Slot machines and all other means of gambling have been with us for decades, giving us the winning experiences of our dreams. Like everything else, slot machines moved from primitive to advanced as and when technology introduced something new to the world – click and play. Gradually, we reached the point where our slot machines turned into our PC or tablet screens, transforming our gambling experience entirely.
To relive the journey of slot machines and some intriguing changes they made on their way, we offer a small account of the history of slot machines.
Introduction of Slot Machines
· The most primitive form of slot machine came into being in the 19th Century.
· Sittman and Pitt were the makers of this slot machine.
· It featured the classic poker theme with 5 drums and 50 card faces. It was played with real coins, and a lever had to be pulled to spin the reels.
· There were no real cash rewards involved. All the possible rewards were non-monetary.
· In 1895, the one-armed bandit was introduced, which was another contender for the spot of the very first slot machine, by Charles Fey. This machine featured three reels and the first-ever proper payout mechanism.
· The machine was called the Liberty Bell and presented symbols that made winning combos on the reels.
· By 1902, slot machines raised worldwide controversy and were banned in the US.
· Then, the fruit machine emerged on the scene. They presented fruit symbols and awarded winners with candies. The fruit machine launched in 1907 featured the Bar symbol, too.
· In 1964, the first-ever electromechanical slot machine called ‘Money Honey’ was launched by Bally.
· When 1976, video slot machine came out and was displayed on TV screens in the Las Vegas casinos.
Slot Machine Popularity in Britain
· Britain stayed conservative with their slot machines till 1960. Their early slot machines only featured skill games leading to payouts or non-payout accounts meant just for fun.
· From the era of one-armed bandits and fruit machines onwards, all types of slot machines were welcomed in Britain.
· Video slots saw their zenith of success in the 80s and the 90s, offering bonus rounds and bigger payouts. Their layouts and interesting themes made them way more popular than the old-fashioned slot machines in days.
Slot Machines of Today
· With the advent of the Internet in the mid-90s, slot games were revolutionised. This is the beginning of the online slots.
· It began with the classics like roulette and blackjack, but new developers joining the industry adopted every theme possible to incorporate into their online slots.
· Today, the online slots can have 3 reels to multiple reels and pay lines with innumerable advanced bonus features, free spins and jackpot opportunities.
· Now, they are available across platforms, and punters can play them on the go 24/7.
On their way from their inception to their current glory, slot machines have gone through many ups and downs in their fame, but they are still counted among the most popular means of entertainment to date.
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