Slot machines are one of the most iconic and beloved forms of entertainment in the gambling world.
Be it in the neon-lit casinos of Las Vegas or accessible with a few clicks online, slot machines have a universal appeal that transcends generations and geography.
But slot machines history is more intricate and captivating than many might expect.
They have been around for a long time, not necessarily in the form we know and love today!
The origin of slot machines dates back to the late 19th century. Early symbols used in the game made them known as “fruit machines”, which is still a popular theme for slots.
Even if this theme is still appealing, so much about slots has changed: the game’s presentations, the ways of playing, and all the available variations.
Let’s learn about the history of these incredible games, from their humble beginnings to the digital wonders of today.
1891: Beginning of Slots History with the First Machine
Slot machines’ history began in 1891 when Sittman and Pitt, a New York-based company, introduced what is considered the first actual slot machine.
This early device was based on poker and featured five drums with 50 card faces.
Players would insert a nickel and pull a lever to spin the drums, hoping to land a winning poker hand.
Although this machine was not the same as the slot machines we know today, it laid the groundwork for future developments in the industry.
The Sittman and Pitt machine became popular in bars across the United States, where players could win prizes such as free drinks or cigarettes.
However, this machine lacked an automatic payout mechanism, meaning bar owners had to award prizes manually.
This limitation sparked the need for a more streamlined and efficient device, setting the stage for the next major development in slot machine history.
1894: The Liberty Bell Makes Gambling and Slot Machines History
Just a couple of years later, the evolution of slot machines took a giant leap forward.
In 1894, Charles Fey, a mechanic based in San Francisco, invented the Liberty Bell.
This device would forever change the world of gambling.
Unlike the Sittman and Pitt machine, the Liberty Bell was a three-reel slot machine with five symbols: hearts, diamonds, spades, horseshoes, and the Liberty Bell.
This machine was revolutionary because it introduced the first automatic payout system, allowing players to receive their winnings directly from the machine.
It quickly became a sensation, spreading to bars and saloons across the United States.
The simplicity of its design and the joy of winning made it an instant hit, and it became the prototype for all future slot machines.
The Liberty Bell’s success marked a turning point in slot history, as it established the basic mechanics and principles that would define slot machines for decades.
1964: Money Honey, the Pioneer of Electronic Slots
Slot machines were mechanical for over seven decades until the first electronic slot machine was invented in 1964.
This significant step in slot machines history was marked by the introduction of Money Honey by Bally Manufacturing Co.
Money Honey was the first fully electromechanical slot machine. It used electrical components to operate the reels rather than the purely mechanical systems of earlier machines.
While a lever was still used to initiate the game, Money Honey’s internal workings were powered by electricity, making it more reliable and capable of larger payouts.
It was also the first slot machine to feature a bottomless hopper, allowing automatic payouts of up to 500 coins.
This innovation increased the pace of the game. It reduced the need for casino staff to manually handle payouts, making it more efficient and profitable for bar owners and players.
Money Honey was just the beginning of a new era in slot machine history, where technology began to play an increasingly important role in the design and operation of these games.
1975: Fortune Coin, an Icon in Slots History
Ten years later, the advent of microchips revolutionized the game. This opened the path for the creation of the first video slot machine, the Fortune Coin, in 1975.
Of course, this changed slot machines history once again.
Developed by Fortune Coin Co., a Las Vegas-based company, the machine replaces traditional spinning reels with a 19-inch color TV screen.
The video slot used a modified television to display the reels, making it the first of its kind and a precursor to the online slots history that would emerge decades later.
This machine was made available to players at the Hilton Hotel Casino in Las Vegas.
But its growth wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows: it was initially met with skepticism by players, who were used to the mechanical reels and distrusted the new technology.
However, the Nevada Gaming Commission eventually approved the machine, and it quickly gained popularity in Las Vegas casinos.
After being regulated, it became a huge success. This showcases the importance of playing in regulated casinos and of gambling responsibly.
The success of Fortune Coin proved that video slots could be as engaging as their mechanical counterparts.
Little did they know about the digital revolution that would soon transform the industry!
1986: Progressive Jackpots Change the History of Slot Machines
In 1986, slot machines history was marked by the introduction of progressive jackpots.
The first of these machines was installed in the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas, home to Fortune Coin.
It connected multiple slot machines across the casino to create a networked jackpot.
Every time a player bet on one of these machines, a portion of their wager was added to the progressive jackpot. The jackpot continued to grow until one lucky player hit the winning combination.
The concept of progressive jackpots revolutionized the slots history, as it introduced the possibility of getting bigger wins.
Players were drawn to the idea of hitting a massive payout. Thus, progressive jackpots became a staple in casinos worldwide.
These machines’ success increased their popularity and led to the development of larger and more complex jackpot systems.
Later, this would be used both for physical casinos and online.
1996: The First Online Casino and Online Slots
The rise of the internet in the 1990s opened up a new frontier for the gambling industry, leading to the creation of the first online casino in 1996.
This marked the beginning of online slots history, as players could now enjoy their favorite games from the comfort of their own homes.
The first online slots were simple digital versions of traditional slot machines featuring basic graphics and gameplay.
However, they quickly evolved, incorporating more advanced features, themes, and bonus rounds.
Online casinos took shape only in the mid-90s, with the internet boom. In 1994, MicroGaming developed the first betting software.
The following year, Cryptologic created an encryption system that enabled secure financial transactions in online casinos. Also in 1995, NetEnt, which remains one of the largest producers of online slot machines, was founded in Sweden.
In 1996, the first online casino was finally launched.
InterCasino, still popular today, only made games like blackjack and roulette available.
But, with the growing popularity of slot machines in real casinos, slot games were adapted and launched in online versions.
Microgaming, believed to have developed the first online slot software, still operates today. Remarkably, it’s among the largest companies in terms of the number of games released under its portfolio.
This was yet another gigantic leap in slot machines history.
The introduction of online slots revolutionized the gambling industry, making it more accessible to a global audience.
No longer limited by geography, players worldwide could now access a wide variety of slot games with just a few clicks.
The convenience and variety offered by online slots led to their rapid growth in popularity, and they soon became one of the most popular forms of online gambling.
Industry Growth – Mid-2000s
The mid-2000s saw explosive growth in the online slots industry, fueled by technological advancements and the increasing popularity of online casinos.
Even if the history of slot machines saw some big shifts during the 20th century, the first two decades of the 21st century were unprecedented.
Software providers like Microgaming, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play and Playtech became industry leaders. Companies began offering high-quality slot games with innovative features, stunning graphics, and immersive themes.
The evolution of slot machines during this period was also marked by big changes in slot machine design.
We saw the introduction of 3D graphics, cinematic animations, and complex bonus rounds, which enhanced the overall gaming experience.
From just five initial online slot games to the thousands of free slot games available today, the possibilities for online gaming have grown and changed significantly over these decades!
Slots history is fascinating and nowadays, the online gaming and casino industry is growing more and more.
By the mid-2000s, the online slots industry had already become a multi-billion-dollar market, with millions of players worldwide.
In 2019, it was estimated to be worth $53.7 billion, spread across over 80 countries and territories where the online casino market is regulated.
The success of online slots also led to increased competition among software providers, resulting in a continuous stream of new and exciting games being released.
What Is The Foreseeable Future of Slot Machines?
Slot machine popularity has grown fast, and the games have kept pace with the development of electronic gaming technology.
As we look to the future, the evolution of slot machines shows no signs of slowing down.
Thousands of new slot games are launched on the market every month. Many of them are focused on mobile gaming, which alone is valued at approximately $15 billion.
The industry continues to grow, driven by technological advancements such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and blockchain technology.
VR and AR technology, for example, could allow players to step inside a virtual casino and interact with slot machines in a 3D environment.
Meanwhile, blockchain technology could enhance the transparency and security of online slots, providing players with greater confidence in the fairness of the games.
These innovations can potentially transform how players interact with slot machines, offering even more immersive and engaging experiences.
As the industry continues to evolve, players can expect new and exciting changes that will redefine their experience of slot machines.
Their evolution is fascinating and happening right before our eyes.
The future of slot machines promises to be as dynamic and innovative as their storied past.
