A History of the Most Popular Casino Game

The Mechanical Origins

The slot machine is the most popular and recognizable game in any casino, whether physical or online. The journey from a basic gear-and-lever device to today’s complex video slots is a long one.

The first true slot machine is widely credited to a San Francisco mechanic named Charles Fey in the late 1890s. His machine, called the “Liberty Bell,” featured three spinning reels and symbols like horseshoes, diamonds, spades, hearts, and a cracked Liberty Bell. It was an instant success in saloons and casino bars, offering an automatic payout mechanism, a revolutionary feature for its time.

The Fruit Machine Era

Early in the 20th century, anti-gambling laws forced slot machine manufacturers to get creative. To circumvent the law, the machines were altered to dispense flavored gum. The classic fruit symbols we see today originated from this era, casino 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 next major leap came in the 1960s with the first electromechanical slot machine, casino called “Money Honey.” 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, casino with multiple paylines, interactive bonus features, and advanced graphics, all powered by a fair RNG.

The Online and Mobile Slot Era

Today, the vast majority of slot gaming happens online. The online platform allows for constant innovation, leading to a huge diversity of game types and features that were unimaginable just a few decades ago.