History of Slot Machines
Charles Fey from San Francisco, California created a simpler automatic mechanism. It was in 1895 that Fey created the very first one-armed bandit or slot machine. He created the machine to have 3 spinning wheels that contains the following symbols: Horse shoes; Spades; Diamonds; Hearts; and the Liberty Bell. Before, 3 bells in a row was the biggest payoff at about 10 nickels. Liberty bell became huge back then even when its use was actually banned in California just after a couple of years of its creation. It became so popular that Fey wasn’t able to handle the loads of orders for his famous slot machines.
In 1907, a company name Herbert Mills of Chicago reproduced a slot machine and was named Operator Bell. In 1908, there were a lot of “Bell machines” that were placed in saloons, cigar stores, brothels, bowling alleys and even in barber stores. The Liberty bell (original one), can still be viewed in Reno, Nevada.
Fey’s slot machine is way different than the slot machines that we all know today. It weighs about 100 pounds, since it was made out of cast iron. It also does not have the famous fruit symbols.
A notorious figure that was mainly involved in organized crime, Bugsy Siegel became a big part of slot machines. He built the Flamingo Hilton now called the Las Vegas strip; he made it a point to invest in slot machines just to fill up his casino to keep his customers occupied and enjoying their stay at the same time.
Bob Dylan went electric in the late 60’s, however, before that; Bally ensured that all of the slots in Vegas are turned to electric as well. Bally was the one who corrected previously built errors or vulnerability of slot machines. They are now more secured that ever, even if the program is not perfected yet.
Today, there are lots of slot machine types, not only that, online slot machines are also available now. Back in the 1970’s companies started to involved microchips with number generators to actually find out the spin of the said reels. The lever was then not required as buttons replaced it. By the time it hit 1980’s almost all of the known casinos turned to micro chip powered slot machines.
And now, as we all know it, we all can enjoy this famous casino game online now. Online slot machines are as famous as casino slot machines. You may not actually be in a casino, but you can enjoy this game for hours and hours without having to leave the very comfort of your home.
Truly the slot machine history has evolved from the day it was created up until now. From the Liberty Bell, to the now famous online slot machines, their main goal is to let its player enjoy the game wherever you are in this world.
