After poker machines, on which they are based, slots are the oldest gambling machines still played today. Invented in the late 19th century, they proved immensely popular. At first, slots didn’t pay out money, but rather each establishment that hosted them offered drinks, meals, or cigars as rewards, deepening on the winning combination. This didn’t deter people from playing them. Only later money featured money boxes and mechanisms that could handle payments. Those one-armed bandits, as they were called, are a far cry from modern online slots we play today, but the basic principles are the same. The modern ones only have more bells and whistles attached. The objective of the game didn’t change much, although the possibilities for winning are more numerous today, not to mention much more rewarding. Here are some of the most popular slot games of all time.
Liberty Bell
Not many people know that Liberty Bell, one of the first slots ever created, was also one of the most popular ones, except among slot aficionados. Back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, you could hardly walk into a bar or a tobacco shop anywhere in the United States and not see one or more of them sitting in the corner. Of course, players didn’t have anywhere near the choice of slots they have today, but Liberty Bell is the machine that started it all. San Francisco mechanic Charles Fey, the creator of Liberty Bell and several other slot machines, set up several trends with his most successful slot that are still popular today. Most of the symbols we see in modern slots could be found on Liberty Bell as well. In fact, it got its name from them, as one of the symbols was the famous Liberty Bell.
Wheel of Fortune
Wheel of Fortune deservedly claims its place among the most famous slot games in history. It was inspired by the legendary TV game show that has been running since 1975, attracting millions of viewers. Back in 1996, when the Wheel of Fortune slot was created, it wasn’t easy convincing TV executives to associate their premier TV product with gambling, which still carried a stigma back then. Their decision did pay off and the Wheel of Fortune slot is among the most played slots even today, more than a quarter of the century after its creation. Its most recognizable part is a big wheel above the slot, offering players a chance to massively increase their winnings through various bonuses. As for the slot, it is usually a standard three-reel affair. There is also a multiplayer version, but it isn’t as popular.
Mega Moolah
Mega Moolah set the standards for progressive video slots in the last few decades. One of the biggest draws of Mega Moolah is that it is responsible for some of the largest jackpots in the history of slots. The current record was set in April 2021, when an anonymous player won €19,4 million ($22.7 million in US dollars), playing at Napoleon Sports & Casino in Belgium. Previously, the record-holder was a British veteran, who won a slightly smaller amount playing Mega Moolah online. The safari-themed slot had several massive jackpots in its history, thanks to its popularity and the way progressive slots work. The more people play it, the chances of a jackpot increase. With thousands of players playing it every day, we don’t see its popularity waning any time soon.
Starburst
If you play online slots, even infrequently, you have probably tried Starburst. It is often praised as the most balanced slot in existence. Everything in it is designed with measure, and even though there is nothing original in it, all elements are so well incorporated together that it is a pleasure to play it. Even the music, which most players just mute, isn’t as irksome as in some other slots, especially if you like futuristic tones. Starbursts is equally popular among both novice and experienced players, as it has something to offer to everybody. It features an RTP of 96.09% and low volatility, so you have a good chance of winning. A single spin can yield up to 5,000x the bet or up to $100,000. With 5 reels, three rows, and 10 paylines, the winning combinations are numerous and fairly frequent. One thing that is missing is a classic jackpot, something modern slot designers often leave out, so if you enjoy playing slots that have them, this may not be for you.
Age of Gods
Age of Gods is one of the first themed slots and one of the most popular as well. As the name would suggest, it is based on Greek mythology and various gods and demigods are featured, including Zeus, Athena, Poseidon, and Hercules. It is a progressive slot, meaning you can win some serious money if you strike a jackpot. There is also a minigame that offers up to 4 times the jackpot. If you can get five gods anywhere on a payline, you will win 200x your bet, which can still be a lot of money. Even smaller wins can be quite profitable, with various wilds and multipliers that can boost your winnings. Age of Gods features five reels and 20 paylines, so you have to watch your bets carefully, as you can lose your money quickly if you are not careful. All in all, this is a perfect slot for history buffs, as well as fantasy fans.
