward principle of players spinning the reels and matching the symbols. You can even create it at home if you have enough time and resources. Just think of slots as a money-wheel game where the presenter spins the big wheel, then reveals the winning pocket. The only thing that the developer adds is the RNG (Random Number Generator) for fairness.
Besides being simple to design, slot machines are also cost-friendly compared to live casino games. Consider this; a live casino game developer must invest in a physical studio with dealers, presenters, cameras, tables, and more. Setting up a live casino studio can cost millions of dollars. But on the other hand, slot machines are software-based. The operator may only need a software engineer to service the games often.
Online gambling is supposed to be about fun before adding the money factor. The gameplay must be entertaining and straightforward. This begs the question; are there specific rules for playing slot machines? Besides learning how to set the lines and place a bet, probably none! Players only need to fire up the slot machine, place a wager, and spin the reels. Then, you’ll learn whether you’ve won or lost.
Now assume you want to play a classic table game like roulette, craps, baccarat, or blackjack for the first time. In that case, learning how the bets work and when to do what on the table is a must. Craps, in particular, have many wagers that can confuse beginners. In poker and blackjack, players must learn moves like doubling down, calling, folding, splitting, and more. It might take some learning to be a pro at these games.
Gamblers might differ regarding gaming tastes. But one thing they sure have in common is the appetite to win big. This is something that slot machines have in abundance. These slot games give players massive wins even when not playing a jackpot game. A standard slot can play anything between 500x to 20,000x the stake. Even if you place a $1 bet, this can be a $500 win on a low-paying slot machine.
Not convinced yet? Most jackpots and progressive jackpots at an online casino are slots. Jackpot games such as Mega Moolah by Microgaming and Divine Fortune by NetEnt have paid millions of dollars. Mega Moolah holds the record for the highest-paying online casino game after an anonymous player won more than €18 million in 2018. Since the jackpot’s launch in 2006, the game has paid out a total of over $1 billion.
Slot machine developers know that hitting a winning combination on a line can be challenging. For this reason, they throw in a few niceties and game features to make creating a winning combo more seamless. A good example is the Cascading Reels feature, where winning symbols explode, and new symbols fall into place. This can continue until there’s no winning combination.
Another in-game feature that you can only find on slots is free spins and re-spins. Free spin casino bonuses have become the most sought-after offers among online casino players. Players can collect a specific number of scattered symbols (primarily three) to trigger the bonus games. In some games, collecting more scatters can trigger re-spins, leading to more winning possibilities. And don’t forget the Wilds, which typically replace all other symbols on the reels when they appear.
The online casino can also offer a welcome bonus to new players. This package can also feature free spins to be used on all or specific slot machines. In fact, slots contribute more than 70% of bonus game requirements at most casinos. Some casinos can even allow players to test brand-new slots when added to the casino library. And remember that the wins are yours for keeps as long as you meet the play-through requirements.
In classic card games such as video poker and blackjack, the player’s main aim is to create a hand better than the dealer’s, making the games boring if you play too often. But slots take a different dimension. Slot games have varying themes to appeal to the broader audience. Each game developer tries to create something new to outshine their competitors.
For example, if you’re a fan of ancient Egypt mythologies and gods, play Egyptian-themed titles like Cleopatra, Book of Dead, Rise of Ra, and more. You can also pay respect to music legends and bands with games like Jimi Hendrix, Motorhead, Guns N’ Roses, Megadeth, and more. There’s a theme for every slot fan out there!
Slot machines will continue to rule many casino floors and websites. These games are straightforward to learn, and it doesn’t take much to create a winning combo. But to win more often at slot machines, consider features like the RTP, hit frequency, and variance. And yes, practice bankroll management, whether playing slots or any other casino game.
