History of Slots

Today, many players feel that a casino would not be complete without the presence of a slot machine, or as they are also known fruit machines and one arm bandits. For years, slot machines have formed a major part of the casino. Slot pursuits may be enjoyed nowadays at different land based locations around the world and also at many online gaming sites. Slot machine games form a popular and amusing form of entertainment and the history of slots is a rich and colorful one.

Early History of Slots

It is widely believed that the history of slots began in San Francisco over a century ago in 1895. The creator of this first slot, Charles Fey, then teamed up with the Mills Novelty Company to develop the concept of the slot machine. The first slot machines held playing cards and not the fruit symbols that one has come to associate with slot machines today.

The early machines had five reels and ten cards on each reel, leaving out two cards – the 10 of Spades and the Jack of Hearts. It is funny to note that the early slot machines paid out things like cigars, cigarettes and free drinks – a far cry from the millions one can win with progressive slots these days. Over the next few decades, various other slot machines were created and they evolved to the type we are more familiar with today.

Difficult Times in History of Slots

The beginning of the 20th century brought about a real challenge in the history of slots. Due to anti-gambling opinion in the U.S. at this time, slots were banned in various parts of the country. Photographs were even taken putting machines out into the sea. However, somehow the resilient slots survived, seemingly determined to create further chapters in the history of slots.

Development of Slot Machines

The early very heavy slot machines were replaced by lighter wooden slots. The slot then underwent an electronic makeover in the 1960s and the 1970s saw the appearance of exciting video slot machines that were also electronic machines, changing the odds in slots.

Online Gaming in the History of Slots

Following the innovation of the Internet, the first of the best online casinos were introduced in the mid 1990s. As a casino does not seem to be complete without a slot game, it was a natural evolution for the slot as it was transformed into a viable online pursuit. Today, online slot amusements are available in different types and themes and with various sophisticated features as they take their rightful place in the history of slots.

Ranging from the Liberty Bell to a range of colorful online slot pursuits, the history of slots over the years has experienced varied and often exciting times. Today's online slots with all of their variations and features may appear a long way from the original heavy slot machine, but they are based on the same original theory.

Looking from the history of slots towards the future, it certainly appears that the popular slots will be around for a long time.