The slot machine is a popular and quite legendary casino game that has a long story behind it. Most people today think of it as a machine in a big Las Vegas casino, or perhaps as a fun and easy game to play online. However, there is so much more to the story.
The first-ever slot machine
The first slot machine was invented by Charles Fey all the way back in 1895. This was the Liberty Bell machine and it featured three spinning reels filled with five symbols: horseshoes, diamonds, spades, hearts, and a Liberty Bell. By lining up three bells, a player would win a whopping 50 cents. While the prices we see on slot machines today have a grander price, allowing for minigames and even a Slot Tracker that help you bet, we can never forget this first machine, which has been credited as the origin of the modern slot machine.
Slot machines evolve
In the early twentieth century, slot machines began to appear in saloons and cigar stores where more people could test them out. Players could insert a nickel and pull a lever to spin the reels to see if they get the right combination. If they were so lucky to win, the machine would pay out winnings in the form of cigars, candy, and other prizes. Since the stakes on these machines were relatively small, they become popular among working-class citizens
Electric slot machines
The first electromechanical slot machine was invented in 1964 by Bally and featured a bottomless hopper that allowed for automatic payouts so that it did not need any assistance. This machine revolutionized the industry and made way for more advanced machines. In the 1970s, electronic slot machines began to appear and allowed for more intricate designs and features. At the time, these were very forward-thinking and impressive. Of course, they cannot measure with the machines that have been introduced in the last decade.
Online slots
The modern slot machine is an advanced computer system that offers a wide variety of features and bonuses. Slot machines are now found in casinos, bars, arcades, and of course online. Slot machines remain one of the most popular forms of gambling, and are present at all of the biggest gambling companies, either as a physical or online product.
The machines are usually divided into three categories, classic slot machines like the ones that were introduced decades ago, video slots that somewhat resemble video games where you also can play minigames and gamble with a theme, and lastly, jackpot machines. These are often presented with progressive jackpots that grow as people play them. In the end, someone could win an impressive amount of money if they are very lucky.
Today, in 2022, retro media is back. For example, classic video games and consoles such as the Game Boy or retro arcade machines, are all the rage. Many of us remember playing on these devices back in the 80s and 90s. The slot machine was even earlier than these so often have more nostalgia for some people.