The Surprising History of Slot Machines

Slots are a popular casino game and one of the simplest to play, with the spin of the wheels for a small investment providing the chance to win big. This type of gambling game has been around for many years now and its history goes all the way back to the end of the 19th century.

The Beginning

The evolution of slots started with simple machines that were based around poker and had playing cards on the wheels. However, the development of the first three-wheel slot machine that was recognizable in comparison to what can be found in casinos today is attributed to Charles Fey of San Francisco. He put together a mechanical device in the mid-1890s, which was known as the Liberty Bell because this was the symbol that gave the top payout. Unlike previous machines, Fey’s incorporated an automatic payout system based on the combination of symbols showing on the winning line and this helped his machine become a huge success.

Getting Fruity

This encouraged others to get involved in the business during the early 20th century, with Chicago-based Herbert Mills being one of these. He is the man generally credited with introducing many of the fruit symbols that are so familiar on today’s machines. State gambling legislation against the use of these first slot machines led to payouts other than cash to get around the laws banning them. Many offered the chance to win chewing gum or food to the players pulling the handle.

Mechanical Rise

The rise of mechanical slot machines continued until the early 1960s when Bally Manufacturing produced the first electronic versions of the game. These machines were operated by pushing a button rather than pulling a handle and the technology made them much more secure. This allowed the introduction of bigger payouts, which helped the slot industry grow. Video machines were developed in the mid 1970s by the Fortune Coin Company, with these first introduced in the gambling mecca of Las Vegas. This technology enabled 5, 7, and even more reels to be played, and video technology has become the industry standard for the slot machines that are played today.