The online casino business has been booming across the world for the last decade or so, mainly thanks to the proliferation of high-speed internet and powerful, affordable mobile technology, which has transformed mobile gaming into a viable and widely used platform. Punters from all over the globe enjoy playing casino games such as blackjack, poker, and roulette, in increasingly advanced formats, such as live dealer games, and even VR and AR-powered technology. Europe is one of the largest markets for online gambling, and Norwegians love it as much as the rest of us. 

In Norway, one online casino game choice stands out above the rest — slots. The beauty of slot games is in their simplicity, their dynamic and fast-paced gameplay, and, thanks to game mechanics such as Megaways, their potential for big payouts. Not only that, the simple format provides game developers ample opportunity to add new and exciting elements that Norwegian players can’t get enough of. 

An (Extremely) Brief History of Slots

First introduced at the turn of the 19th century, slot machines quickly became fixtures in American soda bars, drug stores, and other such quaintly-named places. Often, they dispensed fruit candies in place of money if gambling was prohibited, giving rise to the now-iconic fruit symbols on some reels. 

By the 1960s slots were a firm favourite on the casino scene in Las Vegas and around the world, and over the next couple of decades began to develop, losing that old pull lever in place of buttons, and eventually becoming fully electronic. Finally, as online casinos emerged, they found their way online, quickly becoming one of the go-to games of contemporary gambling. 

A Blank Canvas

One of the great things about online slots is their potential for adaptation. The simplicity that attracts many to the games remains, but now game developers are able to add layers of complexity that we may associate with more traditional video gaming — advanced, interactive graphics, in-game bonus rounds, and gameplay that often includes narrative structure and character development. 

Some themes are always popular, and a glance at https://www.norskespilleautomater.com/ will tell you that Norwegians are currently mad for Buster’s Bones, NetEnt’s winning combo of a Wild West backdrop with some slightly tamer-looking dogs in Stetsons. Equally popular is Cursed Seas by Hacksaw Gaming, with an intrepid pirate theme. The game takes place on what looks like a fairly dreadful day for sailing, but Norway sits on the North Sea, some of the roughest waters in Europe, so it doesn’t seem to be phasing Norwegian gamers. Another big title in Norway at the moment is Mayan Stackways, also by Hacksaw, set in the Mesoamerican civilisation, which features a kind of zombie chieftain, glaring at you as you spin the reels. 

Other Popular Themes

We did mention that slots offer a blank canvas for software developers to project exciting themes onto, and this is the case. Look hard enough and you’ll find games that reflect just about every aspect of popular culture, from Mötörhead and Kiss-themed heavy metal slots through to gangster films like The Godfather and Goodfellas, as well as the evergreen favourite, The Goonies. But a quick look at any online casino or review site will tell you that certain themes seem to shine above the rest. Here are a few of the most popular: 

Ancient Civilisations

You will find no end of slot games about Ancient Egypt, whether you’re into the Eye of Horus, the exploits of Cleopatra, the tombs of the Pharaohs, or the Ankh of Anubis. This is possible because of the rich symbolism involved — hieroglyphics, pyramids, and animal deities are strong symbols for any slot reel. See also Ancient Rome, Greek Gods, and Incan and Mayan Civilisations. Players can’t get enough. 

Fishing

Well, who would have thought that such a docile, sedentary pursuit could yield such popular, fast-paced slot games? But yep, fishing is one of the most popular themes, with two huge franchises in Fishin’ Frenzy and Big Catch, plus countless imitators. 

Fantasy

Just as with regular video gaming, fantasy is a big deal on the reels. Many of the games you’ll find bear an uncanny resemblance to some famous console titles, and there’s no end of witchcraft, sorcery, warring gods, and elven warriors to tickle your fancy on the slots. 
 

Slots are simple, fun, and present players with a vast array of themes and options. Norwegians love them just as much as any other nation involved in the ever-expanding online casino industry. 

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