Called by various names like ‘fruit machine,’ ‘puggy’ ‘poker machine’ ‘one arm bandit’ and pokies amongst others, the slot machine is used in gambling as a game of chance. The name ‘one arm bandit’ was used because of the large mechanical levers fixed to the sides of early machines as well as the games ability to be able to empty the pockets of those that played for too long a period.
In fact, the origins of the slot machines goes back to the late 19th century with the very first mechanical machine being developed by the New York based company, Sittman and Pitt back in 1891. That particular game boasted 5 drums and had a total of 50 playing cards – most of these early games cost a nickel to play.
In some quarters Charles Sugustus Fey is named as the inventor of the first slot machine although there are conflicting dates to when his first machine was created, but his machine allowed automatic payouts which was achieved by replacing the 5 drums for 3 reels, and the playing cards were replaced with just 5 symbols.
The Banning of the Slot Machine
In 1902 the slot machine was officially banned although the renowned Liberty Bell continued to be manufactured. As no cash prizes were allowed the era of the fruit machines began with prizes of chewing gum and sweets being given out in the corresponding flavours of the symbols.
Moving With The Times
It was in 1964 that the first fully electromechanical slot (called Money Honey) was released by Bally although the game was still started by pulling the lever. Hugely popular it was the first slot machine with a bottomless hopper enabling an automatic payout of up to 500 coins.
The Introduction of the Video Slot
Not until 1976 do we see the first true video slot which was manufactured in Kearny Mesa California by the Las Vegas company called Fortune Coin. This first video slot used a modified 19 inch Sony TV for its display and was first seen in the Hilton HOtel in Las Vegas. After some improvements the machine was approved by the Nevada State Gaming Commission and then its popularity soared on the Las Vegas Strip.
In 1996 we saw the first video slot to feature a second screen bonus round where additional payouts could be won. The rest as they say is history as the success of the online slots game is obvious with the amount that we can access today.
Fast Forwarding to Today
Today when you access an online casino site like FruityKing.co.uk the amount of high quality games can easily exceed over 400. Offered in a multitude of genres from movie, horror, super hero to music themed games players can enjoy classic slots to video slots with 3D graphics and of course those amazing progressive* slots games are always an option.
*Progressive slots use a little percentage of each wager made to add to the prgressive jackpot which increases in size depending on how many people are playing the game. This means that the jackpot prize can offer some truly life changing cash. Once the jackpot has been won it begins to grow again straight away.