Isn’t happiness what most of us really strive for in life? While many things can be bad for you if you over indulge doctors have proven that happiness can greatly improve a persons health and well being. Our fore fathers believed so strongly in this idea that they included it in The Declaration of Independence by writing:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
As I was giving this idea more consideration, my thoughts started drifting to why people visit the casinos and the reason that they play casino games. Although I constantly advise people to look at their visit to the casino as entertainment I came to the realization that at times I have been guilty of ignoring this fact in some of my columns. As an advantage player I am always seeking to play the games where I have an edge or play the games that offer lowest house edge. Much of my advice suggests that others to do the same thing and stay away from the high house edge games such as slot machines. I tend to lose sight that the main reason people play the slot machines is because it makes them happy.
Creative Endeavors
Over the last ten years slot machines have taken as the casino’s top money maker surpassing the revenue earned from all of the table games put combined. The fact that players are willing to play a game that they know has a high house edge is a testament to the creative genius of the slot game designers. Once the technology became possible to produce the modern video slot machines with multi-lines and life changing jackpots, it was up to the slot game designers to produce the games that would interest the players.
There challenge was top get away from the old spinning reel concept and create games that would entertain a diverse multi-generation slot playing public. They had the younger generation who grew up playing video games, the Baby Boomers who saw witnessed the start of the “electronic revolution” as well as their parents who had played the early mechanical machines. They meet the challenge head on and created a product that would change the face of the gaming industry.
Pop Icons
Life is full of uncertainties. Most of us love nostalgia because it brings us back to something that is familiar and makes us feel comfortable. This concept has not been overlooked by the slot makers. A walk through the casino is like a walk down memory lane to may of us. They have adopted themes for the slot games that incorporate many of the Pop Icons that we grew up with. Games based on old television shows such as The Adams Family, I Dream of Genie, or the Beverly Hillbillies can be found on the casino floor as well as games based on movies like Star Wars and the Terminator. Basing the games on a familiar theme offers an instant comfort level with the game making it more likely that players will give it a try.
Bonus Rounds and Secondary Games
In our faced paced world most of us are used to “multitasking” which is our fancy term for doing more than one thing at a time. We are a generation on the go and at times it seems like we are looking for a way not to waste a single second of time. The desire to multitask carries over into our leisure activities and may explain our fascination with the new bonus games offered by the slot makers.
Bonus rounds and special secondary screens have been added to many of the slot games. This gives the player something else to look forward to while they are playing the game. For many players reaching the bonus screen is almost as exciting as having a winning spin. They look forward to the diversion of the bonus games and maybe this fullfills the need to multitask.
Have Fun
Casino gambling is all about entertainment. The slot makers have done their best to produce games that will entertain us and make us happy and as Sheryl Crow sings, If it makes you happy, it cant be that bad.”
Enjoy the slots!
Until Next time remember:
Luck comes and goes.....Knowledge Stays Forever.