Classic slots started out with simple themes that included fruits, bells and the number seven. They were of a time when machines would pay out candy or gum and the fruits would represent the flavor. Technology progressed and along came video slots, which saw paylines and reels increase and created scope for new themes, such as the Wild West, Ancient Egypt and more.
The arrival of internet and online gaming witnessed a level of creativity not experienced in the slots industry. These advances in technology granted developers the freedom to get more adventurous with graphics, sound effects and animations. Popular culture entered slots and themes based on TV programs, movies, music and more appeared. Slots today also incorporate levels, quests and video game elements, engaging players even more.
But what sorts of themes are there, and how do you choose the right themed slot for you?
Online slots service providers like Monopoly Casino often feature various slots in their gaming offering. Although players can develop preferences for certain themes or certain games, operators know players won’t want to play the same slot forever, so they keep things fresh with plenty of games and update their offering regularly.
To say the number of themes out there is dizzying would be an understatement, but common themes you’ll encounter include:
Classic, which can be fruits, BARs and number sevens, cards and casino symbols, and more.
Fantasy and magic, such as fairytale and legend slots, wizards and sorcery, enchanted forests or mythical creatures, amongst others.
Horror-themed, featuring zombies, vampires or mummies.
Pop culture, including movies, social media, TV shows, celebrities and icons, anime and manga or something else.
Animal and nature, such as “Jurassic World,” African safari, Arctic world, underwater sea world, tropical rainforests or other elements from the natural world.
Culture-based, including China-themed, Mexican- Indian- Greek- or Egyptian- or other culture-themed slots.
When you’re a beginner at slots, you’re eager to play them all. Here are some tips to help you narrow down your selection:
Slot developers produce slots with a variety of themes so that players can find something that resonates with their interests or likes.
Think about your tastes. Do you hanker for days passed or prefer to follow the latest trends? You might choose an old-style theme, such as fruit slots, or go for new titles, depending on your tastes.
Have a favorite musician or band? Favorite movie or TV show? Are you especially interested in a certain period of history? A theme in line with these interests could suit you.
The return to player (RTP) percentage and volatility of the game are important stats that indicate the potential frequency of wins and whether payouts might be high or low.
RTP informs players how much of a wager they’re likely to win back over a long period. The higher the percentage, the better. If a slot has a low volatility, it’s likely to pay out more frequently, but the amounts are small. High volatility ones pay out much less often, but the amounts are larger and you may play for long periods without winning.
Paylines determine winning combinations. Modern slots tend to have dozens or even hundreds of them, whereas classic ones have fewer. If you prefer a more traditional style of gameplay, choose a slot that has fixed paylines. If you like a more dynamic style, experiment with games that have different reel structures and more ways to win.
Online slots incorporate free spins, wilds, scatters and other bonus features to increase engagement and opportunities to win. Some slots include bonus games and progressive jackpots. Analyze the slot’s bonus features and see if they align with your gaming strategy.
The slot might look good, but looking good and being good are two different things. Online reviews and forums provide excellent insight into a game’s performance. They also provide details about different elements of a game and will give you an idea of overall player satisfaction.
The good thing about online slots is that, often, you don’t have to just take someone else’s word for it. Online casinos want you to get the best out of your gaming and provide demo versions or award free spin bonuses so they can learn how games work and whether they enjoy the slots. Best of all, because it’s a demo, you don’t risk any of your own money.
Online slots have so many themes that you’re very unlikely to not find one you like. The tips above will help you to choose the right one. Remember that when browsing, you’re never under any obligation to play. Always test the slot out first with a demo or free spins so you can be sure you’re happy to spend money playing for cash.
