The Evolution Of Slot Machine Technology
Slots are one of the most popular and easily-recognised games in a casino. It’s the simplicity of Slots that make them such a favourite among casino enthusiasts – just take a spin and hope that the symbols match up.
It’s purely a game of chance, which makes it the perfect option for those looking for some quick, easy casino fun without having to learn the rules of a more complex game.
Slots and slot machine technology have evolved massively over the last several decades, from the earlier days of clunky, mechanical slot machines to the modern computerised versions we see in casinos today.
The growth of online casinos have also played a part in these developments, with Betfair casino Slots available to play on your computer or phone. Let’s take a look at how the technology of slot machines has grown and adapted over time.
The Early Days
Perhaps the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of casino Slots is a big, clunky machine with a lever.
That’s what the oldest slot machines were like – a series of reels, generally three, would rotate when the lever was pulled.
If the symbols visible on the pay-line of all the reels matched up, you would win. Sensors were used to detect if the symbols matched and this would activate the pay-out.
These early slot machines were mechanical structures, with a complex arrangement of gears and levers, metal shafts, and notched discs to be found in the machines’ innards.
While these slot machines will spark nostalgia in many a casino gamer, as technology has advanced, these early configurations have been left behind.
Modern Machines
Nowadays, most slot machines are computerised, with no mechanical parts to be found. These video slots feature a screen which displays the computer-generated reels and pay-lines.
Many machines will have more than three reels, which allows for more possibilities and more ways to win.
Randomisation technology is used in video slots to ensure their fairness. Random Number Generators (RNGs) decide the outcome of the game, which gives Slots their great appeal of being games of pure chance with no external factors affecting the outcome of the spin.
These modern slot machines have had a positive effect on the gamer’s casino experience. Instead of having to carry cups full of coins, players can simply bet money straight from a credit account instead of having to drop a coin in the machine before every spin.
Video slots can be programmed with a certain pay-back percentage, also known as a return-to-player percentage (RTP). This is the percentage of wagered money that will be paid back to the player over time.
Naturally, the higher the RTP percentage, the more likely it is that a player will enjoy success. The computer software and technology used in video slots has allowed this to be implemented so that both casinos and gamers can benefit in the long run.
Online Takeover
Of course, the rise of online casinos has meant that many people now enjoy playing Slots on their computer or smartphone. The technology of these games is almost identical to that of video slots, with RNGs and RTP percentages utilised in both.
Online casinos are a prime example of how different technologies can complement each other. The advent and development of fast computers and smartphones have allowed online casinos to use the technology of video slots online and provide a new and exciting way for people to enjoy Slots.
With so many steps already taken in the advancement of slot machine technology, it will be interesting to see what the future holds.
