A History of the Most Popular Casino Game

Where Did Slots Come From?

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.

Charles Fey is the name associated with creating the original slot machine in the final years of the 19th century. The Liberty Bell machine was a simple mechanical device with three reels and a single payline. It was an instant success in saloons and bars, offering an automatic payout mechanism, a revolutionary feature for its time.

Overcoming Legal Hurdles

Early in the 20th century, anti-gambling laws forced slot machine manufacturers to get creative. The solution was to make the machines award prizes of gum and casino candy instead of money. This historical quirk is the reason fruit symbols are still a staple of slot design. The term «one-armed bandit» came from the side lever and the machine’s reputation for casino being difficult to beat.

From Gears to Circuits

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, was the invention of the video slot in the mid-1970s. This replaced the physical reels with a video screen, opening up a world of possibilities. This led to the complex games we know today, with multiple paylines, interactive bonus features, and advanced graphics, all powered by a fair RNG.

Slots in the Digital Age

The modern era is defined by online and mobile slots. 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.