Slot Machines: The Great History of Entertainment

Slot machines are, without any doubt, one of the most popular gambling games, both in traditional and online casinos. The history of their invention and development is fascinating and worth having a look, especially for those who are really passionate about this exciting and engaging way to try their luck.

It's a story that goes hand-in-hand with love for gaming of the people that have invented them, and the goal was to entertain millions of gamblers around the world. From the first mechanical models to the latest virtual online live slots, these machines have undergone constant changes and improvements during the years.

The First Slots

Sittman and Pitt, back in 1981, released a machine that had a mechanism based on rolling drums and poker cards. Players would introduce a coin and pull the lever to spin. If the cards showed a winning point, then they'd receive a prize at the bar, for example, a free drink or cigarettes. 

August Fey, considered the father of the slots, invented a model that used three reels, replacing the cards with symbols. The most famous was the Liberty Bell; the major prize was won when three "bell" symbols were aligned. Fey never filed a patent for his invention, that was copied by many in the following years.

Electromechanical Slot Machines

With the advent of the electromechanical slots, there was a real revolution, as the open bottom allowed a coin payout. These machines were still operated by a lever, which was loved by gamblers, but were totally electronically controlled. These models started to hit the scene back in 1964, welcomed with great public success.

Several years later, in 1976, the first video slots were invented by a Las Vegas company called Fortune Coin, for the joy and amusement of casino lovers. The birth of the modern video slots is dated 1996, with the famous Reel 'Em, a machine that basically has all the features of contemporary slots.

Online Slot Machines: A Steady Success in Online Gaming

Undoubtedly with the advent of the internet and online casino, slots became very popular and soon dominated the gambling platforms, exceeding the success of other traditional online games, like poker and blackjack. Slots are easy to play guarantee great fun for every player, even who's just starting up. 

The latest technologies have improved video slots even more with virtual and augmented reality, online live games, and tons of different options and slots themes to choose from. Gaming companies continuously develop new and always more immersive games. Slots are now available not only on the computer but also through engaging mobile platforms.