The very first slot machine was invented in 1895 in San Francisco, by car mechanic Charles Fey. It was named the Liberty Bell, and a spin that resulted in a row of three Liberty Bells would give the biggest payout. At this time, this was a grand total of ¢50. Since then, over a century has passed, and technological advancements have changed the nature of slot games entirely.
The benefits of technology
The rising popularity of the internet led the gambling industry to digitalize its games, in order to reach a wider audience. The existence of online casinos negated the need for punters to travel to a land-based casino, instead allowing them to enjoy gambling from the comfort of their own homes. To keep their products fresh and enticing, online casinos have embraced new technologies, to improve their offerings. The best online slot sites offer a myriad of appealing services, including increased payment methods, improved gameplay, and even virtual reality.
Increased payment methods
Most top casino sites will offer punters multiple payment options, asides from bank transfers or credit and debit cards. New payment technologies have allowed slot sites to offer options such as cryptocurrency, or e-wallets. The most popular cryptocurrencies used in online casinos are Bitcoin and Ethereum, but others, such as Ripple or Tether are also becoming more widely available. Cryptocurrencies provide increased security and anonymity, making them a popular choice for many punters. Using either crypto or e-wallets allows for faster transaction times, making them an efficient and convenient way to make deposits and withdrawals. An additional bonus of e-wallets is that they sometimes offer rewards if you use their services!
Improved gameplay
Technological advancements have also allowed game developers to improve the quality and variety of games. Bonus levels, and mini-games, add a different element to online slot games, making punters feel like they’re playing a video game. The graphics of the games have also improved drastically in recent years, resulting in reduced glitching, making for a far more enjoyable gaming experience.
Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence
The rising popularity of virtual reality has made its way to online casinos. VR headsets are far more affordable than ever before, which means we can only expect to see more VR slot experiences in the future. This means that punters will be able to enter a virtual world and play casino games with other like-minded people in a virtual casino space. AI can be used to make more interesting animations and realistic sounds. This makes for a more immersive experience for players, encouraging them to come back for more.
Live Gaming
Most top casino platforms offer live versions of traditional casino games, such as roulette, bingo, and poker. This provides a more immersive experience that is closer to how it would be to play in a land-based casino, where players play games alongside each other.
Bingo, in particular, has benefitted from technology that allows for features such as a live chat box. This allows players to chat with others before, after, or during a bingo game. Additionally, live presenters allow for a more entertaining overall gaming experience.
Mobile apps
Nowadays, there is an app for almost every element of our lives. Whether you’re after an app to plan each element of your day or an app that simply reminds you to drink water, the advance of technology means that our mobile devices allow for increased convenience.
This is also the case with online casino gaming, as a myriad of top casino sites offer mobile app versions which allow punters to play their favorite games on the go. From slot games to live poker, gambling lovers can access casino sites without having to open up a laptop.
Final note
The benefits of technology are abundant in the online gambling world, bringing an increased level of security, a better gaming experience, and a more convenient process. In particular, the development of VR and AI software means that the future of online slot games looks promising. It’s clear to see that the gambling industry is open to change, and it is willing to embrace future innovations to ensure that its customers have the best possible online gaming experience.
