The internet is awash with casino guides, slot reviews and testimonials. Almost every new casino game gets a lot of attention in the weeks that follow its launch, with many of these articles offering players all the information they need to make a well informed decision about whether or not to play it.

In a world where players have a sometimes overwhelming selection of games to choose from, attractive themes, designs and storylines are what can set a particular title apart. This is particularly true in the case of slot games, where the developer’s creative input can influence the player experience.

Invented by Bavarian-born American Charles Fey, a mechanic from San Francisco, the first coin-operated slot machine was a lever-driven device that used three spinning reels with symbols like horseshoes, bells and the eponymous Liberty Bell. Later developments saw the addition of electronic components, allowing developers to create games with more elaborate and lucrative paylines and symbols.

Unlike their mechanical ancestors, modern electronic slots are powered by computer chips that allow them to handle complex combinations of symbols and features with much greater speed and accuracy. Some are even able to display multiple jackpots and bonus rounds, which add a whole new dimension to the gameplay experience. The industry is also leaning heavily on data-driven design techniques to learn more about how players engage with their favourite slots, a trend that has already begun to impact the way some suppliers design their games.