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The psychology of slot symbols: how iconography influences player behaviour
Imagery has always been a central part of the slot gaming experience. Even manufacturers of the most primitive one-armed bandits knew the power that could potentially be harnessed by employing psychology to attract players and keep them playing.
It remains no less true today that, through imagery, operators and developers know exactly how to push our buttons.
Nostalgia and imagery
Amongst the most potent of human emotions is nostalgia, a wistful yearning for a previous time, whether we lived through it or not.
Classic slot symbols, such as 7s, bars, bells and fruit, are all used to elicit a feeling of nostalgia for the time of traditional, physical machines in brick-and-mortar casinos. This has the effect of making us feel like we’re engaging with something wholesome and familiar, and this familiarity in turn serves to reassure us that whatever we’re doing is okay.
By evoking memories of a simpler time, whether on a conscious or subconscious level, and whether the player actually experienced those times or not, a zone of psychological comfort and safety can be created for the player.
Wealth
Slot players are often dreaming of those big, life-changing wins, and the iconography of slot machines feeds on this, providing reassurance that one’s big win is always just around the corner.
By employing images which suggest wealth, such as coins, dollar symbols and stacks of cash, slot machines continuously remind us that there’s real money on the table, and that this particular game offers a potential path to riches.
The power of colour
Colour psychology is a scientific field in its own right, and slot machines have been utilising the wealth of research on this topic since their conception.
The overall brightness of slot machines stimulates the player’s brain, keeping them engaged, whilst specific colours are used to create a unique ambience, giving each game an identity related to its colour palette.
Certain colours can evoke certain emotions, and there are many colour-related patterns which can be seen across modern slot machines. For instance, greens are often used in the design of slot machines, to elicit a sense of nature and freshness. Similarly, golds are used to suggest wealth and prosperity.
Familiar themes
The iconography of recurring themes is another way that designers can create specific associations with their games in the minds of their players.
Popular themes include ancient Egypt (Cleopatra, Magic of the Nile), the luck of the Irish (Rainbow Riches, Pot o’ Gold), and many more. Recently, there’s been an upsurge in the number of games based on fishing themes (Big Bass Bonanza, Golden Catch).
Familiar symbolism also comes in the form of existing intellectual properties, such as TV shows (Deal or No Deal, Game of Thrones), musical groups (Guns N’ Roses, Kiss), and popular movies (Rocky, Beetlejuice, The Godfather).
These slot games may be licensed, or they may simply refer to these IPs in an unofficial capacity. Either way, players enjoy the familiarity they offer, as well as the chance to engage with references to their favourite media.
Some games even allow operators to become the theme, customising the game as they see fit. For example, Fluffy Favourites can be adapted to reflect the theme of an operator’s website, reinforcing brand loyalty within the game.
The psychology of winning
It’s the idea of a win that keeps players playing, and slot machine designers use this fact, along with established psychological theories and phenomena, to make their games gripping.
For instance, cognitive biases are thought processes which are often observed, according to which the human brain tends to follow certain heuristic paths, simplifying information and passing it through a system of mental filters.
In terms of slot machine design, this means that, for example, a player who comes close to hitting a high-value combination of symbols is likely to interpret this as almost winning, which has the effect of making them more likely to spin again.
The psychological concept of conditioning can also be applied to slot machine design. Winning combos are often accompanied by celebratory sound effects and animations, including raining coins and victorious trumpets, creating positive associations in the minds of players, and encouraging them to seek this reward out again.
Psychology and ethics in gambling
There are, of course, moral and ethical implications of applying psychology to gambling. At what point does it become coercive? When is suggestion actually manipulation? The burden of answering these questions and monitoring appropriate slot machine design falls on the Gambling Commission.
The Commission have already implemented several rules which seek to minimise problem gambling and the development of bad habits, such as banning auto-play functions, limiting the time between spins, and ensuring that players have access to safer gambling tools.
However, it may be the case that more could be done to educate players on the psychological effects of symbolism in their favourite games.
Beating the system
Being aware of the psychological methods used by operators to keep a person playing is the first step in ensuring that one isn’t being manipulated.
Making good use of bonuses and promotions is a good way to enjoy better value gaming, and setting strict limits will help to ensure that players only spend what they can afford to lose.
Online casino free spins are a great way to try out slot games without risking real money. Customers can get free spin offers from no-deposit sign-up bonuses, or use the available demo versions to try games out for free.
Because many psychological methods operate on an unconscious level, and therefore cannot necessarily be noticed, good responsible gambling practices are a must if we are to ensure that gambling takes place in a healthy environment, and that players are not being taken advantage of.
This year has been an exciting journey for SmartSoft. Both internally and externally, the company has undergone significant transformation. SmartSoft continues to pursue ambitious goals driven by teamwork and unity. The company fosters a culture of collaboration, where team members and partners support one another, share objectives, and work towards common interests. This synergy is powered by a diverse group of individuals, united by a shared mission to redefine the iGaming industry.
As a result, the number of unique customers grew by an impressive 75%—a remarkable achievement.
So, how did SmartSoft achieve such success?
Team Expansion and User Growth
SmartSoft made great progress this year by adding 40 new team members, strengthening its skills and knowledge across different areas. This expansion helped create a more dynamic work environment and played a key role in improving the company’s overall performance. As a result, SmartSoft saw an impressive 75% growth in unique users compared to last year. This increase in users highlights the company’s growing global reach, its ability to attract a wide audience, and its commitment to offering exciting and innovative gaming experiences.
New Markets and Partnerships
This year, SmartSoft made remarkable strides by entering 25 new markets, significantly enhancing its global footprint. The company also established several strategic partnerships with leading operators and platforms, including Betfair, Betway, Stoiximan, Betnacional, LottoStar, Betmexico and Qtech. These collaborations are expected to unlock new opportunities and open doors to fresh audiences worldwide. SmartSoft is excited about the direction these partnerships will take, and more details about these ventures will be shared soon.
JetX’s Unstoppable Rise
Also, JetX as SmartSoft’s flagship and pioneer crash game proved that its actually top game not only for SmartSoft but in the whole iGaming industry – its users rose by 80% which is a great number to imagine.
If there’s anyone still unfamiliar with JetX, it was the pioneer crash game developed by SmartSoft. Since its launch, JetX achieved extraordinary success, becoming a favorite among players and partners alike. The game is always evolving with regular updates, as the SmartSoft team constantly works to make it even better. Its innovative gameplay, which challenges players to cash out at just the right moment, captivated audiences worldwide. Breaking records and redefining expectations. The continued rise of JetX signifies the company’s ongoing commitment to offering exciting, innovative, and highly engaging products to its users.
Performance of Top Games
SmartSoft’s portfolio of top games saw incredible engagement, with a great increase in user participation across its leading titles, including Balloon, Mine Island, HelicopterX, PlinkoX, and FootballX. This phenomenal growth demonstrates that the company’s gaming offerings are not just popular but are setting industry benchmarks for user interaction and satisfaction. It’s clear that SmartSoft’s games are playing a key role in redefining the entertainment experience for players worldwide.
Exciting New Games
This year, SmartSoft introduced a total of 18 new games, including three games and slot games, all designed to offer players a unique and immersive experience. Some of the most anticipated releases included:
- 4 Bonuses Bonanza – Plinko Spin
- Mad Slot
- Rodeo X
- Dracula’s Fortune
- Jungle Sisters Deluxe
- Samba da Deusa
These new games have attracted more than 2 million new users, underscoring their appeal and the growing demand for SmartSoft’s innovative approach to gaming. The diverse range of titles further strengthens SmartSoft’s position as a leader in the gaming industry, offering games tailored to every interest.
Partnerships and Sponsorships
SmartSoft strengthened its position in the global market by extending its partnership with the Argentine National Team. This collaboration now includes SmartSoft becoming the Official Crash Game Partner. Sponsoring the Argentine national team and being a member of the World Champions Family is proof of SmartSoft’s commitment. Through these initiatives, company aims to spread the spirit of football, which brings people together and fosters a sense of community. Through this renewal in 2024 with the Argentine Football Association and the Argentine National Team, SmartSoft continued on a journey that combined passion and excellence, where the worlds of business and gaming converged with the magic of Argentine football. The company expressed delight in continuing as the gaming partner in Europe for the Argentine National Team and voiced confidence that this collaboration would drive both the company and its games to new horizons. Additionally, plans were announced for new content and marketing actions featuring the stars of the national team.
Memorable Moments and Extraordinary Partnerships
2024 was a year of remarkable achievements and unforgettable experiences for SmartSoft. The company participated in 8 major industry exhibitions, earning prestigious nominations such as Best Innovator, Best Interactive Experience, and Best Crash Game. Beyond the awards, SmartSoft cemented its reputation for innovation and connection through extraordinary events and partnerships. The Legend Series brought partners face-to-face with football legends like Zanetti, Palacio, and Milito, while an exclusive Champions League experience in London with José Mourinho left lasting impressions. In Lisbon, partners enjoyed the privilege of meeting Javier Mascherano at the SmartSoft booth and engaging in personal conversations during a special dinner. The collaboration with the Argentine national football team reached new heights with an in-depth interview with Lionel Scaloni, offering an insightful glimpse into the team’s journey. Further strengthening its connection to the sports world, SmartSoft proudly partnered with Georgian football legend Shota Arveladze, strengthening its ties to the sports world and bringing people even closer together.
Additionally, the launch of the Partners’ Club during a three-day celebration in Georgia showcased the company’s commitment to fostering collaboration and shared success.
Licensing Achievements
SmartSoft reached several important licensing milestones in 2024, underscoring its commitment to expanding its global operations while adhering to regulatory standards. The company’s Greek license, originally obtained in 2023, became fully operational this year, allowing SmartSoft to expand its reach in the European market. The company also achieved authorizations in Peru and obtained compliance certification in South Africa, further strengthening its position in these growing markets.
Certifications
SmartSoft earned 79 new certifications in 2024, an impressive achievement that reflects the company’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards in the industry. These certifications cover a wide range of areas, reinforcing SmartSoft’s commitment to delivering top-tier products that meet international quality and regulatory standards.
Looking Forward
The year 2024 was one of remarkable growth, innovation, and unforgettable achievements for SmartSoft. As the company continues to build on this momentum, it remains committed to delivering exceptional entertainment experiences, expanding into new markets, and redefining the gaming landscape. SmartSoft is excited about what the future holds and is looking forward to further strengthening its position as an industry leader in the years to come.
As we step into the new year, SmartSoft continues to soar, staying true to its motto: Keep Flying Even Higher.
The post SmartSoft’s 2024 Story – Year of Growth and Success appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
NBA superstar Tristan Thompson is the latest big name to partner with Sportsbet.io, the world’s favorite crypto-first sports betting site, as its newest global ambassador.
Thompson, a Cleveland Cavaliers center and 2016 NBA Championship winner, will bring his star power and passion for cryptocurrency to the Sportsbet.io community for the next two years.
The Canadian basketball legend will be sharing his views on the latest action for Sportsbet.io, where fans will have the opportunity to take part in some exclusive promotions.
Tristan Thompson, Sportsbet.io ambassador, said: “Sportsbet.io brings together my two biggest passions: sports and cryptocurrency. I’ve been following the crypto sector for some time now and have seen how transformative it can be. There’s no better place to combine that with my love of sports than Sportsbet.io.”
Shane Anderson, Director Partnership, Content and Brand, Yolo Entertainment, the operator of Sportsbet.io, added: “We’d like to give a huge Sportsbet.io welcome to Tristan, an elite athlete whose passion for both basketball and cryptocurrency makes him a perfect match for us. We’re thrilled to have him on the team, and we already have some exciting plans in the works. Watch this space.”
Thompson’s crypto credentials are already well established; he’s been a vocal supporter of Bitcoin, and recently celebrated as it reached a new all-time high in price.
He will be providing weekly betting tips on a range of sports, including NFL, MLB, European soccer, tennis, golf, UFC and boxing.
The partnership with Thompson marks another exciting new chapter for Sportsbet.io, which has earned a reputation for both its innovative approach to gaming, and its star-studded line-up of ambassadors, including cricket legend Brett Lee, Kenyan rapper King Kaka and many more.
Sportsbet.io is also an official partner of LALIGA and Newcastle United.
The post NBA star Tristan Thompson signs for Sportsbet.io appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Studio unearths 10,000x win potential with trio of Special Wilds
Independent slots studio Thunderkick has launched Archie O’Loggins and the Enchanted Masks, its first release of 2025 that follows a wild explorer into the jungle on a quest to uncover 10,000x maximum wins.
An archaeologist with a passion for explosives takes centre stage in this 7×7 cluster pays slot, where Avalanche wins leave behind one of four Wilds, including three Special Wilds.
Grenade Wilds select one or two low-paying symbols and upgrade all instances of those on the grid into medium or high-paying icons. Dynamite Wilds destroy all occurrences of one low-paying symbol in the base game or two in the bonus, allowing new symbols to drop onto the reels.
Mask Wilds remain sticky and move to a random adjacent position every time they feature in a winning cluster. When two Mask Wilds are present across the grid, the Wild Field feature is activated, transforming all icons within the highlighted area into Regular Wilds. During the bonus game, any archaeologist symbols within the Wild Field receive a cumulative 1x multiplier, helping unlock the 10,000x maximum win.
Archie O’Loggins and the Enchanted Masks features unique comic-book-style graphics, emphasising Thunderkick’s drive to create engaging slots that fuse high-end visuals with feature-rich gameplay and big win potential.
Mike Collins, Game Product Owner at Thunderkick, said: “We are kicking off 2025 with Archie O’Loggins and the Enchanted Masks, a story-driven title that accompanies a dynamite-crazed archaeologist on his hunt for treasure.
“This game elevates our Avalanche slots collection, incorporating three new Special Wilds that all offer something a little different to keep gameplay fresh and entertaining – especially the Wild Field feature with its unique method of activation.
“We strive to deliver content that adds value to our partners’ platforms, and we are hopeful this release will do just that.”
The post Thunderkick makes explosive start to 2025 in Archie O’Loggins and the Enchanted Masks appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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