You’re about to understand how the world’s most popular casino game developed over time to become what it is today. Modern slot machines can be played for real money on smartphones and desktop computers. Sign up for a free and start playing at online casinos in less than two minutes – learn more today.
Liberty Bell, the First Slot Machine
The Liberty Bell slot machine, invented by Charles Fey in 1895, was the first of its kind. In those days, slot machines typically had three reels, the number that has come to be considered the “classic” format. The winning combination was not a “7” or any fruit but the standard playing card symbols of hearts, spades, and the Liberty Bell. The standard payment was 50 cents or ten nickels back then.
A further innovation by Fey was the first-ever video poker machine. The Liberty Belle Saloon in Reno, Nevada, houses the world’s first mechanical slot machine.
Rising In Demand
Expert in arcade games, Herbert Mills, started work on his slot machine in 1907, using the now-iconic sevens and cherries as game symbols. He dubbed it “Operator Bell” for short. Fey refused to sell the rights to other manufacturers, even though he could not meet the demand for slot machines.
Interestingly, there was a brief period when offering financial awards was forbidden. Slot machine players were compensated with candy and gum instead of cash during this intermission. Not anymore, not with slot machines like Bluechip Aviator.
Electric Slot Machines
Slot machines did not yet have an electrical component. Thus, players had to spin metal hoops via a lever to release their cash. Paces Races, a mechanical horse racing game with animated graphics and electric sound, was a forerunner to modern slot machines. After 30 years, in 1984, Nevada Electronic released a fully electronic “21” machine.
Money Honey, a slot machine by Bally, debuted in 1964 and featured electrically powered reels. The lever was kept to ensure that gamers would be comfortable with the new release. The maximum payment was set at 500 coins automatically, making it popular with players. With variations for roulette, dice, and even poker, the Fortune Coin Corporation created an electronic slot machine in 1975.
In 1978, IGT acquired Fortune Coin, a company that would later become one of several reputable developers of video slots available online. These slot machines retained the lever and used Sony TVs to display the reels.
Casino Slot Machines with Multiple Displays
All-electric slot machines were initially not referred to as “video slots.” After being screened, they immediately became popular. Things progressed further in the 1990s. Electronic slot machines in Australia got two screens with a new bonus round scenario in 1994, while in the US, it happened in 1996. A fantastic example is WMS’s “Reel ‘Em,” which has just been updated with an online variant.
Bonus rounds are now one of the most crucial factors for players to consider when selecting an online slot machine.
The Future of Online Video Slots
There are thousands of slot machines to choose from, and new games are added weekly by dozens of providers. Flash and, more recently, HTML5 have enabled the portability and accessibility of online casino games across a wide range of platforms. A computer and access to the internet are the only requirements for play.
New slot machines are always released, and old favorites are always welcome to check this out. The gambling industry is beginning to explore the potential of virtual reality. Although it appears more suited for card and table games, you cannot expect anything from the powerful and innovative organizations constantly striving to go the extra mile.