The very first slot machine can be traced back to the late 19th century. It was made up of drums with symbols on, which could be spun by pulling a lever,activating a spring system.
Stretching the spring inside would gradually stop the reels from spinning, revealing a combination of icons that could lead to winning something at the bar.
From the very first slot, the machines have developed, evolving with technology to create more exciting online Slots filled with new mechanics and bonus features.
Join us as we take a look back at the evolution of online Slots, to see how they started vs. how it’s going…
Land-based Slots go electric
In 1964, the first electromechanical slot was released by Bally. It was called Money Honey, and despite no longer having the spring system, gameplay was still activated by pulling a lever.
This was also the first slot machine with a bottomless hopper, meaning it could make automatic payouts of up to 500 coins.
This led to an influx of slot machine gaming, and it didn’t take long for the lever to be replaced with a more convenient button.
The birth of video Slots
In 1976, the first video slot was released. Developed by the Las Vegas based company known as Fortune Coin, later acquired by IGT, the game used a modified 19-inch Sony TV for the display.
It was originally only available in the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel, before undergoing some cheat-proofing and modifications. After this, it got the approval from the Nevada State Gaming Commission, becoming hugely popular in the Las Vegas Strip.
Online casinos
Fast forward to 1996, and the first online casino to allow automated payouts opened. Reel ‘Em by WMS Industries Inc. was released, and this was the first slot to feature a second screen bonus round.
As technology continued to develop, more slot games became available online. Well-known franchises expanded and new features were added to unique, themed games.
Modern-day slot games
In the modern-day, slot games come in all shapes and sizes. The retro-style fruit machines inspired by spring and lever mechanics are available to enjoy digitally, as well as games with a changing number of reels, multiple bonus rounds, cascading symbols and wilds – just to name a few.
A prime example of the different types of slot games you can play online is the Megaways mechanics, where there are often up to 177,649 ways to win!
You could even play Slingo – a fusion between Slots and Bingo!
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It’s clear there are so many ways to play Slots online, as the games have developed from just a simple Poker machine to bright designs and special features. What’s more, you never have to travel to your local casino, pub or service station again – you can play a huge variety of online slot games from the comfort of your own home, or anywhere you have internet access.
Gameplay is available whenever you fancy, so with your newfound knowledge, do you think you’ll be playing the latest online Slots anytime soon?