We know you aren't reading this for a history lesson - but knowledge is power, and understanding a slot machine's genesis might help you decide what works for you in the future.
In 1895, Charles Fey created the first true slot machine, known as the Liberty Bell. This was a three-reel machine with five symbols – horseshoes, diamonds, spades, hearts and a liberty bell – on each reel. The liberty bell symbol eventually became synonymous with slot machines.
It was not until the mid-1970s that a video slot was introduced - with the Nevada State Gambling Commission approving Fortune Coin Company's slot Fortune Coin for wide release around Las Vegas. It was renowned for its large colour screen, taking the central themes of the excitement of slot-spinning and applying it to create a genuine industry-breaking product.
The entire landscape shifted - now, we see more than 150,000 similar machines lined along casino floors across the state.
With the advancement of technology over the years, the make-up of a slot machine has shifted from a lever you pull down to make physical reels spin to pressing a button and watching a digital output take over a screen.
Nowadays, there are Non-Player Characters (NPCs), captivating graphics, various bonus games, reel modifiers, and more to help make it a holistic gambling experience fit for a modern-day gas station pit stop. There are some massive prizes up for grabs, too, with providers keen to sell game quality AND quantity of prize pools.