By Jason Verduzco
Live sports and casinos have two things in common. They’re both built on the foundations of excitement and entertainment. So, it’s only natural that the two forces have combined online to create football-themed slots which are available to play online or on mobile via online casinos. In recent years, online slot machines have become the flagship game for most online casinos, and sports-themed games are proving more popular than ever.
Yet, the sports themes are more than just a gimmick. As sports fans themselves, the game developers behind the big sports-themed slots such as Champion’s Goal and Strikers Goes wild ensured that players received an authentic pitch experience during the action-packed gameplay. There has always been a strong relationship between betting and live sports, online slot machines have only strengthened the bond between the two.
The Evolution of the Sports-Themed Online Slot Machine
Considering that the very first slot machine only consisted of a wooden box and primitive components and coughed up prizes such as free pints at the establishment or a packet of gum, technology has made its mark on the slot machine and brought the game well and truly into the 21st century. The first online slot game was ‘Cash Splash’ which was released in 1998 by the industry-leading developers Microgaming, who are today responsible for some of the most advanced slots to date.
Every slot machine is different, yet, you’ll find most games offering features such as bonus rounds, the ability to win free spins, and special symbols to multiply your payout. The realms of possibility and playability are constantly being tested to ensure that players are delivered a modern take on all of the top features. Whilst the original games may have been played with 2D symbols, some online games now even come with the 4K experience.
If you’re new to online slot machine games and are wondering about how many complicated rules you’re going to have to learn before you can play to the best of your ability fear not. Unlike with other popular casino games such as poker the casinos hosting the games have made them easy, fast and simple to play to win high progressive jackpots. If you’re a sports fan looking for a range of sport themed slot games, there’s a wide variety of popular sports themed slot games for football fans and basketball fans on Money Reels. such as Champions Goal, Striker Goes Wild, Tennis, the Champions and Basketball Star.
Even though the traditional slot machine you’ll see in pubs, clubs, bookies and other establishments around the country may still be popular, online-based games offer much higher pay out percentages in comparison. Online slots also pack in plenty of features which traditional land-based slots simply can’t keep up with. The diversity of the themes is just one example, with hundreds of different games available to play online, we’ve put together a list of the 4 most advanced and progressive online slots available today to play online for cash.
Best Sports-Themed Online Slot Machine Games
1. Bicicleta Slot Game
Bicicleta is an online slot machine game that keeps the game play fairly simple through the 5-reel and 25-payline slots – making it the perfect online slot game for someone fairly new to the game. The well-structured game developed by Yggdrasil provides a more tranquil gameplay experience compared to the more high-intensity football-themed online slots. Yet, your passion for the beautiful game will still be satiated through the sports inspired symbols, game soundtrack and pitch background of the game. Bets start from 0.25p whereas the max stakes are set at £100. Yet, even with the smallest of stakes, the wildcards which pop up throughout the game play can multiply your jackpot.
2. Basketball Star Slot Game
Football not your game? Basketball Star has you covered. The popular video game slot packs in plenty of bonus features to ensure that players can win massive rewards. With 243 paylines, there are plenty of ways to make a winning combination – perfect for any players who are looking for a more progressive game. Visually, players are treated to exciting animations, including a group of cheerleaders on the side lines cheering you on with every winning spin. Look out for the ‘Wildshot’ features and ability to score yourselves extra spins.
3. Champion’s Goal Slot Game
To any sports fan who appreciates high-quality graphics, Champion’s Goal is more than a safe bet. The innovation that went into the game courtesy of the game developers ELK Studios (a studio famous for its love of football) means that players receive the same atmospheric energy whilst playing the game as watching the action on TV. Expect a polished and glossy design, a pumping soundtrack with a smooth touchscreen-optimised interface. Making Champion’s Goal easy to play wherever you are on the go from your Android or Apple device. With 20 ways to win and plenty of stadium excitement behind the game thanks to the pumping soundtrack, you’ll soon start to see why players find the game so addictive.
4. Tennis Slot Game
If you’ve got a competitive edge and a love for the game, why not find out why Tennis has become one of the most popular sports-themed slots? The game gives you seven chances to win the top cash out prize of £5.000 as you play against your opponent to win? Now Tennis fans don’t have to be Wimbledon-standard to have an opportunity to cash in on their favourite sports.
If you’re new to online slots, some of the terminology surrounding the games, bets and payouts can be fairly tricky to get to grips with. Before you get started, make sure you’re playing with the best odds by checking out this comprehensive guide to playing online slot machines. Always remember that every game has its own rules and game play. Many games allow you to play in demo mode to allow you to see if the game is suited to your preference before you stake a real cash bet.