When the word streamers is mentioned in the outside world, most people assume console/PC gamers playing the likes of Fortnite and FIFA. Yet behind the video gaming industry there’s a streaming section which is constantly evolving.
According to TwitchMetrics, slot streaming is placed 19th in terms of viewership, racking up over 12.5 million viewing hours for September, with its casino counterpart Poker sitting at 35 with just over 6.5 million viewing hours.
During the current coronavirus pandemic, people have found themselves with more time on their hands than they originally had, certainly during the time of the national lockdowns around the world.
One of these people was a slot streamer called Robert, or as he’s known online, BOB SLOTS. The Northern Irish streamer initially began playing slots five years ago but only started streaming slot games in May of this year after being placed on furlough.
Since he created his online persona BOB SLOTS has raked up 722 subscribers on YouTube, as of writing, with the numbers consistently growing by the day.
SlotBeats spoke to BOB SLOTS about his relatively new slot streaming experience, obstacles he’s had to overcome, his ambitions for the channel and more.
SlotBeats: What’s your name and where are you from (pseudonym, real first name, nationality, where you live)
BOB SLOTS: My channel name is BOB SLOTS but my real name is Robert and I’m from Larne in Northern Ireland.
SB: When did you get into streaming/start playing slots?
BS: I have been playing online slots for around five years. The first ever slot I remember playing was South Park and I loved it. I have only been streaming slots/creating content on YouTube since May 2020.
SB: What’s your favourite thing about streaming slots play?
BS: I love the comments and feedback from viewers. I would play anyway so recording just made sense. Not all the comments are great to read but you can’t have it all your own way!
SB: What has been your favourite slot moment streaming?
BS: The 3600x win on primal WOW! It really helped set me up with the bits I needed to get the best quality content out, so cheers Primal! Hitting 500 subs last week is the best channel highlight so far, so thank you to everyone for the support #LEGENDS.
SB: What obstacles, if any, did you have to overcome when you first started streaming?
BS: Getting people to watch and getting your uploads seen on YouTube is very difficult, it gets a little easier with time but so hard to get started.
I decided to start the channel at the beginning of lockdown as I had been furloughed from work, this gave me something to focus on and keep busy.
I’m sure lots of people found themselves in the same position and one thing that kept sticking in my head was the responsible gambling side of things. This is something that is very important to me and I know it has been a serious issue for some people over the lockdown period.
Lots of free time, limited access to the outside world and lots of ways to spend money online can be a very dangerous mix!
SB: What was your ambition when you first decided to get into slot streaming?
BS: To get 50 subscribers! Seriously though I didn’t set targets not long term anyway. I do set small short term targets, for example 50 subs 100 subs ect.
My advice to anyone is to always set realistic targets. There is no point setting yourself up to fail! My channel has taken off very quickly over the last month so I’ll maybe have to start taking it all a bit more seriously (well try to). It has to be fun though you have got to enjoy it or what’s the point?
SB: What are your favourite types of slots and why?
BS: I always seem to get stuck on the slots with random features! Goonies, Genie ect it’s too easy to get sucked on these games. Credit to Blueprint they do make their games fun to play.
SB: What would you be doing if you weren’t a slot streamer?
BS: I work full-time also at the minute but I put most of my spare time into the channel. It can be a difficult balance at times! Would I love to be able to do it full time? No doubt I would! But it’s just not financially visible at the moment.
SB: What would be your ideal slot if you could make one?
BS: I would love a slot based on my favourite show, Sons of Anarchy, it sounds right up Pragmatic’s street to follow the release of Peaky Blinders!
SB: What makes your streaming channel such a success?
BS: I think success can only be judged long term and my channel is at such an early stage. Yes it has been a decent start and the channel is starting to find a bit of traction on YouTube which is great but there is lots of hard work still to do.
A quick shout out to someone who has really helped along the road so far, Chipmonkz, for all the advice and support from the very start. I was emailing him for advice when I had about five subs and he probably thought who is this clown? But he always replied and I’ll always be thankful for that.
SB: Has slot streaming changed your life in any way?
BS: It’s too early to say it has really changed my life. Can it one day? let’s hope so but nothing worth having comes easy!
It’s been great for my mental health over the lockdown, I know I need to be busy and have something to focus on, I’m sure lots of others are the same!
It’s been very strange and uncertain times for everyone I wanted to try and make something positive from a very tough period.
SB: Tell us something about yourself we wouldn’t be likely to already know?
BS: I used to make toilet rolls for a living! Yes I’m going to be the butt of all the jokes with this one!
