When it comes to mainstream entertainment activities, it is fair to say that slot machines have truly stood the test of time.
It is also difficult to argue that modern slot machines have progressed a long way during their near 130-year existence.
The Liberty Bell was the first slots game to see light of day during the 1890s and it was undoubtedly an extremely basic affair.
With just three reels, a handful of symbols and a 50 cents jackpot, Charles Fey’s mechanical creation bore little resemblance to slots in the modern era.
The introduction of video slots in 1976 was unquestionably the catalyst for a massive evolution in how games were designed and developed.
As technological capabilities advanced, slot machines became increasingly more sophisticated, with additional features such as mini-games helping to take the gameplay experience to a different level.
The launch of the internet powered further progress in slots development as online casinos battled to make their games more appealing than what their rivals had to offer.
It is now rare to see slots with anything less than five wheels, while multiple paylines and shifting grids are currently all the rage.
However, the biggest transformation in the sector over the past few decades relates to the slots theme, which is used to entice people into playing a particular game.
Development companies have expertly tapped into genres that have already proved popular with people and used them as the basis for slots games.
While there are dozens of slots themes to choose from, there is a small selection that have been a massive hit with UK players. Read on as we take a closer look.
Superheroes & comic books
Visit any online casino in the UK and you will be greeted by dozens of slots themed on popular superheroes and comic book characters.
Superman and Batman have inevitably spawned a wide range of slots games, most of which have hit the right note with players across the world.
Several Marvel Studios characters have also been used as slots themes including Captain America, Wolverine, Ironman and many more.
The superhero and comic book theme lends itself perfectly to the new Megaways mechanic, which has become hugely popular with slots players in the UK in recent years.
Movies
Hollywood movies is another easy theme for developers to tap into and has been the inspiration for hundreds of popular slots titles.
Adventure movies such as Raiders of the Lost Ark and King Kong are the perfect vehicles to take the gameplay experience on a slots game into another stratosphere.
Developers expertly use popular movies to create immersive online slots games – Image via YouTube
Jurassic Park, Back to the Future, Mad Max and Pirates of the Caribbean are other successful film franchises that have been turned into slots in recent years.
Perhaps the pick of the bunch from a UK perspective is The Italian Job – after all, who could fail to love the Mini Cooper bonus round!?
Television
Given that movies have been such a popular theme with UK players, it is no surprise that television programmes have also been a massive hit.
From the iconic Coronation Street slot to Baywatch and more, the slots industry is awash with hugely successful TV themed games.
However, game shows probably stand head and shoulders above most other TV genres when developers incorporate them into slots.
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Tipping Point, Deal or No Deal and The Chase are amongst the slots that attract massive attention from UK players.
Horror
If you are a slots player who loves ghosts, witches, zombies and vampires, there are plenty of horror themed games for you to choose from at online casinos.
Characters from classic books or films such as Frankenstein and Dracula have often been used to create tremendously immersive slots games.
By incorporating spooky sounds and scary features into the games, developers expertly incorporate the best elements of horror into slots.
One of the best horror slots is Esqueleto Explosivo – a celebration of The Day Of The Dead that features exploding skeleton heads.
Ancient Egypt
While Ancient Egypt may seem like a strange theme for slots, history has shown that UK players love playing games based on this genre.
Rise of the Pharaohs, Book of Dead, Valley of the Gods, Jungle Jim and The Lost Sphinx and Coins of Egypt are amongst the most popular Egyptian themed slots.
However, one name sits at the top of the mountain for this theme – Cleopatra.
The original Cleopatra game has spawned dozens of successful sequels, each of which deliver a truly magical gameplay experience.
Irish
Ireland has long been associated with being lucky, with the link dating back to the miners of Irish descent who struck it lucky during the American Gold Rush.
Every leading online casino in the UK offers a wide range of Irish-themed slots, which all have their roots in this particular ethos.
Lucky Lassie, Lucky Irish, Irish Eyes and the aptly named Luck O’ The Irish are amongst the slots that have found favour with UK players.
With brilliant games such as Leprechaun Hills also in the mix, slots with an Irish theme are proven to provide players with tons of entertainment.
