A Peek into the Past: History of the Slot Machine

by Kevin Smith Author

Trying one's luck on the slot machine is a fun pastime for many people - the possibility of winning a sizable amount of money by merely pulling a lever or pressing a button can be exhilarating. But how did the popular contraption come to be? Who invented it, and how did it become a staple for every jackpot casino in Shawnee, OK?

Origins

A car mechanic named Charles Fey made the first slot machine in 1895. He called his product the "Liberty Bell" because it featured images of the national symbol on its reels. When its pictures align, the player receives a prize of $0.50.

Fey also invented the first draw poker machine in 1901. To earn from his products, he rented out his gaming equipment to salons and bars and split the profit with the owners 50/50.

Fruits for Pennies

Slot machines were banned in many states in 1902. To work around this, an inventor named Herbert Mills introduced a mechanism that uses pictures of fruits, candies, and gum. If the reels showed images of the same object, the player would win the actual item. The device provided people with entertainment during the Prohibition.

While Mills' invention was officially called "Operator Bell," most people referred to it as the "fruit machine." It's still widely known by that name, especially in the UK.

Going Electric

For many years, slot machines were entirely mechanical until a company called Bally released a version named "Money Honey" in 1964. The product was operated electronically but still controlled with a lever.

The trend caught on, and soon, all the slot machine's mechanical parts were replaced with electronic microprocessors. This development allowed players to place bigger bets and win more significant payouts. After the introduction of the random number generator, the lever was removed, and the game became playable with just the push of a button.

Playing Digitally

Las Vegas-based company Fortune Coin developed the first video slot machine in 1976. It's closer to the ones you see at casino floors today, which are entirely digital and feature a wide range of themes and symbols. In 1996, gaming equipment with a second screen bonus round was introduced, which let players win additional payouts.

Today, slot machines account for about 70% of a gaming center's floor space and revenue. And why wouldn't they? They give you the freedom to play at your own pace while keeping you entertained. So, the next time you and your friends think of activities to try for your next night out, visit a jackpot casino in Shawnee, OK.