Before we start talking about online slots, we would like to tell you a little bit more about them. Did you know that the first slot machine in history appeared in San Francisco, USA, in 1895? It was created by Charles Fey, a young engineer who belonged to the state electricity company. Called Liberty Bell, it was a simple slot with three reels: when three bells appeared, the prize was activated. The expectation was incredible.
It wasn’t until 1964 that the first electric slot machine saw the light of day. It was called Money Honey and was the starting point of a huge popularity. In fact, in the 1970s, these machines became one of the most popular attractions for women. Thanks to this electrical innovation, casino games underwent a real revolution.
During the 1970s, there was another milestone in the history of these products: the invention of microchips. From his hand came Fortune Coin, the first casino video game. It was the visionary work of Walt Fraley and opened a new panorama for slot machines and casino games in general.
Progressively, new technological advances led to slot machines converted into video machines based on random number series generators. They were the genesis of today’s slots. So much so that at the end of the 20th century, during the 1990s, two main types of slot machines began to be differentiated: land-based and online. The business opportunity did not go unnoticed and many websites and casino software providers seized the opportunity to multiply the supply of online slots.
What has been the consequence? You no longer have to travel long or short distances to enjoy this entertainment. You can play wherever you are, at any time of the day or night: 24/7. All you need is a mobile phone, a tablet, a computer or any other similar device. In other words, your slots go with you! The web has replaced the casinos, bars and gambling halls that previously dominated this offer.
Free spins
These are free spins provided by casinos when you play their slots. Don’t confuse them with bonus spins.
Jackpot
This refers to an accumulative jackpot that increases the final prize that is possible to win. It is achieved by matching certain higher value symbols on a payline. It is linked to the RTP (explained below) and, along with it, is a factor in deciding which slot to play.
Paylines
These are the ones that allow you to win prizes when certain combinations of symbols are matched. They vary depending on how the game is designed. To give you a practical idea, think of this example: if a 5-reel slot requires 3 identical symbols to be matched, they must appear on the same payline.
Payback or payback rate
This is an element that is determined by the specific RNG, a concept that is also explained in this glossary. It identifies the payback percentage that a slot machine presents to players.
RNG or random number generator
In English, random number generator. Refers to the software that triggers the operation of the game. Originally, in the olden days, it was used to denote the internal system of physical slot machines. Today, however, it has become fully established in its digital versions.