When players sit at a slot machine these days, they will be playing some of the most exciting and innovative games. Slot machines have come a long way since they were first created back in 1887, when Charles Fay invested the very first three reel machine. This initial slot had just 5 symbols, including the Liberty Bell, for which the game is named. This slot became quite popular and lead to the development of many slot games in the future. Back when this game was invented, no real money payouts were offered. Instead, the payouts were offered in the form of fruit flavoured gum, which lead to the fruit themed slots that many players are familiar with.
Over the years, many other three reel games were offered, each presenting more symbols like Bars, Bells and Sevens. In 1963, Bally Technologies offered the first electromechanical slot called Money Honey. This game was the first to offer any electrical parts and it greatly improved game play and offered the chance to place multi-coin bets. The game also offered flashing lights and amazing sounds, which only drew attention to the game and others that were soon created.
Years later, microchip technology started being used and in the 1980s, the very first video slot game was debuted. Future Coin, invented by Walt Fraley was the first game that featured multiple paylines ad computerised reels and animations. The patent for the game was purchased by IGT in 1976 and with this new type of game, a new generation of slots was born and was an instant success. This technology lead to the offering of progressive games, and the first from IGT was offered in 1986, called Megabucks.
As slot machines continued to be popular choices in land casinos all over the world, they also started to be introduced to online players in the 1990s. With the large software companies like Microgaming and Playtech emerging, players now had the ability to play video and traditional slot games online and receive real money winnings. This lead to a huge growth spurt, where online gaming became one of the top pastimes for players from all over the world.
In the coming years, more casino software developers started to create amazing games that features stunning graphics and animations, great themes, bonus rounds and multiple ways to win. Today, players who access online casinos have a huge selection of games, with some sites offering hundreds of slots alone! Video slots are also very popular in land casinos, where they make up for the majority of games offered.
Slots have surely progressed over the years and technology is always improving, offering more ways to enhance these games to offer the most fascinating, enjoyable and rewarding gambling experiences for players on and off line. Slots remain the most played games in any casino setting and they now offer endless action, great payouts and amazing features.