Culture influences everything we interact with because it in turn has been shaped by the culture of the region(s) we hail from. Online slots are no exception as entertainment has always been shaped in great part by culture be this traditional heritage or pop culture such as movies and TV.
Online slots' themes generally mirror society fascinations, historical storylines, and worldwide cultural trends. Game designers craft experiences that appeal to a broad audience by utilising cultural aspects, therefore appealing to both the players' curiosity for the unusual or unfamiliar and their sense of familiarity.
In today’s article we’ll be exploring the fascinating influence culture has had on online slot machines, as well as touching upon how our favourite slots have had a role to play in shaping our modern cultural identities.
An Intertwined History: Culture and Slot Machines
Slot machines have been around since the late 19th century, and have had a robust history. Spanning two world wars, American Prohibition, women’s suffrage, the California Gold Rush, the Wild West, and the Yukon Gold Rush, not to mention the age of the internet and the dawning of 5G tech, to name just a few global and continental events, the humble slot machine has seen it all!
Historical Context
The 1880s saw the creation of the first slot machines from Americans Sittman and Pitt and Charles Fey's Liberty Bell. It is from these origins that we have bell symbols (after the Liberty Bell machine). It was in these early days that regional culture had its first impact on slots, with US gambling laws restricting cash gambling.
Manufacturers used fruit symbols instead of the initial poker symbols and gave out fruit-flavored gum to circumvent these laws with the Bell-Fruit Gum logo inspiring the 'BAR' symbol still used today not just in the US, but Canada, the UK, and beyond.
As time has gone by and laws and attitudes towards gambling have changed, the classic poker-inspired playing card symbols (9, 10, J, Q, K and A) have made their return and are staple low-paying symbols seen in thousands of slots, over hundreds of themes.
Global vs. Local Themes
Speaking of themes, slots have presented just about everyone under the sun. There are plenty of games inspired by historical events and periods such as Ancient Rome and Greece, as well as the Gold Rush, and more. Alongside this, slots have drawn inspiration from numerous cultures, such as Africa, Polynesia, China, and more.
There is a slightly checkered past with slots misusing cultural identities for their themes, with the native American and Indigenous peoples having important aspects of their vibrant culture misrepresented or used insensitively. More recently, however, there has been a move away from these themes, with most new releases within such genres approaching the topic with a greater degree of sensitivity.
From a Canadian perspective, the proliferation of Native Americans as one culture predominantly in the US has meant that the Indigenous peoples of Canada have been largely overlooked and their voices unheard, allowing for scandals such as Canada’s state-sponsored “residential school” system to operate unchecked.
Slots and Ontario's Diverse Cultural Landscape
Canada has a culture rooted in multiculturalism, with Indigenous peoples in existence for thousands of years, such as the Cree, Inuit, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Then, the influence (whether good or bad) of European explorers and the creation of colonies, such as Newfoundland, which in 1583 became England’s first overseas colony. Other explorers and colonists inhabited the country over the centuries, with the biggest influences being the Dutch, English, and French; which is why Canada has two national languages; French and English.
Indigenous Heritage
Gambling predates Canada. Aboriginal people gambled centuries before the land got its name and has been documented since 1497. The native people believed such games would improve their mental, physical, and spiritual health. Cabot may not have known, but people have gambled for millennia.
Gambling is common in Indigenous cultures. Native casino games like stick and dice, games of chance, foot racing, and horse races brought Canadian communities together and redistributed wealth. In the modern day, it has been found that Indigenous people (First Nation, Inuit, and/or Métis) are two to four times more likely to gamble than mainstream Canadians.
With this in mind, slots must be designed in a manner that is respectful to its native people. While there have been many insensitive ‘native-verging-on-tribal’ slots over the years, recent releases within the genre tend to be more considerate and informed of native cultures; but there’s still a long way to go!
Multicultural Influences
Of course, as we’ve highlighted, Canada became home to colonists from many regions, mainly the English, Dutch, and French. These travellers brought pieces of their culture with them, which influenced Canada's social fabric. Highlight the incorporation of themes from various ethnic communities prevalent in Ontario, such as festivals, folklore, and cuisine. In 1774 The Quebec Act recognised the French language and the Roman Catholic religion in the colony, so slots with French inspirations could be popular with Canadian players. Alongside this, in 1898 Canada had its own Gold rush along the upper Yukon River, and developers have created many slots around this lesser-known historical rush.
Culturally themed slot games take players to different times and places, letting them experience Canada's rich culture from home. Every spin of the reels brings Canada's heritage to life such as in “Frontier Fortunes” by High5 Games which is inspired by the frontier life of early Canadian settlers. “Fortune of the North” by Playtech celebrates Canada's vast natural beauty and the fauna that inhabit it such as moose and bears.
Local Landmarks and Icons
Canada has plenty of notable landmarks and icons that foster great national pride such as The Rockies, the CN Tower, and Niagara Falls; many of which have been rendered in slots form. For example, the famous Rocky Mountains can be explored in Betsoft’s ‘Wild Rockies’ slot and Rocky Reactors from BTG. Niagara Falls can be seen in a slot of the same name by iSoftbet. Then there are slots which celebrate the icons of Canadian culture like Maple Moolah from Games Global which celebrates the maple leaf; the icon of Canada and Break Away Deluxe from Games Global which celebrates the Canadian love of ice hockey.
How Pop Culture Influences Slot Themes
Pop culture has a huge influence on slot themes, and as Canada borders the US, a lot of US-based IPs have become hugely popular. However, due to the close Commonwealth relationship British media is also popular, so game shows and movies from across the pond also garner a fond audience of Canadian players.
Film and Television
Slots based on “Game of Thrones,” “Jurassic Park,” and “The Walking Dead” are hugely popular. These slots draw fans of the original media and use cultural touchstones to provide an immersive gaming experience. Player engagement is increased by using familiar characters, scenarios, and soundtracks to transition from screen to slot.
Music and Celebrities
Music-themed slots like Guns N' Roses, KISS, and Elvis Presley combine gaming with music by tapping into players' nostalgia and emotional connection with these musicians. Music fans will enjoy these slots' lively and entertaining setting with famous tunes and band visuals.
Player Preferences and Engagement
Cultural Resonance
Culturally themed slot games are popular in Canada for various reasons. First, these games stimulate nostalgia and national pride, letting players interact with cultural symbols and storylines. This emotional connection makes gaming more pleasant and meaningful.
Second, these games' great design and storyline make them appealing. These culturally themed slots attract players with their attractive images, evocative soundtracks, and intriguing gameplay. Players learn about their origins and enjoy Canadian culture thanks to the careful depiction.
Diverse Offerings
As we’ve learned in the article, Canada is a highly diverse country with a history that intertwines many nations. Therefore, it is important Ontario online slot players have access to a diverse range of slots which celebrate their heritage, passions, and fandoms.
Spin Genie's Commitment to Culturally-Themed Slots
Curated Game Selection
At Spin Genie we like to think of ourselves as slot aficionados (‘spin’ is literally in our name) and therefore have extensive industry knowledge. This means that we can curate the games we offer to suit the needs of players in specific regions. When it comes to cultural heritage there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach, which is why Spin Genie is committed to celebrating the diverse culture of our players through the slot games we offer.
Collaborations with Local Artists
At Spin Genie we’re all about fostering a sense of community where all our players feel welcome and seen. This is why we collaborate with numerous slot developers, both local and further afield and are open to future collaborations with local artists. That way we can celebrate all things Ontario; and there’s plenty to celebrate for sure!
Culture is Cause for Slots Celebration!
Diverse cultural heritage is what makes the world such a wonderful and exciting place. With the internet uniting the entire world in communication, highlighting and celebrating our own culture as well as those lesser known is not just a responsibility but a privilege that Spin Genie is proud to champion.
Sign up and play today to discover the diverse range of inspiring slot games, live casino games, table games and more at SpinGenie.