Slot machines have come a very long way since Charles Fey produced the first game in 1895 and with numerous updates, mainly with regards to technology, slots are one of the most popular games found in both brick-and-mortar and online casinos. Whether you’re playing video slots, progressive slots, Vegas slots or participating in a slots tournament, there’s no denying the thrill and excitement of watching the reels spin and seeing which winning combinations will appear. But where do developers go next? What does the future of slots potentially hold? Read on and we’ll list some of the possibilities.
Cryptocurrencies as payment
There’s still a hype around cryptocurrencies and in the same way that gamers love the convenience of playing in online casinos, there’s also a convenience about paying with virtual money. Although some casinos already accept cryptocurrencies, we can certainly see them being far more prominent in the future. But why are they so advantageous, or seen as beneficial?
Well, they are seen as a safer option, as users aren’t required to provide personal details such as their home address, phone number or bank details. Secondly, they are instantaneous, so rather than waiting three or more working days to receive a withdrawal via a bank transfer, a transaction via an e-wallet could take only a number of hours. There are also no transaction limits and are available worldwide. Need we go on?
The use of virtual reality
Virtual reality is seen as the future of casinos, providing players with the ultimate gaming experience. Imagine putting on a headset and mimicking the sights and sounds of a brick-and-mortar casino from the comfort of your own home – how cool would that be?
Imagine walking around the casino, surrounded by your fellow slots fans and being able to control things the same way you would in a standard casino: adjust your stake, select your pay-lines and utilise the autoplay function, if you’d like. But the most exciting part is when you land a winning combination. Watch the symbols come to life and burst out of the screen, with your winnings falling around you. A truly immersive experience for all of your senses and one that is certainly an exciting prospect.
The use of voice control
We find voice control everywhere – on our mobile phones, computers, home hubs and sat-nav systems – but what about the use of voice control in the casino world? Imagine telling your casino to launch a specific table game, or asking your slot portal to spin the reels. Obviously, it probably wouldn’t be ideal if you’re gaming on-the-go, sat at a bus stop or in a public place and you don’t want others to know what you’re doing; but if you’re sat at home, it seems like another convenient option.
Skill-based games
Slots are very much based on luck, you don’t need to know any specific terminology, rules or have experience of spinning the reels. This makes them a great option for newbies; but what about those experienced players that demand more, or find the action a little too repetitive?
How about skill-based games where players can try and better their score, or others’ scores. Slots tournaments are already in existence and add a competitive element, even if it isn’t directly skill-based. But having a slot game, whereby your skill level dictates how you get on in a bonus round or side-game seems like a good option to us. It will add more excitement to the game, while adding another element of competition, to freshen up an otherwise mundane game to keep even the most ardent slots fan happy. What do you think? Is there anything we’ve missed out or anything you’d like to see? Leave us a comment below with your suggestions.