Prior to online gaming, slots lacked imagination and there were only the traditional 3 and 5-reeled slots that have been around since the early 1900s. With the proliferation of online gambling, slot games have received a facelift and some gameplay upgrades.
The great games that exist nowadays are the product of quality software companies who have spent years developing and perfecting their slot games while innovating along the way.
Here you’ll find the names of some of those companies should you want to know more. But first, let’s take a look at some casino that have games made by these top providers.
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Popular Slots Software Providers
The following are top software providers whose games are trusted by gamers all over the globe and can be found on casino brands across the net. Follow the links if you want to learn more.
Microgaming Casinos
NetEnt Casinos
BetSoft Casinos
Aristocrat
WMS Gaming
Quickspin
IGT Casinos
RealTime Gaming
Rival Slots
Novomatic Casinos
Great Sites With Excellent Slot Game Software
Background of Slot Software & History
In the early days of browser based casinos, the slots were the same at both on the web and brick-and-mortar casinos. Traditional, simplistic games were what everyone knew and thus what everyone was comfortable with.
As time wore on, however, the Internet casino industry attracted an entirely new, younger audience. This younger audience was accustomed to video games and movies with special effects and insane graphics, so it should come as no surprise that slowly but surely slot games were molded to reflect this.
In no time at all, we went from traditional slot games to the types of slots that are themed after movies and TV shows. What’s more, the games themselves began to transform in such a way that playing slots was much more than spinning a reel and hoping for the best. Now there are bonus games, free spins, and all sorts of other features added to spice up the entire slot experience.
How Does Slot Game Software Work?
Before playing any slots, its useful to know how they work. There are key terms that describe the mechanics of the game. Knowing these will help you understand slots better.
Random Number Generators (RNG)
Random number generators are the systems used to generate the outcomes of spins in slot games. They produce a randomized set of numbers which determine whether a spin is a winner or not.
There are two types of RNGs:
- True Random Number Generators (TRNGs)
These are actual devices that are installed into games via a USB port. These chips — used in both brick-and-mortar and online casinos — use a process to crunch a compound number and produce a random integer. Although they are physical devices, they cannot be hacked. - Pseudo Random Number Generators (PRNGs)
As the name suggest, Pseudo Random Number Generators are the software equivalent of TRNGs. These pieces of software take large number with many decimal places and use an algorithm to alter the number and produce the result of the game.
Return to Player (RTP)
The Return to Player is the amount of money that a player should expect to end up with after playing the game. This is expressed as a percentage.
For instance, if a game had an RTP of 95%. A player should expect to finish the game with 95% of the money the bet; like $95 out of $100.
The RTP can vary from as low as 80% to as high as 99%. From the player’s perspective, the higher the RTP the better.
Volatility
The volatility, or variance, of a slot tells you how often you are likely to win per spin. The higher the volatility, the less likely you are to win but the bigger the payouts will be should you win. Lower volatility slots promise the opposite: more frequent but smaller payouts.
Knowing a slots volatility can help you choose which to pick depending on your strategy.
Levels of Volatility
High: Slots with high volatility are unlikely to pay out very regularly but will payout big when they do. These slots are best for those with a big bankroll as considerable time and patience can be needed.
Medium: These slots are a comfortable halfway house between high and low volatility. They balance medium risk with medium payoffs. These slots suit players with a sizeable bankroll but who do not want to run the risk of high volatility slots.
Low: Slots with low volatility are perfect for those with smaller bankrolls. They offer small, regular payouts. They are great for those with a limited bankroll or for those wanting to experience slot play with limited risk.
Common Slots Software Features
Want to be a slot expert? Here’s some more terminology you should know.
Autoplay
The game will automatically make bets for you at your chosen amount until you run out of money or stop it.Free Spins
Free goes on a slot game without risking your own money.Scatters
A symbol that is effective anywhere on the screen. It does not need to be in a certain line to count towards your win.Multipliers
Multiply the amount you win. For example, a 5x multiplier will multiply your winnings by five.Wild Symbols
Wild symbols can be transferred for other symbols in order to increase your chances of winning.Progressive Jackpots
A jackpot that progressively builds until somebody wins it. Can range from a thousand dollars to six figures.Fixed & Variable Paylines
These determine how you win. To win on a fixed payline, you must win on every line. With variable paylines, you can choose which of the lines you bet on.Adjacent Ways
Slots without payline restrictions. Symbols can win anywhere on the reel. Better chance of winning.Cascading Reels
Like in Tetris, winning combinations are removed from the game. This allows new symbols to enter the screen and may unlock new winning combinations.Megaways
Rather than individual paylines, all lines and wheels are in play. This can lead to huge payouts.