Out of the many thousands of online casino games enthusiastically played by fans across the world, there is one category of games that consistently ranks as the most popular,online slots.
According to a recent article, an estimated 17% of the world’s global population enjoys online gambling, with this figure continuing to grow all the time. In fact, it is estimated that by 2026, the online gambling sector will be worth a staggering $100 billion. In the US alone, the online gambling industry is worth around $9.5 billion dollars, with 11% of the adult population betting on online casino games at least once a month.
Online slots have contributed to these record levels of growth and they are particularly popular with new players who are just dipping their toes into the world of online gambling and casino games for the first time. For this demographic, online slots are an easy-to-play game that can be picked up in a matter of minutes. They also don’t require the same level of time commitment as other classic casino games like blackjack or poker.
As such, online slots now represent one of the biggest categories of online casino games. You will frequently see online casino platforms offering free spins as an incentive to get new players to sign up for an account.
Despite their relatively simple game mechanics, however, online slots pack a surprising technological punch. And there is a surprising amount going on behind the scenes when you click the ‘Spin’ button.
But how exactly do online slots work? And what kinds of technologies are we seeing popular online casino platforms using in their online slot tournament? If you want to find out the answer to these questions and more, keep reading!
A brief history of online slots
Although slot machines have undergone a revival in recent years thanks to the rise of online casinos, slot machines have a surprisingly long history.
The first slot machine was supposedly invented by Charles Fey in 1894, he was a San Francisco-based inventor. Known as the ‘Liberty Bell’, this pioneering design included three spinning reels, a single pay line and a fully automated payout system.It established the basic design that many machines still replicate to this day.
Fey’s basic design was gradually reworked and improved upon over the next few decades. Notably, in 1907, Herbert Mills launched the Operator Bell, which was the first fruit machine with a BAR symbol.
Following this, the first electronic slot machines started to emerge. This included the Money Honey, which was the first electromechanical slot in 1964, followed by the Fortune Coin video slot machine in 1976.
From the 1990s onward, we started to see more and more virtual slot machine games emerging. And although mechanical and electromechanical machines are still popular, video slot machines currently dominate the market.
These games have become so popular that some industry analysts have even estimated that video slots account for as much as 70% of a casino’s income and take up the majority of the available floor space at casinos. This is even despite the fact that slot games are usually much lower value than other casino games and rely on a higher rate of turnover between players to generate an income.
But what technology powers these popular machines and how exactly do they work?
The technology powering today’s online slots
Although it might not appear so at first glance, the technology behind online slot games is sophisticated and constantly improving. And not only do these technological advances help to provide a more immersive and unique playing experience, they also help to make sure that each game is fair, enjoyable and offers a high level of customer protection.
The two core technologies behind online slot games today are RNG (random number generator) technology and provably fair algorithms. Without these two technologies, online slot games wouldn’t be able to function, they are the core of the playing experience. But what exactly do they do?
RNG technology is essentially used to determine the outcome of any online slot game initiated by a user. This technology produces the numbers that are translated by the slot software into the results and symbols displayed onscreen to the player. Any results that are displayed after you click ‘Spin’ are produced by the RNG software, which determines whether you win or lose.
RNG technology is enhanced by provably fair algorithms, which ensure that any results generated are truly random. These algorithms deploy highly complex equations to ensure that the highest levels of fairness are maintained and to ensure the unpredictability of the game.
In addition to RNG and fairness technology, online casino games also use a range of other technologies to enhance the playing experience. This includes things like fraud detection software, as well as encrypted payment systems to keep your personal data safe. Some casinos have even started using FinTech, such as cryptocurrencies, to deliver cutting-edge payment solutions.
With that said, despite the historic origins of the humble slot machine, we can see that a range of different cutting-edge technologies are used today to provide an excellent playing experience. This commitment to using the latest technology will ensure that online slots remain at the top of the business news for many years to come!
