Slots Rose to Fame Quickly…and Surprisingly
Something interesting happened in the 1980s: slot machines became the most popular casino games. They surpassed the popularity of table games like craps, poker and blackjack and took over. It was a surprising time because until then slot machine held their own, but hardly were huge moneymakers for casinos. Now, just thirty years later, slot machines account for more than 70% of the casino’s total take. Why the surge in popularity? Simple: Bigger jackpots. With computerized virtual reels it’s harder to hit the top jackpot, and since the jackpot will be hit less frequently the casino can make the jackpot amount bigger.
Even when playing with machines that look mechanical and have physical spinning reels, this is true. The reality is that the slots game is controlled by a computer that tells the reels where to stop. These days there are no more purely mechanical slots. Slots offer the potential to invest low and win big. If you put $5 on a blackjack table the most you can win is $7.50. But $3 in a slot machine could win you thousands or millions. It’s a great payback and that is the reason why the game has gained popularity so quickly over the past few years. There is also an economic element to the change. Due to the recession many Americans were unable to continue gamblng, but with slots, the cost is so low on some of them that even hard-pressed consumers were able to find games that fit into their budgets.
There are still a few things slots can’t compete with compared to table games. First, the casinos usually don’t disclose the odds on individual machines, so you can’t really be an informed player. Second, whatever those undisclosed odds are, they’re usually bad — far worse than table games like craps, baccarat, and blackjack. And finally, slot machines are usually played much faster than table games, so they can eat away at your bankroll quicker. If you are looking to start playing slots, join each casinos slot club. Joining the slot club is free, easy and fast. Although, you may not see much as far as cashback rewards and point earnings, you will have promos such as free dinners and discounts other areas of the casino such as the hotel. It’s a great way to gain more of a payback on your gaming sessions.
