History of slot machines

What is the history of slot machines and what did the first slot machine look like? And where did it actually originate? The first slot machine was created as early as 135 years ago. It saw the light of day in New York and was manufactured in 1887 by the New York company Sittman & Pitt. However, there is no comparison with today’s slot machine.

Back then, it was a simple, purely mechanical device full of cogs, springs, and screws. However, the coin slot, lever and rollers were not missing from the slot machine from the very beginning. Compared to today, we would therefore find only a few differences. There were five rollers and ten different poker card values.

Another peculiarity was that the winnings were not paid out by the machine, but by the staff of the establishment, and last but not least, it was not only played for money, but for money or a free drink. The then simple principle of the vending machine charmed New York bar-goers and orders for the machine just poured in.

Liberty Bell – the first real slot machine

A few years later, in 1891, an improved slot machine was introduced, which at first glance was no different from the previous one. The machine was called Liberty Bell and it had only 5 different symbols spinning on three columns: horseshoes, bells, diamonds, spades and hearts. When the player hit three of the same symbols next to each other, coins started falling from the slot machine all by themselves.

Liberty Bell was, in short, a novelty, and slot machines still operate on the same principle today. Do you know why the iconic cherries, grapes, and lemons appeared on the reels for several more years? Their origins are rooted in turn-of-the-century United States legislation. At the time, slot machines were not allowed to be coin-operated or money-operated at all, so manufacturers skirted the law and offered packs of gum of various flavours as prizes to players.

Game Machine Technology

Although more than 100 years have passed since the first slot machine, the principle of slot machines remains the same. Only the technology has evolved, but the beauty of both ancient and new slot machines is how easy they are to play. There are no complicated rules to learn, you simply press a lever or button and the win either lands or it doesn’t.

What does change in slots, however, is the look and interior design of the machines. As early as the 1960s, mechanical parts began to be replaced by much more reliable and cheaper electronics, and in the 1970s even the first slot machines with displays instead of actual reels appeared in Las Vegas. This technical innovation paved the way for today’s computer-based video game terminals.

Internet and Online Games

The last gaming revolution was brought about by the internet. Today, there is no need to go to gambling halls and casinos, anyone who wants to play can simply try their luck from the comfort of their home. All you have to do is find a gaming site, choose the slot machine you like best and try your luck behind the keyboard.

There are many types of online slots to choose from, with different numbers of reels, game variations, designs and jackpot amounts. Online games and games allowed from 18 years of age can be tried first for free and for real. Online games usually do not need to be downloaded or installed, they are played directly in the browser and can adapt to the smaller screen of mobile phones.