Slot machines aren’t exactly a new phenomenon; in fact they have been around for the last two centuries in varying form, keeping millions of gamblers enthralled over the years. Originating in the American state of California, these novel gambling devices had a slow start to life at first, only being able to be found in bars and saloons. Early slot gamblers could win a drink at the bar, or maybe even a cigar, but they could never even dream of making the hundreds of thousands (perhaps even millions) that modern day slot aficionados can these days. There are multiple factors for this, but the biggest one has simply got to be the presence of the Internet in the modern world, and how exactly it has influenced the overall slot machine industry. There’s a lot to learn more at Slots Baby and reading more about it below can help.
Seriously, it is pretty much impossible to overestimate the affect that the emergence of the Internet had on the slots market, and indeed the wider online casino industry. It has become pretty much impossible to imagine this market without the Internet, such it is importance. Just think about it; before online slots people actually had to go to their local casinos to get their gambling fix, something that many of the public are simply too lazy or busy for. Now we have the Internet, however, meaning that gamblers can enjoy their hobby from the comfort of their own home. This is just one of the many ways in which the internet has changed slot machines forever, read ahead for a comprehensive breakdown on the topic.
Online Slots: A Whole New Industry
So, let’s just rewind a little – what came before the all conquering world of online slots? Well, it was land-based slot machines, of course, mechanical constructions that originated in the late 1800s, before shooting into popularity during the golden age of Las Vegas casinos in the 1960s. Ever since then they have proved to be well and truly infectious, with millions of players trying their luck on them each and ever year. This all changed though at the turn of the millennium, as the recent popularity of the Internet inspired software developers to try their hand at a new invention: online casino.
Under the online casino umbrella online slots have always been the biggest piece of the puzzle, and it was evident that this would be the case right from the very start. Developers such as Eyecon were the first to properly make the breakthrough, with the Australian developer in particular breaking the mould with their title Temple Of Isis. This is widely regarded as one of the first genuine online slots, accentuating the public’s desire for practical slot gambling. The online slot industry is one of the largest gambling industries in the world now, full proof of just how popular these things have become.
More Developers Equals More Competition
It would be a lie to say that the physical state slot machine market wasn’t hotly contested by different software developers, however this was intensified ten fold as soon as online slots became a viable alternative. There isn’t really much surprise there either; where physical slot machines were incredibly expensive to produce owing to their inherent physicality, all people had to do to create an online slot was be proficient in computer code and advanced mathematics.
This therefore led to a huge increase in companies trying to make the next best online slot, ensuring that the industry experienced a huge level of competitiveness between different developers. To put it into context, several critically acclaimed online slot developers of 2019 such as Yggdrasil, Big Time Gaming or Red Tiger Gaming are only a few years old. This competition is good news for us online slot gamblers as well, because it means that each title is better than what came before.
Much More Revenue Means Better Prizes
You want to know why the online slot market is so hotly contested between developers? Well that will be because of the sheer amount of money in it. With more players spinning the reels there is naturally a lot more revenue coming through, something that will certainly inspire more and more software developers to step up to the plate. This in turn just creates more revenue; it is a beautifully endless cycle!
Once again this is great news for us gamblers, as it means that developers and online casino sites can promise ever-larger jackpots as prizes. This is one of the main ways in which the Internet has changed slot machines forever – there is a lot better chance of winning big nowadays then there was before. Funnily enough this only serves to attract more players to the market, which in turn makes the prizes even bigger! Good stuff, right?
Incredible Graphics
Video slots first burst onto the scene during the 1980s, enthralling audiences with rudimentary, but at the time rather impressive, graphics. Gamblers loved the fact that slot machines could now include better bonus features, as well as be modelled on more exciting themes. But just imagine their excitement nowadays, because the graphics available across the online slots world are absolutely incredible.
Seriously, due to technological advancements such as 3D capabilities, many online slots have graphics that can rival proper video games played on an Xbox or PlayStation. We’re not saying this would have been impossible without the Internet, but it would definitely be a lot less visible in the public domain.
Outrageous Bonus Features
Ask many people what their favourite thing about online slots is compared to land-based slots and they will tell you that it is all about the bonus features. Land-based machines had bonuses of course, however due to the unrestrained nature of the Internet, online slots have so many more opportunities to make big money on the bonuses.
Don’t believe us? Check out online slots such as Centurion by Inspired Gaming, this is a title with some of the most ridiculous bonus rounds we have ever seen, both in terms of enjoyment and lucrativeness.