Slot machines aren’t the oldest games in casino culture, as card games like poker and table games like roulette have come long before. The first machine was created in the late 19th century in California by a mechanic named Charles Fey. If Charles Fey were still alive, he would be a very rich man, as slot machines are available in online and land-based casinos these days. Here’s what you need to know about online slots and how it plays out in crypto casinos.
How Slots Work
Surely, slots and even online slots have changed a lot over the years, but it’s still based on similar principles. The original machine had a 3×3 grid with three vertical reels running independently. Its only payline was right in the middle of the grid, and winning combinations would have to land there. There were more and less valuable combinations, and there was no way to predict results. Such principles still stand today.
Since the game moved to the digital world, mechanical constraints have been left behind. Features like expanding or cascading reels were simply impossible in traditional slot machines. Indeed, the options for themes and features have increased drastically in the online era. Nowadays, gambling sites offer hundreds, if not thousands, of slot titles on their menus.
Arguably, it’s the most popular game in this market and, surely, one of the simplest. No skill or previous knowledge is required to indulge in a spin, as all players can do is insert credits, push play, and hope for the best. Yet, it doesn’t mean that all games are the same. There are different levels of control, depending on the chosen type. Apart from wagers, some titles allow players to control the number of paylines, gambling winnings on a card game, and even buy access to the bonus level.
RTP and Volatility
In the past, the physical structure of the machine determined the winning chances. Nowadays, it’s governed by algorithms. Before taking their chances, players should know about three crucial concepts: RTP and volatility. RTP stands for “return to player,” and it determines how much a game is likely to pay back in the long run.
For instance, if a title has a 95% RTP, it means that USD 95 of every USD 100 will be returned as prizes. The remaining 5% is the house edge, or how much of the total of bets placed on that game will stay with the house. However, it’s important to stress that this calculation is based on thousands of spins, and there’s no guarantee a single player will have any return on their bets. Still, a high RTP indicates that the game is more likely to pay than others. The return to player rate is often mistakenly associated with volatility.
The concept of volatility regards how often a winning combination is likely to land on the reels. Low-volatility games tend to reward players more often, though prizes are usually small. Conversely, high-volatility games don’t pay as frequently, but they can pay considerably more. While online casinos must display the RTP of each game, they don’t have to do so with volatility, which is mostly up to the players to find out.
Slots and Crypto Casinos
When the first online casinos were created in the mid-90s, they revolutionized the industry. For the first time, people didn’t have to travel long distances just to find a land-based casino, not to mention the countries where land-based casinos are forbidden. Then, smartphones arrived, and it has become possible to play from literally anywhere.
Still, crypto casinos managed to advance one step in this revolution, and operating with cryptos is only one innovation. After all, cryptocurrencies are digitally born, and they seem tailor-made for online gambling. An online crypto casino like Bety does much more, providing extra layers of safety and privacy for players, apart from nearly instant and much cheaper operations.
Additionally, Bety offers its own cryptocurrency, the BTY, which equals USD 1. It also has an entertainment currency called FunBTY, which was created for players to use in the platform’s decentralized games. Better still, it has brought blockchain-based new casino games and slots, which are part of what makes this platform so exciting.
Here are some of its newest releases.
Still, decentralization is arguably the most important benefit provided by blockchain-based games. Since the system can’t be controlled or altered by any individual or company, all results are completely reliable and transparent. Crypto casinos also ensure much more privacy, as crypto operations don’t disclose personal or banking details.
Main Types of Slots
It’s impossible to get bored of slots, as there are so many styles and gameplays available. Here’s what you need to know about the most popular options out there. Naturally, you can find them all at Bety.
Classic
Classic slots are still available for those who like to play with a pinch of nostalgia. They have a 3×3 structure and single paylines, just like Charles Fey invented it. Its simplicity makes it perfect for first-timers who are still getting acquainted with the game dynamics. However, they may be rather disappointing for those looking for bonuses and other advanced features.
Multi-Payline
While traditional slots offer no more than five paylines, multi-payline games have dozens or even hundreds of paylines. The format of paylines also varies, including diagonal and zig-zag patterns to the mix. It’s possible to bet on all lines at once and also choose the number of lines according to the betting amount; higher bets enable more lines in this context.
Multipliers
The cue is in the name: multiplier slots have symbols that multiply winning wagers. This feature can increase winnings considerably since there are 100x multipliers and even more. Typically, multiplier symbols are found in bonus games and free spins, but some games also add multipliers to their jackpots.
Progressive
Every time you hear about some scoring record-breaking wins, it is probably on progressive slots. They are designed to accumulate bets on their jackpots, which means the more bets it has received, the higher it’ll be the jackpot. The prize can be accumulated in a single game or based on a network of games.
Needless to say, such machines seldom release jackpots, and that’s why they’re so impressive. The largest progressive jackpot ever granted was USD 39,713,982.25, according to the Guinness Book.
3D and VR
3D graphics and virtual reality aren’t only for video games. While gaming features are nearly the same (free spins, bonus rounds, and so on), VR and 3D slots are more immersive than traditional options, with richer graphics and much more interactivity. VR headsets emulate land-based casinos, where players can interact with machines and people as if they were there.
I-Slots
There isn’t much to decide about regular slots than the betting amount and, perhaps, the number of paylines. That’s why I-slots are quickly becoming so popular, as they add quite interesting decision-making features to the mix. For instance, players can risk their winnings on mini-games or be requested to make decisions at specific points of the game based on its storyline.
Free Games
While betting is part of the thrill of playing, it’s possible to enjoy the best titles without risking a dime. Most platforms, Bety included, allow players to try demo versions of their games, and players can test all their features before playing for real. It’s an excellent option for trying out new games.
Special Features
It’s possible to choose a game by its genre, type, and also its special features. While nearly every game has free spins, there are many other features to watch out. Even free spins may vary from one game to another: they can be granted randomly or via a combination of symbols. Alternatively, some games allow players to buy their access to the bonus level, where free spins are granted.
Bonus rounds vary even more and can include Wheels of Fortune with varied prizes such as multipliers, as well as mini-games where players can double their winnings. Additionally, it’s possible to choose between different mechanics. Cascading reels collapse when a winning combination lands, giving space for new symbols in more winning chances on a single spin. Expanding reels create extra reels and lines if certain combinations arrive.
FAQ
What is RTP?
The return to player rate (RTP) determines the percentage of the total of bets that will be returned in the form of prizes. This percentage is calculated through thousands of spins.
What are the advantages of crypto casinos?
Crypto casinos offer plenty of advantages to their players. Thanks to blockchain technology, they’re much safer and more transparent than traditional platforms. They also have exclusive games and swift operations regarding deposits and withdrawals.
Is it possible to play slots for free?
Absolutely! Nearly every game has a demo version available, where all features can be tried and tested for free.
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