It may be hard to believe but slot machines have now been part of our lives for more than 100 years. From clunky mechanical machines to the dazzling interactive games we enjoy today, slots have been on an exciting journey.
As you read on, we’re going to be exploring this journey in more detail. We’ll be looking at how slots started out, and the key moments over the decades. We’ll also be rounding up some of the biggest and best titles that can be played today.
Where it all began
To look at where slots first began, you need to go back to the late 1800s. In fact, it was 1895 when Charles Fey introduced the world to his new game, the Liberty Bell. This first slot was extremely simple. It came with three spinning reels and carried 5 symbols. These were hearts, diamonds, horseshoes, and the Liberty Bell. Lining up a winning combination would lead to a win.
These early slots were 100% mechanical. They had springs and gears that made the reels spin, and you’d hear the coins clink whenever there was a win. While the design was extremely straightforward, it proved to be highly entertaining. In a short space of time, these new games were appearing in bars and saloons everywhere.
The Move to Electricity Powered Slots
It wasn’t until the 1960s when slots were electrified. The company Bally Manufacturing launched the slot, Money Honey, in 1963. This was the first slot machine that was completely electromechanical.
The move towards electric slots allowed them to develop further. They now had lights and sounds that accompanied the gameplay. It was these early changes that was the start of the slots that we know and love today.
How Video Slots Changed it all
It was during the 1970s and 1980s that we were introduced to video slots. It’s fair to say that these took the playing experience to the next level. Suddenly, physical reels were gone and replaced with a video screen. This allowed developers to hone their creativity and produce a whole new generation of games.
It was 1976 that saw the release of the first successful video slot. This came from Fortune Coin Co. and simply used a modified TV screen. It was at this point that slots could now include the features that we’re fans of now. There were bonus rounds, extra paylines, and numerous themes.
This was the real beginning of slot themes. Creators looked to make slots that focused on movies and TV shows as well as mythical worlds. These themes really drove the popularity of slots as players enjoyed the new level of variety.
Slots Go Online
The next game changer was the launch of the internet. In the 1990s, there was the opportunity for all aspects of our lives to go online, and slots quickly followed. The establishment of online casinos meant that players could now enjoy slots from the comfort of their own homes.
The move online meant that developers could recreate the charm of previous slots, but they were also able to take advantage of advancements in technology. This saw the introduction of progressive jackpots, the Megaways mechanic, and free spins. With physical limitations gone, developers could get even more creative and explore an endless number of themes.
A Closer Look at Modern Slots
When you look at today’s slots, they’re a million miles away from the Liberty Bell experience. We now have stunning graphics, immersive sounds, and amazing storytelling. They have gone beyond the simple spinning of reels, and they now provide an entire entertainment experience. Technology like HTML5 means that these games can now be played on pretty much any device making them more accessible than ever before.
It’s random number generators (RNGs) that are behind modern slots. These ensure that every spin is fair and every outcome is random. This allows players to enjoy slots with confidence.
Must Play Titles
There are thousands and thousands of slots to explore right now. Here’s a look at just a handful that we feel you should try:
- Starburst: There’s a good chance that you’ve heard of Starburst if you’ve ever played slots. Coming from the developer NetEnt, the game is full of vibrant colours and shiny jewels. The space theme is attractive, and excitement is added with expanding wilds and re-spins.
- Book of Ra: This slot takes you into the world of ancient Egypt. This is now classed as a legendary title and it’s the developer Novomatic that we have to thank. It’s free spins and expanding symbols that keep players coming back for more.
- Fortune Tiger: Perhaps one of the most exciting games of all time, the Fortune Tiger slot is a newer game that is already proving exceptionally popular. With stunning visuals and amazing animations, there are also features such as respins and multipliers to enjoy.
- Gonzo’s Quest: This slot from NetEnt is all about adventure. It is best known for the introduction of the Avalanche feature where symbols continue to drop into place.
Final Thoughts
It’s amazing to see just how far slots have come. From modest and simple devices to the high-tech titles we enjoy today, it’s really something to think about where this all began. Who knows what Charles Fey would’ve made of what his concept has been transformed into, but one thing’s for sure: slots are now ingrained in our culture, and we can be sure of more developments to come.