A brief history of Online Slots
The game of chance has been with us since the dawn of time. From what side a stone will land smooth or rough to now multi-million-pound slots. However, the history of slots does not begin until the late 19th century with the first slot machine. The 1895 Liberty Bell with 3 spinning reels
Players had to wait a further 99 years for the most significant changes in slots and the birth of online slots. Before finding the basic transition of symbols amazing, players now think nothing about picking up a mobile to play and win on the go!
See our timeline below of important dates in the advance of slots and now, online slots.
Timeline – Slots and their advancements
- 1891 First gambling machine
- 1895 Automatic mechanism game with three spinning reels game, Liberty Bell.
- 1907 The first fruit symbols appear on slot reels
- 1963 (Bally) first fully electromechanical slot machine, Money Honey
- 1976 First video slot machine
- 1984 Patent for Random Number Generator
- 1991 The Internet
- 1994 The first online casino – for play money casinos
- 1994 First online slot machine for real money play
- 1996 First online casino – for real money casinos.
- 1996 First second screen slot, Reel ‘Em In
- 1998 First Progressive Jackpot slot, cash splash
The biggest online slot wins so far……
Jackpots have come along way since 50 cents in 1895, as now in the millions with Progressive Jackpots. The current top 5 wins are:
- €17,879,645 Mega Moolah (Betway Casino) – 2015
- €17,861,800 Mega Fortune (Paf Casino) – 2013
- €11,736,375 Mega Fortune (Betsson Casino) – 2011
- €8.570,000 Mega Fortune (Folkeautomaten) – 2015
- $9.2 million Mega Moolah (Tipico Mobile Casino) – Record mobile casino jackpot win – 2017
Types of online slot machines
With over 3000 online slots available to players, we at free-spins.net realize things can easily get a bit confusing. That’s why we decided to explain the main types:
Classic slots – 3 reel games
Online slots with only 3 reels are commonly known as classic slots in reference to the traditional one armed-bandits of old. These provide a retro, old-school gaming experience. Accordingly, with no fancy features or second-screen bonus events.
So if your the type of player who just likes to spin to win, these are the slots for you.
An example of a 3 reel slot machine is Deuces Wild.5 reel slots
In a move away from the classic 3 reel design, brought about by advanced programming. Therefore, making the games more visually attractive and exciting. Also, more reels increase the pay line possibilities and a greater chance of cash prizes.
Starburst is one of the most popular 5 reel slots available.
Progressive slots
With these, the value of the jackpot increases each time if it is not won during a game. However, the RTP tends to be lesser but the jackpots are much more than other slots. Also, this type of slot is generally linked across different online casinos. Thus resulting in multi-million-pound jackpots!
Mega Moolah is the most famous of the online progressive jackpot slots, with the current record of the biggest payout.
Mobile slots
Mobile slots are specifically created to play on mobile devices. Thus, allowing players to play on the move, without losing any of the visual effects or features because they are playing on a smaller screen.Mega spin slots
Mega spin slots allow players to play several games at once, with the convenience of being on the same screen. Thus allowing players to keep track. Also, they often come with progressive jackpot features.
Microgaming is renowned for this type with an example being Major Millions, a progressive jackpot slot with 15 pay lines.
Multipliers
The clue is in the name, these are features allowing players the chance to multiply their winnings. Indeed, it is possible for players to double, triple or even increase wins by as much as 100 times. The majority of online slots come with multiplier functions.
Gonzo’s Quest from NetEnt is very popular and a fine example of a multiplier slot.
Multi-Payline slots
Where classic slots have only one pay line, multi-payline slots offer many. Therefore, offering more chances to win. Paylines can be straight, diagonal or even zig-zag and multi-payline slots can offer 3 to 25. In the end, it all depends on the game that one is playing.
Gladiator is a 5-reel, 25 pay-line video slot, you may want to check out.
What to look for in online slots machines
No matter how many free spins and cash bonuses you have, there’s no point playing to win if you don’t understand the basic rules of online slots. For instance, every spin of the reels is a game of chance and no matter how many times you’ve wagered, each and every outcome is a random one. Therefore, it’s possible first-time players could win the jackpot if their wager is high enough.
Just because an online slot game looks great value on the surface doesn’t mean it is. For example, free spins and bonus rounds might be plentiful, but the overall return to players and potential returns might be small. Poor returns in base games can make some online slots a long haul investment just to see some sizable win. So, always check the individual return to player percentage (or RTP) of slots before committing to any significant play.
The best online slots cater to players of all types – from the complete novice to the seasoned professional. Slots are not a game of skill as such. However, getting up to speed on the ins and outs of each title and their unique bonus rounds is essential.
More seasoned players can opt for advanced rules with more interactive titles. Thus, having the choice of multiple bonus options, each with their own unique perks and drawbacks.
In short, getting a basic grasp of gaming strategy is essential especially if you’re investing in long-term play.
We will now breakdown in detail of what to look for in slots. However, for our advice to take effect you need to decide what you want from a slot?
Game time, fun, big wins, are you looking to play casually or seriously with a large investment.
Slots software
The choice of casino software for slots is important. As it impacts the quality of graphics, speed and other characteristics of the game. Also, not all software providers have progressive jackpot games in its catalogue.
A regular player comes to have a favourite software and may only play slot games from them. And again only play at an online casino that has games from that software provider.
Play on the Go
Does the software provider of your favourite slot also provide a mobile version? This is a question you need to answer if you plan to play on the go. However, most reputable software providers do have mobile versions of their games. As it makes business sense.
Slot Machine Bonus features
What types of bonuses you prefer may decide which slots you end up playing. Therefore, here is a breakdown of typical bonus features:Wheel Spinning Bonuses
Prize wheels split into equal sections giving the player a chance to win. Winnings can be bonus credits, multipliers and entry into other bonus events.Pick’em bonuses
Pick-a-prize bonuses also known as pick’em bonuses have been around since the late 1990s. Their aim is to make the player an active participant in the game. They can be as basic as touching one icon on the screen to win bonus credits. Also, there use apply to longer events where you keep picking until you touch an icon that ends the event. In summary, the choices a player makes determines the size and type of bonus.
Free-spin bonuses
Free-spin bonuses have become the most popular bonus event on slots. And are exactly what they say they are… Free Spins. Players get a number of free spins of the reels. During which they collect wins without having to make further wagers.
Book of Dead is definitely worth checking out for in-game free spins.
Mystery and Skill-Based Bonuses
With added entertainment in mind sometimes, bonuses are a mystery. In fact, they can become available even when there are no winning symbols on the reels. Skill Bonuses will require a player to interact more with the slot. In other words, using their skills in mini-games or just stopping on an icon.
High RTP (return to player)
Return to Player (RTP) is a term to describe the percentage of all the wagered money on a slot machine that the slot machine will pay back to players over time. For example, if you play a slot with an RTP of 90%, making a thousand £1 bets you might expect to get back about £900 in wins.
So ideally you will want to be playing a slot with a high RTP, of greater than 95% so shorten your odds of winning.
THE BEST PLACE TO PLAY ONLINE SLOTS
There are many things to consider before choosing the right online casino for you to play slots at. Always take into account players and reviews as they will give you an important insight.
Here are a few things to look out for:
Licences and seals – A place you can trust and is a safe and secure to play at
You can judge a reputability of a casino, including if it is a safe place to play by the licences and seals it holds.
Having the relevant licences and seals show the online casino meets the legal criteria set by the regulatory bodies. Also that the casino can operate legally in that country.
Also, regular third-party audits on fairness, the security of personal information and transactions occur.
Big Selection of slots
If you like your slots It is no good registering an account at an online casino that has a puny selection of slots. Look for a casino with a huge selection, such as Videoslots who have 3,000+ Slots. Also, variety and types of slots is an import aspect to consider.
Play on the Go
How you plan to spend your time playing games will affect your decision of what online casino to sign up for. If like many of the population you want to play on the go? You will need to ensure that you have access to your favourite games wither via the casino mobile site or app.
Play for free
At any reputable online UK casino, you can find slots to play for free, in practice mode. And, once you’ve polished up on the slot game specs, you can play for real with no investment.
Once you’ve polished up on the slot game specs, you can play for real by taking advantage of the welcome bonus. Also, you can sign up at different casinos for multiple welcome bonuses. Thus, continuing to play for free.
Bonuses for slots
Being a slots enthusiast you need to make sure that available bonuses are applicable to slots. So, not just the welcome bonus but daily and monthly promotions. And loyalty Bonuses. Also, if you are planning to go BIG then the VIP programme will be worth looking at before you sign up.
Our choice of where to play is:
Best welcome bonuses for new players
Ultimately, no-deposit bonuses are the cheapest way to play for cash at online casinos. However, wagering limits and relatively small starting stakes might appeal to small-time wagerers and novices only. On the contrary, high rollers looking to make more money, quicker, can find much more lucrative sign-up bonuses out there. Those go upwards of £1000 matched deposit welcome gifts and free spins in the hundreds. On the whole, you’ll find no deposit bonuses at hundreds of UK Casinos.
You’ll always get the best returns when you stake at least some money down as a deposit. Make the most of matched bonuses with lucrative offers of up to 400% returns. Almost every casino rewards new members with a cash credit bonus. They can use this bonus to play online slots and other casino games. What is more, these usually have laxer wagering restrictions than no-deposit schemes. For serious high rollers, there’s great VIP only rewards at BGO Casino.
TOP 5 ONLINE SLOTS IN THE UK
Players have plenty of choices when it comes to online slots titles. There are hundreds of tried, tested and trusted free online slots to choose from in the UK alone. In fact, they can choose from thousands of essential games from popular software developers like:
- Microgaming
- Novomatic
- NetEnt
- Playtech
- Merkur
- Yggdrasil Gaming
You’ll find classic 5-reel slots with lemons, bells and bars. Likewise, dynamic video slots inspired by movies and comic books. So, whether you’re new to online slots or just looking for a new favourite we can help. We’ve assembled 5 of the best you can play today at popular UK casinos.
Thunderstruck
Thunderstruck – If you’re after big wins, the Thunderstruck series is a must. With 243 pay-lines and flexible wagering, there’s serious potential to win big with this Nordic-inspired 5-reeler.
Mega Fortune
Mega Fortune is another NetEnt title. This 5-reel slot is full with free spins and huge multipliers to help elevate even smaller stakes into the stratosphere. Also, a must for high rollers, this game has plenty of pay-lines to help turn max bets into mega fortunes.
Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones – fans of the books will love this video slot from Microgaming. It offers a unique online slot experience filled with dynamic graphics and video clips from the hit HBO show itself. To top it all, there are free spins and multipliers on offer, as well as several exclusive bonus rounds for bigger wins and a more immersive story.Book of RA
Book of Ra is a video slot from Novomatic Studios with 5 reels and 9 pay-lines. The game setting is in a mysterious world in ancient Egypt. Hence, the game is about a quest to discover the hidden treasure of the Pharaohs. Revolving around hidden treasures which appear as players spin the reels. Most importantly, it is designed to confer with the traditional video slot setup where players can select which play-lines are active when spinning. Lastly, most casinos have a demo mode for this slot game where free play is possible.Wheel Of Fortune
Wheel of Fortune – Fans of the TV game show classic will love the chance to spin to win with Wheel of Fortune: Triple Extreme. Land pay-lines on the reel to trigger spins on the famous wheel and land impressive cash prizes and extra spins from the wedges.FAQ- Frequently Asked Questions
Just in case we have missed anything about the fantastic world of online slots, here are some FAQs with answers.
Are slot machines really random?
Yes, they are as they employ Random Number Generation (RNG).
An RNG Chip produces a completely random sequence of numbers or symbols without a pattern. Thus, making it impossible for the guessing or prediction of the numbers or symbols. The programming of the RNG chip is by the software provider. Thereby the casino cannot change to their preference. How do RNGs Work?
The use of extremely complicated algorithms produces numbers with the original number being the “Seed”. This Seed is then the base of calculation.
Once a new number is calculated that then can become the seed for the next set of numbers and so on and so on over and over. It is impossible to predict the next number in the sequence unless you know the original seed number.
The normal execution uses a 32-bit word length. Allowing it to generate a number from 0 to over 4 billion (4,294,967,295 to be exact). The numbers are massive, with standard RNG’s across the world working with random numbers that have 219,937 digits!
What is the best slot machine app?
Here you actually need the best casino app with your favourite slot available.
Currently one of the best online casino app’s is Betway Casino from Microgaming.Can you make real money on online slots?
Yes, one by employing strategies and two with the use of casino bonuses. Most online casinos offer no-deposit bonuses giving you the chance to play slots for money without using your own cash.
What does the term loose slot machine mean?
A Loose Slot Machine generally refers to a slot that is set to offer the highest payback %. Compared to similar slot games available at the casino. However, the term loose slot machine does not cover all of the same titles in multiple casinos. After all one slot machine can be loose at one casino while offering a lower payback % (tight) at other casinos.
How Can I Be Sure That the slots Are Not Cheating Me?
You are experiencing a losing streak or gambler’s fallacy – your head is telling you are being cheated.
Let us put any fear you may have that the RNG is rigged to bed. Online casinos today are tested and evaluated by 3rd Party companies who will then award their seal of approval. Therefore, ensure you check for the appropriate seals and authenticity before you start gambling.
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