Slots have been part of the casino gaming world for nearly as long as board games. In countries like Japan and the US, slots have been around for over a century.
Slots date back to the 1800s in saloons across the U.S. They were used to amuse players, and winners were given minted metal tokens.
The Early Slot Machines
In the late 1800s, a mechanic in San Francisco by the name, Charles Fey created the first coin-operated slot machine. The probability of winning the biggest payout of 50 cents, which is about 39 pence in today’s currency, was the start of the casino gaming’s biggest success stories. From then on, the popularity of slot games became part of casino gaming.
Fey was driven by success to create another slot machine, the Card Bell in 1898. This was the first three-reel slot machine played by pulling a handle that sets the reels in motion.
Card Bell inspired the creation of Liberty Bell, with simpler automation. It had symbols of horseshoes, diamonds, spades, hearts, and a Liberty Bell. The five cards instead of 10 and the three reels instead of 5 made the outcomes random and solved the problem of ‘reading’ a win.
Fruit Machines
Fruit machines were then created with an optional chewing gum vending attachment in the 1920s. The slot machine’s corresponding symbols of fruit were placed on the reels, with a bell and an image of a stick of Bell-Fruit Gum. This was the first time the bar symbol was used in a slot machine
Other manufacturers of slot machines adopted the fruit theme and ‘jackpot’ idea, where the machine dispenses all the coins to one lucky winner. The great depression of the 1930s fired up the popularity of slot machines as people pursued alternative ways of having fun and receiving payouts.
Video Slots
The demand for casino gaming machines in the 60s and 70s across the world saw governments start regulating and drawing tax revenue from slot games. Manufacturers created electromechanical slots with bottomless hoppers and payouts of up to 500 coins without the help of a casino attendant. Just like Betway fans play modern slot games.
Video screens with reels instead of mechanical parts were incorporated into the machines to prevent punters from manipulating outcomes. Video slots quickly evolved to animations with improved sound effects.
Modern & Future of Slots
The advent of the internet in the 2000s enabled players across the world to access slot games from their laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Technological advancements are making slot gaming very immersive and fun for players. Fans will soon be able to control different elements of online slot games offering massive prize pots.
Random Number Generators (RNGs) and audits from independent authorities are helping casinos offer slot games that are fair and free from any manipulation for Betway fans and other online casino platforms.
Conclusion
Slot games have been a significant part of casino gaming for over a century. Online casinos will continue to offer a variety of immersive themes for slot players in the future as technology advances.
Be First to Comment