Why Are Mythical Settings So Popular in Casino Games?

Casino games and slots remain a hugely popular pastime enjoyed by millions around the world every day. According to Statista, the online gambling market in the United States alone is expected to be worth $59.79 billion by 2020, up from an estimated revenue of $51.96 billion in 2018 and an estimated $55.19 billion in 2019. 

While much of this growth can be attributed to improvements in technology (e.g mobile devices), it is also down to improvements in the quality of online casino games and a better understanding of what players want. It means a greater emphasis on bright colors, fun sounds including thunderous booms and the clanking of money being paid out, as well as rich settings. In particular, these rich settings are often based on mythology and mythical creatures.

Which Casino Game Settings Are So Popular?

Throughout the entire online casino industry, you’ll be able to find slots based on legends and longstanding lore. For example, there’s the Rainbow Riches Reels of Gold slot which uses the popular modern myth of the leprechauns and the pots of gold they’ve stored at the end of rainbows to make for an exciting and colorful slot.

The Avalon 2 slot, on the other hand, borrows from the legend of King Arthur and the mythical island of Avalon where his sword, Excalibur is said to have been forged. So integral is this lore to the slot that this slots review specifically highlights its fantasy designs and epic graphics recreating the Avalon setting as a selling point. It also helps that the concept of King Arthur has been made far more popular by TV shows such as Once Upon a Time, with slot games letting new fans add to their knowledge.

The Age of the Gods slot also incorporates mythology, by incorporating the ideas of the gods into its jackpots (they all mention “power”) and symbols of Greek and Roman gods such as Zeus, Poseidon, Ares, Athena, and Hercules. These are just a handful of examples, but the common thread seems to be mythical and even magical powers and concepts based on existing popular lore.

Why Are Mythical Settings So Popular?

The biggest reason why mythical settings are so popular in online casino games and slots is that they add an additional, interesting element to the gameplay. While standard fruit machines and reels are great fun, incorporating a foreign mythology with unusual symbols and stories only heighten the entertainment factor and, in some cases, even teaches players something that they didn’t know.

Moreover, the use of these settings also increases the adventure factor. There are so many strong heroes in mythology, from Heracles/Hercules who was the son of the most powerful god and Achilles, who is one of the strongest warriors in all of mythology. Who would pass up an opportunity to play a game which features these in the starring role?

As mentioned, casino game operators are now understanding that players want a comprehensive experience from the slot games that they play. It’s no longer just about payouts; players want rich characters with deep and interesting backstories and very often, it is mythical settings that are able to offer just that.