How Video Slots work?
Online slot games dominate the casino games portfolios at web-based operators, much in the way that their land-based casino cousins do at brick and mortar casinos. Unlike classic mechanical reel slot machines that run on gears and analogue systems, video slot reels are software run and digitally rendered on a screen to present a virtual roll of the reels every time you hit spin.
Video slot games is a term generally used to depict more modern slot games styles that support more complicated gameplay than traditional classic slot machines do like the addition of special features and other add-ons.
Common features of Video Slots
There are common features that are akin to video slots styled games. Some of these features may include:
Great Visuals and sound
Certain video slot games, like 3D slots, usually sport extremely creative visuals and sound effects. Though certain 2D games may not look as attractive as 3D variants, they still hold a bit more creativity than standard classic slot fruit symbols. Video slot games can vary from arcade-style audio to super high spec sounds and effects, which are a steep contrast with classic slot’s generic sounds and tunes.
Theme Orientated
Video slots are generally theme-related. The game symbols are very often in keeping with the story being told by the theme. There are a huge number of themes available, including Civilization slots, TV and Film slots, Branded Slots, Octoberfest Slots, St Patrick’s Day Slots, Valentine slots, Easter Slots, Christmas and New Year slots, dice slots, and much more.
This thematic correlation keeps things interesting. Special features and bonus rounds, which are all too familiar with video slots, can also add tremendously to the story being told.
Special Features
Video slots are generally known for their bonus feature rounds and extra add-ons. Because of the degree of competition between game providers, video slots titles make use of bonus material to keep people interested and maintain the edge over their counterparts in the market. Common special features in video slot games include:
Free Spins – This is probably the most sought-after bonus round in the slots world. Triggering this round can be done in a variety of ways, but once it is activated, the game will allow you a pre-selected number of reel spins for free. These may come with extra multipliers or Wild features to add spice to the round. Sometimes the feature can even be re-triggered for another bout of fun and entertainment.
Respins – Some games offer a respin feature, where if you land a winning combination, the reels will respin to give you another chance of making a win. Generally, the respins will stop when no more winning combos can be made. In some games, a certain number of respins in successive sequences may trigger extra bonuses, like a free spin round or something similar.
Pick Feature – When triggered, this round will allow you a certain number of clicks to choose from symbols on a page that may carry prizes. These rewards often include instant cash prizes, multipliers, and other bonus materials.
Trail Bonus – This is much like a pick feature, but it entails traversing through a multi-level feature where prizes increase the longer you manage to stay in the game.
Special Wilds – In the online slots world, there are a wide number of Wild symbol functions available to players in certain different games. Nearly all of them substitute for any standard symbol but sometimes select ones to multiply your wins; others expand themselves over the reels, others stick in place for several rounds. These Wilds certainly help keep things interesting.
You can read more about online slots special features in our Online slots and their main features guide.
Providers of video slots
Everywhere you look, new slots providers are springing up to capitalise on the incredibly popular market. Among the crowd, there are several ‘special’ video slot providers who stand out in the areas of quality and gameplay. These studios include names like Betsoft, Quickspin and Thunderkick.
NetEnt (Net Entertainment) is considered by most as the benchmark in top video slot production, leading the way in 3D and VR slot gaming. You can be sure to find top-quality ensembles with great features within these games stable.
Video slots ‘On The Go’
Unlike in the 1990s and early 2000s, online video slot games are not exclusively restricted to land-based casinos and desktop computers. The mobile market has made great strides to become the most popular remote gaming casino platform. These strides have seen huge advancements in mobile browser play, where the latest in HTML5 technology makes way for seamless slot play from your Android or iOS phone or tablet, without the need to download apps and other software.
On the go slot gaming is so convenient, because you can literally play anytime and anywhere you choose to. Are you commuting on the bus? Whip out your phone and have a flutter until your stop. Is it your lunch break? Crack out your iPad for a few moments of video slot fun before getting back to the grind.
Fair gaming for all
One thing that all classic and video slots have in common, however, is the fact that they are managed by random number generators to determine wins. This means that each winning combination is randomly triggered and is not rigged to pay out at certain times as many people might think.
You cannot come up with full proof strategies to ensure wins when playing video slots, as the RNG is sure to throw a spanner in the works. Random number generators ensure that games remain fair.