Slots are undoubtedly one of the most popular types of casino games, whether you are in a physical land-based casino or playing online. Nothing beats the rush of pressing a button and seeing all those symbols line up for the big win – and because slots are not about skill but about random chance, they are easy to play.
If you have never had a go at a slot machine, the basics really are straightforward. On screen you will see several wheels, known as reels. Each reel has different symbols on them (these will change depending on the theme). You press the button, the wheels spin, and if you match symbols across the payline, you win! It really is as simple as that.
It is no surprise, then, that 48% of gamblers in the US would prefer to play slots over any other casino game – and the creators of slot machine games are making the most of this popularity, creating slot machines based on different themes to tempt new players.
Before we look at some of the best celebrity themed slot games, let’s have a quick rewind through the history of slots and how they have developed.
Potted Slot History
The first slot machine was invented by a car mechanic from San Francisco called Charles Fey in 1895. His simple machine featured three reels, and the symbols were the diamond, spade, and heart from a standard deck of playing cards, and the Liberty Bell. If you got three Liberty Bells in a row along the middle payline, you won the jackpot of 50 cents.
While the legalities of slot machines in the US have been sporadically changed according to the sensibilities of the time, slot machines became commonplace in public spaces, from barbers to malls. Some were cash-based, while others would dispense gum or coupons.
Impact of Technology
Microgaming, an Isle of Man tech company, built the first internet gambling software in 1996 – and from there, all the innovation that is used in video games and movie making has made it’s way into the online casino, making slots more and more interesting and interactive. Now, nearly all of the top online casino providers offer slot games.
Algorithms are used to ensure true random and fairness in where the reels stop, and a combination of 3D graphics and enhanced sound and animations has made things like exploding symbols and cascading reels an exciting addition to the gameplay. You can take advantage of the tech in online casinos, and even in physical locations too – all the machines are governed by hardware and software rather than gears and levers.
Best Celebrity Slot Games
Slot games have been known by many names over the years, and they also vary geographically – but whether you call them pokies, puggies, or fruit machines, it is the themes of the games as well as the gameplay that makes us come back for more. Movies, TV shows, sports, hobbies, history… there is a themed game for everyone – and that is why there are so many celebrity themed slots available. Some of the best are below:
Joe Exotic
The controversial star of the Netflix documentary, Joe Exotic became one of the most popular topics of conversation during lockdown – and this game is a homage to the wild and tacky life we watched.
The game itself is a simple 5-reel mechanic with up to 20 paylines, and although the RTP is only 95%, it has high volatility – the max payout is 4117 times your stake.
The symbols include Joe himself as well as other recognisable characters from the show, and the slow country soundtrack with a redneck banjo adds to the tige stripes, gold, and purple colour scheme.
Michael Jackson King of Pop
The first of the music ones on this list, this slot game is all about the iconic music from the King of Pop, and you will hear songs like Beat It, Billie Jean, and Smooth Criminal as you spin the reels.
5 reels with up to 25 paylines and a 96.01% RTP rate is combined with a medium level of volatility, so while this might not be the most technically advanced or the highest paying slot in the world, it is the theme that makes it so much fun.
Look out for the symbolic white glove or the shoes in his famous pose to hit the jackpot while you sing along to the greatest hits.
Guns ‘n’ Roses
Another musical one – there are a lot of slots based on musical celebrities – is Guns ‘n’ Roses. Made by distinguished developer NetEnt, this slot game is a combination of a relatively high RTP rate (96.98%) and vitality on the lower end of the scale to create a fun and easy-going game.
5 reels and 20 paylines, with lots of opportunities to get involved In bonus games and earning free spins – all while listening to some of the best-known songs from the G’n’R back catalogue – what more could you want?
Look out for Slash and Axl Rose to win the big money on this slot game.
