For casino players online, there’s literally never been a bigger choice of games. From traditional staples like blackjack, poker, and roulette to newer evolutions boasting faster and more colorful gameplay, there’s truly something for everybody.
The online gambling industry has its roots in creating simple digital adaptations of the games enjoyed by players in casinos for centuries, but today it is so much more than its land-based equivalent, offering a unique level of immersion.
But there is one particular game that’s played a key role in this growth: video slots. This game also has its roots in offline play, and players have enjoyed trying their luck on the classic slot machine for generations.
However, the slot game has truly gained popularity in these recent years due to advanced slot animations and incredible game art that helps to deliver an engaging and exciting experience to the players and make them come back for more.
In this article, we will examine the factors behind its growth and predict what the future might hold.
The stats
The value of the online gambling industry is estimated at being worth in excess of $53.7bn, with a growth rate of 11.5% projected between 2020 and 2027, and slots games have played their role in that growth.
Their value to the industry is perhaps best illustrated by the choice available on leading websites. The vast majority of casino websites, including market leaders such as NetBet, offer dedicated online slots sections, with the choices often too numerous to count.
It’s undoubted that the online casino industry will continue to grow, particularly as regulation in America is altered, and as emerging markets in Africa and Asia are explored on a deeper level by leading brands and industry start-ups.
Why do people love slots?
Slots games are typically fast-paced and designed to be enjoyed casually, which makes them particularly attractive to mobile players. While games like poker and blackjack require more than a little analytical thinking, slots games are a little less intense.
Of course, it pays to know the games and how wins are calculated, but they are very much designed to entertain rather than challenge, and they are the perfect option for the casual player seeking a distraction for half an hour or so.
What does the future hold?
As slots games grow in popularity, leaders in the marketplace will continue to experiment with new innovations to help make the games even more attractive. And new technology will certainly play a role in the industry’s evolution.
We have seen major console game manufacturers, such as Sony, experiment with augmented reality and virtual reality, and there is already evidence of the industry dipping its toe in this tech to explore possibilities. It will be fascinating to see what that looks like for slots.
Because slots are so popular, you can expect to see the game at the forefront of any evolutions in the industry. It’s equally likely that they’ll retain their position as a key component of a rapidly expanding online sector.