by Lisa McKay

Slots machines date back to 1895 and this is when it is thought that a mechanic named Charles Fey first invented them. The Mills Liberty Bell was a three reels machine that contained 5 symbols that included horseshoes, diamonds, spades, hearts and a Liberty Bell that helped influence the name of the slot. The bell paid out the most and three in a row would win gamblers 10 nickels. This new invention captured the imagination of the public and it also drew interest from fellow inventors such as New Yorkers Sittman and Pitt who made an even more sophisticated slot machine in 1891. This consisted of 5 drums and a total of 50 card faces. It is believed to be the earliest slot design to be closest to the games we still use today. The popularity of these machines meant that the interest in developing slot games continued and advancements were made with every technological breakthrough. Gamblers today enjoy the these games whenever they want at Slots Racer.

Major Advances In Technology

In 1963 the first electrical slot appeared on the scene and this was the beginning of the end for traditional mechanical slots. In 1976 the first video slot was invented, this was the first time a slot machine had totally moved away from its mechanical predecessors. This machine used a modified 19-inch Sony TV screen for the display. Customers of the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel were some of the first to try it. This slot needed some modifications to prevent cheating and was then rolled out to the masses once it got approval by the Nevada State Gaming Commission.

The next major changes in the slots industry were witnessed in 1996. However, the changes that occurred here did not only change slots, they affected the entire gambling industry. The 1990’s saw the start of the digital revolution and the invention of the internet. This became available to the public and more and more homes accessed it on their computers.

In 1996 the first online casino went live and offered the public traditional table games. However, things were developing elsewhere in the gambling world and in the same year WMS Industries Inc released the first online video slot called Reel Em. This was the first ever slot to feature a second screen bonus and it paved the way for a myriad of video slots and was the making of the slots industry.

The Next Decade

What is clear to see from the history of the slot machine is that changes and advances were gradual until the digital revolution of 1996. Since this has occurred, technological breakthroughs have become more frequent and now literally anything is possible in the next 10 years. With more powerful computers and sophisticated computer software, slots will inevitably advance further. Graphics will continue to improve and virtual reality slots will become more common. One thing that isn’t clear is what will be the next trend once Megaways slots become the norm. One thing that is clear however is that slots are here to stay.