Anyone who has been to a casino will know that the atmosphere can be electrifying. The groups of people around tables, watching and waiting for someone to win big, contribute to the feeling that everyone is potentially on the brink of a life-changing run of luck.
This action usually takes place against a backdrop of slot machines, with players stationed at ‘their’ machine, trying to win big on the back of their small change. The image of these slot machine enthusiasts is that they are on the periphery of the action, playing alone while the ‘high rollers’ at the tables are surrounded by an entourage of well-wishers hoping some of their good luck will rub off on them.
Table games in casinos typically include favourites that can be nail-bitingly tense for spectators, such as:
- Poker
- Craps
- Blackjack
- Baccarat
- Mississippi Stud
- Roulette
Slot machines have traditionally been seen as more of a solo game. There might be some interest in the event of a particularly big payout, but the slots typically don’t make great spectator games and so don’t warrant much attention from other casino visitors.
While slots have traditionally attracted those, who are happy to play alone, there is a social aspect to being in a casino and playing alongside fellow slot fans. Many slot players will celebrate big wins together and chat while they play, but the image of a solo slot player still prevails.
The single-player nature of slots
Casinos are known for being bustling and busy, with players, onlookers and dealers all contributing to a feeling of anticipation and the idea that anyone could have a life-changing win. Part of the appeal of a casino is the adrenaline rush of pitting your wits against other players in games of skill and trying to assess the probability of winning a game of chance.
For many, interaction with the staff is also a huge part of the experience of gambling in a casino. Some people find that the expertise of card dealers and croupiers makes playing cards or dice more engaging, giving a face to the odds that they need to beat and creating a sense of growing excitement as they stakes get higher.
The fact that slot players rarely need to have any contact with casino staff also contributes to the idea that the games themselves are solitary. The lack of involvement of casino employees, other players or spectators all give the impression that playing the slots is not for those who appreciate the social side of a trip to the casino.
Virtual casinos bring gaming to your home
Players can socialise playing casino at home via chat rooms
Although slot machines may not be considered a group activity, just being in a casino can feel exciting and slots provide a reassuringly low-stakes way to enjoy the action without the pressure to spend a lot of money. For many casino-goers, the slots provide a safe and fun way to enjoy a trip to a casino without having to risk your savings on the roll of a dice or a roulette wheel spin.
Websites that try to recreate the excitement of playing in a live casino are keen to ensure that they are giving players the experiences that make it so exciting. Poker fans can play online against competitors across the globe while blackjack and other games are also recreated relatively faithfully in digital form.
The camaraderie of slot players has proved a little harder to recreate, but plenty of sites are offering players the chance to try their hand at virtual slots with no deposit, allowing them to familiarise themselves with the games.
One way that online casinos have been able to increase the fun of playing online slots is to help players form communities and encourage them to virtually ‘chat’ with one another as they play. This can help to create a social scene surrounding the slots and recreate the feeling of a live game more closely.
Mobile apps make slots more social
Those who enjoy playing slots machines often have like-minded friends and the increasing availability of gaming apps provides an opportunity for truly social slot playing. Two or more players can play at the same time on different devices, meaning that they can share the excitement in person without ever having to leave the comfort of their own home.
The increasing ubiquity of social media means that people are more connected to each other via digital and online communication than ever before, so slot players can reach out to one another all over the world. Slot players can now meet online if they want to:
- Offer or receive advice
- Ask for recommendations
- Learn more about the games available
- Share tips
- Celebrate winnings
Online slot providers are encouraging their users to connect with one another by creating social media pages where fans can discuss the games and make recommendations. These can be thriving communities that recreate the social side of casino gambling by allowing fans to seek out like minded individuals to play alongside one another.
Players prefer slot machines don’t need to sacrifice the fun of playing with friends. There are plenty of ways to share the experience and new technology means it is even easier to choose games, share results and celebrate with friends, whether you are in the same room or on opposite sides of the world.