Since its introduction on the Las Vegas Strip in the latter half of the twentieth century, slot machines have seen significant changes and improvements. The rise of the internet has led them to the digital age and become an increasingly popular form of online gambling. Slot machines from online casino UK are the face of a multibillion-dollar business and offer gamers the potential to win hundreds of millions of dollars.
Despite their long history, slot machines are still popular today because they allow players to expand their horizons and achieve the kind of lifestyle they've only ever dreamed of. When you look at the history of slot machines, you can see how they have changed into the 21st century.
Ancient Slots
The modern-day slot machine may be traced back to the Egyptian inventor Hero of Alexandria. His invention of the first vending machine inspired the slot machine we see in casinos across the globe today. It was a far cry from today's vending machines; Hero's vending machine was built to deliver holy water to pilgrims on the move.
Instead of food on the go, the machine dispensed holy water from a temple. A penny dropped into the tray and opened a catch, letting the water pour out. This was the first step in developing vending machines, followed by slot machines for gambling.
Modern machines still depend on Hero's invention, although their functions and appearance have evolved significantly since the 19th century when the lever was first introduced.
Sittman and Pitt, a New York-based firm, created the first slot machine in 1891. An old-fashioned lever mechanism allowed the player to enter and pull their nickel to play; however, the lever was engineered to release when the nickel was dropped, making it more convenient for players.
A direct payout mechanism was absent from the early versions of slot machines invented by Sittman and Pitt. Instead, winners received their prizes at the bar.
Modern-day Slot Machine Evolution
According to legend, Charles Augustus Fey is credited with inventing the first automated payout slot machine between 1887 and 1895. Also, Fey was the first engineer to employ the now-famous five symbols — hearts, spades, horseshoes, diamonds, and the Liberty Bell. By eliminating one of these machines' five drums and substituting three instead, a machine with a significantly simpler design was capable of maintaining an automated payout mechanism.
Fey's innovative design revolutionised the slot machine business, but he didn't patent it. Other manufacturers, who relied on the Sittman and Pitt blueprint, converted to the Fey design, and these machines exploded in popularity. Since they were allowed to be sold even though cash prizes were prohibited, fruit machines allowed the Liberty Bell machine to be manufactured.
Later in the century, around 1976, Las Vegas-based Fortune Coin introduced video displays to slot machine screens, a key player in adopting these machines throughout Las Vegas. After the Nevada State Gaming Commission approved the video slot machines, they were popular and began to be seen across the Las Vegas Strip.
IGT's purchase of Fortune Coin established the video slot machine's status as a casino powerhouse. WMS Industries Inc created the ‘Bonus Round', a second screen that followed the main jackpot and allowed for extra rewards, in 1996.
Digital Age Slot Machines
The growth of internet technology and the digital era has altered many industries, including casinos. Online casinos started with only a few traditional games like roulette and blackjack, but today they offer a wide range of games, including slot machines. From Microgaming's first online jackpot, Cash Splash, to today's massive jackpots, the digital revolution has given online gamers new opportunities.
The technical evolution of slot machines has led to new internet technologies that enable players to play from anywhere, at any time.
Will internet casinos replace the Las Vegas Strip with easy-to-play slot machines?
Will mobile devices replace lever-operated machines?
Mobile devices might one day completely replace lever-activated machinery. There's no denying that slot machines, in all their versions, are here to stay. While players may win life-changing amounts and online casinos can provide ever-growing advantages and incentives, slot machines will always have a place alongside traditional casino games.
