18 Jun 2025
The humble slot machine has come a long way from its conception in the 19th century. From a simple mechanical game into a digital phenomenon, how did we get from the clunky machines of old to the high-tech online slots found in modern casinos today?
Find out as we go through the following points of this article:
- The Slot Machine: Origins
- The Rise of Fruit Machines
- Electromechanical Slots and Las Vegas
- The Birth of Video Slots
- The Online Slot Revolution and Mobile Gaming
The Slot Machine: Origins
In the late 1800’s, coin-operated gambling devices first appeared in San Francisco. Among these was Charles Fey’s ingenious three-reel gambling device, dubbed the “Liberty Bell.” This was in honour of the United States’ famous symbol of freedom. Eventually, the term “bell slot machines,” evolved from this name.
Upon placing the Liberty Bell in a San Francisco saloon to test its worth, its instant popularity sent him back to constructing even more machines of its kind. This eventually expanded into a lucrative business with its own workshop and the establishment of Charles Fey & Co.
The Rise of Fruit Machines
As the popularity and demand of slot machines continued to boom in the early 1900’s, various ways to circumvent the anti-gambling laws of the US were devised. Perhaps one of the most successful of these tactics was a simple transformation to the image of slot machines: from gambling device to vending machine.
Mill Novelty accomplished this in 1910 when a mechanism was added that gave players the option of getting a piece of gum from the machine. The gum was low quality and not typically taken, because the player’s focus was on getting the money that the slot may pay out.
To emphasize the idea that this was a vending machine, not a gambling device, fruit symbols were substituted into Fey’s original poker symbols. This suggested that fruit gum was dispensed, and is where we got the classic fruit symbols most slots use today.
Electromechanical Slots and Las Vegas
For decades, slot machines relied largely on the mechanical mechanisms of the first design. Then, in the 1960’s, Bally Technologies introduced the first electromechanical slot machine called Money Honey, which marked a new milestone in slot machine history.
This game was made to handle larger payouts and no longer required a physical lever to start playing, which was an interesting change from older models. The release of this machine also coincided with the boom of Las Vegas, which eventually became the global gambling capital.
Casinos were quick to realise that slot machines could generate massive profits and increased their presence on casino floors. Flashing lights, loud sounds, and exciting themes would then be used to attract players.
The Birth of Video Slots
The 1970s saw another major leap in the history of slot machines: the birth of the first video slot. This was created by a company called Fortune Coin, which was made out of a modified Sony TV. The game used a screen instead of physical reels, paving the way for more complex game mechanics, bonus rounds, themed slots and more.
By the 1990’s, video slots became the dominant form of slot machines in trusted casinos worldwide. These allowed multiple paylines, advanced animations, and even progressive jackpots for some.
The Online Slot Revolution and Mobile Gaming
Along with the rise of the internet in the 1990’s, casino operators saw an opportunity for online slot games, though it was met with great opposition from regulators and authorities. This, however, did not stop developers such as Cryptologic and Games Global (then Microgaming) to release their own online casino games, such as Cash Splash (Microgaming).
The first online slot games offered convenience and great variety, among other things, that paved the way for the next big thing: mobile slots in the 2000’s. With the explosion of smartphones, players can now spin the reels anytime, anywhere. Slots today are not optimised for touch screens and other intuitive controls.
Final Thoughts: From Mechanical to Digital Reels
The journey of slot machines shows how gambling technology constantly evolves to stay ahead of the times. Whether you’re pulling the lever of a classic slot game, or pressing the Spin button on an online one, the excitement remains the same.
Slots have survived and thrived by embracing new technology. With more advancements looming, who knows what the future holds for slot machines?
One thing is certain, as long as people enjoy the excitement of spinning the reels, slot machines will continue to evolve and entertain for generations to come. All the while, Genting Casino will accompany you on this continuing journey.
