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Whether you prefer a mechanical three-reel classic or an ultra-modern online slot, you're into slots all the same. Numbers prove that slots generate up to 65% of any casino’s revenue.
Have you ever wondered where this exciting and entertaining form of gambling originated? Read on to find out!
Since the late 1800s, various types of mechanical machines have spread throughout America. Small stands in the corners of drugstores, shops, and bars provided casual gameplay for the general public. These machines included arcade games, pinball machines, and everyone's favorite, slot machines.
While playing arcade games and pinball requires some skill, slots offer ultimate fun for those who need to relieve stress. You don't have to think; just pull the lever and get rewarded. This was perfect for those at a drugstore looking to kill some time or those chilling at a bar with friends on a Friday night.
The gambling industry thrives on innovation and change. The evolution of the slot machine is living proof of this. There have been many twists and turns in the history of slot machines. They evolved from bulky, hand-operated machines in the corners of bars to today's beloved, mobile-friendly, one-click games.
Chapter 1: The Olden Days and the Birth of Mechanical Slot MachinesEEverything started in 1891 in New York City with Sittman and Pitt's mechanical machine. Gambling historians categorize this invention among the slots, although it was a poker machine with modified card settings for a higher house edge.
In the late 1880s, Charles Fey came up with a simpler and more approachable idea: The Liberty Bell, the first three-reel slot machine. Failing to patent the machine led to numerous copycats and their unforeseen popularity in the US.
In 1902, direct cash payments were banned, paving the way for other, less "harmful" rewards like flavored candy and mint. To make it more theme-appropriate, manufacturers changed the symbols to fruits to indicate the gum flavor.
The first wildly popular fruit slot, Operator Bell by Herbert Mills, was born.
Mechanical slots dominated the market for almost 60 years. In 1964, the first electromechanical slots with automatic payouts entered the market. Bally created Money Honey, the first slot that used electricity to turn the reels.
People were skeptical at first, so the manufacturer chose to keep the lever initially. Once people got used to it, producers abandoned the lever. These machines could payout up to 500 coins per game.
Fast forward 10 years, and the population was craving rapid change. This was the era when TV gained popularity. It wasn't too strange to replace the slot reels with a TV screen. However, video slots were considered a bold invention at the time. A 19-inch Sony TV set was used in the first-ever video slot, the Fortune Coin.
When the Nevada State Gaming Commission approved the Fortune Coin for use in the state, it became even more popular with Las Vegas Strip visitors.
In 1996, video slots got an upgrade. WMS released the first video slot with a second screen bonus round. These slots peaked in popularity, eventually paving the way for today's slots.
1996 was a turning point in gambling history. As physical game machine manufacturing reached its historic heights, the internet took the world by storm. The gambling industry was quick to adopt new technological challenges.
New companies emerged, and old physical slot manufacturers hired programming teams to recreate their original games in the new environment. Newer entries started pushing the limits of what a computer slot could be.
A new era of slot variety began. We now have a staggering number of game variations, differing in the number of reels, themes, payouts, bonuses, RTP, and many other aspects. History shows that slots adapt to the latest, most cutting-edge hardware available when their variety reaches a peak. Today, online gambling in Canada offers players access to this vast selection of games, allowing them to experience the evolution of slots from the comfort of their homes.
Today, slots have already conquered mobile devices. So, what can we expect next?
With some decent estimates, the next technology to embrace slots could be VR. While hundreds of small game developers appear and disappear from the landscape, slot manufacturing veterans like IGT and Games Global (Microgaming) continue writing the next chapter of slot history. Check out our best online casino reviews to find the latest updates in gambling industry and start your slot adventure!
