Coin slots are among the most popular online casino games. Their popularity is easy to understand. They are simple to play for anyone, have a huge variety of themes and bonus features, offer a wide range of betting options, are playable with both computers and mobile devices, and finally, there is simply an incredible number of different games from which to choose.
Evolution of Slots
We have come a long way from the 70’s and 80’s, back when the slots machines played in brick-and-mortar casinos had little variety beyond a 3-reel layout and fruits and berries as game symbols.
Today, the slots have moved into people’s smartphones and laptops, and they normally comprise of 5 reels and 3 rows and have a whole lot more special features than before. The game symbols can be absolutely anything, depending on the theme of the game.
Video slots often have animated background graphics and/or symbols, and could even include an introduction video of the story behind the theme. Also, the number of pay lines has increased since the 70’s and 80’s, gaming options from bet levels to auto spins have become more varied, and bonus features have become more and more like their own little games inside the main game. Playing slot games has become enjoyable in itself, not just a way to try and make some extra money with some leftover cash.
For nostalgic people, there are classic online slots, which mimic the old-fashioned slots in all their 3-reel and 1-pay line simplicity.
Progressive Slots
Slots are often considered a great option for a bit lower-rollers looking for moderate risk with moderate wins. However, there are slots that have made millionaires. With a regular slot, the maximum winning will generally not make you a millionaire; instead, the chance to win a life-changing amount of money lies in progressive slots.
A progressive slot is a slot which includes a jackpot (or, in some cases, several jackpots) that keeps growing as the game is played, until someone wins it. The jackpot does not go back to zero after it has been won: there is usually a minimum amount to be won at any time. The current value of the jackpot is always shown on the game screen.
Most major developers offer one or more progressive slots for those feeling lucky. The most well-known of these is probably Mega Fortune by the Stockholm-based developer NetEnt (Net Entertainment).
Popular Slots
The above mentioned Mega Fortune is one of the players’ all-time favourite slots, not only because of its huge jackpots but because it’s a pretty nice slot even without them.
Another popular progressive slot is Mega Moolah. It is a safari-themed game published by Microgaming, one of the software pioneers in the field of online casino games.
NetEnt’s Gonzo’s Quest is also among the most played slots. The story behind it is the one of Gonzalo Pizarro, traveling to South America to look for El Dorado back in the 16th century. The game is unique, simple and beautifully designed.
NetEnt also produced the very popular, Jack and the Beanstalk slot, also with some amazing graphics and attractive bonus features.
Released in 2010 by Microgaming, Thunderstruck II is still very winning fans years later. It is based on the story of ancient Norse gods, and its atmosphere is definitely captivating.
Slots are a great option for all kind of players: new ones and established ones, those with a small budget, those with a big budget, those that are into horror and fantasy, and those that are into blockbuster movies and classic cartoons. The huge variety of different slot games ensures that there is something for absolutely everyone.
