Charles Fey made history in 1887 when he invented the world’s first slot machine: the Liberty Bell. It wasn’t long before copycat machines scattered throughout America and were embraced with fervour. Slot machines have been popular ever since, and the online equivalent, arguably, even more so. So what is it exactly that makes the game online so alluring?

They rely on a fair amount of luck

One of the major reasons online slots are so popular is because they don’t rely on statistics, mathematical equations or skill in the same way that a game like poker does. In fact, they centre almost purely on luck, with very little concentration or skill necessary. Players who struggle with the technicalities of, let’s say, blackjack, may prefer to play slots or one of the other games, like online bingo, because they perceive them to be a “safer” bet.

The fact that this popular casino game is largely based on luck also makes playing it wildly thrilling — you never know if it might just be your lucky day, because the chances of winning are as good for a first-time player as they are for someone who plays regularly. 

You stand the chance to win big

Something extremely alluring about slots is that people who do have luck on their side can potentially win large sums of money. While land-based versions of the game are known to have a 86% payout, online games typically offer bigger payouts (often over 90%) which means you up your chances of winning bigger jackpots when you play online.

They’re easy to play

As mentioned above, this game revolves around luck; when you play online (or live), there’s no strategy involved. You don’t have to study any opponents, understand complex rules or get tied up with any details, logistics or technicalities. It’s simple; the game involves the pressing of a button (or, rather, the pulling of a digital lever) and waiting for Lady Luck to intervene by lining up some favourable numbers — in an ideal world, of course. 

Thanks to their uncomplicated nature, slots, much like bingo and scratchcards, are accessible to a range of players. Traditional slot machines would signal a win when there were matching sets of three, either in a row or down a column. These days, depending on the game you’re playing, it might differ slightly from one game option to the next, but either way, the computer will let you know if you win, making it a simple game to grasp for practically everyone, beginners included. 

They’re exciting 

If you play in a physical casino, you might find it somewhat less exciting than playing online. Why? Because savvy software developers realised that they can appeal to various players by offering different themes. These days, most online games are themed, and exciting theme-based slots provide visuals and music that have the power to enhance the experience, with options that range from fruit to Egyptian-themed slots. With online versions of the game, you can pick a theme because it’s a lucky one or you can simply pick the one that most resonates with you. 

Online slots are also thrilling because, instead of keeping to the same Liberty Bell machine-inspired format, you can choose from a variety of slot games, offering different reels, winning lines and varying categories. Software developers often introduce new titles and upgraded features that could increase your chances of winning as well. The bottom line? It’s the ever-evolving nature of technology that keeps the game fresh and exhilarating. 

The minimum bets are affordable

Another reason online slots are great is that they have reasonable minimum bets, so regardless of which financial bracket you fit into, you will find at least one you’ll be able to play. Look at the options and only play those that are within your budget. Playing above your paygrade might mean fewer hours of entertainment, or worse. Always keep to a budget — you don’t want to go overboard and spend more than you can afford to. 

You can try certain games for free

It’s natural to want to see if a game is right for you before putting your hard-earned pounds at stake, and many online casinos allow you to do just that with a variety of their games. A free version will typically allow you to feel your way through a game, understand the basics and decide whether or not you’d like to play it properly.

You have the choice of playing regular online slots or progressive jackpots

Online slots allow you to choose which of the game’s formats you prefer to play. Many online casino-goers opt to put their hopes on progressive jackpots rather than regular single games, because with each play of the former, the jackpot increases. What’s more, if you reach the goal, and you land up winning, the winnings can be substantial. Of course, if you don’t win, you can always add a couple more pounds and stay in the game, but just make sure you know when it’s time to quit. 

They could lead to online casino rewards

Much like land-based casinos, online versions often offer rewards which range from special loyalty programmes and bonus features to free spins, exclusive promotions and, in some cases, even gadgets and cash bonuses. If you play online often, you might as well take advantage of the rewards. 

It’s difficult to rig online games

When online casinos were first launched back in the early 1990s, there was a fair amount of scepticism surrounding them. The main issue is that people weren’t convinced that online casinos were legitimate—was the system rigged to ensure winning is impossible? This concern still exists today. 

Thankfully, as technology has advanced so has cybersecurity, which ensures that online games are routed through an outside server (a random number generator or RNG). This system makes sure that the spins are truly random, and prohibits online casinos from interfering with the results.

You can play them anywhere, anytime

One of the most significant reasons online slots are as popular as they are is because you can play at any time from anywhere in the world. You can play from the couch, in pyjamas or the same joggers you’ve worn for the last few days if you so wish, which makes it far more comfortable, as well as more easily accessible than any physical casino. Some online casinos — like Mecca Bingo — even have mobile apps which make playing on the tube, on-the-go, during your lunch hour or whenever the urge takes, easier than ever. 

Another huge advantage of playing online is that if you’re just not having a lucky day, it’s easy enough to stop and simply continue when you feel that fortune is on your side once more — online casinos are just a few clicks away.

If you would like to play online, then head to Mecca Bingo. Here you will find an array of exciting slot options, including Cleopatra and Extra Fruity and jackpot varieties such as Arcade Bomb and Cinderella’s Ball, all of which are amongst the most popular games online. It’s also a fantastic place to play online bingo or try your luck at bingo jackpot, scratchcards, or any of the many online games available.