At any online casino platform, slots are by far the busiest section. Every operator is likely to have many hundreds of titles to choose from, and the list is growing on a regular basis. This reflects the popularity of the games, and the interest in slots is greater than any other casino option.
Within the overall list of slot machines, there are several different categories. Some players prefer the classic slots with fruit-themed graphics and stripped-down mechanics. Fantasy, film and television, animals and more are among the many themes, while sport is a developing choice for software producers.
Top of the Slots
Compared to other themes within slot games, sport-themed titles have been relatively slow to take off. Maybe it’s because many casinos also publish a sports betting platform, and they wanted to keep the operations separate. Those who are playing slots online can now head to sites such as Bally Bet, and while the sporting choice remains limited, it’s just starting to develop.
Within the realms of sports betting, football is the most popular option among customers, so it’s only natural that this should be a focus for slot developers. Among the reasons why sporting-themed casino games should increase from this point is the fact that football makes a perfect partner.
Resonating with an Audience
Football has an advantage as it is the most popular sport around the world. The images available to slot developers will be easily recognisable among the global sporting community and that’s a big plus.
Shirts, boots, goals, balls, trophies and other iconic graphics can be merged into a football slot game. Sounds and background imagery are also important to game developers, and football provides another ideal setting. Place your slot in a lively stadium setting for an engaging backdrop.
It’s a familiar scene the world over, and it’s just surprising that there aren’t more slots carrying the football theme.
The Current Crop
Of the current selection of football-based slot games, most have a base game with the possibility of triggering bonus features. Images used by the developers reflect the nature of the game, and they will be very familiar to football supporters.
In the main, the mechanics of those football slots are fairly basic. Players must align matching symbols along a payline, and there are wild icons to help build those combinations. Scatter symbols offer a gateway to free spins rounds.
One slot game features a bonus section that reflects the thrills and drama of a penalty shootout. It’s a welcome innovation, but there is a feeling that developers can do so much more.
The Ideal Football Slot Game
Up until now, football slot games have taken the basic imagery of football but have yet to run with the theme. The use of penalty shootouts is one exception, but there are more aspects of football that slot developers could build on.
Bonus rounds could also involve free kicks while goals could be accumulated and exchanged for cash wins. Ultimately, any jackpots can be triggered when players get to lift the trophy.
The role of the substitute could also be used to great effect. In many slot games, there are substitute symbols which start to fill the screen and form winning combinations. The super sub is an essential part of football, and it can be carried over into the world of slots.
The Future for Football-Themed Slots
Moving forward, it would be no surprise to see slot games licensed by some of the biggest clubs in world football. If the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool, Juventus, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and others were to allow their brands to be attached to specific slots, there would be a willing audience ready to get involved.
While there is much discussion around the subject, football clubs already have sponsorship deals with casino brands. Many also have official casino and sports betting partners. It would, therefore, seem like a logical step for those clubs to sign an exclusive deal to have a slot game dedicated to their team.
The future of slots in general is heading for exciting times thanks to the development of certain new technologies. Virtual reality and augmented reality have the potential to bring a truly lifelike experience to all casino games.
Taking football as a theme, it’s easy to see how VR and AR could build on the experience. Virtual reality technology could take players onto the pitch and into the heart of the action. Augmented reality could boost the screen with additional features such as balls and goals.
Football-themed slot games already exist, but clearly, there is more that developers can do to boost their appeal. The scope for exciting symbols and thrilling bonus rounds is already in place, and it’s down to the casino game producers to realise that football is a perfect slot partner and to build on its vast potential.
