The attorneys general’s office never investigated alleged “deceptive features” on slot machines. However, some players have been duped by IGT’s glitzy machines. These games feature multi-tiered structures, second-screen bonus rounds, and “skill stop” buttons. They promise big payouts, but are these features really worth the risk?
IGT’s machines were “multi-tiered”
The “multi-tiered” name came about because IGT made machines with more than one jackpot symbol. Before this, game makers could only increase the number of symbols on one reel. With the advent of the virtual reel, however, game designers could map as many symbols as they wanted onto each reel. The virtual reel allows game designers to create games with very low volatility and frequent jackpots.
IGT’s first machines featured video slots. These machines offered blackjack, video poker, and slot games. The video versions of these games quickly gained a following. As the trend spread, IGT was forced to change the design of its slot machines. Its first video slot machine was the GameKing. The GameKing’s Game Maker used a video format to simulate a live game.
IGT’s machines had “second screen” bonus rounds
In the late 1990s, a new style of video slot machine came to market. These machines featured “second screen” bonus rounds. These games allow players to win additional payouts by selecting certain symbols. However, they are not available on old mechanical slots. In order to make them available to players, manufacturers added video screens to their machines.
Many casinos had IGT slot machines on their floors. In addition to the traditional reel spinners, IGT created video slot machines that included bonus rounds. These machines were popular and offered a wide range of exciting features. Some of these games included classic 3-reel spinners and progressive jackpots. Players could also choose to play single or multi-line games.
IGT’s machines had “skill stop” buttons
Skill stop buttons on slot machines have two primary functions. One is to prevent players from cheating by slipping up to three symbols onto a reel at the same time. The other function is to let the player know when the game is over. After pressing the skill stop button, the symbols on the first row or column of the matrix (17) will individually illuminate for a brief period.
Skill stop buttons were originally added to mechanical slot machines by Mills Novelty Co. in the mid-20th century. This modification to the reel-stop arm enabled players to release the reels earlier from the timing bar. Initially, the skill stop buttons were located between the reels. Today, slot machines are highly regulated by state governments in the United States. Most states have established gaming control boards to regulate the industry.
