The online gambling industry has been going from strength to strength: in 2019 it was worth around US$60 billion and is expected to increase by 505 to over US$90 billion by 2023. One of the most popular casino games are slots, studies showed that in Canada alone, 72% of casino game players had played on online slots on sites like 888 casino Canada, a casino provider that offers a wide range of themed slot games.
Drivers behind the growth in online gambling:
Smartphone.
Increased connectivity.
Affordability of devices.
Augmented and Virtual Reality.
Rise of the casual gamer.
Changes in legislation increasing market size.
Reasons slots are so popular:
Easy to pick up; no skill required.
Quick and fun and exciting.
High quality games.
Cumulative jackpot.
Variety of themes.
Can be played anywhere.
High RTP (return to player).
Market competition
Increasingly people are using online casino providers to access their favourite casino games. It is quick and easy to access their favourite games, and equally quick and easy to switch to a different operator if they get bored of the one, they are playing. This has meant that operators need to constantly innovate and update to keep their games fresh and interesting and retain customers.
In the world of slot machines, it is key that operators are able to keep players engaged. One of the ways that operators have tried to stay one step ahead of the competition is by linking their games to popular culture. This creates a pre-existing link between the player and the game before they have even clicked on it. One of the most popular these used by operators is music, the universal language.
Music is a popular culture and is well-known by many people around the world.
Why is music so compelling?
Music is universal. On some level, all humans are drawn to music, and all cultures have their own distinct sound. Music through the years has changed to reflect society and listening to music can evoke strong reactions in people, as it triggers memories and releases endorphins.
Casino operators use music as a way to build tension and to indicate a win. By theming games on musicians, they are taking this one step further and creating an immersive environment for the player based on their favourite artist or genre, increasing the connection with the player and the likelihood that the game they chose based on theme will be their go to slot game.
Popular music-themed slot games
Jimi Hendrix
There are (hopefully!) very few people on earth who have not heard of Jimi Hendrix. The legendary guitarist closed Woodstock and is widely regarded as one of the best musicians of all time. Despite a short career, Jimi’s music lives on. An icon of the 1960s, this NetEnt offering recreates the era with beautiful designs of flowers and love hearts. There are multiple features and bonus rounds, triggered by the purple haze and Guitar Re-Spin features which provide plenty of opportunities for big wins.
Guns N’ Roses
One of the most fantastic aspects of this game is not just the use of the band’s original songs, but that players can select their favourites to have as a soundtrack to the game. The graphics are high end, with live clips of the band, imagery, and logos all seamlessly integrated into the game. For fans of the band, this is immersive gaming at its finest. However, it also offers rocking game play, with chances to win bonuses at every turn.
Elvis Presley
No music list would be complete without the King. Elvis: The King lives is a slightly different slot game, and at first glance may seem confusing, but after a couple of spins it becomes fairly easy to play. With 11 reels and 80 pay lines, the game is interesting and different, and fans of the king will really appreciate the range of symbols showing Elvis throughout his career. There are also nods to his legacy, including blue suede shoes and a hound dog and icons. The main driver for the popularity of this game is the 100x multiplier and bonus combos possible that give opportunities for players to win big.
Elvis Presley was commonly known for his links with the capital gambling, Las Vegas.
Karaoke Party
Not showcasing a specific artist or band, this game is a platform for all the top sing along songs out there. A simple layout and game play makes it ideal for beginners and offers a number of different options for players. The soundtrack creates a fun atmosphere where players can sing along as they spin the when, and as well as free spins on offer, some lucky players will trigger the ultimate bonus of up to 10,000 times the initial stake.
The Rat Pack
Though players may think of old blue eyes and Sammy Davis Jr, this game puts a fun twist on the theme, with literal rats running around in the game. The soundtrack, however, is filled with the dulcet tones of smooth jazz, and provides a calm and fun place for players to relax. The anthropomorphized rats have different outfits and the more dapper the outfit, the higher the pay-out. The key feature in this game is the free spins, and there is also a gamble feature, giving players the chance to boost their winnings may times over.
