When slots were first invented, they were based mostly on playing card faces and when gambling was banned, they took on family friendly fruit symbols instead. Even when gambling was reintroduced, these symbols remained in place. However, in 1996 a new version of slots appeared and these digital video slots were part of the digital revolution. This format of slot fitted perfectly on to online casinos platforms and the two proved to be a hugely successful partnership. This new digital version of video slots allowed room for so much more invention and creativity when it came to slots symbols. These symbols became animated and they also took on familiar characters too.

Popular Culture and Slots
A new trend emerged that saw slots borrow heavily from popular culture and history. Technological advances allowed slots to be based on movies, TV shows, myths, legends and even video games. Famous actors and characters from the entertainment world became the new stars of the slot reels and these were often the most valuable symbols, replacing the more traditional ones that had come before. As slot games brought in more revenue, slot designers could afford to pay for the rights to major entertainment brands such as video games and super heroes. Despite the great expense of purchasing the rights, slots makers knew that the original fan base of these entertainment juggernauts would be attracted to the slot games too.

Video Slots and Video Games
Video slots although complex, still fall way short in the complexity stakes when compared to their video game cousins. They do share some elements such as animation and graphics, but video games have far bigger budgets and superior production values. They have far more layers to them than video slots and many are skill-based. Plus video games are fully interactive and offer a far more immersive gaming experience.

Meeting Point
Despite these differences, these two forms of entertainment have often met. Slots developers like to attract video gamers because they are young and tech savvy. Many slots creators see this social group as the future of the gambling industry. Some even see them as the future creative force of slots. Keen gamers often want to work in this part of the entertainment industry and slots developers are always on the look out for fresh digital artists. In Nevada and New Jersey, skill based non-gambling video games are being allowed to sit side by side with slots. This is an example of the ploy by casinos to attract more video gamers into their establishments.

Another way the two formats meet is when video games such as Tomb Raider and Street Fighter are turned into video slots. This is happening more often now as these slots based on famous video games have proved to be huge hits with both slots and video gaming fans. Obviously the slots are not as superior production wise, to the video game original, but this is more than compensated for by the thrilling gambling element that is added to the slot.