With so much excitement about slots becoming the latest online gaming sensation, it’s sometimes hard to remember that they have a rich history too.
In fact,
the humble game of slots dates back to the late 19th century.
The
first true slot machine was known as ‘The Liberty Bell’ and it was invented by
a small-town American engineer called Charles Fey in 1895.
Charles’
machine featured three spinning reels with symbols like horseshoes, diamonds,
spades, hearts, and a cracked Liberty Bell. Players – who were waiting to be
served at his workshop – would pull a lever to set the reels in motion and wait
to see if the reels lined up with matching symbols.
The
invention gradually became a talking point and spread across the US. Many
similar machines began to emerge.
By the
early 20th century, slot machines started to incorporate fruit symbols. When
the machine spread to Great Britain it was soon called the "fruit machine".
The
introduction of electromechanical machines in the 1960s allowed the development
of features like multiple paylines and new symbols.
Video
slot machines appeared in the seventies with virtual reels. This allowed game
developers to incorporate new themes and bonus features.
The
internet revolutionized the gambling industry from the 1990s onwards. Slot
machines made a surprisingly successful transition and have never been more
popular.
As technology advanced, developers began to explore more innovative designs.
Online
slots now offer immersive graphics, sound effects and animations. Features like
wild symbols, scatter symbols, bonus rounds, and progressive jackpots are
common.
With
more and more players trying slots, it’s a good time to look at the top tips to
master this classic game. Here are the best tips from the experts to help you
improve your gameplay:
Understand
the game
Before
you start, take time to understand how the game works. Study paylines, symbols,
bonus features and payout structure so you can make informed decisions while
playing.
Practice
for free using bonuses and promotions
Many online slot websites offer bonuses meaning players can either play for free or at a
discounted rate. Typically, these bonuses include free spins, bonus funds or
cashback offers.
Use these
bonuses to familiarize yourself with different games without risking real
money.
Set a budget and stick to it
Before you start playing with real money, set a budget you can afford to lose. Then stick to it!
Choose the right slot machine
Choose a game that suits your preferences. Consider everything, like its theme, soundtrack and payout potential.
For example, experts like to consider ‘the volatility’ of a slot game. This represents how often a slit triggers a win and the typical size of the win.
Low volatility slots have more frequent but smaller wins, high volatility slots offer less frequent but larger payouts. You should research the slots with higher likelihood of jackpots to maximize your winnings.
Choose
the right slot machine
Choose a
game that suits your preferences. Consider everything, like its theme,
soundtrack and payout potential.
For
example, experts like to consider ‘the volatility’ of a slot game. This means
the amount its payouts vary.
Low
volatility slots have more frequent but smaller wins, high volatility slots
offer less frequent but larger payouts.
Check
paytables
Each
slot game has a paytable showing winning combinations, symbol values and bonus
features. Review it before you start playing.
At the
same time, look for games with higher Return to Player percentages. RTP
indicates the amount a slot machine pays out over time.
Find the
RTPs published in the game's information or paytable.
Play
maximum bet on progressive slots
Progressive
jackpot slots accumulate a pooled jackpot, which can reach significant amounts.
Remember that the odds of hitting progressive jackpots are going to be low –
but you never know.
Experts
say if you're playing a progressive slot game with a cumulative jackpot, play
the maximum bet. That way you’ll qualify for the biggest jackpots.
Otherwise,
you might miss out on the big win. However, always check the figures first:
does it fit within my budget?
Manage
your time
It's
easy to get caught up in the excitement of playing slots, so set limits on playing sessions and take regular breaks. This helps you stay
focused and prevents the dreaded ‘slot fatigue’.
Don't
chase losses
If you find
yourself on a losing streak, avoid the temptation to recoup your losses by
increasing bets.
This strategy
gets too emotional. It can lead to reckless decisions and potential financial
difficulties.
Stick to
your budget and remain disciplined in your approach.
Play for
fun and know when to stop
Remember
that slots are games of chance. It's crucial to play for entertainment and not
solely to make money. When you reach your limits, it's time to stop playing.
Note
that despite the old-timers’ stories, it is impossible to determine if a slot
machine is close to emptying out. Modern machines and online games operate on
random number generators (RNGs) – these ensure each spin's outcome is
independent and unbiased.
The RNG
generates random combinations, making it impossible to predict when a machine
will pay out.
And remember,
no number of tips will guarantee wins. Slots are games of chance.
The best
tip for players is to focus on the entertainment value – not just try to chase
profits.