The online casino industry is ever-evolving with novelties introduced on a regular basis.

It was 15 years ago when the first live dealer games appeared offering traditional casino games in a new yet familiar environment. It was groundbreaking back then when you could join a table hosted by a real-life dealer to play your favourite casino game on the web.

Over the years, more and more software providers have emerged in the market, offering live casino games that provide players with a realistic gaming experience. To feel the genuine casino action, players don’t have to visit their local casinos as they can enjoy it from the comfort of their home or even on the go on their handheld device. It seemed that the industry was moving away from the RNG-operated games and turning to more challenging live casino technology.

However, the announcement from one of the leading providers Playtech that they have launched a live slot game seems to mark a new chapter in the industry. What the new concept of offering slot machines means and who needs a slot machine with a live presenter? Stay with us to find out more about it.

Live Dealer Games with Slots Elements

Slot machines are popular with players around the world, and no matter how much we love live casino games, we cannot deny it. The launch of a live slot is not the first time developers combine the elements of live casino and slot gameplay. We have already discussed Live Roulette games where players could earn free spins on slot games, which was the case with NetEnt’s Rock’n Roulette. By offering such a promotion, the Swedish provider allowed its customers to enjoy both forms of entertainment almost immediately.

Other providers also offered products that were more of a crossover between a slot game and Live Roulette. One of them was Extreme Live Gaming, a company acquired by Pragmatic Play, that offered so-called Great Rhino Roulette. The biggest selling point of the game are seven extra side bets which correspond slot icons providing players with an opportunity to win up to 80x their bet.

Finally, we have to mention Playtech and their Age of the Gods Live Roulette.

The themed Roulette table is linked to the four-tier progressive jackpot network offering players a chance to win one of them. As you play the game, you can also win a set of free spins on Age of the Gods slot machines. Given that Playtech progressive jackpots can grow to 7-figure amounts, the game provides players with an unparalleled gaming experience that takes the game of Roulette to a whole new level.

Slot Games with a Social Element

Today, we can say that the examples mentioned above were just an overture to what will come in the future. In December 2019, Playtech came up with a new live casino product like no other. They launched Live Slots, a game where one of their most popular releases Buffalo Blitz is offered in a live studio environment. While other live casino games used certain slot elements, this one offers real slot gameplay with a live presenter hosting the show.

If you have been wondering what it is all about, stay tuned. It is all about adding a social element to a slot game. We have to admit, playing slot games is a solitary activity.

Now, think about bingo rooms and communities where players can interact with one another while enjoying their favourite game of chance. When it comes to Live Slots, the social element is ensured through a live presenter you can chat with using the Live Chat feature. Such an element of interactivity has never seen before in a slot game. As for the gameplay, it sticks to the original game. The game uses 6 reels and 4 rows while offering 4,096 ways to win. Its RTP remains the same, sitting at 95.96%.

As you play the slot, you can benefit from the free spins feature, which is in this case triggered by the presenter pushing the red button when 3 Scatters hit the reels. Whenever Wild contributes to a win during the bonus, payouts will be subject to up to 5x multiplier. To start playing the game, choose how many spins you will play and set your stake or bet per round, as usual.

Given that this is one of the most popular Playtech titles, we presume that it will be a huge hit with slot enthusiasts looking for a more social gaming experience. Some may complain that rounds take more time than in the original game, but those who are here for more interaction will definitely tolerate it. If you choose to play Live Slots Buffalo Blitz, you are here for community spins where you will share the fun with other players.

Other Examples

In one of the live casinos, we stumbled upon the LiveSlots lobby. It invites you to control a real slot machine by choosing one from a selection of Novomatic and Igrosoft titles. Once you enter the lobby, you will have two views on offer, one of them showing a live presented sitting in front of a row of physical slot machines.

If you choose to play at one of the slot machines, you will enjoy two broadcasts of the action taking place on. On the left-hand side, you will see a video streaming from a webcam which is fixed on the selected slot machine. The right-hand side of the screen offers a closer view of the slot machine screen you play. While video and audio of these games are rudimentary, they certainly provide players with the real casino experience and atmosphere while offering a pooled jackpot.

Closing Thoughts

People like to watch the video and casino games streaming on platforms such as Twitch. Instead of just watching the action taking place and other people winning, slot enthusiasts can now be part of the experience. By offering the new concept of Live Slots, providers seem to target younger players, including millennials who prefer social interaction they get used to in video games they have played from an early age.

It remains to be seen whether the new concept like Live Slots by Playtech is here to stay and whether other providers will offer their takes on it. We can imagine other iconic titles getting staged in live studios with chatty presenters hosting the show.

Click here to check out our list of the best 5 live slots games.

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