Key Moments in Slot History from the Beginning to Nowadays. WinSlotsStrategy.com

Nowadays we are surrounded by slot machines. They are also called fruit machines and poker machines. New slot games are attractive, bright, and blinking, but the first slot machine appeared in 1891. It didn't have a prize; the award was presented as free drinks. The real inventor of the slot machine is considered to be Charles Fey. He created the first slot called Liberty Bell, and after it was installed in Las Vegas's Flamingo Hilton hotel, it became very popular.

Key Moments in the History of Slot Machines

Slot history is rather curious. The first slot machine was unlike modern ones. First of all, it was very heavy, as it was made from iron. Its symbols consisted of playing cards, stars, horseshoes, spades, diamonds, and of course the Liberty Bell itself. This slot machine is now situated in the Liberty Belle Saloon restaurant in Reno, where Charles Fey's grandchildren are the owners.

Charles Fey's Innovation

Later, Charles Fey created the Operator Bell slot machine. He added the famous fruit symbols to this variant. Charles Fey also headed the company Bell-Fruit Gum. From that moment, the popularity began to rise, as did the anti-gambling movement. But that is another story.

The Anti-Gambling Movement

In 1909, slot machines were deemed illegal in San Francisco, then in Nevada and California. By the 1930s, the anti-gambling movement had become popular politics among legal authorities. But that was just a slight pause in the powerful development of slot machines.

Further Development of Slot Machines

One more curious fact about slot history is that the prominent crime figure "Bugsy" Siegel promoted the popularity of slots. He installed several slot machines in his hotel and casinos. His aim was to entertain the girlfriends and wives of "big bosses" while they had appointments. But this grew into a serious business.

By the 1960s, electronic slot machines appeared, bringing bright animations, interesting special effects, and sounds. The latest history of slots games demonstrates the endless variety of slot machines with various symbols, bonuses, and other opportunities.

Today's Slot Machines

Explore some popular slot games available today: