The uncertain future of the traditional slot machine

Slot machines are not what they used to be and this is confirmed when you enter in the slot parlor of a casino.
any aspects of the slot machine have changed very much: a push-button play has replaced the emblematic handle, the ticket-in/ticket-out technology has replaced the drop-in coin slots and the electronically generated noise now stands for the sound made by the coins dropping into trays.

The trademark of the slots for a long time was represented by the traditional three reel spinning games: International Game Technology's Double Diamond, Triple Diamond, and Red, White & Blue 7's, and Bally's Blazing 7's.

These games are still present but the video slots have started to become more and more popular thanks to their large variety of themes. These slots also come in different coin denominations: penny, two-cent, three-cent and nickel, but the multi-line and/or multi-coin system gives one the opportunity to bet five dollars on spin.

A low denomination can also be used at these machines, a possibility which increases their popularity. And popularity is the key factor when it comes to manufacturing the slots.

Now the four and five reel spinners are in high demand thanks to their multiple pay lines, bonuses and progressive jackpots. Who knows what the future will bring to the classic slot machine?

Ed Rogich, the vice president of marketing for IGT (International Game Technology) stated that the players are the ones that will decide the future of these slots, but he believes that the video slots are starting to become the leaders in their domain.

Even if the reel-spinning slots are still manufactured they do not have the same trend that the 3-reel spinners had; the new reel-spinning slots are not manufactured to replace the older versions.

Rogich said that the five spinning reels are now using the older themes, like Double Diamond, but they also have the bonuses and the features present at the video slots.

Some manufacturers do not create their slot machines in different coin denominations, but IGT does. The future of the traditional reel-spinning dollar slots is very uncertain.

A new type of slot players have emerged: the "dollar players", who prefer wagering dollars per spin on penny games that have a higher casino win ("hold") than on quarter, half-dollar and dollar games.

One thing is certain; the casinos are the ones that benefit the most from the evolution of the slot machine.