When the earliest precursors to slots were becoming popular in bars and cafes in the US, the payouts were not fixed. What would get you a drink or a cigarette in one bar might mean a free meal or ten free goes in another.
These machines were popular with the players, who got all the fun of the game with the added excitement of not knowing what they might win. However, this popularity meant that more and more people needed attention from staff wherever the slot machines were, making them a high-maintenance form of entertainment for the business owners.
Charles Fey, a Bavarian immigrant and engineering innovator, saw the opportunity to build a machine where everything could be automated, including the payout. This would remove the uncertainty from the players and relieve the machines’ hosts of the need to tend to the winners so regularly, thus revolutionising the entire slot machine industry.
One of the most appealing things about slot machines is that anyone can play and win, without needing any special skill or experience. Players that do familiarise themselves with the machines can develop strategies to help them win, and picking the right slot is key to that.
There are a few things to consider when choosing the slot that’s going to work best for you:
Volatility
In slots, the volatility of a machine is a measure of its propensity for paying out. This is usually described as low, medium, or high volatility, and casinos usually try to have a good mix of slots to appeal to the greatest number of players.
Low volatility slots are those where players are more likely to win more often, but the prizes will usually be smaller. Some players like the constant reassurance of a win and prefer their jackpots to be little and often.
Medium volatility slots strike a balance between the extremes and tend to be popular for just that reason. They are ideal for players that have a strong strategy in place and want to maximise their chances of winning while mitigating the risk of losing.
High volatility slots are for those that like to build up to a big win and can hold their nerve while they get there. These games hardly ever pay out, but the lucky winners do get to take home the biggest prizes, often several thousand times the value of the original stake.
Some physical slot machines allow players to choose their preferred volatility level, with so many options for online slots, there are hundreds of any level to appeal to any player. Some people don’t realise which volatility level they prefer until they play, but it makes the game much more exciting when you find the level that is right for you.
Themes
Whether you prefer something calming to help you focus or a game that will take you on an adventure, themed slots are ideal for keeping things interesting. Players can choose from a vast array of theme options, including:
- Ancient Greece
- Norse mythology
- Mythical creatures
- Animals
- Pirates
- Jewels and gems
- Horror
- Romantic
There are also plenty of seasonal slots from New Year celebratory games to Halloween-themed and even games featuring Father Christmas. Fans of current TV shows and films can often find slots dedicated to their favourite characters making the game even more appealing.
Social support
Like any popular pastime, there are millions of people meeting in online communities to discuss their favourite games, and with whole forums dedicated to slots, there’s plenty of advice and recommendations around. Players can join chats hosted by their favourite gaming sites, such as Virgin Games, and find out about all the online slots that might appeal to them.
Sites with thriving online fan bases are also great places to find special offers, promotions, and discounts, so they are ideal for players that are looking for the best slot to suit their playing style. Players can use free spins and bonuses to have a go at a wide choice of slots without having to wager their own cash until they find the perfect game.
While land-based casinos are limited by space, there are no such constraints on online casinos, so they can offer a much broader range of games. Most sites will allow you to search by the key elements you are looking for, so it’s easier than ever to play fun and engaging slots games.
Slots are the ideal game for anyone, from those who have never played casino games before to long-time casino fans making the move into the world of online gaming. With simple and easy gameplay and a vast array of options to choose from, it is easier than ever to find your perfect slot machine.
