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From its humble origins, the slot machine has evolved into a vast and diverse phenomenon.
In Michigan markets, slot machines remain a significant contributor to casino revenue, whether it be from physical establishments or online platforms.
Over the decades, gaming trends have undergone significant changes. However, it appears that current slot styles have successfully established themselves and are projected to remain popular for many years to come.
However, fresh ideas continue to emerge constantly, and the latest popular trend can originate from any source.
Today’s prevalent trends in slot machines
Gaming directors have identified two predominant themes in today’s slot games.
Hold-and-Spin is a format where players gather symbols during a fixed number of spins, aiming for a final objective. The greater the number of symbols collected, the higher the prize obtained.
In a persistent state, players strive to acquire credits, multipliers, progressive rewards, or other enticing prizes within a specified time frame.
Gary Fagone, Director of Slot Performance at FireKeepers Casino and Hotel, explains the Hold-and-Spin feature as a game mechanic where players spin the reels and retain any coins that appear on the screen for subsequent spins. He compares this feature to a bonus pot, referring to it as the Persistent State. Fagone describes the collection of puzzle pieces that players gather, which remain intact even if they leave the game. He mentions that while there are various versions of this feature, they all share similarities and have been popular since late 2018-2019.
The initiation of this recent trend is attributed to Lightning Link, a game by Aristocrat. It made its initial appearance in the international market back in 2014, as acknowledged by Fagone.
What slot games are trending?
Which games are rising to the top amidst the current gaming style trends?
When it comes to online casino gaming revenue in Michigan, BetMGM has emerged as the unrivaled leader. Moreover, it boasts the highest number of available games among the 15 online markets.
Oliver Bartlett, Director of Gaming at MGM, expressed his satisfaction in providing players with a highly diverse range of new games. He emphasized the continual release of new titles, which have been well received by players. Bartlett noted that there is no specific game theme or slot type that stands out, but games with appealing designs and entertaining themes always capture players’ interest. He further mentioned MGM’s commitment to delivering content from both their in-house studios and their partnerships with the top content suppliers in the industry.
According to Bartlett, the following games are highly ranked:
- MGM Grand Millions
- Hyper Gold
- Fa Fa Babies
- Cash Machine
- Cleopatra
- Capital Gains
- 88 Fortunes
Fagone identified the following games at FireKeepers as the most successful.
- Cash Express
- Dollar Storm
- Lighting Cash
- Dragon Cash
- Colossal Diamonds
- Ultimate Fire Link
- All Aboard
- Buffalo Gold
- Rakin’ Bacon
Previous slot trends
In the past, companies primarily emphasized themed-based trends before the emergence of today’s two primary slot trends.
According to Fagone, in the past, when you traveled back in time, there were a greater number of theme-branded slots dominating the scene. These slots were centered around various themes such as Asian, Egyptian, and African cultures. This eventually paved the way for the Hold-and-Spin and Persistent State styles that we observe in modern times.
In the past, before the dominance of digital technology in slot gaming, players heavily relied on the classic stepper slots. These machines featured three mechanical wheels adorned with iconic symbols like cherries and 7 logos.
Hold-and-Spin and Persistent State began to dominate the market a couple of years prior to the pandemic and have maintained their strong grip.
According to Fagone, persistent state games emerged in late 2018. He mentioned that 88 Fortunes was one of the first games in this genre, characterized by coins spilling in a bowl, and it gained significant popularity. Fagone believes that this trend has a lasting impact and predicts it will continue for several more years.
What could be the next trend in slots?
In most industries, trends are not everlasting, and the same principle applies to slot machines.
What should we anticipate in the near future?
There seems to be a rising trend focused less on introducing new themes and more on providing players with increased gaming options simultaneously. This includes the ability to play multiple games concurrently.
Fagone explained that a current trend in gaming is the ability for players to customize their experience. They can now choose different line bets and maximum bets based on denominations. For example, a player can select to play a nickel at the nine-line version and also play four different games simultaneously at that nickel. Game developers are creating games with more options for players to configure. They can now provide a variety of choices on the gaming machine, allowing players to decide the line version, maximum bet, and denomination they prefer. In certain multi-game screens, players can even choose the configuration for all or six of those screens.
BetMGM plans to maintain a wide range of options, catering to both traditional and contemporary preferences of their players. They believe in accommodating all types of gamers, as there are abundant trends to suit everyone’s gaming choices.
Bartlett expressed appreciation for the core group of slot players who have a clear preference in the games they enjoy. Additionally, he mentioned that these players are not opposed to trying out new titles, as they are open to exploration. Using our exclusive in-house engagement tools, we are able to suggest new games to individuals based on their previous gameplay. This tool serves as a valuable asset in our collection, enabling players to discover more games that align with their existing preferences or potential interests.
With the combination of ongoing trends, upcoming developments, and rejuvenated games adapting to modern technology, the slot machine industry seems to be incredibly well-positioned for a promising future.
