SKILL-BASED SLOTS: A FADING TREND OR A NEW ERA IN GAMING?
The first coin-operated gambling machine was invented in San Francisco, in 1894. It was called the Liberty Bell. It had five symbols: horseshoe, diamonds, spades, hearts and, you’ve guessed it, a Liberty Bell. All universal symbols of luck. Years later the first video slot machine was invented-in 1976.
Fast forward to present, we have skill-based slots. Lets see if slots are a fading trend or are they here to stay and revolutionize the gaming industry.
What are Skill-based slots?
Skill-based slots are entertaining games where a player doesn’t depend only on luck, but the result may vary based on his engagement. That way, a player is more in control. For example, two players can play the same game, on the same machine, and the result would be different. The skill makes the difference.
With regular-based slots, the win is based on a chance. They are programmed to determine how many wins there are and how often. The player just spins the reel and hopes that the symbols on the display will match.
Innovation in Skill-based Games
Slot machines have been around for a very long time, and they were very popular. But in the present time, with the rise of online games, there is a need for something new. Skill-based machines came just in time for experienced gamers, but also for a younger generation of players. In Skill-based games, throughout the course of the game there is an RNG, or a Random Number Generator, that determines where the reels will land. Just like in the regular slots. But the innovation is in the bonus rounds. In a bonus round the player has to perform tasks and complete challenges, so they can unlock new bonuses. So the longer you play and practice, the better your skills will be, and there will be more wins. Some of the skills that you can practice are:
Fast reaction
Mental skills
Memory
Logic
Decision-making.
So you need skills for the bonus rounds, and luck for the rest of the game. Skill and luck combined bring rush and excitement. And the best part? You can practice. You can do it at home with demo versions, and when you feel confident, you can start playing with money. You can customize your personal avatar, and they offer different storylines, so you can choose your favourite slots.
If you want to play, you can go to a casino, gaming center or online mobile games. But they are growing in popularity, and we can see them more and more at gas stations, at local kiosks, barber shops, and at the mall.
Are they legal?
They are not considered as gambling because they are not based on luck. You can have the right symbols offered on the screen, but if you don’t press on the right symbol at the right time, you will lose. It’s a game of skill, not chance. Every country is different. In many countries they are considered legal. In others, they are not considered legal, but that doesn’t mean that they are illegal, just not regulated. But as these games are on the rise, there is a need for the government to consider what regulations to implement, to ensure that the players are safe from fraud, and to implement responsible gaming.
Challenges
Skill-based games face criticism because of their accessibility. Even to the minors. As young generations love playing games that are competitive and require skill. There is also a stigma. Many won’t try playing because they think it’s gambling. Some players are discouraged because in the first couple of tries they weren’t as good as other players.
Also, players have more control, and don’t have to rely only on luck, but as in any game, skill doesn’t guarantee a win every time you play. But losing is also part of the overall gaming experience, skill enhancing by learning from your mistakes, being competitive and achieving goals.
Future of Skill-based Machines
Many developers are stepping up their manufacturing and design, and trying to get interest from players by offering ever new, creative, entertaining games. They are improving user experience and fluidity of gaming. The design, and the sounds are all proven factors that influence pleasure while playing. Chunky buttons are replaced with modern touch screens. AI (Artificial Intelligence) is in use to insure personalized experience, and VR (virtual reality) for more immersive experience.
Conclusion
Seeing the growing interest from experienced and younger players, and the increase in production, my guess is that the future holds many new games. With the possibility to play multiplayer games with friends, and even tournaments. All we need is electricity and a stable internet. From the first Liberty Bell machines, to today’s modern skill-based Slots, we have seen so much innovation and technology pushing. We are excited about seeing what comes next.
