Online casino games have evolved exponentially over the years, with online slots, in particular, improving in leaps and bounds — even more so after the introduction of the cascading slots feature that helped to take gameplay to new levels of excitement and intrigue back in 2011.
Read on to discover details about how your favorite online slot machines have transformed over the years — and what the future holds!
The World’s First Slot Machine
Most gamblers will be amazed to discover that slot games got their start in the late 19th century when Sittman and Pitt, a company with its roots in New York, developed the very first slot machine in 1891. Unsurprisingly, the game was quite simplistic, but it quickly spread far and wide. Soon, it had become commonplace in bars and even some restaurants across the country.
The machine came with five drums (reels,) 50 playing cards and a lever that could be used to kickstart gameplay after inserting a nickel. The goal for players was to line up as many good poker hands on the reels as possible with each spin. The players would be “paid out” for their wins at the bar in the form of free drinks, food or cigars.
It’s safe to say that online slot machines and land-based casino slot machines have come a long way from these humble beginnings. Here’s how they have continued to evolve over the years into the enthralling games and machines that gamblers know and love today.
Slot Machines Throughout the 20th Century
Slot machines were programmed to operate manually for many years following their invention, with the first fully electromechanical slot being released by a company called Bally in the mid-1960s. The game was called Money Honey and was capable of an automatic payout of up to 500 coins.
Video slots came shortly after that in 1976 and became exceptionally popular in casinos across Las Vegas. By the time the mid-1990s rolled around, it was estimated that slot machines took up the most casino floor space compared to any other game and that slots gaming accounted for up to 70% of most casinos’ incomes.
The Introduction of Online Slots
The dawning of the internet meant it wasn’t long before developers began adapting popular slot games into digital versions that could be enjoyed on a computer and, soon after, in online casinos. Jackpot slots then emerged, with the first creation (called Cash Splash,) coming from long-standing developer Microgaming.
The designs for these online games were minimalistic at first, made to match the look and feel of the slot machines in land-based casinos, but quickly evolved to boast a variety of interesting new themes, symbols and exclusive features. Nowadays, it’s estimated that there are well over 15,000 different slot games available to play online, with approximately 120 new titles introduced every year.
While some gamers enjoy exploring new and upgraded titles as they’re released, there are many who still seek out that “retro” vibe and enjoy a sense of nostalgia when playing slot games. As a result, several developers have incorporated old-school designs into their newer creations with an emphasis on minimalism and simplicity. Most digital casinos also include a variety of older slot games in their menu.
What Lies Ahead?
Considering how far the technology surrounding slot machines and online casino games has come, it’s safe to assume that this evolution will continue well into the future as technology consistently improves. We’ve already noticed significant advancements over the past few years, with a dramatic improvement in graphics and some “gamification” updates, too. Many slot games now make it possible for you to climb levels throughout gameplay, giving you a strong sense of achievement and allowing you to earn a spot on an esteemed leaderboard and perhaps stand a chance to win a “championship.”
Most experts believe that the next step for slot games is incorporating virtual reality into gameplay. This upgrade has already started infiltrating certain casino table games, like roulette and poker, resulting in a fully immersive gaming experience.
Popular gaming company, NetENT has recently released its most sought-after slot game ever, Gonzo’s Quest, as a virtual reality slot machine game — and gamblers are lapping it up! Some gaming companies have already followed suit, releasing even more virtual reality titles for gamers to try, such as Jack and the Beanstalk and Thunderstruck II.
The Hottest Online Slots To Play in 2023
Ready to explore the best online slot machines as chosen by our players? We have plenty of new releases to get excited about. Here are just a few — guaranteed to be a hit if you love playing online slots for real money.
Cornelius – NetEnt
A brand-new release from NetEnt, Cornelius is a funny and engaging online slot game that revolves around a ginger cat obsessed with food. This low volatility title has 5 reels and 1,024 betways. Most notably, Cornelius offers a Cash Drop feature triggered by landing three or more Cash Drop symbols. When activated, this feature provides players with three respins, with the chance to win cash prizes. The game has an RTP of 96.04% and a maximum win potential of 1,051x your stake.
A Fistful of Wilds – Novomatic
A Fistful of Wilds, by Novomatic, is a Wild West-themed slot game with 5 reels and 30 paylines. It features a Trail and Wins feature that offers various bonuses such as Wild Shot, Wild Whip, Wild Dreams and Wild Dynamite. The game also includes free spins with stacked symbols and the chance to win additional spins. The wild symbol can substitute for other symbols to help form winning combinations. Winning symbols disappear to make room for new ones. The game offers medium variance and an RTP of 95.2%.
Book of Fusion – Light and Wonder
If you love playing online slots for real money, you’ll enjoy the steampunk science vibes of Book of Fusion, a new game from Light and Wonder. This online slot is played on 5 reels and 10 fixed paylines. The game has an RTP of 95.97% and medium to high volatility. The maximum win is 6,519 x your bet per spin, with most of the bigger wins occurring during the free spins round. The science-themed game features symbols such as magnets, switches, voltmeters, Tesla coils and scientists. Landing at least three of the Book of Fusion symbols on the reels triggers the free spins bonus feature. Before the free spins begin, two special symbols are chosen at random, which expand when they appear on the reels. The feature can be re-triggered up to four times for a total of 50 free spins.
Wellspring Eternal – High 5 Games
Wellspring Eternal is an online slot by High 5 Games with a jungle adventure theme. The game has 5 reels, 4 rows and 1,024 ways to win. The symbols include an old telescope, compass, jewels and realistic characters. This online slot machine offers medium volatility and an RTP of 96.0%. The wild symbol is the fountain. The game also has a Scatter Bucks feature, where you can win direct prizes.
Explore Online Casino Games at Borgata Online
When looking for the best live dealer online casino, you needn’t look any further than Borgata Online. Here, you can explore and enjoy a broad selection of online slots via our casino games app or on your computer. Are you a fan of older, more classic titles like Gonzo’s Quest or Thunderstruck? Or do you prefer the new releases from some of the world’s leading developers, like Skeleton Key and Bounty Raid? No matter what your taste, there’s sure to be a slot game for everyone!
Along with jackpot slots, we also specialize in casino table games, variety games and live dealer casino games.
Register to get started whenever you’re ready via our convenient mobile portal. Have fun — and always remember to play responsibly!
Wondering when it’s the best time to play online slots or why online slots are so popular? Be sure to explore our blog further.