Statistics from May 2020 show that online gaming has become incredibly popular, with searches relating to online casinos hitting an all-time high in the year. The greater numbers flooding through the digital doors of online casinos means that online slots have also enjoyed an increasing share of popularity, with players who aren’t so well-up on table games choosing an easier type of game to play.

Below is a look at why online slots have become so popular, their audience and some of the best games to play.

How did they become so popular?

People have found themselves at home a lot more lately, which has led to them, naturally, seeking different forms of entertainment. There’s only so much Netflix people can realistically handle before getting slightly fed up. Here are some more reasons:

Variety

Lack of variety is a major turn-off for players. Too much of the ‘same-old same-old’ and it won’t be long before they’re gaming elsewhere. Online casino operators understand this and will try to cater to as many different tastes as possible, with different themes and more to keep players coming to their site.

Convenience

Unlike land-based casinos, you can access online slots from anywhere in the world. You don’t even have to leave your living room. If you’re on the move, you can play them on your phone. Online casinos are open around the clock, leaving you free to game whenever you want and for as long as you want.

Better chances of winning

Online casinos don’t have the same expenses as regular casinos. As a result, they can offer players higher return-to-player (RTPs). This is the amount a player can expect to win over a long period of time playing. Online slots also tend to offer high prize money than standard slots.

Online slots tend to offer their a player an RTP, an amount the player can expect to win after playing a game for a certain amount of time.

Best slots to play

Slots are highly entertaining. Their themes, music and general fluid gameplay make them highly engaging. Here are few of the best slots around:

Deal or No Deal

The Deal or No Deal slot is based on the popular TV game, giving you the chance to be the contestant that accepts the banker’s offer or rejects it. You can choose to ‘deal’, take an offer during a spin and win a specific amount — or you can choose ‘no deal’, spin and take whatever the reels have in store when the spin comes to an end.

Age of the Gods

‘Age of the Gods’ has become something of a classic and has spawned a further nine games. Despite the expansion, the original remains mightily popular. Based on Greek mythology, the object of the game is to line up five different gods in what is known as the ‘Pantheon of Power’. Achieve this and you’ll win 200 times your original stake.

Slots and their audiences

Whereas games such as bingo may appear, originally, to have targeted a specific demographic, online slots appeal to a wider range of people. This is partly because they’re so easy to play and don’t require as much strategising as some table games, such as poker.

Another reason is that online casino operators have done such a fantastically sublime job of making their services more accessible to people. Mobile devices will render websites comfortably, despite the smaller screens, and people can also access online casino gaming through special apps.

Women and slots

Online slots operators have seen particular success with women. Just like men, women have been found to enjoy the thrill of a gamble, but they’ve displayed a preference for turning to slots for their gaming excitement rather than to table games.

Some of this can be attributed to providers such as 888, who, with their 888 ladies slots, have endeavoured to make their slots especially appealing to women. Not just the name, but further elements of the branding convey this, too. Pink and other colours that are believed to resonate more with women will be used.

A quick look at the games as well also suggests women are a target audience. Lots of games may feature women as the protagonists of the game. ‘Madame Destiny Megaways’ and ‘Mistress of Egypt’ are two examples.

More females are now starting to play casino games such as slot games.

Enjoying the slots

It seems that slots carry more of an element of fun for women. They’re an easy way to pass the time and don’t require major amounts of skill. This is much different to poker or other table games in which there are more elements of strategy. Only people who know how to play can appreciate the game and its intrigues.

Lack of pressure

One of the other contributions to the fun comes in the form of a lack of pressure. When playing online slots, there’s no dealer, no other players and, unless the player chooses to get together with your friends and play, there are no observers. It’s possible to just relax and enjoy the game. Only the player and the online casino operator will know when they’ve hit big.

Safety

Winning big leads on to the next reason for their popularity with women: safety. When winning big in a land-based casino, others would be there to witness it and the winner might not feel safe leaving the establishment with all that cash. When playing at an online casino, however, it’s possible to withdraw winnings comfortably. It is all transferred online.

Slots have been around a long time and have always been popular. In today’s digital age, they’ve become especially popular, though. A combination of clever design, marketing, variety and respectable incentives for people to play is behind the success and will keep them remaining popular.