Evolution of Classic Slot Machines – Old days vs Modern days

Win

Occurs when a player lands a combination of prize-winning symbols specified in the slot game pay table.

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Spin

Moving the reels game reels during the course of gameplay.

First Symbols

The first slot machine contained 5 symbols – diamonds, hearts, spades, horseshoes and a liberty bell. However, the symbols were changed to fruit when cash-paying slot machines were banned in 1902. As cash prizes were now illegal, the design was changed to fruit symbols and the prizes were chewing gum and sweets in the relative flavours. In 1907, a slot machine called the Operator Bell was produced by Herbert Mills. A year later, the game was found in most bars, bowling alleys, shops and tobacconists. As well as the fruit symbols, the Operator Bell used the BAR symbol, which was based on the logo of the Bell-Fruit company.

Pixies of the Forest

Another of IGT’s more popular slots is Pixies of the Forest, released in 2012. The game includes the company’s patented and appealing tumbling reels feature. This is where symbols in winning combinations disappear, causing the symbols above to drop down and new symbols to appear. Offering the chance for multiple wins, this is one of the game’s main attractions apart from its whimsical charm.

Pixies of the Forest also includes wilds and bonus symbols. You can win free spins with the free spins bonus when three or more bonus symbols fall across the reels. There are five reels and 99 paylines. Also popular is IGT’s Pixies of the Forest 2 sequel. This subsequent version includes sharper graphics, an extra fourth pixie, sticky wild symbols and a high RTP of 98.83% versus the original’s 93.95%.

Transition to Online slots

Over the next 20 years, video slots skyrocketed in popularity and became the new normal in bars, betting shops, and casinos. In the mid-’90s, the first online casino came about, offering classic casino games, such as blackjack and roulette. It wasn’t long before online slots were developed and added to the mix, and as with brick and mortar casinos, they quickly became more popular than the traditional games.

In the beginning, the style of online slots was similar to the land-based counterparts, with the same layout, number of reels and type of symbols. However, as technology developed and computer programming removed restrictions, it wasn’t long before new games hit the market. Many of these had an unusual layout structure and interesting themes, which made them popular amongst players of all sorts. Today, you can enjoy online slots with endless different themes, layouts and symbols, along with innovative bonus rounds and special features.

Over the years, the number of slot developers has increased and there are now hundreds of companies to choose from. Some of the smaller companies provide a minimal selection of slots, while industry giants such as Microgaming have over 500 titles in their collection. Overall, there is believed to be more than 2000 different slot games across all developers.

Today, Jackpot slots are one of the most popular variations online. The first online jackpot game was Cash Splash, by Microgaming, which gave players the chance to win moderately high payouts. Since the release of Cash Splash, jackpot games have hit a new level and many now offer outstanding prizes. At the time of writing, the record for the largest payout from an online slot is held by NetEnt’s Mega Moolah. In 2015, British Veteran John Heywood bagged a whopping £13.2 million from the machine, which still holds the world record today.

So, there you have it – the history of classic slot machines. Now you know what is inside a slot machine, you might want to try them out for yourself. If you do, that’s no problem! Here at NetBet, we have a wide range of online casino games including traditional blackjack, roulette, and of course, slots. With plenty of themes, genres, and jackpots available, you’re guaranteed to find something that suits you.

Tagsclassic evolution first slot history machines slots

According to Legal Slots, the name "slot machine" was the original name intended for all automatic vending machines as well as for the gambling devices found in casinos today; it was not until the 20th century that the term became restricted to the latter. Here in the UK, the term "fruit machine" is vastly used to describe a slot machine.

1800’s

The first slot machine was invented in 1895, by mechanical engineer, Chris Fey in San Francisco. Fey’s slot machine had three spinning reels that featured pictures of playing cards (Diamond, Spade and Heart symbols) plus an image of a cracked Liberty Bell. The jackpot on the machine at the time was modest, as players won a grand jackpot of 50 cents (roughly 39p). The machine was a success and brought forth a change in culture within the gambling industry. If you find yourself in Reno, Nevada, you can see the original Liberty Bell slot machine in the Liberty Belle Saloon and Restaurant.

1900’s

In 1902, slot machines were banned in most American states, but this did not deter Fey. Instead of pictures of playing cards on the machines, pictures of fruits and sweets were used instead. If the slot machine showed three pictures of chewing gum, the player would win an actual packet of gum instead of money. This was a way around the gambling ban and still gave players the chance to experience the thrill of playing slot games. Around 1907, a Chicago manufacturer of arcade machines created a knock-off machine of Fey's invention called Operator Bell. This knock-off included fruit symbols such as lemons, plums and cherries. Overtime, slot machines became known as fruit machines, a name that is still widely used in the UK, today. On 10th November 1944, Fey died at the age of 82, leaving behind four children and an unrivalled legacy.

In 1964, Bally Technologies created the first electronic slot machine featuring flashing lights and sounds, this was called "Money Honey". By 1975 the more modern version of a slot was created by Walt Fraley called "Fortune Coin"; this new slot machine featured virtual reels and a video screen, much like the ones seen in Rainbow Casino today. The popularity of video slot machines grew and by 1994, slot games were made available online allowing people around the world to play from their PC's.

2000’s

Although, online gambling was conceived in the 90’s, it wasn’t until the 2000’s where online gambling became a Goliath in the gambling industry. Although nothing could replace the excitement that comes from being in a casino, busy people were drawn to the idea of playing casino games from the luxury of their home. Despite this change in attitude, offline slot machines are still very popular today. The world’s first slot machine invented by the late Charles Fey, can still be viewed in a restaurant in the state of Nevada, USA today.

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At Rainbow Casino, we have slot machines available for you to try your hand at. If you would like to learn how to play slots confidently, you can do so here. For more information, get in touch with your nearest casino today.

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A gambling buff with a keen interest in how the first slot machines came into existence? Great, you're in the right place to learn everything and anything there is to learn about slots history development, all from the bellowed fathers of slots Sittman and Pitt to the modern-day electromechanical slots.

Getting your facts right regarding the history of slot machines development will add an extra flavour to your daily gambling roller-coaster and be a fantastic conversation starter when you're amongst other gambling enthusiasts.

So, check out the timeline of the history of slots first, then switch to the infographic below, depicting slots' development progress through history -

Oh, and - if you'd like to tune in to our podcast on progressive slots, do so here. We talk to Henrik Fagerlund, Director, Product Innovation at Evolution. Give it a listen!

Classic

A traditional-style slot designed like an old-school slot machine. In keeping with the authentic approach, there are often no bonus features and minimal paylines.

Pokies

A term commonly used in Australia and New Zealand when referring to online slot games. ‘Pokie’ machine is possibly derived from ‘poker’ machine.

IGT Table Games

IGT includes a selection of traditional casino table games among its collection. You can play blackjack, roulette, or poker. IGT casino table games aren’t as easy to track down online as some of the company’s slots, depending on where you’re situated. IGT exited the European online poker market in 2012, because of regulatory confusion and online gaming monopolies.

Megabucks

IGT’s popular land-based slot game which holds the world record – standing at a cool $37 million – for a game featuring a progressive jackpot slot payout.

High Volatility

As you might expect, high-volatility slots are the opposite of low. These online slots often feature much bigger prizes, but you guessed it, they won’t come around that often!

And with bigger prizes on offer, you won’t experience the high number of small wins that come with low variance titles.

High volatility slots may contain several bonus features and progressive jackpots, which give you the opportunity to land a big win.

You might also notice that sessions will vary from one to another with wins being different each time.

So, to summarise, high-volatility slots may see bigger wins, but less frequently.

10. Irish slots

Fancy some Irish luck? Then spin some Irish themed slot machines. Slots revolving around Irish slot themes have always been seen among the favourites when it comes to choosing the best slot themes.

Whatever luck you believe, be it a four-leaf clover or a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, Irish-themed slots are fun, colourful and enchanting.

Among untold numbers of Irish slots, we couldn’t get away without mentioning the all-time favourite Irish classic Rainbow Riches slot by the old-school Barcrest developer.

But if you’re looking for more up to date Leprechaun themed slots, try Rainbow Riches Pick n Mix by WMS. Otherwise, Finn’s Golden Tavern, the sequel to everyone’s beloved Finn and the Swirly Spins, is an excellent choice too.

Low volatility

Low-volatility slots are more likely to pay out smaller amounts on a regular basis. The top prizes tend to be a lot smaller, but the benefit to the player is that they should receive smaller wins, more often.

This type of slot may be more suited to casual players who are looking for a bit of fun. They provide the option to dip in and out of sessions, with less risk of a big swing in outcome from one session to another.

In short, low-volatility slots offer smaller wins on a more frequent basis.

Progressive Jackpot

Progressive jackpots work by connecting a large group of slot machines to pool a very large jackpot, so any single player could be lucky enough to win a large jackpot of money. Internet connectivity has made it easy to network slot machines, and progressive jackpots are extremely popular with players.

Multi-Payline Slots Guide

The first slot machines had just one pay line and lining up three identical symbols produced a win. However, today’s multi-pay line slots allow players to bet on many different pay lines. In multi-pay line environments, a win can often be achieved by lining up game elements in many directions, so it pays to be familiar with the game pay-out rules to understand your betting options.

7. Familiarise yourself with the screen

Next, the screen will fill with the reels, a timer showing how long you have been playing, buttons to ‘spin’ and a further options menu. Familiarise yourself with all of the information on the screen.

Reel ‘Em In by WMS: First Slot With Second Screen Bonus Round 

If you’ll notice, the history of slots is filled with significant twists, turns and upgrades that have led gambling in a very interesting direction. The year important to remember is definitely 1996. This is when the first video slot was released, and it was the first slot to feature a second screen bonus round.

In 1996 the first video slot was released, and it was the first slot to feature a second screen bonus round. 

The slot was named “Reel ‘Em”, and it was a huge success! This video slot was the first to feature a second screen bonus round which showed a completely different screen once displayed. Players could also win additional payouts that could be won during this bonus round.

Released by WMS Industries Inc, this video slot may have set the basis for the rapid flourishment of slots in general, making them the most popular entertainment across casinos. In fact, they got so popular that they took up 70% of the available floor space at casinos and grew responsible for around 70% of a casino’s income!

Money Honey Slot Machine by Bally: First Electromechanical Slot 

Year 1964 and the birth of the Money Honey slot changed everything.

A jump from purely mechanical to electromechanical slots was a ground-breaking innovation everyone welcomed with an open embrace but slight scepticism as well. After all, going from machines that gave the impression of a controllable outcome due to their manual approach to an entirely electromechanical construction that was doing everything on its own sure was a novelty.

However, the new slot machine was still started by pulling the lever which instilled a sense of familiarity into the players. After all, the lever is why people loved the old-type slots as much as they did, and the sole reason why the slang expression “one-armed bandits”, aka bandit machines came into existence.

Money Honey slot released by Bally was not only the first slot with all of its reels operated electrically but also the first slot machine with a bottomless hopper. A bottomless hopper enabled an automatic payout of up to 500 coins which was, in every way, spectacular for the time.

A bottomless hopper enabled an automatic payout of up to 500 coins which was, in every way, spectacular for the time.

Thanks to this game, electromechanical slots became hugely popular! Ultimately, the lever got removed from all new slots altogether.

Games and Technology

Despite being a gaming behemoth, IGT does not knock out hundreds and hundreds of games for the sake of quantity. They have an online catalogue of around 180 games. Most of these are themed slots, though IGT does offer a selection of video table games.

IGT also provides platforms for online casinos through its PlayDigital division. In partnership with Penn National Gaming, it is due to the power of the HollywoodCasino.com website in 2019. As well as a diverse range of slots, the company offers digital casino, poker and bingo to online providers through its PlayAnywhere platform.

Among IGT Games’ innovative features is the MultiWay Xtra system, which increases the number of ways to win, and allows winning lines from left to right and right to left, without the symbols even needing to be on adjacent reels. IGT offers several progressive jackpot versions of its games, including MegaJackpots Siberian Storm, MegaJackpots Cleopatra and MegaJackpots Isle O’Plenty.

The known return to player (RTP) scores on IGT titles varies between 91.01% (Golden Goddess Mega Jackpots) and 99.7% (Match Times Pay Jacks or Better). Traditional casino games give a slightly higher RTP than standard themed slots.

Who invented the slot machine?

While Sittman and Pitt developed the first slot machine style game, Charles Augustus Fey is believed to have invented the first actual slot machine. There is no clear evidence regarding the date of the invention, but it is thought to have happened between 1887 and 1895. While the concept of classic slot machines was already out there, Fey was the first to create a machine with automatic payouts.

All Ways

A kind of online slot where there are literally hundreds of paylines available. While some will run left-to-right, others will run right-to-left.

Jackpot slots

Jackpot slots are some of the top slots around and are extremely popular amongst slots players. There are several different types of jackpot slots with the two most common being:

• Fixed jackpots
• Progressive jackpots

Fixed jackpots tend to offer top prizes of around 5,000x your stake and can be triggered in a number of ways, depending on the slot.

Most popular themed slots 2022

Pick out any theme and you’ll find an online slot machine based around it. From ancient Egypt, space aliens, fairy tales and spooky Halloween themes to Viking slots, there’s something for every player.

Most likely there isn’t a slot theme that hasn’t yet been covered. But do we really need another ‘Book of’ game slot or one more sequel to a blood-sucking vampire slot? There is no right or wrong answer to this question. As long as players enjoy these themes and are willing to play the game, it will be coming around again and again.

Here are our top 10 slot themes you should check out in 2022.