History of Online Slots

The online slot machines that are popular nowadays among gamblers have a deep history. They were incepted in 1891 by the Brooklyn based Sittman and Pitt Company. However, it wasn’t until four years later that the gambling world was introduced to a mechanical slot machine, the Liberty Bell. Come 1964, and Bally Technologies developed the first electric slot machine. Yet, the history of slot machines was once re-written in 1975 with the advancement of microchip technology and the invention of video slots. Although this variant became extremely prevalent in land-based casinos, all changed with the arrival of virtual casinos.

The Internet Era

The Internet boom in the mid- ‘90s altered the gambling industry. The emergence of online casinos meant that games such as slots were to be played differently. No longer was it necessary to travel miles off to brick and mortar casinos. Instead, players could enjoy slots at the comforts of their homes. Microgaming designed the first online video slot machine. This slot variant was among the 18 games offered by the first online gambling site. Today, a multitude of Internet casinos exist with slots as their poster casino game. The sheer popularity of online slots has seen online sites surpass land-based casinos in profits and engagement.

Advancement in Gambling Software

Earlier, online slot machines only featured basic symbols, reels, and a design that mimicked their land-based counterparts. Thanks to advancement in computer programming, the modern machine comes with alluring themes, vibrant layouts, exciting storylines, innovative symbols, thrilling bonus rounds, more than 5 reels, and imaginative special features. The rising number of software developers is responsible for the over 2000 slot variants available. In the beginning, only Microgaming was responsible for developing online slots. However, the current online gambling sector is characterized by uncountable slot developers. These developers compete by formulating sophisticated slot software that powers different slot titles.

Slots on Mobile

The evolution of technology has seen slots move from land casinos to computers, and finally to mobile devices. The online slot has become a mobile activity that players can engage in on their Android or iOS-powered devices. Mobile slots can either be played in-browser or via an app, depending on the casino of choice. Besides technological advancement, jackpots offered by online slot machines have also been on the rise. Initially, in the slot story, there was Microgaming’s Cash Splash, which paid moderate pots. Over the years, there has been an upsurge of jackpot slots like Mega Moolah that pay ridiculous amounts to eventual pot winners.

An Extensive History and Evolution of Online Slot Game

The evolution of online slots has been nothing other than sensational. Learn how slots have changed since the advent of Microgaming's first video slot.