Slot machines are a staple of casinos around the world. They are considered the first destination for many visitors to gambling establishments and allow you to get into the gambling mood. But for true fans, the fun lies elsewhere: wandering through the slot halls to try as many as possible and find the one with the best prizes. Be that as it may, casino visitors must make at least one spin to leave a casino.
Most online casinos, like Bollywood, also include these activities in their catalogue. However, there are huge differences between the machines introduced in the 19th century and those that exist today. Therefore, it is worth glancing at the history of these popular amusements.
First steps
The first ancestor of slot machines was invented in 1891 by the Brooklyn-based company Sittman and Pitt. At that time, it was called a gambling machine and its characteristics. However, it was a novelty for that time, was not characterized by exceptional complexity and, in addition, did not give out winnings automatically. Since the machine was based on poker symbols, its five reels contained ten playing cards, and activation required a coin. It quickly became trendy in bars and taverns. At the same time, it usually did not give out cash prizes because gambling was illegal in most U.S. states. Instead, the owners offered cigars, free drinks, and other types of merchandise depending on the game’s results.
The next step was the Liberty Bell, patented in 1898 by Charles Fay in San Francisco. Considered the true predecessor of slots, this invention, although retaining the side lever, used images other than cards as symbols. We’re talking about hearts, diamonds, horseshoes, and the bell, after which it was named and served as the highest-paying icon. But the changes didn’t end there. The number of symbols was reduced to five, and the reels were reduced to three. It reduced the number of combinations, and the machine was also endowed with a revolutionary feature: an automatic payout mechanism.
After that, the design changed depending on the preferences of manufacturers. Gradually, classic icons appeared in the design – fruits, sevens, BAR and others. But the primary mechanism in the form of a lever mostly remained because of which the name “one-armed bandit” arose.
Modernization
As we mentioned earlier, slot machines and poker established a close relationship from the very beginning. Therefore, it is not surprising that the next step was a poker game with similar characteristics but using electronics instead of mechanical components. We are talking about video poker. The machine came to life in the mid-70s of the last century and quickly became famous in all casinos in Las Vegas and other parts of the world. It embodied the solution to the poker machine’s main limitation: the inability to pay out rewards automatically. Thus, the calculations necessary to determine the value of a hand were performed by a basic computer system built into the machine.
At first, the video poker machine was not as popular as expected. However, thanks to it, manufacturers realized that electronic components could be used to create a new type of slot with a more diverse design and new and exciting features. This opportunity opened the door to many developments in slot machines and the casino industry as a whole. For example, the foundations were laid for what later became electronic gaming and eventually gave birth to online casinos a few decades later.
Online casinos today
Online video poker has gathered many fans today, mainly because it can be played on various devices – computers, smartphones and tablets. But the most popular game at online casinos has undoubtedly become slots. There are many variants, so many that a player will not be able to play all of them in his entire life. Among the reasons for the popularity of this product, in addition to the variety, we can note an extensive range of betting limits, which vary literally from 1 cent to hundreds and even thousands of dollars per spin.
Game providers also constantly develop new features and gameplay elements that distinguish their games. They offer demos where you can try out the video slot for free before deciding whether to play it for money. So every player can be sure that regardless of their preferences, the chances of finding an online slot that will suit their tastes are incredibly high.
The popularity of online slots in the modern world
Online slots have become one of the most exciting and popular forms of entertainment in the modern gambling world. Thanks to a vast range of games and exciting gameplay, they attract players of all ages. Here are some of the factors that have led to the incredible popularity of online slots:
- Various themes: From adventure and fantasy games to classic fruit slots, players can choose games with multiple themes that match their preferences.
- Convenience and accessibility: Online slots allow you to play from any device with internet access, making them very convenient for players.
- Bonus features: Most slots offer bonuses, free spins, and other benefits that increase the chances of winning.
- Progressive Jackpots: Some slots have progressive jackpots that are constantly growing and can lead to impressive wins.
- Social dimension: Many online slots have social features that allow players to compete with friends and other players.
Thanks to these factors, online slots have become a game of luck, a natural source of entertainment, and a chance to win exciting prizes.