When you first mention a casino, the first thing that comes to mind are those colorful slot machines with vivid graphics and catchy sounds. It’s safe to say that slot games have become the symbol of both land-based and online casinos throughout the world, and that’s largely thanks to the boom of the iGaming industry in recent years.
Modern slots come in all shapes and sizes. From celebrity-themed slots to fruity reels and slots inspired by ancient cultures, they feature different themes and implement high-tech mechanis. However, what we see today hasn’t always been the case. Slots have come a long way since their invention and have shapen the online casino world into what we know it today. Today we’ll discuss what makes slot games so popular, and if you’re looking for a variety of free online slots, you can check out the HolyMoly Casinos library.
What it started from: fruit machines and Liberty Bell
The first ‘slot machine’ was developed by the Sittman and Pit company in 1887, and it was placed in bars so people could spin the 5 drums with a total of 50 cards for a nickel, and in case they won, they were rewarded with free drinks or cigars at the bar. However, since it didn’t give out money, it’s not the first real slot machine.
Instead, the true inventor of the slot machine that we know today is Charles Augustus Fay. The machine was called the Libery Bell, had 5 drums, 3 reels, and automatically gave a cash reward when someone one. It resembles the slots we know today, with the only difference being that ht used playing cards for symbols.
As Fay didn’t apply for a patent at the time, the machine was copied by many later on, which is part of the reason why slots are such a common occurrence today.
Up until the early 20th century, all slot machines used playing cards, liberty bells, horseshoes, and other similar items as symbols, but it all changed when Herbert Mills introduced the Operator Bell - the first slot game that featured fruit symbols. Instead of cash prizes, the machine paid out gum and sweets, but many people loved it because the theme was fun and joyful.
Popularization of slot machines: gambling in 80s casinos
Slot machines were increasingly popular across the Western Hemisphere throughout the 20th century, but the breakthrough discovery was the Moeny Honey - the first electromechanical slot. It was first introduced in 1963 by a company named Bally, and it employed electronics to spin the reels. Notably, though, the lever - which is of significant importance even now - was still there.
However, it wasn’t long before the first video slot was introduced. In 1976, Fortune Coin Co. introduced a slot machine that used a 19-inch Sony color display and logic-machine functions, essentially making it the first videoslot. The game was so popular that it soon reached the floors of the most popular Las Vegas casinons and was the predecessors of today’s videoslots. The technology was later purchased by IGT.
Another significant breakthrough was introduced in 1996 by WMS Industries: A slot game that featured a bonus round. It was called ‘Reel Em’ and featured two screens, with the second one being reserved for the free spins round, or the popular ‘bonus round.
Huge transformation: from real slot machines into online machines and videoslots
The introduction of video slots coincided with the technological renaissance that we’re still experiencing today. The early 90s marked the rise of the Internet, and it wasn’t long before operators realized that they can use this new technology for gambling. Playtech introduced the first online casino in 1995, closely followed by Microgaming. Although these sites didn’t feature slots initially, it was only a matter of time before the technology was advanced enough to bring the popular Fruit Machine to people’s homes.
Casino game companies saw the opportunity in the online gaming market, and started shifting their focus to the online world. Thus, Microgaming came up with ‘Cash Splash’, the first online jackpot slot, and others followed with their own recreations of popular land-based slot machines.
Another major step towards the modernization of slots was the introduction of smartphones, which brought the first mobile slots, allowing users to play their favorite slot games wherever they are.
The main reasons for the popularity of slot machines in casinos
Slots are undoubtedly the most popular game type in both online and land-based casinos, and there are several reasons why that’s the case.
- Slots are very beginner-friendly - They’re very simple to operate, and even if a player doesn’t know how a slot machine works, they’re usually extremely intuitive.
- The choice is seemingly endless - There are thousands of slot games available online, featuring different themes, paylines, and layouts.
- They provide great entertainment - They’re easy to play, have numerous features, and can bring amazing wins, which guarantees entertaining gameplay.
- They don’t require a lot of prior knowledge - Contrary to other casino games, fruit machines don’t require almost any prior knowledge.
- Online casinos often offer bonuses for slot games - Considering their popularity, many online casinos offer bonuses and incentives exclusively available for popular slots.
Where is the best place to play slot machines for real money?
If you’re looking to play the hottest slot games, HolyMoly Casinos offers a long list of classic, 3D, megaways, jackpot, and many other types of real money slot machines. Choose the game of your liking, spin the reels, and enjoy.
