The History of Slot Machines
The first slot machines that were released were called one-armed bandits and in Britain specifically they were (and still are) referred to as fruit machines because of how fruit are often the symbols of these machines. Unlike online slots at daisy slots, they are gambling devices that work when players drop coins into them and pull the handle or push a button to trigger three or more reels. These reels are marked by symbols that form combinations that earn players cash prizes. These machines pay players out with coins into a trough or cup with the amount depending on the number of symbols matched up once the reels stop spinning. The symbols that typically decorate the reels of these machines are poker symbols, fruit, and numbers.
The Invention
Back in 1891 Sittman and Pitt developed a gambling machine, a precursor to the advanced video slot machines there are today. This machine has five drums that held fifty card faces. The payout methods and rates were shaky as one combination could win you a free beer and another could win you an amount specified by the establishment the device was located in. Despite the irregularity of the prizes, these games were hits and due to the popularity, others began to make improvements on it.
Between 1887 and 1895, Charles Fey created a simpler automatic mechanism that featured three spinning reels that contained five symbols. This made the reading of results easier for players compared to the five drums of the earlier version. From this classic version came flashier versions when the machines were brought into the digital age.
Video Slots
The first video slot was developed in 1976 by Fortune Coin Co. After a test launch followed by a few modifications to protect against cheating, the slot was released to the public. This electronic machine became a hit on the Las Vegas strip and other casinos. The rights to these machines were bought by IGT (International Gaming Technology). The opportunities were endless and the arrival of the first bonus features was added to these slot machines in 1996.
These slots lead to the multi-featured games that are played today. Once slot machines were mechanised, the limits were endless. Slot games started to become more unique and were no longer forced to have the same display of three reels and one paylines. Video slots could have 20 paylines or more which meant that the chances of winning while playing these games became more likely.
Slots are the most popular casino games and the technological innovations of the last decade have resulted in the online slots that are seen today. Newer innovations have led to better graphics like the introduction of 3D slots and planned launches for virtual reality slots! It’s hard to believe that slots started off as machines that didn’t run off electricity and one had one payline. Who is to say what these games will look like in a few years with the advancements happening so quickly they may just be unrecognisable.
