More Topics: Trivia

This slots guide has so far focused on the online variants, yet we will now delve further into slot machines in general. Beyond the need to know facts, there are some curious details about slots that make for an interesting read. Discover about land-based slots and casinos, as well as finding out about the history of the game and the biggest wins in the following sections.

Land-Based vs Online

Land-based slot machines came into existence long before online games became available. Online slots are based on their counterparts in real casinos. They have a lot of things in common, yet there are also differences to be seen. When you consider the actual gaming experience, in real casinos, slots use enhanced technology, with cabinets that feature flashing lights and epic sound effects. Yet the basic gameplay works in the same way. Online slots have the advantage of convenience. You can play from home, or even out and about with mobile slots, without the need to travel to a real casino. You will never have to wait to play an online slot either, with an unlimited number of players able to play the same game at any time. In the table below, you can see at a glance some of the similarities and the differences between online and land-based slots.

The Most Popular Machines in Vegas and Beyond

If you hit any of the casinos in Las Vegas, you will find countless slot machines to try your luck at. Vegas slots are all-encompassing. You will find hundreds of traditional style, 3-reel slots machines, for classic old-school gaming. You will also find some of the most graphically advanced, modern video slots packed full of special features and bonus rounds. If you have played slots online, you will also find many familiar titles. Many online slots started life as Vegas slots and have been remastered for online play. Some of the most iconic land-based slots which can also be played online include IGT’s Cleopatra-themed slot, Da Vinci Diamonds and Wheel of Fortune. Penny slots feature widely in real casinos. They offer a shot at winning big money with the smallest stakes. Yet it is perhaps the jackpot networks in Vegas that are the most appealing. IGT’s Megabucks is one of the best-known networked jackpots. Once hit, the jackpot resets to $10m. Vegas-style slots can be found in casinos around the world. Yet you will also find other interesting slot games in other countries. For instance, in the UK, fruit machines feature not only in casinos, but also pubs and clubs, and are hugely popular with players. Here is an overview of the popular real slot games:

The Greatest Slot Casinos in the World

Step foot in any casino in the world, and you can be sure you will find slot machines. If you want to play slots in the greatest casinos in the world, then it is time to pay a trip to the top-rated Vegas slots casinos. Sin City boasts some of the biggest and best casinos in the world, with thousands of legendary games to choose from. Vegas casinos boast single-game progressives and linked wide-area progressives with jackpots exceeding $1million. For instance, at Mandalay Bay, the stand-out progressive slots include Blazin’ 7s, Wheel of Fortune, Megabucks, Monte Carlo and Super Spin. You can play for pennies or enter the high-limits slots room and bet hundreds of dollars per spin. In the table below, you will find some of the dream casinos that every slots fan would love to visit.

Slot History: From Charles Fey to Virtual Reality

There are some casino games which have a long history, spanning centuries. The origins of roulette for instance can be traced back as far as the 17th century. Whereas the first casino slots did not appear until towards the end of the 19th century. Slots may be relatively new in casino history, yet they have evolved and developed significantly to become immensely popular, by far the most popular of all casino games. We have created a timeline, detailing the significant events in the history of slots.. See how the games have evolved over the years from the first slot machine into the slot machines of today and the future.

The Biggest Slot Wins in History: Top Jackpots

There is no denying that jackpots often steal the headlines when it comes to the biggest ever wins. In fairness, regular, non-progressive slots give you more chances to win, albeit smaller amounts. The appeal of progressive slots, however, is that they offer a high reward for a high risk. The jackpot networks of Vegas have produced some of the best big win slots. A special mention must be given here to IGT’s Megabucks, which pays out jackpots that exceed $10million. Some of the most famous big slots wins of all time have a quirky story behind them that makes the win even more interesting. Here are the most famous big slot wins:

Myths and Superstitions

When you look for tips on how to win at slots, you will encounter various strategies that claim to give you an advantage. The truth of the matter, however, is that they do not work, especially when it comes to playing online. Some could have potentially been used in the days before modern random number generator technology generated results. Regardless, there are some slot machine myths that simply refuse to go away, despite proof that they are merely superstitions or no longer relevant. Here are some of the common myths, which have been debunked.

Hot and Cold Slots

The idea of hot and cold slots indicates whether a machine is on a hot streak of payouts. Or vice-versa, where cold slots are not giving out many payouts. In reality, this is an old superstition, which although may have had some merit back in the early days of slot machines, nowadays is not relevant. Thanks to RNG software in slots, each spin is an independent event, and completely random. As such, there is no such thing as hot and cold slots nowadays. It’s also true, however, that the statistical data collected in the industry pinpoints which the best payout slots are in practice.

Loose Slots

One strategy is to search for loose slots. Such slots supposedly give bigger and more frequent payouts. The truth, however, is that there are no loose slots. The payouts of any slot machine, both land-based and online are determined by a theoretical payout percentage (RTP) and a random number generator. This strategy originates in the belief that casinos used to place so-called loose slots in prime positions to attract players.

You Can Predict When a Payout is Due

A commonly held belief is that a slot which has not paid out in a while is due to payout soon. This strategy is again debunked by RNG software. Whilst casino sites may advertise a highly building jackpot slot, it does not mean it is due to be hit. With each spin being an independent event, the size of the jackpot does not influence your chances of cracking the prize.

Online Games Are Rigged

There are some players who refuse to play on the internet, under the false impression that online slots are fixed. The truth is that online casinos must adhere to strict licensing rules. They are regulated by respected authorities, such as the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority. Licensed casinos invite independent testing of their RNG software and payout percentages, to verify that their slots are fair. Apart from that, we also put games and operators to the test by using a tried and tested ranking system, ensuring player satistfaction and safety from our perspective as well.

Slot Scams: Cheating the System Since the 1900s

Since slots were created, people have always been trying to beat them. Throughout history, there have been a variety of slots scams, some more successful than others. Where a scam was detected, developers made the necessary modifications to tackle the scam head on. Technological advancements over the years have further protected slot odds from manipulation. Whilst there is no way to cheat slot machines nowadays, let’s take a look at some of the successful scams throughout the years.

Stats to Keep Track Of

Serious players will keep track of a wide range of statistics. Perhaps most significant in choosing slots with the highest payout is the RTP. High RTP slots are among the most sought-after gambling products. Yet, you should be aware of the volatility or variance, as it can have a big impact on the overall gaming experience, as well as how often you can expect to win. On a personal level, players can monitor their own playthrough history, which details how much money has been wagered, won and lost, as well as providing information on the amount of time spent playing – of course, if you don’t want to invest too much money into it, free online slots provide the perfect way to run a simulation. Below you can see an overview of some of the slots stats that can be monitored.