Why Are Mythical Beings So Famous in Online Slot Themes?

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A Norse god-like character standing with a shield and axe with horses, tents, and mountains in the background.
BetMGM Jan 27, 2024, 5:22 PM

Anyone who plays online casino games and online slots knows these games follow a particular theme in their designs and stories. Some popular themes include animals, cartoons, and popular destinations (such as Africa, China, and Mexico). But one of the most common themes is magic slot games with mythical beings.

So, why do so many of the best online slots include a mythical being of some kind? Why do these slots entice new players and keep the regulars coming back for more? Find out below.

How Themes Enhance the Gambling Experience

Before advancements in technology made flashy online slot games possible, the main draw of gambling was the actual act of wagering bets — and, of course, the prospect of earning a significant payout. Slot machines have always had a bright and colorful appeal, and the more modern machines did include a theme. But with the invention of the internet and high-tech graphic design, it became possible to offer more than just a platform to have fun and win prizes — it became possible to provide a thrilling experience unlike any other.

Casino games with a story allow you to immerse yourself in the gameplay entirely. You get to know the characters and the sound effects, and animations transform repetitive spins into something more exciting and interactive. In short, themes boost the entertainment factor of online casino games and make them more appealing to people from all backgrounds and levels of experience. Mythological themes usually involve characters that most people already know, which helps them connect with the game from the outset. For players who aren’t well-versed in mythology, these games might offer an opportunity to learn something new while having fun.

Here’s a look at the different mythological themes you can encounter when you play at BetMGM casino.

Types of Mythology-Themed Games

The four main types of mythology you’ll encounter are Norse, Greek, Roman, and Egyptian. Many mythology-themed online slots draw inspiration from the iconography of these mythologies, using the rich symbolism and art style in their graphics and symbols.

Norse Mythology

Many great slots are based on Norse mythology, which originated in ancient Scandinavia among the North Germanic people and centers on gods and heroes like Thor, Loki, Freya, and Odin.

Two sought-after online slot machines inspired by Norse mythology are Thunderstruck and Thunderstruck Wild Lightning, both developed by Microgaming. The former offers a maximum win of 30,000x your stake, a Return to Player (RTP) of 96%, and features many recognizable symbols like Mjölnir (Thor’s hammer), a Viking horn, Thor’s castle, and a lightning bolt.

Thunderstruck Wild Lightning offers a slightly higher RTP of 96.1% and features Thor as the game’s hero. Moreover, it allows players to win up to 15,000x their stake. The Wild Lightning feature adds an extra layer of excitement, as does the Free Spins feature.

Ancient Greek Mythology

Ancient Greek mythology (often called classic mythology) finds its roots in ancient Greece, as you’d expect. For the ancient Greeks, mythology explained the origin and nature of the world, and it played a considerable role in forming the region’s political and religious practices. Some of the better-known Greek mythological heroes, gods, and beings include Hercules, Athena, Achilles, Apollo, and the all-powerful Zeus.

In honor of the most powerful god, Zeus, WMS created the popular slot game Zeus III. This game welcomes you to the Land of the Gods, where you can play for a mammoth 250,000x your stake as the maximum prize. The high-value symbols are all recognizable elements of the mythology and culture of ancient Greece, with symbols and figures like Pegasus, a Greek boat, a gladiator helmet, a vase, and a Greek coin. The game is a medium-volatility slot with an average RTP of 96.19%.

Ancient Roman Mythology

Interestingly enough, much of ancient Roman mythology actually originated in ancient Greece. The Romans had gods and mythology of their own, but they saw similarities between the Greek pantheon and their own deities, so they decided to repurpose some Greek mythological figures as their own. Some well-known Roman gods and heroes include Venus, Mars, Bacchus, and Apollo. They provide a lot of inspiration for graphics in games that employ this theme, and their temples frequently appear as backdrops for the reels.

Gamblers with a penchant for mythological themes will enjoy Roman Gods – Book of Jupiter. BetMGM offers many other games from the Roman Gods collection, such as Roman Gods – Book of Neptune and Roman Gods – Book of Venus.

Roman Gods – Book of Jupiter offers an RTP of 95.04% and a bonus game that rewards ten free spins. Choosing games with free spins like these is one of the best tips to boost your odds when playing slots. This game’s vibrant graphics also help it stand out from the others.

Ancient Egyptian Mythology

Ancient Egyptian mythology revolves around majestic beings and gods such as Osiris, Isis, Set, Nephthys, and Horus. Thanks to the beautiful and mysterious hieroglyphic scripts of the time, the iconic imagery for this theme is a standout feature.

When playing slots online, you’ve probably come to find that Egypt is a prevalent theme and that most Egyptian-inspired virtual slot machines feature aspects of ancient Egyptian mythology. Vault of Anubis, a title from Red Tiger, is a fantastic example: played on a rather unusual 7×6 grid, this game offers a maximum win of 5,000x your stake, medium-high volatility gameplay, and an RTP of 95.74%. Free spins, Super Symbols, and a generous Gamble Wheel are all bonuses waiting to be explored.

Eye of Horus: Rise of Egypt is one of the most popular ancient Egyptian-themed slots you can play at a casino online. Blueprint Gaming is the mastermind behind this title, which is played on a standard 5×3 grid with 10 paylines. It’s a high-volatility slot with a default Return to Player (RTP) of 94.50%.

Other Popular Mythical Beings in Slots

Of course, mythical beings aren’t confined to ancient mythology and originate from all types of backgrounds. Some examples include anything from mermaids and wizards to leprechauns, unicorns, and everything in between.

Leprechauns are one of the most common mythical characters that you’ll come across in online jackpot slots. These mischievous characters are a big part of Irish folklore and are known for stashing pots of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Wish Upon a Leprechaun Jackpot Royale is a popular slot based on the Luck of the Irish, and the Leprechaun is its main character. It has a 5×3 grid with 20 paylines and a 90.06% RTP. The maximum payout is 10,000x your stake, and the game includes six Lucky Charm bonuses.

Play Slots Online of All Themes at BetMGM

Explore all the online slot machine games mentioned above when you sign up to join BetMGM. Along with the best online slots, BetMGM also specializes in live dealer casino games, casino table games, variety games, and much more.Ready to take a closer look at BetMGM’s ever-expanding online casino gaming menu? Feel free to register via the user-friendly mobile portal.

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Our BetMGM editors and authors are sports experts with a wealth of knowledge of the sports industry at all levels. Their coverage includes sports news, previews and predictions, fun facts, and betting.

Our BetMGM editors and authors are sports experts with a wealth of knowledge of the sports industry at all levels. Their coverage includes sports news, previews and predictions, fun facts, and betting.