Fun Facts about Online Casinos

1. There is a Reason for Fruit Symbols

Many people refer to slot machines as fruit machines and you may well have noticed that many games have symbols such as watermelons, cherries, plums, lemons, strawberries, and so on. This is because soon after the games were invented, gambling was banned in the US, and so the machines were designed to reward players with flavoured chewing gums. While not all modern games retain these traditional symbols, many people still use the name fruit machines.

2. Roulette is known as ‘The Devil’s Game’

Roulette is undoubtedly one of the most exciting of casino games; everyone loves watching as the ball comes to a rest to decide players’ fates. However, not many people understand why it is sometimes called ‘The Devil’s Game’. The reason is simple, if you add up all of the numbers on the wheel their total is 666, long considered to be the devil’s number.  

3. Online Casinos Have Existed for a Long Time

People have enjoyed gambling for centuries and it didn’t take long for casinos to move online once the internet began to be commonplace. Microgaming launched the first online casino back in 1994 and since then, the company has continued to lead the industry and offer countless innovations.

4. Slots are Also Known as One-Armed Bandits

Today when you play an online slot machine, all you have to do is click on a spin button to set the reels in motion. However, old-fashioned slot machines required players to pull a handle to start the reels, and today a few online slots still allow players to click on a handle to start the game. While the games have nothing to do with banditry, players who hit a losing streak soon nicknamed the machines one-armed bandits.

5. There is No Need for Shame Online

When you go to play at a land casino, you may be embarrassed to reveal just how many chips you are carrying. Whether you are an extreme high roller or a person on a tight budget, it is understandable if you would prefer that your fellow players do not know. This is one of the major benefits of playing online. It is completely anonymous and there is no reason why anyone should be aware of your bankroll.

6. Both Men and Women Love Online Gambling

For many years gambling was very much scene as a man’s activity. However, the advent of online gambling has completely changed this. Many women enjoy playing casino games and do so online without fear of judgement. It is just another example of how technology can be a truly equalising force.

7. People in Their 30s Love Online Gambling

According to data from numerous gambling operators, online gambling is most popular with people in their 30s. When you think about it, this is not remotely surprising. Online gambling is illegal for those under 18 while people in their 20s are just starting their working life and may not have stable incomes. Those in their 30s have usually established their careers and they are more likely to have some disposable money to play with.

8. Men and Women Enjoy Different Games

While the statistics show that both men and women love to play at online casinos, the statistics also show that they tend to choose very different games. Men prefer games of skill while women seem to prefer games of chance. This means that men may be drawn to games such as blackjack, where strategies can be used, while women may enjoy games such as slots, which are pure luck. However, this is not a cast iron rule and you will find both men and women enjoying all forms of online casino games.

9. One Game has Created Several Millionaires

There are plenty of online games offering huge payouts and progressive jackpot slots often offer the biggest. However, Microgaming’s slot Mega Moolah has perhaps created more millionaires than any other online casino game. The slot was launched back in 2006 and since then, it has paid out several six or seven-figure sums. Because of this, the game is often referred to as “The Millionaire Maker”.

For a long time, Mega Moolah also held the world record for paying out the biggest online progressive jackpot. In fact, it has broken its own record several times. At present, its biggest payout was $21.7 million to a very lucky player in 2018 who played fewer than 50 spins at $0.75 per spin. However, at present the record is held by a $24 million jackpot that was won from the slot Mega Fortune.

10. Betting Big Doesn’t Guarantee the Biggest Wins

As you can see from the previous fact, you don’t necessarily have to place the biggest bets to land the biggest wins. While some progressive slots do explicitly state that you will have a better chance of winning the jackpot when betting more, there are plenty of games that give you the chance to win life-changing sums of money from very small bets.

11. You Can’t Count Cards Playing Online Blackjack

Card counting is a famous blackjack technique that is used to reduce the house edge and give players a better chance of winning. It has been featured in several films and there are plenty of real life examples of players using it successfully. However, the technique can’t be employed when playing online as the cards in online blackjack are automatically shuffled after each hand.

12. There are Professional Online Gamblers

Most of us gamble for fun as a hobby and would never rely on the winnings as a source of income. However, there are a number of people who are professional gamblers. Normally they will play games such as poker or blackjack; however, there are also a few examples of professional slot players.

13. The Dead Man’s Hand Isn’t Unlucky

If you play poker, then there is every chance that you have heard of the Dead Man’s Hand. While the name may sound intimidating, it is nothing to be scared of. It is a hand of two pairs of aces and eights and it is named such as the famous gambler Wild Bill Hickok was shot dead while holding those cards.

14. Slots Players Prefer Online Casinos

A number of surveys have found that slot players prefer playing online to playing in land casinos. There are many reasons for this. Playing online is more convenient, it provides players with a larger choice of games, it is possible to play on the go, and so on.

15. You Can Still Tip the Dealer Online

For many years, one of the major advantages land casinos had over online casinos was the human element. Players love sitting across from a dealer at the blackjack table or watching the croupier at work while playing roulette. Today, thanks to live casinos, it is possible to enjoy this same personal interaction no matter where you are and you can of course tip the dealers while playing live dealer games.

16. Online Casinos are Always Open

In many ways, it is far easier to operate an online casino than a land casino and while there is always a team of professionals behind an online casino, far less staff are involved. That is why online casinos are able to operate 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Furthermore, playing at an online casino is more convenient and thanks to smartphones, possible at almost any time and in any place. Considering that, it is no surprise that according to some estimates, up to 10% of internet users at any given time are gambling.