Key takeaways
- Mid-1990s: the first online casinos.
- 2000s: hundreds of video slots.
- 2010s: mobile first.
- Mid-2010s on: new mechanics.
In shortOnline slots began with the first internet casinos in the mid-1990s, moved to phones in the 2010s, and have since produced mechanics that no physical machine could run.
Thirty years
| Period | What happened |
|---|---|
| Mid-1990s | The first online casinos offer simple three-reel and five-reel slots |
| 2000s | Video slots multiply; progressive networks link jackpots |
| 2010s | Play moves to phones; games are built for small screens |
| Mid-2010s | Megaways introduces changing reels |
| Late 2010s on | Pays-anywhere grids, cash collect and hold-and-win spread |
When our seven appeared
| Slot | Released |
|---|---|
| Starburst | 2012 |
| Book of Dead | 2016 |
| Sweet Bonanza | 2019 |
| Big Bass Bonanza | 2020 |
| Gates of Olympus | 2021 |
| Fishin' Frenzy | See game rules |
| Fluffy Favourites | See game rules |
What did not change
A random number generator, a paytable and a house edge.
Elsewhere on the site: Sweet Bonanza slot machine, UK slot machine rules, The BAR symbol and Low stake slot machines.
Regulation followed
Britain licensed online gambling from the mid-2000s and has tightened the rules for online slots in particular since 2021.
Keep reading: Big Bass Bonanza slot machine, The hi-lo gamble, Can you trick a slot machine? and The first video slot machines.
Slot figures are developers' published defaults, each confirmed against two sources; the version at your casino can differ. UK land-based stake and prize limits and online rule dates were checked against Gambling Commission and licensing authority sources on 6 October 2026. History follows commonly cited accounts. Offer terms dated 5 October 2026. How we check. 18+. Free help: 0808 8020 133 or safer gambling.
Frequently asked questions
When did online slots start?
The mid-1990s.
When did mobile take over?
The 2010s.
When was Megaways introduced?
The mid-2010s.
Which of your seven is oldest?
Starburst.