If we take a look back at the last two decades, you will notice how the online gaming industry has grown in popularity, technology and benefits for its players. Slot machines, above all, stand out among casino games for their design and entertainment details, which is why they have become the favorite of millions of s all over the world. Do you know how they work? Do you know how online slot machines are programmed? Read on to find out.
But, what is an online slot machine?
Online slot machines, also known as video slots, are the digital version of the machines you are used to seeing in physical casinos where they work mechanically.
Traditional slots usually have 3 reels and a number of paylines. Online slots, however, can have more than 5 reels and even many paylines.
The importance of the RNG algorithm
The casinos that comply with all the rules and regulations must have online slots that include the RNG algorithm in their mechanics. This algorithm refers to the Random Number Generator, so it is in charge of guaranteeing that every result you get when spinning in one of these games is random, so you will know that it was not manipulated or predicted.
Experts have stated that this algorithm is the heart of this type of game so that the chances of winning are equal for everyone, that is to say, that it is a fair game free of manipulation.
The mathematics behind the RNG
Being an algorithm, it is important to say that the RNG is designed based on mathematical formulas and very fast calculations, through which the numerical sequences that are the result of each spin are made. This is quite complex, however, it is what makes it impossible to guess the result of a spin in slots.
Strict testing and diagnostics
It is not enough for a gambling operator to have a message on the website saying that the online slots platform is subject to the RNG algorithm. There are regulatory companies that perform meticulous analyses to each slot machine, in order to validate that it does indeed have the algorithm and that it works correctly.
The thrill of chance
Since the RNG algorithm does not allow the results to be predicted or anticipated, this offers a very exciting experience to the player, who will really stay engaged in the game without knowing if he/she is going to win or lose.
How is an online slot machine composed?
The main elements of an online slot machine are the following:
Reels: Generally it has 3 or more of these and they rotate in a virtual way to change the symbols on the screen.
Paylines: This is the horizontal line that groups the symbols and where the sequence that you must get to win will be shown.
Symbols: These are the figures that appear on the reels. Each one of them has a specific value and an objective within the game.
Programming and design of online slot machines
This type of online casino game is possible thanks to the combination of certain elements and characteristics, in which programmers and designers are involved to achieve an optimal and entertaining result.
One of the main elements is the idea and visual design of the game, since it is in this part where the theme of the game and the graphic image it will have are identified. This is the most creative phase of the process.
The mathematical design is also important, in which several factors converge, such as the RTP percentage to indicate the level of volatility and profitability for both the casino and the player.
Obviously the basic programming of the slots is crucial, since in this phase it is determined what type of technology and software will be used to design. It depends on the programming that the player can have a much smoother, faster, uninterrupted gaming experience.
In the programming part, different languages and technologies are used, among which are JavaScript, Flash, HTML5, CCS, among many others, depending on the functions of the machine.
The importance of randomness in online slot machines
We have already mentioned it above in a general way, but it is important to emphasize that the randomness of online slot machines is key to guarantee fair results.
The results after each spin in this type of games must be based on chance, completely eliminating any risk of manipulation.
RNGs as an element of fair play
The randomness of a slot game gives more credibility to the game, and therefore to the casino like Leon Casino. This algorithm has been the best friend of gaming operators who want to reassure their players that they will have real and random results.
This algorithm works as a kind of armor for each game, which allows it to issue results through a very fast mathematical process, making it impossible to even guess what the outcome will be and how to manipulate it.
The role of the independent regulatory agencies play an important role in this, since they are the ones in charge with an expert team to review each machine of a casino, both physical and online.
All this kind of mathematical formulas, reviews, regulations and control processes, gives the player a sense of security and at the same time a sense of surprise and entertainment.
The RTP and the House Edge
If you really want to understand how slots work, there are two that you should take into , in this case it is the RTP (Return to Player) and the House Edge. The first one is the indicator of what will be the amount of money that the player can win in the machine in the long term, while the second one is the indicator of what is the winning percentage that the house, or the casino in question, could receive.
Casinos do not function only to provide entertainment to their players, they are also designed, like any business, to make money. Therefore, these two indicators are the metrics that define the winning percentage that a player can achieve in one of these machines, and the profits that the casino can receive from the player’s bets.
The biggest challenge for casino game developers is to find a balance between entertaining the player and giving him/her opportunities to win, and a lucrative profitability percentage for the casino.
Bonuses, free spins and player benefits
Every online slot machine has special symbols that have a specific purpose in the game and give the the chance to win extra prizes. Among these are the Wild symbol, the Scatters and Multipliers.
In addition, many of these games are designed so that players can obtain free spins by getting specific combinations, as well as extra benefits offered by the casino operator.
Graphics and sound effects in online slot machines
All online slots have a fairly similar operating system, so what makes one slot more attractive than another has a lot to do with the visual and audio design of the game.
Both the graphic and visual effects give the player a sensorial experience that stimulates the to continue playing and, why not, to become loyal to that machine. The fluidity of its animations, the theme of the game, the immersive music and the effects, make the player really get immersed in the game and stimulate all the senses.
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
The adaptation of casino games to new technologies is a necessary advance to keep up with the needs of today’s players. For this reason, involving VR and AR to online slots has been a great success to open a new path to immersive gaming experiences in a 3D environment.
The most important game developers in the industry have had to restructure their design team to take advantage of the potential of these tools that have completely revolutionized the virtual gaming industry, and of course, online slots are part of this revolution.
Use of skills and game control
In view of the fact that the online gaming world is constantly evolving, there are two elements that are beginning to seem very important: skills and game control.
By this we mean, that the player’s behavior nowadays, is inclined to his needs to have a greater control over the results when playing, based on his gaming skills.
For this reason, many online slots are incorporated into their game mechanics, tasks, missions and objectives that depend entirely on the player’s strategy and skill. This is intended to give them the feeling that they have greater control over what is happening and to offer a gaming experience that is not only more interactive, but one that truly challenges the .
Conclusion
Online slot machines are the protagonists of the most important casinos in the iGaming industry. As you have been able to learn in this article, it has features and elements that give the player the best of both worlds: winning money betting and having fun doing it.
With technology as its best ally, this type of game promises to have a favorable future for both the industry and the player.
