As the internet gathers momentum, sweeping all before it, we see more and more automation in our world. Jobs and roles that used to be carried out by people have been replaced by technology.
Construction, assembly lines, quality assurance, logistics, analytics, even contracts are “smart” now.
But it doesn’t stop there. Lots of our leisure pursuits have gone up online. Fewer people shop in stores nowadays, choosing to buy online. What’s more, even physical exercise could change forever in a world of virtual reality, something we’ve already seen with the Wii video games.
So what does the future have in store for slot machines, and what will the differences be?
Playing Bonanza slots online isn’t exactly a new phenomenon. As the internet boom occurred in the 1990s, the emergence of the first online slots also came along. As the internet gained in popularity, standard casino games such as blackjack and roulette were the first to go electronic. Slots soon followed and the rest is history.
Fans of online slot games now enjoy enhanced graphics, enticing gameplay, far more lucrative prizes, better innovation, and all from the comfort of their own homes.
Slot machines have made a surprisingly seamless transition from casinos and pubs to the world wide web. Although popular, traditional slot machines were a remnant to a different, sepia-tinted time. They were basic, unglamorous and weren’t ever going to evolve much more.
Nowadays, online slots are glitzy, sophisticated, and always looking to get better. The numbers don’t lie either. Great Britain achieved a total gross gambling yield (GGY) of £14.3 billion in 2019. It doesn’t look as though they’re going any place too quickly.
Have slot machines got easier to beat?
Let’s get down to the crux of the matter. Whether we’re talking about traditional slot machines lined up in casinos, or the latest online slots app you’ve just downloaded onto your mobile phone, the objective is the same. You play to win some money.
It’s indisputable that online slot games provide the chance to win far more lucrative prizes. But are they easier to beat than their older style ancestors?
Many people would argue that modern online slots are more sophisticated in design and are therefore harder to beat. Online slot game designers invest a lot of money into developing their games, and they’d be reluctant to do it all for a loss in revenue. There’s certainly a logic that states that along with the glitz and glamour of online slots, they’re designed in order to make money for the companies that release them.
However, the counter argument is that online slot games must use a random number generator (also referred to as RNG) which determines the probability of winning. Gambling websites won’t receive a licence if the players don’t have a genuine and fair chance of winning.
The RNG differs for each individual game played on the site and as a result, each game is unique despite the increased automation involved. In short, they’re designed to be random, not methodical, which is one of the few things still designed today where that’s the case.
Likewise, traditional slot machines were much more basic. They have fewer symbols with fewer possible combinations to them, thus improving your odds of winning.
In addition, they were far more susceptible to cheating. People tried their luck by using fake coins, shaved coins, coins tied to pieces of elastic, and even strong magnets to affect the way the reels spun.
Clearly, none of this will work on a modern online slot game. You’ll be waiting a long time using a magnet with your mobile phone hoping for a big pay-out. Protected by modern technology and state-of-the-art fail safes, the only real way to “cheat” an online slot game is by hacking into the software – something definitely not recommended.
What about RTPs?
Having said all that, the RTP (return to player) percentage is much higher on modern online slot games. Always check this before playing and go for a high percentage. This means that you’re more likely to see a pay-out. Online slots are instructed to show their RTP percentage by law, so walk away if you can’t find it anywhere.
Traditional slot machines weren’t obliged to show the RTP. As a result, since the legislation was introduced, slot games have become more transparent and RTPs have increased dramatically.
Plus, the RTP on traditional slot machines in Las Vegas are about 75%. Most online slot games contain RTPs of 95% or above, so modern slots are far more generous.
It’s up to each player to decide if traditional slots or online games are easier to beat. One thing is clear though; online slot games pay out bigger prizes much more regularly!
