Exploring the Origins, Functionality, and Design of Slot Machines
- Jamieson
- Dec 24, 2021
- 3 min read
For those passionate about online slots, it's likely that you’ve pondered the origins of these games at least a couple of times. Even if you're unfamiliar with their background, we're here to fill you in! Considering how prevalent casino gaming is on platforms like Paddy Power, it’s almost hard to imagine that casino games used to be far simpler, especially when compared to the diverse selection available today.
So let's start with the word what?
In the beginning, slot machines were popularly recognized as either one-armed bandits or fruit machines. The concept is quite simple: users would insert at least one coin or token into the designated slot, which would set off the gaming experience via a lever pull or button press. The gameplay, more familiar to us now, features reels filled with spinning columns adorned with various symbols that could lead to winnings. Initially, the prizes would fall into a tray at the bottom of the machine, but it wasn’t always so straightforward! Earlier versions of these machines were commonly located in bars, and players would need to approach the bar to collect their rewards, which often included free cigarettes and drinks.
In 1891, a groundbreaking invention emerged from America when Sittman and Pitt created a drum machine featuring five playing cards and utilizing a total of 50 unique cards. This marks the very beginning of the journey toward the slot machines we know today, even though players had to claim their rewards at the bar.
The credit for inventing the first slot machine capable of dispensing its own payouts goes to Charles Fey, who is believed to have introduced it sometime between 1887 and 1895, though the precise year remains unclear. Fey innovated the design by streamlining the gameplay, reducing the number of drums from five to three reels.
His machine transformed the playing cards into five primary symbols: the heart, spade, horseshoe, and liberty bell. The objective for players was to line up three bell symbols, which is why Fey aptly named his creation the Liberty Bell. While working for various electronic firms in San Francisco, he designed the Liberty Bell, and by 1907, the machine saw further advancements, resulting in another model known as Operator Bell developed by Herbert Mills in Chicago.
After the prohibition of slot machines in 1902, cash prizes became a thing of the past for this type of gaming. Instead, the Operator machine featured fruit symbols and rewards in the form of flavored chewing gum and candy. By 1908, Mills' machines had become widespread in tobacco shops, bowling alleys, and bars. The Operator Bell model also played a significant role in introducing the iconic BAR symbol that is still familiar to us today.
So, how has the concept of slot machines evolved to reach its current state? In 1964, Bally introduced the first fully electromechanical slot machine, aptly named Money Honey. While it featured electronic spinning reels, players still engaged with it using a lever, maintaining a sense of connection to the traditional gameplay. Despite its modern appearance, Money Honey had the capability to pay out a whopping $500 instantly!
By 1976, the realm of video slots was ushered in by the Fortune Coin Company based in Las Vegas. The initial installation of these innovative machines occurred at the Vegas Hilton Hotel, which was equipped with a cutting-edge 19-inch Sony TV screen. Following some adjustments, this high-tech slot machine received approval from the Nevada Gaming Board and was subsequently distributed along the famous Las Vegas Strip.
If you're curious about how classic games made their transition online, it all began in 1996 when the internet had grown substantially, paving the way for the establishment of the first online casinos. This exciting evolution allowed players to enjoy games of roulette and blackjack from the comfort of their homes. Soon after, online slots emerged, and they have continued to evolve with new themes and features ever since!