Everything you need to know about online slots in India
One of the most fascinating things about the world of digital media and online entertainment is the rise of new habits and recreational activities. Just a few short years ago, players who wanted to get a taste of casino games like slots would have to travel to an exclusive location and risk real money. Today, anyone in India can pick up their phone and start playing for free. This clear shift in accessibility has changed the way businesses approach the issue of attracting and retaining new customers.
To truly understand online casino slots in India, we’re going to dive into the details across all areas. Let’s make a start by looking at the big picture before we focus on some of the vital specifics that are at play here.
The basics of online slots in India
India has long had a fascination with many forms of wagering, with many games dating back centuries. Traditional lotteries based on archery are still practiced in some states today, while sports betting (particularly cricket and football) is more popular than ever. That said, India is not a country that has embraced the rapid expansion of in-person casinos in the way that many others in different parts of the world have.
Cultural attitudes and restrictive regulations and building permits have made this slow going in some parts of the country, but the enthusiasm of slot players remains undiminished. Driving this, in large part, is a shift to online slots. With detailed studies on players’ habits approaching double-digit growth, it’s clear that this approach is already working. Not only is this good news for the casino and slot operators, but it’s also something that is sure to enrich the player experience.
By bringing greater resources to the table in the race to attract and retain players, online slot operators and developers are forced to innovate. The result is a creative, forward-thinking market that is going to drive an industry to new heights in a way few others can expect to experience in the coming years and decades. But how do they work when there is no physical mechanism?
How do Indian online slots work?
Online slots in India, and everywhere else in the world, are based on random number generators. These mathematically driven pieces of code are designed to return a random sequence of numbers after each input. The numbers that are returned then relate to a specific combination of symbols on the slot machine reels. This is how they work and it’s a smart approach because random number generators can be truly random.
What is a slot machine random number generator?
Many random number generators work by using the digits of an irrational number (one which extends to infinity) such as pi. This creates a random sequence of numbers which can then be encoded to form relationships with all the various possible combinations of reels on the screen. Online slots are then characterised by a series of metrics, most importantly, the RTP.
What is RTP in online slot machines?
Return to Player (RTP) is a measure of the percentage of money that the typical player will win based on their initial stake and it is averaged across millions of player-machine interactions. Games with higher RTP offer a more favourable chance of winning, making them more attractive to players who want to start out and get to grips with how to calculate the odds. Volatility is another metric that is important and it is something that quantifies how stable and repeatable a game is across time. While all games are tightly regulated, secure, and 100% fair, volatility helps players figure out old-fashioned concepts many casual players refer to as ‘riding your luck’ so they can decide how long they wish to play for.
What is the legal status of slots in India?
Online slots are fully legal and tightly regulated in India, with only a few minor exceptions on a state-by-state basis. The good news here is that the foundations have been laid for an industry that is on the side of the players, all in a way that is driving innovation and reinvestment. The result is a rapidly expanding range of online slots in India. Now that we’ve covered the fundamentals and taken a look at the landscape, it’s time to check out three of the most popular Indian slot machine games.
Apollo Pays
This ancient civilization-themed game is one that is sure to catch the eye by standing out in an increasingly crowded market. Just what you want to hear when you’re looking for a way to spend time online that offers something a little different every time you log on. Here are the three key metrics that you need to know about:
- Volatility High
- RTP 96.6%
- Maximum Profit x116030
Players often cite the very high maximum profit as the reason for signing up and playing Apollo Pays. That said, there are popular games that offer far lower maximum profits.
Christmas Carol
Another themed online slot, but this time one with strong seasonal appeal, serves as the next entry on our list. Playability is something that is repeatedly mentioned in online reviews and UGC player testimonials. Exactly what you want to hear from a game that offers a diverse range of attractive metrics:
- Volatility High
- RTP 96.6%
- Maximum Profit x20000
While these two entries focus on high maximum profits, there is also a market for higher RTP games that feel a little more inviting for brand-new players.
StarMania
The graphics are designed to have something of a retro feel about them, allowing players to sit and relax without being overwhelmed by advanced features. The metrics are also somewhat different from many other Indian online slots right now:
- Volatility Med-Low
- RTP 97.9%
- Maximum Profit x500
A lower maximum profit is offset by a considerably higher RTP, making StarMania a game that is principally aimed at new and first-time online slot players.
The last word
The most interesting thing about the rise of online slots in India is that the trend only seems to be accelerating. The way in which millions of players can be reached with nothing more than a viral social media ad makes online slots one of the expected growth industries in the second half of the decade.
A deeper look at what’s going on here tells us that online gameplay on casino slots removes many of the social barriers associated with physical casinos. Online casinos are tightly regulated, accessible from virtually any state, and designed to hold attention at all times. They also have the added benefit of being able to offer players the chance to have a few quick spins while they’re going about their daily business. The ability to do this makes the games ‘sticky’ in the sense that they are able to pull players back in with unlockable levels, themes, and characters that are rewards for extended playing time.
Regardless of what you think about the rise of Indian online slots, it’s certainly going to be interesting to see how things develop from a business perspective.