slot sites

How slot sites have evolved over the years

Online slot games have long been a favorite pastime of casino players, with innovative video slots packed with exciting features, thrilling gameplay, and big payouts. However, it’s not always been the enthralling experience as it is today. Online slots have seen many updates over the years, keeping up with the demands of quality entertainment. Even since the early 2000s, we have seen an influx of slot sites popping up all over the internet, with plenty of new and exciting slots to boot. 

The slot sites of yesteryear differ massively from the newer slot sites that you know and love today. Although the purpose of these sites has remained the same, many other elements have evolved over the years, for the better of course. Online slot sites now use many new methods of picking up new players, the collection of games has become more advanced, payment methods have changed, and there are other important differences too. The online slot sites of twenty years ago are nothing like what you experience today, and for good reason. 

Slot site platform

When slot sites first arrived on the scene, you would be required to download software before you could access the gaming content. This is because the slot sites were constructed using Flash technology. Some slot sites still offer downloadable versions, which allow you to save the site to your desktop. These downloadable sites are long outdated since Flash is no longer used and with the emergence of HTML5 technology, you can seamlessly access the full gaming experience directly through your desktop or mobile browser, with no download necessary.

Gaming content

Online casino players can quickly become bored of playing the same slots and table games, and that’s why we see so many new slots released every week. The gaming developers are always working on exciting new features, innovative bonus rounds, and top-notch visuals to grab the attention of the player. Gone are the days of spinning the reels of a traditional 3-reel slot machine with fruit symbols. Nowadays, slot sites stock a much larger library of games, with hundreds turning into thousands. The choice of slot games has grown exponentially, with reel mechanics like Megaways, cascading reels, avalanching reels, and more. Some slot games also allow you to buy straight into the bonus features, so you no longer need to wait until you land the triggering symbols. 

 

Online casino technology has also paved the way for live casino games where the action is broadcast directly from a real-life casino studio, with real human dealers serving up the cards. What’s more, there have been plenty of progressive jackpot games entering the market. Thanks to network technology, these jackpot prizes can grow well into the millions. In fact, one lucky player won £13.2 million in 2015 on the hugely popular “Mega Moolah” slot from Microgaming.

Payment methods

It’s not just the slot games that have advanced, but the payment methods too. You no longer need to wait days and days for your bank transfer to fund your playing balance. Online slot sites allow players to fund their gameplay through a variety of payment options that offer improved security and faster transaction times. Some of these banking methods include eWallets, where you don’t have to share your bank details and withdrawal times are much faster than your regular bank cards. Furthermore, the rise of cryptocurrency has seen many online slot sites accept Bitcoin and other digital currencies.

Regulation and security

The gambling industry was very much like the wild west back in the day, where no regulation meant slot sites could do what they wanted without consequence. Over the years online gambling regulation has gotten more strict and online casinos now must abide by certain rules and regulations. These are in place to protect the casino player, with all funds required to be segregated and responsible gaming measures must be in place to protect and safeguard players from problem gambling. 

 

If a casino is found not abiding by these governed rules, it could be the subject of a very hefty penalty, or at worse, confiscation of their licence to operate. There are many online gambling licences, and more countries are now regulating online gaming. The Swedish Gaming Authority came into play in 2016 and many states across the US are now regulating online gambling. The UK is heavily regulated by the Gambling Commission, and any online operator accepting wagers from a UK resident must be licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission.

Responsible gambling messages

Unfortunately, many online casino sites got away with targeting players who are on big losing streaks, enticing them with offers and promotions to encourage more deposits, and ultimately take advantage of them. Many gaming operators would have teams dedicated to reaching out to big-budgeted players and giving them treats and rewards to get them back to playing in the casino. This has caused a lot of negative attention towards the industry in the past, with certain brands being named in the press for carrying out such acts. Thankfully, hardened regulation means that casinos must go above and beyond to safeguard players, as well as ensure funds are not the result of ill-gotten gains. This includes monitoring their play, carrying out affordability and anti-money laundering checks, and providing account limitations or ‘reality checks’ to remind players how long they have been playing for, and how much they’ve spent.

Offers and promotions

In the past, online slot sites would serve up bonus offers that are tied to various terms and conditions that always seemed impossible to meet, with high wagering terms and sneaky small print preventing players from cashing out. The gaming industry has become more transparent and fairer towards the player. The offers and promotions are getting more generous along with the terms. One such casino is PlayOJO which entered the industry in 2016 with a fairer proposition, by completely removing all wagering requirements and presenting itself as a fair and upfront casino. Online slot players have been demanding a fair and transparent gaming experience and now more casinos are taking that approach.

Design and navigation

The differences between slot sites twenty years ago and the slots sites we enjoy today are incredibly different in appearance. Twenty years of internet technology have seen clunky and painfully slow websites become slick, sophisticated, user friendly and lightning fast. Slot sites now use stunning visual detail, touches of animation and gamification to bring life to the gaming occasion. They’re also optimised for mobile devices and networks, allowing their games to be enjoyed on the go without the need to fire up a laptop or desktop PC.

Final thoughts

The slot sites from the early 2000s are still in operation but have seen some dramatic rebrands and makeovers, such as Starluck Casino becoming Party Casino. The sites have kept up with the times with new skins, more games, better promotions and improved security. The improvements to the bonuses and updates in regulation are slowly rebuilding the reputation of the industry. With slot sites levelling up, it leaves us to wonder what further advancements the future will bring. 

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