The History of Slot Machines

Slot machines have captured the imagination of professional (or semi-professional) gamblers and casual players alike for well over a century.
From their humble beginnings as crude, mechanical machines to the sophisticated, digital wonders working on devices that fit in your pocket – the history of slot machines is a fascinating journey through innovation, culture, and the ever-present pursuit of luck.
Read on, to learn more about the history of slots and how it all began!
Sittman and Pitt

Let’s start right at the beginning, the inception of the slot machine, so to speak. In 1891, the New York-based company Sittman and Pitt created a gambling machine that marked a significant precursor to the modern slot machine. Specifically designed to emulate a little game called poker (you might have heard of it), this early device featured five drums and a total of 50 playing cards. Players would insert a nickel and pull a lever to spin the drums, hoping to land a winning poker hand – simple, right?
The machine however quickly gained popularity in bars and saloons, where it provided a thrilling pastime for patrons, as you can probably imagine. Unlike today’s slot machines, there was no direct payout mechanism, though. Instead, winning combinations often resulted in prizes like free drinks or cigars, determined by the establishment where the machine was located. Supply and demand, right?
This innovative device set the stage for future developments in the history of slot machines and would only ever be built upon.
Charles August Fey
Charles August Fey, a San Francisco mechanic, is often credited with inventing the first true coin-operated slot machine in the late 19th century, although the actual heritage is a little murky. His groundbreaking creation, the Card Bell, was introduced in 1894. This early machine featured an automatic payout mechanism, a significant advancement from the Sittman and Pitt machine. The Card Bell used playing card symbols, similar to its predecessor, but the real breakthrough came with Fey’s next invention, the Liberty Bell slot machine, in 1895.
The Liberty Bell was the machine that truly revolutionized the gambling industry – for good this time, it seems. The catch? It had three spinning reels and five symbols: horseshoes, diamonds, spades, hearts, and the name-giving Liberty Bell. This simple yet effective design allowed for automatic payouts of up to 50 cents, a considerable sum at the time. How times have changed!
Fey’s machines paid out winnings through a simple but effective mechanism. When a winning combination was hit, the machine would release coins directly into a tray. This immediate gratification was a key factor in the machine’s appeal. Players were drawn to the excitement and the possibility of instant rewards. Fey’s innovation didn’t stop there; he also introduced the use of familiar fruit symbols – cherries, melons, and BAR – which are still used in today’s different types slot machines.
The Money Honey
A little closer to our time in the 21st century – in the 1960s to be precise- the introduction of the Money Honey machine marked a significant evolution in the history of slot machines. This new model featured a lever that players needed to pull to start the game, which became an iconic aspect of slot machine design.
The Money Honey was the first fully electromechanical slot machine, a major advancement that allowed for more complex and reliable operations compared to its purely mechanical predecessors.
One of the standout features of the Money Honey was its bottomless hopper, which could pay out up to 500 coins automatically. This innovation eliminated the need for attendants to manually dispense winnings, making the gaming experience smoother and more exciting for players.
This moniker originated from the combination of the lever (the “one arm”) and the machine’s tendency to take players’ money (the “bandit”). Thus, the name “one-armed bandit was born”.
Video Slot Machines

In the mid-1970s, a significant leap in the history of slot machines was made by Fortune Coin Company, which introduced the first video slot machine. This groundbreaking innovation used a modified Sony TV to display the game, moving away from the traditional mechanical reels. The use of a video screen allowed for more dynamic and visually engaging gameplay, setting a new standard for slot machines.
The first video slot machine made its debut at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas in 1976. Initially, players were skeptical of this new technology, as they were accustomed to the mechanical nature of traditional slots.
However, the vibrant display and novel experience quickly won them over. The video slot’s unique features and potential for more complex games soon captured the interest of both players and casino operators.
Progressive Jackpots
In 1986, the slot machine industry saw another major innovation with the introduction of progressive jackpots. The first of these machines was called Megabucks, developed by International Game Technology (IGT). Progressive slot machines are interconnected, allowing the jackpot to increase with each play on any of the linked machines until someone hits the winning combination. This feature significantly increased the potential payouts, making the games even more enticing to players.
The concept of progressive slots revolutionized the gaming experience. Each time a player placed a bet, a portion of that bet contributed to a growing jackpot.
This jackpot continued to rise until it was won, at which point it would reset to a predetermined base level and start growing again. The allure of potentially life-changing sums of money attracted a large number of players, driving the popularity of progressive slot machines.
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The Growth of Video Slots
In the mid-1990s, WMS Industries significantly advanced the development of video slots with the introduction of the game “Reel ‘Em In.” This game was among the first to incorporate a secondary bonus screen, where players could enjoy interactive bonus rounds separate from the main game. This innovation added a new layer of excitement and engagement, making video slots more appealing to players.
The evolution of video slots continued as technology improved, allowing for more intricate graphics, sounds, and gameplay features. These advancements enabled developers to create more diverse and entertaining games, each with unique themes and interactive elements. The ability to offer varied gaming experiences helped video slots gain a dedicated following and attract a broader audience.
As video slots grew in popularity, they began to dominate the casino landscape. Their engaging gameplay and potential for large payouts made them a favorite among gamblers. Today, slot machines, particularly video slots, are a significant portion of a casino’s revenue, often accounting for more than 70% of the total income. This revenue stream has solidified their importance in the gaming industry.
Online Slots
The advent of online casinos in the 1990s marked a new era in the history of slot machines. Microgaming and Cryptologic were pioneers in this space, forming the first major online casino. Microgaming, founded in 1994, developed the first fully functional gambling software, while Cryptologic focused on secure online financial transactions, ensuring safe and reliable play for users.
The early online slots developed by these companies were relatively simple compared to today’s standards. However, they quickly gained popularity due to their accessibility and convenience. Players could now enjoy their favorite slot games from the comfort of their homes, without needing to visit a physical casino. This shift significantly expanded the reach of slot machines, attracting a global audience.
As technology advanced, so did the sophistication of online slots. Modern and the best online slot games feature a wide array of bonus features, immersive sound effects, and high-quality graphics, making them incredibly engaging. Additionally, more and more online slots are pushing towards promoting and players gambling on crypto slots.
The Rise of Mobile Slots

The release of the first smartphone in the late 2000s revolutionized many aspects of technology and entertainment, including the world of gaming. The portability and convenience of smartphones opened up new opportunities for gaming on the go, leading to the rise of mobile gaming. Slot machines, with their straightforward gameplay and engaging features, were quickly adapted for mobile devices, allowing players to enjoy their favorite games anywhere and anytime.
Casino websites soon began offering downloadable games specifically optimized for mobile devices. These mobile slots retained the high-quality graphics, sound effects, and interactive features of their desktop counterparts while being tailored to the smaller screens and touch interfaces of smartphones.
This adaptation made mobile slots not only accessible but also highly engaging, providing a seamless gaming experience on the go.
Metagames and Megaways
In recent years, casino game developers have increasingly incorporated sophisticated metagame features to enhance player engagement and extend playtime. These metagames offer unique challenges, rewards, and gaming options that go beyond the basic spin-and-win mechanics of traditional slots. By integrating elements such as leaderboards, achievement systems, and interactive bonus rounds, developers create a more immersive and rewarding experience that keeps players coming back for more.
One notable example of this approach is Red Tiger’s Daily Jackpot and Hourly Jackpot features. These progressive jackpots can be introduced on any casino game, offering players the chance to win substantial rewards within set time frames. The Daily Jackpot must be won before a specific time each day, while the Hourly Jackpot provides even more frequent opportunities for winning.
Another major innovation in slot gaming is the Megaways engine, developed by Big Time Gaming. The Megaways engine revolutionizes traditional slot mechanics by changing the number of slots symbols that land on each reel during a spin. This dynamic system creates thousands of different ways to win in each game, vastly increasing the potential combinations and keeping gameplay unpredictable and engaging.
The exciting Future of Slot Machines
As we’ve explored in this article, the history of slot machines is marked by constant innovation and technological advancements, from the early mechanical devices to today’s sophisticated video and online slots. The future promises even more exciting developments. With technology continually evolving, new innovations will make slot machines even more engaging and entertaining for players. The possibilities are endless, and the future of slots is bright and full of potential.
One prediction for the future of slot machines is the possible integration of virtual reality (VR). Imagine playing slots in a fully immersive VR environment, where players can interact with the game in new and exciting ways.
Conclusion
The history of slot machines is a testament to innovation and the enduring appeal of these luck-based games. There just seems to be something incredibly alluring to players from all around the world, chasing luck itself, so to speak.
From the first mechanical devices created by pioneers like Charles August Fey to the sophisticated video and online slots of today, each development has enhanced the gaming experience.
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Learn more on slots:
- How do slot machines work?
- Odds of winning on a slot machine
- Best slot machine tips
- What does BAR mean in slots?
- Slot machine terms
- How to play slot machines?
- Understanding slot machine algorithms
- What are RTP slots?
- Slots hit frequency explained
FAQs
Who invented the first slot machine?
The 1st slot machine was invented in 1895 by a mechanic from San Francisco named Charles Fey, marking the beginning of when slot machines were invented.
How did the first slot machine work?
The first slot machine, known as the Liberty Bell, had three reels with five symbols – horseshoes, diamonds, spades, hearts, and a Liberty Bell. The machine paid out when three matching symbols lined up on the single payline.
When were video slots introduced?
The first video slot was introduced in 1976 by Fortune Coin Co. It used a 19-inch Sony TV as a display and had logic boards to control the game.
How have online slots evolved?
Online slots have evolved to include more advanced graphics, animations, and bonus features. They also offer higher payouts, and some have progressive jackpots that grow as more players play.
Are slot machines rigged?
No, slot machines are not rigged. They use random number generators (RNGs) to determine the outcome of each spin, ensuring that every spin is fair and random.