6 Global Slot Machine Trends That Will Change The Industry In 2021

Slot machines had gone a long way since the early days when you had to pull a lever to spin the reels. Nowadays, there are thousands of virtual slot machines available directly on your mobile device.

Like the video games industry, the casino gaming sectors are quickly evolving. This year, new iGaming technologies will emerge, bringing gamblers more ways to enjoy their favourite casino games.

Our team has put together six insightful slot machine trends that will help you navigate the gambling industry in 2021 with ease. Check it out:

1. Cashless casino slots revolution

Due to the current situation, the land-based casino industry has suffered a massive decline in popularity.

To solve this issue, operators have developed a new technology – cashless payments.
Similar to delivery or ride-sharing apps like Uber, the casinos are planning to eliminate cash as a payment method completely.

For a long while, paying with cash has been the generally accepted policy on the casino floor. Recent studies have shown that money is one of the dirtiest things that we interact with.
That’s why land-based casino operators are shifting towards cashless technology. They want to protect gamblers from touching money, allowing them to use a debit card or transfer directly from the bank.

2. More branded online slots on the way

Branded slot machines have always been popular, especially in the online environment. Millions of fans play slots made after their favourite movie or TV show like Vikings, Lord of the Rings or Rick and Morty.

However, most of these branded games are contract-based. After the license expires, the game provider can no longer use the brand image unless they renew the contract.
There are many situations in which developers gave up on a game that brought decent revenue because the copyright holder was asking too much for the license renewal.

This year, game developers are planning to double down on branded slot machines. If you’re a fan of this type of slot, look for titles like Wizard of Oz, Dancing Drum and Buffalo.

3. Online slots will overtake land-based slot machine

After land-based casinos were shut down last year, the gaming industry has witnessed a massive increase in the demand for online slot machines.

That shouldn’t come as a surprise. Just look at how the interest for online slots has gone up in the last decade, according to Google Trends:

The iGaming market is continually expanding to new territories, making it easier for anyone to enjoy their favourite titles on the go. Even land-based casino game manufacturers like Scientific Games or IGT are teaming up with virtual slot developers to create an online version of their games.

Even though the popularity of online slots is on the rise, it has become increasingly difficult for players to find a reliable gambling platform. That’s mainly because most gamers don’t know how to decide if the slot machines available at an online casino are worth their time.

Luckily, the Internet is a valuable resource if you need to find a trustworthy casino operator. You can use professional websites specialized in reviewing the options available on the market. Once you get some insight you can decide if you want to join a casino or not.

In 2021, using a casino bonus aggregator is a must for any gambler that wants to find an online gaming site that contains their favourite titles without wasting time. That’s because all of their reviews are in-depth, transparent, and offer you detailed information that you won’t be able to discover unless you join the platform yourself.

4. Virtual Reality casino technologies are becoming mainstream

Virtual Reality technology is humanity’s most successful attempt to re-create real-life scenarios in the digital world.

After Netent’s successful release of Gonzo’s Quest VR, more game providers have started working on Virtual Reality slot machines, which will be released (hopefully) by the end of this year.

The casino industry is investing massively in VR casino development. This year, we will witness the release first full VR gambling experience. Developers have already created demo versions of a fully immersive casino floor in VR. Still, it will take a while until they integrate a cashier and allow real money gameplay.

5. New releases will have improved gamification systems

Online slot machines that will be released this year will have some gamification system included. Gamification refers to integrating features from classic video games like progression or interactive mini-games.

This way, the iGaming industry will be able to address a wider audience. In 2021, casual gamblers can enjoy a gamified slot machine that resembles a video game experience. Most of these slots are said to be based on well-known games, like Spiderman or Candy Crush.

6. More Megaways titles are on their way

Megaways slots like Twin Spin or Bonanza are already among the most popular casino games on the market.

In a nutshell, Megaways games offer you up to 117.649 ways to win per spin, which is the perfect feature that you need for a memorable gambling experience.

Initially created by Big Time Gaming, the Megaways feature has been adopted by many game providers. The developers have revamped their most famous titles and released new Megaways versions of their old school games.

In 2021, new titles will be added to the collection, so be prepared for some reel-spinning action. Rumours say that soon, there may be a Megaways version of Mega Moolah, the well-known progressive jackpot slot.

Wrap Up

The six slot machine trends mentioned in this article will drastically improve our gambling experience. VR technology and the gamification systems will allow the iGaming industry to expand to a new audience, especially millennials who aren’t too fond of the traditional slots.

If you’re planning to join a casino and spin the reels, make sure you do your research first and choose a gaming platform that is up-to-date with the latest releases.

Remember that gambling can be addictive, so you should always gamble responsibly and never bet more than you can afford to lose. Have fun!