You might not know it, given how modern and technology-infused modern slots are, but the slot machine has a pretty long history. Indeed, according to legend, the first slot machine was invented way back in 1894, which means that the humble machine isn’t too far off its 130th birthday.
But of course, as with all things, modern machines are vastly different from the machines of the late 19th century. And it’s all thanks to technology. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at how technology has enabled casino slots to become the modern and efficient game they are today.
Table of Contents
The Early Days
To see how we got to where we are today, we need to see where we came from. The history of the slot machine dates back to 1894 when a creative young individual named Charles Fey created a device called ‘The Liberty Bell.’ This machine had the same look, feel, and purpose as later machines, with a few differences. For instance, instead of symbols on the reels, the machine used playing cards. These machines grew in popularity, but they were still all mechanical, and that meant that gameplay was fairly limited.
Speedy, Efficient Games
The big breakthrough for casino slots came in 1976 when the first video slot machine was invented. This helped to push the game forward in a way that mechanical devices could not. Other key developments included the creation of ‘progressive jackpots,’ which came in 1986, and the first online casino slot, which arrived in 1994. All of these technological advancements allowed for games to become more engaging and rewarding — literally and figuratively.
The original slot devices were fun, sure, but they were also clunky and prone to issues. Plus, verification was more difficult. Throw in the fact that many states banned the use of these machines for a time, and what you had was a landscape that was not all conducive to slot games. The relaxation of laws and improvements in technology meant that players could have a gaming experience in line with the original vision.
Greater Variety
Technological advancements didn’t just improve the gameplay of casino slots. They also lead to greater game diversity. There is a staggeringly wide range of online casino slots available today, with everything from movie-themed games to jewel-themed bonanzas and everything in between within easy reach for players. Whatever type of game a player is looking for, they’ll have no problem finding it — and that helps to create a rich gaming landscape.
Wherever, Whenever
From a gaming perspective, the biggest plus for modern slot games is that you can play whenever, wherever. In the olden days, you could only play if you traveled to an establishment that had a machine — and then you had to hope that A. it worked and B. it was not occupied. The rise of efficient, reliable online slot games meant that players could play from virtually any device, whenever they wanted. Whether that’s on the morning commute to work or on a sunny evening on the beach doesn’t matter. It’s all in their hands.
Into the Future
The story of slots is long and full of innovation. And we’re certainly not at the end of the story, either. With slots more popular than ever, we can expect that more developments will come in the future. Now that slots have fully embraced technology, it’ll come as no surprise if future developments are in line with general technological advancements, such as the rise of VR. It wouldn’t be all that shocking if one day, players travel inside the game to play virtually. It would certainly be on-brand for a game that thrives on innovation.
