History of Slots
Slots are one of the most popular forms of gambling in the world.  In most casinos in Las Vegas for example, slot machines make up around 70% of their total income.  Progressive jackpot prizes alone including cars and million dollar prizes also makes them one of the biggest attractions for patrons at the casinos.
When Were Slot Machines Invented?
The first slot machine was invented in 1887 by Charles Fey in San Francisco, California.  Like many inventions, it was created as a means of creating a gambling machine for poker that was capable of making automatic payouts.  Because machine poker at the time contained an endless list of hands (e.g. full house, flush, two pair, straight) it was impossible to create automatic payouts.
In 1887 however, Fey invented a modern day machine which was far more simplistic in design.  Rather than pay out money for every hand that a patron was dealt, it used 3 spinning reels each with 5 symbols so that when specific symbols aligned on the pay line the jackpot was paid out.  The simplicity in addition to the higher prizes of slot machines made them increasingly popular in the US and beyond.
The first slot gambling machine that Fey invented, known as the "Liberty Bell", paid out 10 nickels when players won three liberty bells in a row. This was the top prize on the machine.
As the classic 3-reel games became more popular, other manufacturers began creating their own  1907, Herbert Mils in Chicago produced a model called "Operator Bell".  Many of these were soon install in saloons, bars, bowling alleys and stores across the US. In 1891, Sittman and Pitt produced a slot machine which contained 5 drums with a total of 50 card faces.  This was based on poker (i.e. slot poker) and similarly proved extremely popular.
Modern Day Slot Machines
The biggest problem with old fashioned, mechanised slot machines was that the payouts were limited because of how easily the prizes could be one.  On the classic 3-reel machine with 10 symbols on each reel, for example, the odds of winning the top prize was 1/1000.  This strictly limited the jackpot prize since they would be won too often by players.
This problem was overcome in 1963 however when the first fully electromechanical machine called "Money Honey" was made. From now on, the machines could include "weighted symbols" and special microprocessors which limited how often winning symbols would align on the pay line.  This reduced the probability of winning pay lines and allowed the vendors and casinos to massively increase the jackpots while increasing their profits.
Nowadays, online slots (fruit machines in the UK) also include special bonus rounds such as "Hold n Spin" and "Cascade", in addition to multiple pay-line, video slots and interactive slots games.

Popularity of Slots in New Zealand
Slot machines are incredibly popular games around the world. In many countries, slots contribute more than 80% to casino revenue. In New Zealand, where playing electronic gaming machines is one of the most popular leisure activities, the slots market has gained many fans.
According to recent surveys, of all adults who gamble, 37% choose playing poker machines and slots as their preferred method of gaming. 46% of gambling expenditures come from slot machines across New Zealand. In 2010, revenue generated by poker machines reached $849 million, accounting for a large portion of the country's $1.91 billion expenditure on gambling activities.
In casinos across New Zealand, there are 2832 slots and poker machines, over half of which reside at Star City Casino in Auckland (1647). In a country with a population of just 4 million, there are 190 people per 1 slot machine. In Australia, there are 120 people per 1 gaming machine, demonstrating that New Zealand is quickly catching up to the poker machine market in Australia, a country that is world-renowned for its gambling industry.
Over the years, slots have obtained a ubiquitous presence in New Zealand's leisure and entertainment markets. In many countries, you can only find slots and other gaming machines in casinos. However, slot machines are available in bars, hotels and restaurants across New Zealand. There is greater access to these games, so the population of players is generally much higher than it would be in a country where slots are only available in casinos. There are 21 026 slots at non-casino locations, including bars and hotels. They are in operation at over 1700 venues across the country.
In recent years, spending on slots has greatly increased. This year, there has been significant growth in New Zealand's poker machine market, especially in the area of Christchurch. Despite most of the area's gaming venues being damaged in the recent Earthquake, slots spending is at an all-time high. Residents of the area are spending more than 17% more on slot machines and poker machines than they had in the previous quarter. Other areas of the country saw increases in excess of 3% in 2010 and 2011.
In response to the incredible popularity of slot machines and online slots, the New Zealand government has taken steps to prevent problem gambling. As such, all poker machines and slots are equipped with Player Information Displays. These devices keep players updated about how long they have been playing and how much they have spent. This helps players keep track of their gaming so that they do not overspend, which is an inherent risk of playing casino games.

Free Online Slots - What Is the Catch?
There is a lot of online website out there that provide you with free slot games. However, you might wonder as to what the catch could be to this, since the casinos don't really stand to gain anything much if you go in for these free online slots. This is where you might be wrong, as the casinos might have more to gain than you might think. Now, don't be alarmed, as this is not really a bad thing. Once you learn about some of the benefits, you might perhaps be in a better position to know more about this concept and why exactly it is a good thing for you as well.
To begin with, by offering free slots, the online casinos are hoping that you would consider their casino and go in for all that they have to offer in contrast to casinos that don't provide this feature. In this manner, they are able to draw in the crowds and increase the interest at a faster pace compared to casinos that are only for paying customers. As a patron, you would surely like the fact you can try out so many different games for free, without having to pay for it!
Next, free slots online also allows individuals to try something out that they previously were hesitant to try out. In this manner, they can be assured that they will be able to easily try games and if they do like the slots, they will be ready to pay for it. This, in many ways, is a superior way of doing things, and essentially the ideal way of going about the things so that you don't end up opting for casinos that don't really have a very good collection of slot machines.
Finally, one also needs to remember that trying out free slots online will help people have faith about the online medium. Unlike some of the other forms of mediums out there, it is unlikely that you are going to be able to find as many issues with this medium. The security is top notch and you can be sure to get your money's worth if you play the right games.
Additionally, you can play whenever you want, as much as you want, which makes this a really great option to try out. Since you are playing this at your home, there is no discomfort of any kind, which makes this yet another reason to go in for it.

Online Slots - A Cheap and Best Way to Enjoy Your Favorite Slot Game
Online casino gaming is a lot of fun, a real adventure for the real gamblers. Regardless if you are playing for big money at a high roller online casino or not for real money online, the amusement you get from online gaming is unique and incomparable. It is something like that you will find your best option to play and enjoy your favorite casino games.
There are many casino games and most of them are available online to make a good choice of the great gamblers. Online casinos, a virtual copy of regular brick and mortar casinos are places where one can enjoy playing all kinds of casino games even without leaving his/her own bed. There are various advantages of online casino gaming and the convenience of playing your favorite games according to your own choices and preferences is the one that is most appreciable and desirable. There are many other benefits of online gambling, like some online websites also offer players the chance to play free gaming options, which one can never imagine in a land-based casino.
Not only one can continue playing his/her favorite games for long hours without feeling stressed but also can interact with other players having the same interest as one may have. Players who enjoy the casino gaming for cash or the others, who just play for enjoyment, can equally enjoy benefits of online casino gaming. Spending your time with your family while enjoying your favorite games is a good feeling, a true feeling of togetherness that also give to an inner satisfaction. Online slots can be a great game for multiple players to share and enjoy. If you are playing slots at a live venue it is much easier to talk and chat with the other slots players that are around.

A great way to enjoy some quick and easy relaxation time, playing slots online is the most popular activity on the internet. People just love to play online slot games because here they can play for as long as they like without the risk of getting kicked out of a closing bar or casino. The benefit to playing online is a larger selection of slot games with more variations then what you'd find in traditional land-based casinos. Moreover playing slots at home is cheaper than playing them at land based casinos as you do not need to take a lengthy vacation and waste needless cash on travel expenses. One can play online slots for real money to get exclusive cash bonuses, or can play free slots instantly right from the comfort of your home. There are a myriad of possibilities with online slot gaming and this is what, which makes it a great option for great gamblers for whom slots are a matter of passion.

Superiority and Variety of Online Video Slots
Compared to the conventional slots found in casinos, the online video slots are far superior with outstanding graphics, sound effects, and wide choice in the video slots games.
Regular players assert that microgaming slots are far superior in casinos because of the special visual and audio effects due to the state-of-the-art graphic designs, the ease of play, and the chances of winning more. Moreover, you would be able to select the game that you like from hundreds of variations or types of video slots, since the same game would vary from one site to another. More and more video slots are being introduced every month. The added attraction is the possibility of higher payouts with attractive jackpot schemes offered by the online slots.
Apart from the progressive jackpot, the multiple pay line allows you to put your money into several video slots simultaneously. The chances of winning on these multiple slots are more, while the risks are spread in a wider fashion. Another type of slots is known as multiplier slots and they had become highly popular among slot players.
In the multiplier casino games, the payout is calculated on the number of coins that you put in a particular slot, which is multiplied with the basic schedule of payout. A variation of the multiplier slots is the bonus multiplier, where you would be able to obtain extra incentive amounts. If you put in the maximum amount of coins set for that particular game, you would be eligible for extra bonus amounts.
The online casino software providers had been actively adding new video slots to their present set of games. If you had been away from an online slots site for about a month, you would find at least one or two new slot games when you go back to that site.
The features of the slots are also much more than the regular casino slots. They include interactive special bonus rounds, auto spins, and extra free spins when you hit certain pre-determined combinations on the slot reels. However, you should bear it in mind that video slots are a pure game of chance and that the odds are always stacked against the player and in favor of the casino. Still, it is possible to make money by playing casino if you understand their functioning process, while also having an enjoyable time.

Online Casino Deposit Bonus Promotions As a Marketing Evolution
When we are speaking about the merits of online gaming, we are sure to mention deposit promotions and bonuses. The word "deposit promotions" is becoming more and more popular in players vocabulary. All of these gaming destinations offer deposit promotions to players to get them in the game. The gaming industry is willing to trade generous deposit promotions and bonuses as a marketing ploy to give players an edge when they are playing online blackjack, roulette, slots and other table games.
There are 3 main classifications for casino bonuses:
- Depending on whether a deposit is required: deposit bonuses and no deposit bonuses.
- Depending on whether a player is new or existing: signup bonuses and reload bonuses.
- Depending on withdraw restrictions: zero risks bonuses, normal bonuses and sticky bonuses
Deposit Bonuses:
Casino deposit match bonus - make a deposit and receive a fixed amount of bonus casino money. One of the most common types of bonuses - $100 for a deposit of $100.
Casino deposit percentage bonus - make a deposit and receive a percentage of its value in bonus casino money. These kinds of bonus benefit for large deposits.
Casino zero risk / risk-free / cash back bonus - make a deposit, but did not immediately receive a bonus. If a player is going to lose their money, the lost amount will be returned to his account as a bonus. Usually casinos return lost money during one day and the amount of returned funds is up to $100.
No deposit bonuses are divided into:
Registration bonus (download bonus, sign-up bonus) - player receives a small amount of money ($1 - $25) as the expense simply for the fact that he registered in the casino.
Vote bonus (voting bonus) - the player votes for a casino on one of the popular gambling sites, casino receives confirmation of vote and adds bonuses. Typically, a bonus can be received each month.
Tell a friend bonus (Refer-a-Friend bonus) - let your friends know about casinos, and if he/she will make a casino deposit, you get a small bonus ($10 - $50). Player must send casino e-mail or fill out a small form for confirmation.
Marketing Strategy Innovation in Online Casino Deposit Promotions
Play Time bonus (1 hour of free play with bonus money) - Amount of bonus money can be usually up to $500. After gaming, casino player can withdraw money from their account. This kind of "bonuses" become more and more popular this days.
Of course, there is no free lunch in this world. Deposit bonuses are often accompanied by conditions. The main condition - the player has to make a pre-determined amount of wager before cashing out the free money. Generally cashing out is allowed after the value of bids made exceeds the sum of bonus in excess of 15-30 times, although there are deviations.
Conclusion As the market space for online casinos gets more and more saturated and competitive each day, online casinos are beginning to take a hit on its profits by using marketing strategies such as deposit promotions and bonuses to acquire players. Free play time on the casino's money can seriously impact their quarterly net earnings.
Players are also getting smarter by looking up deposit promotions websites to make sure they get their edge before venturing onto the tables. I am sure as time goes on, the online industry will have to utilize something a bit more creative to keep these players coming back.