Slots have always been able to create some level of sound, even if it was just an alarm bell ringing. Three-reel four-icon slots are rare to see with most machines presenting five reels or more and there is almost always an animation to go with each icon.
A century after their introduction, mechanical slots have become nearly obsolete — unable to keep up with the winnings and entertainment digital slots can deliver. Players tend to gravitate towards the machines that flash the brightest colors, highlight the biggest jackpots, and make the most noise.
Entertainment is the game and modern slots rely on an intelligent balance of animations, music, and sounds — to help create an atmosphere around a slot theme.
Modern slots can also offer more features like:
But to trust that a slot will payout, when it takes time to win, requires positive reinforcement. Music and sounds are the perfect mood setters. The right tune or sound puts players back on track to keep going and try another round.
Slots themes are so diverse you could create an encyclopedia about them — but a few subjects pop up regularly. Aztecs, Ancient Egypt, and Victorian England have strong central themes and fantastic games for relaxing music mixed in with mystery and the occasional surprise.
On the other side of slots are modern themes around busy cities, discos, and other action-packed events that rely on high-energy music to get the pulse racing. The same goes for the sounds of a racing slot reel before locking onto a payline — designed to increase the level of excitement or improve a player’s persistence.
Where would casinos be without the sounds of a slot machine?
Music videos, movies with soundtracks, video games, and slots — all engage the visual and the audible senses for a richer experience. Sounds are proven to influence players psychologically and physically — both with choosing slots and with playing them.
Video games and slots are slowly merging, in terms of the level of animations, the sounds, the themes, and the way players can spend on them. Sounds play a role in the enjoyment of a slot and the perception of a player’s success. Sounds can imply greater winnings and even the number of times a player has won, compared to their actual progress.
Though other casino games play an important role in the general appearance on the gaming floor, slots create the atmosphere. The sound of a slot machine celebrating a jackpot is an undeniable casino characteristic.
Jackpot sirens and lights get heads turning; helping to heighten the interest and motivation of players on other casino games. Slots tend not to make sounds when a player does not win. The quiet moments help underline a player’s success — even if the win is relatively small.
As a standard rule, slots begin making sounds when a player receives a bonus, or a small win, even if the win is below the initial wager — also known as, Losses Disguised as a Win. Major celebrations of sounds and alarm bells are almost standard practices for hitting jackpots.
Research into the effect of sounds in slots is relatively new, but the connection is clear. And, with 3D speakers and headphones becoming more common, it seems we are just seeing the beginning of providers using sounds to influence online slot enjoyment.
