How Are New Slots and Online Casinos Contributing to Better LGBTQIA+ Representation
Flying rainbow flag at the 2nd Taiwan Pride in Taipei. Source: Wikimedia Commons.
How Are New Slots and Online Casinos Contributing to Better LGBTQIA+ Representation
Even in the year 2023, it’s hard to find LGBTQIA+ representation where you want it. Sure, there is Heartbreaker, Red White and Royal Blue and the gay best friend trope in abundance, but it’s hard to see that representation in casino games – or is it? Is it possible we’re all looking in the wrong place? Take a look at our breakdown of LGBTQIA+ representation in slots and casino games.
Slots with LGBTQIA+ themes
Much like movies, TV shows and books, LGBTQIA+ themes are becoming more common in mainstream media, and that includes slot machines. With thousands of slot machines on the market, it only makes sense that a few of them are themed around LGBTQIA+ themes. A lot of slot developers, in fact, are proactively seeking input from LGBTQIA+ community groups when creating games with queer storylines or characters. They are starting to recognise that there is value in creating an inclusive environment and actively marketing to LGBTQIA+ players rather than excluding them.
A few examples include rainbow-themed slots like Rainbow Riches by Barcrest Games, which not only uses the rainbow as its icon but has an LGBTQIA+ charity donation feature. Ruby Slippers by Pragmatic Play is based on drag queen culture with characters like Miz Ruby and other drag icons. And Fortune Angels by Konami has a subplot featuring two female angels in love.
Additionally, a lot of slot machines are starting to depict LGBTQIA+ events in their slot machines, such as Stonewall Reels by Quickspin which depicts the Stonewall Riots - a major catalyst for the gay liberation movement and The Life of Harvey by Real Dealer Studios portrays the story and influence of Harvey Milk - one of America's first openly gay politicians. Other figures in LGBTQIA+ history are depicted as well, such as Oscar Isaac in The Days of Oscar, by Platipus Gaming, Alan Turing in Alan’s Adventures by Neon Valley Studios and Marsha P. Johnson in Sylvia’s Revolution by Sigma Gaming. Spin the reels in new slots featuring all these iconic queer characters and you might even be contributing to the community financially.
Depiction is a big part of being an ally as it validates the existence of a community by merely being there. Granted, there are good and bad depictions, which is why it’s also important that developers cooperate with the community they are depicting.
Seeking coordination and information from LGBTQIA+ groups
More important than merely depicting LGBTQIA characters, slot developers are starting to coordinate with key LGBTQIA+ groups to ensure that they are depicting these people and issues authentically and without hate.
During design of the drag queen-themed Ruby Slippers slot, Pragmatic Play brought in LGBTQIA+ media groups to review character portrayals and avoid stereotypes. For their Fortune Angels slot featuring a lesbian couple, Konami previewed the game at LGBTQIA+ casino nights and incorporated feedback before full release. And High 5 Games partnered with a queer slot streamer community to get input on bonus features for their game PRIDE Pays which benefits LGBTQIA+ causes.
It’s important to get feedback from the community that you are depicting to ensure that you don’t add to any discrimination that the community might gain.
Percentages of progressive jackpots going to LGBTQIA+ non-profits
Rainbow Riches isn’t the only slot donating a portion of their profits to LGBTQIA+ non-profits. It’s become common practice to donate a portion of progressive jackpot proceeds to LGBTQIA+ non-profits.
For instance, the Fortune Angels slot we mentioned gave 100% of bonuses won to local San Francisco LGBTQIA+ charities. The PRIDE slot by Microgaming donates 1% of bets to the It Gets Better project which supports LGBTQIA+ youth. The Progress Pride slot by Habanero has a charity feature where 10% of bets go to LGBTQIA+ homeless youth shelters. And those are just a few examples.
Consider trying out some of these slot machines to donate while you spin. Other games that do this include Dotty’s Pride, On the Rainbow Reels, Pride Pay It Forward, Proud and Out, The Swinging Sixties, Fortune Gays, and Golden Goddesses.
Responsible gambling tools for LGBTQIA+ players
Responsible gambling is always an important element of casino game development, no matter the community you are aiming at, but different communities need different approaches and different care. There are a growing number of developers and casino brands that are becoming aware of this and are leaning into creating more responsible gambling tools especially for the LGBTQIA+ community.
For example, Prism Casino provides identity-specific self-exclusion options for LGBTQIA+ players wanting to block themselves from the site for a set time period. Out and Safe Gaming developed a responsible gambling app that connects LGBTQIA+ players to identity-specific resources and community support tools. Bet with Pride Casino sends pop-up messaging with LGBTQIA+ gambling help links and hotlines if algorithmic monitoring detects risky behaviours.
Games specifically developed for LGBTQIA+ players are not large in volume at the moment, but their numbers are growing. How soon will it be before an entire site is geared towards members of the LGBTQIA+ community in its entirety? Not too long we hope.
