25 Jun 2025
Slot machines have gone through a remarkable transformation since their inception over a hundred years ago. These have evolved from mechanical devices to sophisticated modern casino games accessible on mobile devices.
Let’s travel through time and learn the captivating history of slot machines:
1891: The Earliest Slot Games
Some of the earliest slot games may be traced back to around 1891, when Sittman and Pitt introduced a machine that came with five drums and 50 playing cards. A nickel would be inserted into the machine and a lever pulled.
The goal of the player would be to align poker hands on the reels, but two cards were removed from the list of cards to tilt the odds in favour of the house. Machines like these lacked an automatic payout mechanism, so prizes were in the form of free drinks or cigars, which would be claimed at the bar.
1894 to 1899: The Liberty Bell
Charles August Fey revolutionised the slot industry by creating the first modern slot machine. This invention, known as the Card Bell, became the innovation that led to the iconic Liberty Bell in 1899. Slot machines were then propelled into mainstream entertainment.
Variations were then made to these machines to dispense fruity chewing gum as prizes, which led to the fruit symbols and fruit slots that we know today.
1902 to 1908: The Operator Bell
Inspired by the Liberty Bell, Herbert Mills released the Operator Bell. These machines have become commonplace in various establishments, such as shops and salons.
1964: The Electromechanical Era
The Bally Manufacturing Co. introduced the first fully electromechanical slot machine, Money Honey, in 1964. These came with electrically operated reels and a bottomless hopper, which could dispense up to 500 coins.
This machine paved the way for the transition from mechanical levers to push-button controls.
1976 to 1978: The Arrival of Video Slots
This milestone came about in 1976, when Fortune Coin developed the first video slot machine. It was made out of a modified Sony TV and debuted as the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel.
After its approval from the Nevada State Gaming Corporation, video slots began to boom across Las Vegas, bringing along a new era of slot gaming.
1986: Progressive Jackpots
The introduction of progressive jackpots marked a turning point in slot machine history. International Game Technology (IGT) developed Megabucks, known as the first progressive slot machine.
The jackpot of this game increased with each play, until a lucky player would win the prize.
1996: Bonus Rounds and Beyond
WMS eventually released “Reel Em’ In,” in 1996. This slot machine introduced a secondary bonus round which would be played on a separate screen.
The feature added a new layer of excitement and interactivity, contributing to the continued growth and evolution of slot machines as we know them today.
The Online Casino Era
When online casinos started to gain traction, a new age in the history of slot machines started to emerge. Though, at the time, various authorities were concerned that it would encourage illegal activities, such as money laundering, the boom of online casinos helped bring various slot games to players all over the world.
2005: Mobile Slot Games
Pub Fruity, released in 2005, was the first Java casino game. It featured a vibrant display that emulated classic pub fruit slots. However, no real cash was won from this game, only virtual rewards.
This release paved the way for more downloadable casino games, which were allowed as long as you downloaded these straight from trusted casinos. Nowadays, more and more slots and casino games may be freely downloaded from app stores.
Slot Games Today
The transition to online platforms and accessibility on mobile devices has made slot games more convenient to play than ever, allowing players to enjoy them anytime, anywhere.
From their mechanical beginnings to the digital innovations of today, slots have continued to adapt to advancements and player preferences. Give the reels of modern slot games a spin here at Genting Casino to experience this gambling industry staple!
