Slot games have come a long way since their first invention. These games have evolved from simple mechanical machines to sophisticated online games played by millions.
Their journey from traditional casinos to online platforms has been fuelled by technological advancements and the ever-changing casino landscape.
If you want to truly understand how we went from mechanical machines to online slot games like 77 Strike for example, then read on.
The origins of slot machines
Whilst some debate the true origin of slot machines, most agree that their journey began in the late 19th century. In 1895, a San Francisco-based mechanic named Charles Fey invented the first fully automated slot machine, which was known as the Liberty Bell.
Fey’s machine consisted of three spinning reels and five symbols – spades, hearts, diamonds, horseshoes, and the iconic Liberty Bell. The Liberty Bell was revolutionary in the gaming landscape, and Fey’s creation became an instant hit that helped pave the way for the future of slot gaming.
The evolution of slot machines
Over the next few decades, slot machines gained immense popularity, especially in casinos across the United States.
Another significant innovation occurred in the 1960s with the introduction of electromechanical Slots, such as the Money Honey machine from the manufacturing company Bally – regarded as the first of its kind. These machines replaced the mechanical gears with electronic components, which meant that the reels no longer needed to be spun by pulling a lever, but by simply pushing a button.
In the 1970s, the first video slot machines were invented by Fortune Coin Company in Las Vegas. These machines used a modified television screen for the display, and although initially met with scepticism, they gradually became a popular option in casinos by the 1980s.
The rise of online slot games
The internet revolution of the 1990s transformed many things, including the casino industry. The first online casino was launched in 1996, and with it came the introduction of online slot games.
These were simply digital versions of the land-based machines, but as technology developed, they quickly grew in complexity and variety. Online Slots offered several advantages, such as the fact that players could now enjoy a vast selection of games with different themes and features from anywhere they had a reliable internet connection.
Moreover, Random Number Generators (RNGs) ensured fairness with each spin of the online reels, replicating the unpredictability of physical slot machines. This technology ensures each spin of the online reels is completely independent of any previous outcomes, and remains entirely random.
Modern slot games
Today, slot games are one of the most popular options in online casinos, with thousands of variations available on different casino platforms.
The history of slot games is a testament to the evolution of both technology and the games themselves. From the first mechanical Liberty Bell to the wide variety of games on online casinos, slot games have come a long way. And with technology only looking to advance, this evolution will likely continue.