Slot machines are among the most popular casino games today, both online and in actual gambling establishments all over the world. These machines have gone through an interesting evolution over the years.
Origins of the Slot Machine
One of the first ever slot machines created was the Liberty Bell Machine in 1887. Created by Charles Fey, this machine got its name from one of the five possible symbols to come up when the lever is pulled. The other symbols include a diamond, horseshow, spade and heart.
There are other historical accounts which state that the slot machine was actually invented in 1891. This machine used a total of 50 cards that were put on several spinning drums. A five-card poker hand came up on each drum after they were spun. The higher the value of the hand, the more money could be won.
Both of these initial slot machines had levers that were pulled to spin. They required players to put in a coin and allowed players to win specific amounts depending on which symbols or cards were displayed.
Introduction of Electronic Games
It wasn’t until the 1960s that electronic slot machines were introduced to the general public. While these machines retained their lever function, there were some major changes made to them. It didn’t take long for casinos all across the U.S. to get onboard with these new games and offer them to their players.
The implementation of electronics in slot machines meant an increase in the number of symbols, as well as sound effects and other things. These additions gave players a much more immersive and fun overall gambling experience.
Video Slot Machines
The very first video slot machine was introduced in 1976 by the Fortune Coin Company, which was based in Las Vegas, Nevada. This machine featured a 19-inch color receiver display that took slots to the next level. Most people were amazed by the quality of the graphics at the time, which only made these games even more popular. This was an undeniably crucial turning point in the evolution of slot machines.
Online Slot Games
By the mid-90s, online casinos started popping up all across the web. These websites offered virtual slots that operated in the same basic way as the physical machines. As they became increasingly popular among online gamblers, the jackpots got much larger.
Today, you can even play slot games on your smartphone or tablet. There are many different online casino websites that offer a wide variety of these games. Online casinos offer slots in a wide range of themes with impressive graphics that make these games more fun than ever.
Skill Based Slot Machines
There have also been a number of skill-based slot machines appearing in casinos in Las Vegas and elsewhere over the last several years. Unlike most traditional slots, these ones require skill to win money. There are a variety of these games available online as well. They offer an interesting spin on a classic game.