Online slots had to begin somewhere. It wasn’t always the case of signing up on the internet or mobile app for free spins no deposit. Once upon a time, the online slot was an actual physical machine and was the only way to play this type of game. So how have we been able to go from pulling a lever to pressing a button on our screens to spin reels?
Remember you need to be 18+ to gamble within the UK and please feel free to visit BeGambleAware.org for information on how to gamble safely.
Where it began
The first ever slot machine was built by Charles Fey in 1887 called the Liberty Bell. This machine consisted of 3 reels and had all of the classic symbols we would still recognize today. That means the Horseshoe, Bell, Diamond, and Spade symbols. The Bell symbol (hence the name Liberty Bell) would pay out players the Jackpot prize. The payouts were as follows:
- 2 horseshoes = 5 cents
- 2 horseshoe + 1 star = 10 cents
- 3 spades = 20 cents
- 3 diamonds = 30 cents
- 3 hearts = 40 cents
- 3 Liberty Bells = 50 cents
As more and more people started playing the Liberty Bell, many others sought to copy the game and so came about the Operator Bell in the early 20th century. This slot machine included fruit symbols and awarded players gum as prizes due to certain gambling laws that prohibited monetary prizes. These fruit symbols have stood the test of time and has become what we call ‘classic fruit slots’ online.
The popularity of these machines continued over time as technology advanced simultaneously. Then one day, someone decided to marry the two concepts together.
Electromechanical to Logic Boards
In 1964, Bally created the first electromechanical slot called the Money Honey. The lever associated with slot machines was soon replaced by a button. These slots would have an empty hopper at the bottom so that prizes could be dispensed automatically. Between 1976 and 1994, the electromechanical slots soon transitioned to logic boards and became the first video based online slots. Fortune Coin Co. took a 19-inch Sony Trinitron and made it function as a screen for online slots. This invention took gaming a lot closer to the iGaming we recognize today.
Internet and Mobile Gaming
The popularity of video slots was cut short with the introduction of the internet. In 1994 Microgaming was created and became the first ever online gambling site – which also makes it the oldest online casino to date.
As the internet made its way to our smartphones, the iGaming industry was able to access a wider range of its audience with an ease it didn’t have before. Mobile apps were becoming a thing as early as 2007 which is when Apple launched its first App store. Since 2021 5G internet has become available to UK residents, and even earlier in the US.
That’s not all! The advancement of technology has led to better software, graphics, soundtracks, and better player experience whilst on the internet. There are themed online slots because the iGaming industry now has the technology to create this. There are also features like Free Spins and Welcome Bonuses that would not have come to fruition without the online casino and internet.
The Future of A & V Reality Gaming
So how far could iGaming stretch? Augmented reality and Virtual reality have now started to become popular with niche gamers. Many famous social media platforms such as Facebook are also embracing the Meta world, meaning this advancement of technology is reaching far beyond just iGaming.
Maybe players will be able to visit casinos in the comfort of their own home through VR? Whatever the future offers we’ll just have to wait and see.