A History of the Most Popular Casino Game

The Birth of the Slot Machine

The slot machine is the most popular and recognizable game in any casino, casino whether physical or online. But this modern marvel of digital entertainment has humble, mechanical beginnings.

Most historians attribute the invention of the first automated slot machine to Charles Fey, who developed it around 1895. His machine, called the “Liberty Bell,” featured three spinning reels and symbols like horseshoes, diamonds, spades, hearts, and a cracked Liberty Bell. Its ability to pay out coins automatically made it a huge hit and a groundbreaking invention.

Overcoming Legal Hurdles

New laws against cash-payout gambling machines required a clever workaround. Instead of paying out cash, machines were designed to dispense fruit-flavored chewing gum as prizes. The classic fruit symbols we see today originated from this era, representing the flavors of the gum prizes. The term “one-armed bandit” came from the side lever and the machine’s reputation for being difficult to beat.

The Electromechanical and Video Slot Revolution

The introduction of electromechanical technology in the 60s was a significant step forward. This hybrid machine combined the classic feel with modern technology, paving the way for larger and more exciting prizes.

The true game-changer, however, casino was the invention of the video slot in the mid-1970s. By swapping mechanical reels for a digital display, the design possibilities became endless. This transition to digital screens is what allows for the incredible variety and creativity found in modern online slots.

Slots in the Digital Age

Currently, most slot play occurs on the internet. Online slots have taken the video slot concept to its logical extreme, offering thousands of different games with incredible features like Megaways, cascading reels, and massive progressive jackpots that can be won from anywhere in the world.