Slot machines are one of the most popular games in casinos today, both in real life and online. But how did they start, and how did they become so popular? Let’s take a look at the history of slot machines and how they have evolved into the online slots we enjoy today.
The First Slot Machine
The first slot machine was invented by a man named Charles Fey in 1895. He called it the Liberty Bell. This machine had three spinning reels and five symbols: horseshoes, diamonds, spades, hearts, and a Liberty Bell. If you got three Liberty Bells in a row, you won the jackpot! The Liberty Bell was a big hit and started a new trend in gaming.
Fruit Symbols and the “One-Armed Bandit”
In the early 1900s, slot machines started using fruit symbols like cherries, lemons, and plums. This change happened because of a legal issue where gambling was banned in some places. To get around this, slot machines were designed to look like vending machines that dispensed fruit-flavored gum. The fruit symbols stuck and became iconic.
Slot machines were also called “one-armed bandits” because they had a lever on the side that players pulled to spin the reels. Sometimes, the machines would take a lot of money without paying out, making people feel like they had been “robbed” by the machine.
The Rise of Electronic Slots
In the 1960s, slot machines started to go electronic. Instead of mechanical reels, they used electrical circuits. This allowed for more complex games with more reels and different kinds of bonuses. The first fully electronic slot machine was invented by Bally Manufacturing in 1963. This new technology made slot machines even more popular in casinos.
The Arrival of Video Slots
In the 1970s, video slots were introduced. These machines used a video screen instead of physical reels. The first video slot machine was developed by Fortune Coin Company in 1976. Video slots allowed for even more creativity in game design, with better graphics and more exciting bonus features.
The Birth of Online Slots
In the 1990s, the internet started to change the world, and gambling was no exception. The first online casinos were launched, and with them came online slots. The first online slot games were simple, but they quickly became more advanced with better graphics and more features. Online slots allowed people to play their favorite games from the comfort of their own homes.
Online Slots Today
Today, online slots are more popular than ever. They come in many different themes and styles, from classic fruit machines to video slots with exciting storylines and bonus rounds. Players can enjoy slots on their computers, tablets, and even smartphones. Online casinos offer hundreds of different slot games, so there’s something for everyone.