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The History of Slot Machines

Slot machines provide simplicity and excitement rolled into one mechanism. Based on a straightforward notion, the slot machine offers the player an exhilarating game, packed with anticipation.

Traditional slot machines consist of a machine with three spinning reels, a slot to insert coins and a lever at the side to pull down to operate the mechanism. Due to its appearance, the slot machine also gained the informal name "one armed bandit".

The first 'slot machine' was invented by Charles Fey in 1895. Fey linked up with the Mills Novelty Company in 1905, and then the Mills "Liberty Bell" was created - a machine with three spinning reels. The machine was very heavy, as it was made from cast iron. Such slot machines became increasingly popular, and the creation and manufacture of varied machines also grew accordingly. At that time, symbols featured on the slot machines were horseshoes, diamonds, spades, hearts and bells. The early first mechanical slot machines hosted sweets or cigarettes as prizes for winning. They were located primarily in bars and cigar shops. Simple and successful, the slot machine offered the player excitement and a chance to win the jackpot, with nothing more than the pull of a handle.

Although laws against gambling in the United States date back to the 1600's, in the early 1900's another anti-gambling movement arose. This was a difficult period in the history of slot machines, and the manufacturers of the machines suffered hard times. Use of the machines was banned in San Francisco, then in the State of Nevada, and then throughout the rest of California. In the 1930's the anti-gambling theme became a popular political message in New York, as many slot machines were thrown to perish at sea.

In the 1960's advanced electronics transformed the slot machines. Up until this time, slot machines had been completely mechanical, and it was quite simple for players to cheat. The electronic revolution of the slot machines changed two major aspects of the games. It was easier for the owners to control, and it became more difficult for the players to cheat. The proprietors were also able to offer large prizes via the electronic machines.
Electronic video slot machines were launched at casinos in the 1970's. In the beginning, these machines were not very popular, seemingly due to the lack of spinning reels on the video slot machine screen. However, with the introduction of video poker in the 1980's, video slot machines became increasingly well-liked and prevalent.
Slot machines constitute a vital part of the casino. It is perhaps hard to comprehend that these simple games - sometimes referred to as "penny machines" - often comprise the largest part of the casino's gaming floor and revenue. Many believe that a casino would not be complete without the presence of a slot machine, and online versions of the traditional slot machines have been developed accordingly. Due to technological progress over the years, and the more recent introduction and popularity of the Internet, online casinos were launched in the 1990's. Online gambling, with new attractions and the special appeal of convenience, has become widespread and very popular.

Obviously, certain modifications were necessary to the game, but slot machines have retained their basic format during the transition to the internet, and many variations exist which are suitable for online play. Microgaming's "Cash Splash" became the first online progressive slot machine game. Nowadays, at the best online casinos, one may find 3-reel slots, 5-reel slots, bonus slots, feature slots, progressive slots and even Megaspin slots. These are certainly different than Charles Fey's original slot creation, but they do manage to retain the magic of the slot machine in their own unique manner - and probably will do so long into the future.