Since the inception of online casinos in the 1990s, the industry has undergone a period of monumental evolution, driven by technology and innovation. Before online casinos were invented, technology had already played a vital role in the growth of the gambling industry. Roulette and slots are two of the largest games in casinos, both with rich histories dating back many centuries. Both of these iconic games have undergone periods of evolution over the years, shaping what they are today, highlighting the need for continued development.
In recent years, technology has enabled new levels of innovation that have forever elevated the industry, including the introduction of online slots, live casino games, and more. Below, we will cover some notable innovations in the iGaming industry over the years and their effects.
Notable Innovations in the Industry
Slot Machines and Online Slots
Prior to the creation of slot machines, table games dominated land-based casinos, with no real competition, which would soon change. The first slot machine was created in the late 1800s, though at the time, no one could imagine the impact it would have, becoming a leading force in the industry. The first slot machine was developed by Charles August Fey in 1894, featuring three reels and known as the ‘Liberty Bell’.
Following the inception, slot machines gained popularity and quickly became notable figures in the industry, with more advanced machines being created. Slot machines underwent a monumental shift in 1976 with the introduction of the first-ever video slot game, which set the foundations for the games that followed.
By the 1990s, the online era was well underway, with technology becoming more advanced and accessible for all. In the 1990s, notable game development studios such as Microgaming created the first-ever online casino platform and the first online slot game. With online slots on the rise, Random Number Generators (RNGs) were introduced to ensure that all games were fair. The innovation of slot games has forever transformed the iGaming industry and will remain a leader for years to come.
Progressive Jackpots
Ever since the creation of progressive jackpots in the 1980s, many game developers have implemented this feature into their titles. IGT was the first known game development studio to implement a progressive jackpot feature in its slot game with the ‘Megabucks’ title. Progressive jackpots are unique, as the value will grow over time by taking a percentage of all bet stakes and adding it to the total jackpot prize. Before this game mechanic, all jackpots implemented in slot games featured fixed values, and there was no way for them to increase or decrease. As online slots grew in popularity, many developers added distinct progressive jackpot features to their releases. These progressive jackpot features have reinvented the gaming industry, transforming from fixed jackpot titles to varying ones with changing values.
Live Casino Games
The multi-billion-dollar iGaming industry has seen numerous changes that have propelled it to new heights, though none are quite as special as the birth of live casino games. Although some developers experimented with live casino games in the early years of the industry, technological advancements have transformed them significantly. The advancement of graphics and streaming quality has enabled the development of live casino games, with those released today reminiscent of a brick-and-mortar casino. Additionally, live casino games are now more accessible to players, with improved interface layouts and faster internet connectivity. Additionally, many game development studios have created games based around specific game shows, showcasing their ability to create interesting live games with innovative themes.
The digital gameplay in live casino games is unique, as they offer a casino experience based on that of a physical casino, often with a live dealer and a casino floor setting. Commonly, in these live casino games, there are interactive features like text boxes for chatting with the dealer or fellow players in real time.
The Megaways Mechanic
The Megaways mechanic was introduced to online slot games by developers Big Time Gaming in 2016 with the Bonanza slot title. For years, online slots lacked innovation, offering simplistic games with little variety and distinction. This changed with the introduction of the Megaways mechanic, transforming modern online slots and their play grids. The mechanic was designed to allow each reel in a slot game to feature a dynamic number of symbols, rather than a fixed number.
Many Megaways slots in the industry feature a 6-reel layout, with each reel having a varying number of symbols from 2 to 7. The common Megaways slot features a maximum payline count of 117,649, which is much greater than classic slots, thanks to the dynamic playgrid. These dynamic reel mechanics have transformed the iGaming industry, with numerous slot developers drawing inspiration and incorporating similar mechanics into their releases. The mechanic redefined slot games, freshening up many iconic slot series with new instalments with the Megaways mechanic, as well as creating many iconic slot games in its own right.
