An Introduction to Online Slots

Ever since their inception into the gambling world over 100 years ago, slot machines have enchanted players at casinos all over the world. Gamblers are drawn to this simple, uncomplicated game that does not involve much more than putting in a couple of coins, pulling the slot machine lever and waiting to see the results.

When online casinos hit the scene in the mid 1990s, it was only natural that slot machines would make a transition from casino floors to the wonderful world of the internet. Today, there is an entire industry built around online casino slots, with software companies vying for the honor of creating the slot game that generates the most fun and revenue at the thousands of sites out there. Millions of players worldwide enjoy slots in a variety of forms, whether playing the classic three-reel slot machines, trying their luck at progressive slots or taking part in exciting slot tournaments.

History

Slot machines are relatively new in the grand scheme of things. They first made their debut in the industry in 1887 when Charles Fey, a Bavarian immigrant to the United States, created the Liberty Bell. It wasn’t long before the Mills Novelty Company was mass-producing slot machines, much to the delight of casino players. By the 1930s, slot machines became more varied with interesting themes and more colorful exteriors.

Slots enjoyed huge popularity in the 1940s and 50s before Balley Manufacturing created the first electrical machine in 1964. By the 1980s, computerized slots machines took over the electro-mechanical side of the industry with the introduction of the first video poker machine, influenced by slots. By the 1990s, the popularity of slots knew no bounds with the introduction of online casinos. The industry grew at an enormous rate and the future of slots looks very rosy indeed.

How to Play Slots

Before playing slots, players need to distinguish between two main versions of the game – basic slots or progressive slots. Both are played essentially in the same manner: Players choose their slot machine, choose how much money they wish to wager, pull the lever to spin the reels and wait for the results to show if and how much they have won after the reels stop spinning.

Basic slot machines have a steady jackpot that does not increase or decrease. Paylines vary from the classic oneliner, up to 9 paylines in the more contemporary online slots. Winnings are generally smaller but definitely more frequent than progressive slot machines.

On the other hand, progressive slot machines are linked to a global network of other machines at different online casinos. An amount is added to a base jackpot prize every time a slot machine is played within that network until a lucky player eventually wins it. Progressive jackpot amounts can reach into the millions of dollars at certain online casino sites and they generate a lot of excitement.

Important Slot Tips

 To qualify for the grand prize in a progressive jackpot slot machine win, you need to play with the maximum amount of coins.
 Check the payoff schedule at any new slot machine to understand that particular game. In this way, you will become acquainted with how the game works and whether it is suitable for you.
 You have more chance of winning smaller amounts by playing basic slot machines than by aiming for the big progressive jackpot. However, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try your luck! Remember to set aside a certain percentage of your bankroll for the progressive slot machines and stop when that money runs out.
 Remember that slots are not skill-based, meaning that it all about luck. No magic strategy will help your odds at these machines. Go into your slots session with one main mission: To have fun!

Slots Tournaments

A very exciting addition to the world of online slots in recent years has been the introduction of slots tournaments. Tournament types range from the classic buy-in types where players pay an entry fee that goes towards the main prize pool, to the guaranteed tournaments that have the online casino putting up the prize. Tournaments are played in a way that a group of players battle each other out in a specific time period to make as much money from the credits that they were given at the beginning of the tournament. If players are lucky, tournaments are an excellent way of having fun and winning impressive prizes at the same time.

Where to Play Online Slots

Online Slots are incredibly popular and available at nearly every online casino. Check out our Casino Reviews section for some ideas on tried and tested casinos.