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, whether physical or online. However, its origins are rooted in simple 19th-century mechanics.

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 casino a single payline. The automatic payout was its key innovation, making it wildly popular in public establishments.

The Rise of the “One-Armed Bandit”

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. This historical quirk is the reason fruit symbols are still a staple of slot design. These machines also earned the nickname “one-armed bandits” because of the single lever on the side used to operate them and casino their tendency to take players’ money.

The Electromechanical and Video Slot Revolution

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.

But nothing was as revolutionary as the first video-based slot machine. This innovation meant that game designers were no longer constrained by physical mechanics. It allowed for more paylines, elaborate bonus rounds, animated graphics, and immersive themes. The core technology behind these video slots was the Random Number Generator (RNG), ensuring fair and random outcomes.

The Online and Mobile Slot Era

Today, the vast majority of slot gaming happens online. Online slots have taken the video slot concept to its logical extreme, casino offering thousands of different games with incredible features like Megaways, cascading reels, casino and massive progressive jackpots that can be won from anywhere in the world.