Slots have been one of the most popular casino games for a long time. You will find hundreds of them around the world in Las Vegas, Macau, and even on many cruise ships. Their web version, the slots machines you will find in the online casino websites have also become a hot favorite.
Everything around these games has improved – the technology, graphics, interface, sound effects, and gameplay. You will see a lot more happening here as it is still an evolving industry. For example, in recent years, we have seen many theme-based games with interesting stories.
Here are some of the latest trends –
Sports Betting
The biggest slot makers have proprietary casino management systems, which they are using to provide multi-channel experiences for gamers. The players are now able to enter tournaments, get tailored bonuses, and even make their dinner reservations from their machines.
In May 2018, the US Supreme Court ruled to remove the federal ban on sports betting. Because of this, you can now do sports betting right from your slot machines. With the continuous expansion of sports betting and features like the digital in-game prop, more and more gamers will be able to use their mobile casino for sports betting from anywhere. The latest technology is allowing gamers to place their bets while playing the slots. They don’t have to go anywhere else.
Reel-Spinning is Optional
Traditionally, the casino industry has attracted an older crowd. For example, if you go on a cruise ship, you will find that most of the younger people have gone onshore excursions, while the aged are stationed in front of their slot games. This is changing as the industry is trying to attract younger gamers.
Many manufacturers are doing away with the traditional slots with spinning reels. They are bringing out more matching games, puzzle games, first-person shooters, which appeal to younger gamers. The focus is on mobile-style games. Sometimes, they are being branded as “skill games”. In reality, however, no skill is required to play them. Like the traditional slots, winning or losing depends on chance. But they are interactive and much more fun, unlike their older versions.
Sound Effects
Traditionally, the sound effect in the slots machines, and even in their online versions, haven’t been all that great. All we had were some simple dinging, tingling, and repetitive jiggling sounds – not very impressive. These sounds were produced by the mechanical spinning of the reels.
The casinos are now signing up many sound experts and commercial artists to develop high-quality attractive effects. You will already see a change happening.
Animations, Graphics
Animations and graphics are generally better in online games, as the web casinos have been trying to attract customers by making the games visually appealing. They are getting even better. Graphic interfaces have improved remarkably over the years. many games now have layered graphic elements and 3D effects.
Cashless, Cardless
The online casinos are working overtime to simplify the paying processes. Many large slot manufacturers have come up with systems that now allow gamers to purchase credits without paying in cash. This can be done either through account deposits or by credit or debit card balances, in both instances, by using the smartphone.
This same technology is allowing smartphones to activate a slot account. So the traditional mag-stripe card system doesn’t have to be used. With new regulations coming in to ease payments, you can expect the casinos to replace cash increasingly and allow the gamers to make payments in the same way they buy coffee at Starbucks.
More Branded Slots
You will find many branded slot machines at online casinos. Millions of gamers love playing the games, developed after their favorite television show or movies like Lord of the Rings or Vikings. Many of these games are also giving huge wins for the players. Most of the branded games are, however, contract-based, which means, the brand image cannot be used once the license expires unless the contract is renewed.
Often, developers have given up on a game, even after it provided good revenue, as the copyright owner was asking for a lot of money to renew the license. To solve this puzzle, the slot developers are now coming up with their own brand stories and marketing them.
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality is how the digital world is giving us real-life scenarios. Netent recently released Gonzo’s Quest VR successfully. After this, more game providers are now working on VR slot machines. They are expected to come out soon. The casino industry is making huge investments in virtual reality technology. Developers have already come out with demo versions of immersive slot games. Give it another couple of years, and you will find the scenario completely changed, thanks to VR.
The Land Slots Are Also Improving
In the real world, brick-and-mortar casinos are under pressure. They are constantly losing players and revenue. While some of them are closing down, the others are fighting back. The slots here are also improving to provide better graphics, animations, and gameplay experiences.
The slots have come a long way since they were first introduced. More technology, innovation, and mobile devices are making it even better for gamblers now.
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