Where were we
Charles Fey invented the slot machine in the 1890s. You probably never imagined that his creation called the “Liberty Bell” would evolve into the most popular form of casino gambling today.
However, the evolution of slot machines had many growing pains, as many in the United States viewed gambling as a social evil. In 1910 all legal gambling activity was shut down, leaving horse racing the only legal entity in the United States.
During the Prohibition era of the 1920s, the public’s thirst for gambling coincided with that of alcohol. Slot machines along with alcohol were found at “Speak Easy” across the United States, many of them controlled by organized crime. After the ban ended, the underground casinos remained active.
States began cracking down on illegal casinos and began destroying sixteen and destroying gaming equipment, including slot machines. New York City Mayor LaGuardia called them “mechanical pickpockets”, smashed them with a sledgehammer and threw them into the Long Island Sound. (You can see the action on YouTube).
In 1931, Nevada legalized gambling. Slot machines littered the floor at state casinos, but they were there just to amuse the wives and lovers by playing their pennies and nickels while the men did all the heavy play at the tables. (A representation of this is shown in the 1952 film, “The Las Vegas Story” with Vincent Price, Victor Mature, and Jane Russel.) Slots remained a “women’s” game until Atlantic City legalized gambling in 1978.
Bally Manufacturing invented an electrically powered unit and slot machines began to “light up” and produce various sound effects. When multi-coin acceptors were introduced, the new dollar machines meant bigger prizes for customers. When the Random number generator The number of maximum prizes that could be increased in four and five reel versions was invented. A rotary knob became an alternative to the handle.
Tea Indian Gambling Law was passed in the 1980s, allowing casinos on reserve land and recently legislated riverboat gambling attracted new slot players, while racetracks added one-armed bandits.
IGT launch Megabucks in 1986 and slot machines were now connected across Nevada by phone lines that offered a giant lottery-sized jackpot that grew with every coin wagered. Tea Progressive jackpot was born and gamers could now become millionaires. Players began to abandon board games, flocked to the machines and the casinos noticed.
Where we are
The proliferation of slot machines paved the way for new inventions. TO video slots with 25 lines, up to a 10-credit bet per line allowed for an entry-exit system (TITO). Coins and handles followed the dinosaurs. Traders could now cut denominations down to just a penny and still make a profit.
In the new century, slot machine manufacturers were quick to promote the themed slots, Units based on popular movies, TV shows and animators. Players can now rotate the Wheel of Fortune, laugh about Curley, Larry and Moe, take a walk with Captain Kirk, or hum Ol ‘blue eyes. All games have video clips of your favorite shows.
Themed slots have evolved to 5 video reels with up to 40 lines. The chairs have high, comfortable backs, and some even vibrate when certain additional features are activated. Touchscreens have the latest LCD technology, 3D graphics, and Bose sound systems as they continue to evolve. Depending on the theme of the game, players can bet from one penny (credit) per line to a maximum of $ 2, $ 3 and $ 4. Bonus features offer generous payouts, while progressive jackpots go up to six and seven figures .
Newer games saw the introduction of CSI, Sex and the City, Iron man, Michael Jackson, David Copperfield, The Walking Dead, Back to the Future, Jurassic Park, Wonder Woman, Ellen, Let’s make a deal, The Godfather, Monopoly, And the list goes on and on.
Where we go
Without a doubt, the themed slot will continue to grow. However, there is a large segment of casino customers who are looking for something different. They are the Millennials.Born in the early 80’s to the late 90’s, he grew up playing video games. The casinos realized that this generation did not mind sitting in front of a machine that did all the work for them to win. They want to participate to make this happen. This led to the introduction of Gskill masters at the 2016 Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas.
Two companies, GameCo Y Gamblit Games featured its products at the show and by all accounts things are looking very promising. Other companies, Konami and Scientific Games are creating their own versions to appeal to Generation Y. Other companies will soon follow.
Some of the games are based on poker, where a limited number of players use their skill to drink the cards they need. In another game, players have to collect rare treasures in the Pharaoh’s Secret Temple before time runs out.
It’s too early to tell if the skill element will succeed, but some games are already up and running in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Only time will tell.
Tea American Gaming Association reported that there are 832,988 slot machines in 1,151 casinos in 44 states, with more on the way. This begs the question: with over 50 million visitors to casinos a year, will the slot craze continue?
You can bet on it!