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The first slot machines were invented by Charles Fey in 1898. Classic slots with fruits appeared at the beginning of the 20th century. Slot machines have evolved significantly since then, making their way to internet casinos via a protracted process. This type of entertainment has not lost its popularity and has even become a way to earn money for many gamblers around the world.

Users spend hours playing games in online casinos to try their luck and the variety of providers and gambling platforms offered. The main thing is to understand the structure of slot machines as well as choose a reliable online casino. Royal Casino offers its players a huge selection of licensed slots, where everyone can find something to their liking.

In this article, we will tell you how online slots in casinos work. Perhaps this will bring you a little closer to a big win.

Types of slot machines

Nowadays all the machines are electronic in regular casinos. The independent rotation of three drums on the same axis and the alternate halting of reels form the basis of mechanical and electronic-mechanical device operation. The gambler receives a prize when the same symbols appear on the visible part of the reels.

Modern video slots have a monitor on which the rotation of the reels is visualized.

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Fully electronic machines are no longer limited by the number of reels, rows, or lines of a game. The most common slots are five reels with three rows of symbols.

How video slots work

Online slot machines are the most played type of game in online casinos. They are created and maintained by providers or software developers. They are responsible for the random nature of the result. And online casinos are just places where users can play online slot games. Thus, a licensed online casino can’t, in any way, influence the outcome. The most popular providers include NetEnt, Amatic, Novomatic, Playtech, Microgaming, Igrosoft, and others.

What concerns progressive jackpots, large providers created a system of them. Thus, the platforms combine some of their machines into a single network, and a small amount is withheld from each player’s bet in any online casino with licenses around the world. A common prize fund is formed, after which this money is played among gamblers. So, jackpots are paid not by online gambling platforms, but by the providers. It’s crucial to remember that the probability of winning at an online casino is influenced by the characteristics of specific slots and not by the general principles of operation of slot machines.

Random number generator (RNG)

RNG is a special program that calculates the outcome of the reel rotation. The outcome is unpredictable; it can’t be influenced from the outside in any way. The generator performs calculations even while no one is playing, and as soon as the gambler presses the Spin button, the RNG will automatically show the result. The dropped numerical value determines the numbers and the sequence in which they will appear on the reels. That is, the RNG determines the player’s winnings.

Bonus symbols

Each type of slot has similar rules for forming winning combinations. Usually, this is a predetermined sequence and number of symbols. Most often, a combo is a sequence of three or more identical symbols on an active payline. But a combination with simply close placement of symbols may be winning. More matching identical icons mean a higher winning amount.

It’s significant for every player to have special symbols and prize functions in slots — Scatter, Wild, Bonus.

Moreover, there can be many prize functions — their options and features depend on the developers’ imagination. For instance, they can be re- and free spins, unique wilds and scatters, prize-increasing odds, and similar bonuses that increase the player’s chance of winning.

The future of video slots

Developers and creators of slots are constantly working to improve the quality of the game. They are changing the mechanics and principles of the game; they are improving bonus systems and gameplay; they are creating new signs and special symbols. Over time, the gameplay will move into the field of virtual reality. Then playing slots will be more reminiscent of a standard video game, which will have a positive impact on the quantity of players and the return on slots for developers.