Slot Games
Introduction to Slots Games
The precursor of the modern slot machine game first appeared in 1897 when Charles Fey designed the world’s first fully automated gambling machine. It could accept a bet, determine an outcome and pay any winnings.
Since then, the humble one-arm bandit as it soon became known has evolved almost beyond recognition, giving rise to several classifications and innumerable games but their underlying principle remains unchanged.
Online and, to a very large extent, in land-based casinos also, mechanical slots have been replaced by software driven games that simulate the spinning of reels perfectly although their outcomes are determined by random number generating programmes rather than gear wheels and levers.
It is convenient to divide slot games into groups as follows...
Reel Slots
In these games, the action is confined to the virtual reels. Reel slots may be classified according to the number of reels employed with 3 and 5 being the most common although a few 7 and 9 reel games also exist.
Video Slots
In this group, the reel functions are supplemented by video footage that serves to add a further dimension to the game, perhaps by defining the game’s plot or launching a bonus opportunity.
Megaspin Slots
This is a popular variation on the standard slot machine game that, through the software, allows players to run multiple instances of the same game simultaneously.
Fruit Machines
Based on the standard reel slot, these variants offer players a degree of control over the behaviour of the reels through “nudge” and “hold” features in a manner reminiscent of the old mechanical slot machines.
The precursor of the modern slot machine game first appeared in 1897 when Charles Fey designed the world’s first fully automated gambling machine. It could accept a bet, determine an outcome and pay any winnings.
Since then, the humble one-arm bandit as it soon became known has evolved almost beyond recognition, giving rise to several classifications and innumerable games but their underlying principle remains unchanged.
Online and, to a very large extent, in land-based casinos also, mechanical slots have been replaced by software driven games that simulate the spinning of reels perfectly although their outcomes are determined by random number generating programmes rather than gear wheels and levers.
It is convenient to divide slot games into groups as follows...
Reel Slots
In these games, the action is confined to the virtual reels. Reel slots may be classified according to the number of reels employed with 3 and 5 being the most common although a few 7 and 9 reel games also exist.
Video Slots
In this group, the reel functions are supplemented by video footage that serves to add a further dimension to the game, perhaps by defining the game’s plot or launching a bonus opportunity.
Megaspin Slots
This is a popular variation on the standard slot machine game that, through the software, allows players to run multiple instances of the same game simultaneously.
Fruit Machines
Based on the standard reel slot, these variants offer players a degree of control over the behaviour of the reels through “nudge” and “hold” features in a manner reminiscent of the old mechanical slot machines.