An essay about online poker machines

From Icabod Molesworth
June 2015

 

From Poker to Pokies

As a poker player you know Phil Ivey and you know Howard Lederer and you know Doyle Brunson. And if you go way back you know Johnny Moss. But do you know Si Redd? You play poker because it is the game in the casino where skill can trump luck in the long run. William Silas Redd is the guy who brought video poker to casinos. Video poker allows punters to make decisions in slot machines and they actually have one of the lowest house edges in the casino. You play poker because of the thrill of big pots. The biggest jackpots in the casino are those attached to progressively linked slot machines. Yeah, Si Redd was responsible for that, too. His Megabucks slot machine back in 1986 harnessed the power of the microchip and started offering those multi-million dollar jackpots. It should come as no surprise that Redd's company, International Gaming Technology, became the biggest builder of slot machines in the world and was a leader in developing online gaming platforms for hundreds of online casinos. If you have not visited the slots world in a while, things are quite a bit different from the days of the "one-armed bandit" with three reels of oranges and cherries and a single payline.

The World of Online Slots Games Today

Slot machines these days offer players an exciting array of options. Three reels have expanded to five and on some games the traditional grid has disappeared altogether with hexagons and other geometric shapes taking their place. Instead of one payline there are nine, twenty, forty, one hundred and even more ways to win on each spin. If you are a fan of a particular television show or popular movie, chances are there is a slots game online for you to play along with your favourite characters. Modern slots games tell stories in high-definition, introduce characters, take play to additional screens, feature bonus awards, allow player interaction, play music, use 3D graphics and more. Oh, yes. If you need a break from bluffing and raising and just want some relaxing fun you can also play simple traditional slots.

Try Online Slots Games for Free

Still not convinced today's slots are for you? You can dip your toe into this wild world of online slots without risking any money. Pokies.com allows you to sample 25 of its game for free. If that sounds like they are giving away the store, they have more than 320 on offer. Included in the free suite of games are branded slots featuring iconic characters like Superman, the Terminator and Judge Dredd. Even Game of Thrones has a slots adventure ready to play. Try the video slot Avalon II which follows the travails of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they pursue the Holy Grail - there are 243 ways to win on every spin. There are also delightful traditional games like Toki Time and Sunny Scoops that will transport you instantly from the serious business of Hold'em poker for a quick mental refresher. There are instant scratchies games like Cashapillar and Game, Set & Scratch. And if you prefer not to stray too far from the action of table games there are video poker games, roulette, blackjack and baccarat to try. When you access Pokies.com from your mobile device ten of the games are available to try including Deuces Wild Poker and several video slots games. All the games play directly from your browser and there are no downloads or apps to contend with.

A Cash Bonus to Get You Started

In addition, Pokies.com rewards new players with 10 free spins at one of its most popular games - Foxin' Wins. So that initial bankroll can grow before you even start using it. Whenever you break from poker to relax with some slots games, Pokies.com remembers your play and applies VIP points to your account which will result in bonuses, free spins and even cash. Today's online slots games are more than just a mindless distraction to have a little action during breaks between deals. Give them a try.