The online gambling industry is in the midst of a huge boom, with an increasing number of operators moving into the sector over the past few years.
Experts have predicted that annual revenues are likely to reach $60 billion by the end of 2020 and should continue to rise at a rapid rate over the coming years.
Online casino games have contributed massively to the growth, with players eager to try their hand at blackjack, poker, roulette and more.
Slot games are also hugely popular, particularly amongst new players, so read on as we assess why this is the case.
Simplicity is the Key
One of the main reasons why slots are popular with new gamblers is undoubtedly down to the sheer simplicity of the gameplay.
The ethos of putting your penny in the slot and pulling the handle has transferred seamlessly to online games – just make a deposit and start playing. It’s that simple!
There is very little to learn when it comes to playing slots, with the base games replicating what players would have found in amusement arcades back in the 1980s.
Whereas games like poker and blackjack can take years to master, the simplicity of slots allows new players to get to grips with things in a matter of minutes.
People Love Special Offers
The best online casino operators regularly offer welcome bonuses which are designed to entice new players into signing-up for an account on their site.
This often takes the form of matching your first deposit, effectively giving you an increased amount with which to play the different games.
However, many operators offer lucrative slots-specific bonuses which can only be used to play the games in that particular portion of the site.
The old adage of ‘everyone loves a freebie’ very much plays a part where free spins are concerned and further explains why new players love playing slots.
Play Slots for Free
Many new players at online casinos like to get a feel of things before spending real money and slot games afford them the opportunity to do just that.
Free-play mode is a great way for players to familiarise themselves with the different games and gives them the chance to find something they enjoy playing.
With thousands of different titles to choose from it can be difficult to know which one to select, but free-play takes the guesswork out of the equation.
Being able to play for free is another important factor that explains why so many new players decide to play slots at online casinos.
Slots are a Throwback to Your Youth
Nostalgia plays a huge role in the popularity of slots, with the games bringing back memories of their childhood for many players.
Anyone who ever enjoyed a seaside holiday as a child with their parents will look back fondly on the time that they spent playing slot machines.
Developers have tapped into this mentality by creating numerous slots that are a throwback to the iconic games of yesteryear.
This helps to give slots an enduring quality that other game genres find difficult to replicate and compete with.
Convenience Matters
In an age where people often have huge demands placed on their time, the convenience of slots is another element that explains their popularity.
The games are easy to access on desktop and mobile, giving players the opportunity to play at a time and place that suits their personal circumstances.
For anyone looking to squeeze in 20-30 minutes of entertainment into their busy schedule, slots are a great way to achieve this with the minimum of fuss.
Other games often require a much greater level of commitment from a time perspective, but slots are not impacted by this in the same way.