The evolution of slot machines
Charles Fey's Liberty Bell was the first mechanical slot machine launched in the mid-1890s. Slots games have evolved a lot since then.
Fey's Liberty Bell slot machine was a huge success. Other manufacturers followed suit and similar machines became commonplace across the United States. Restrictive gambling laws were a hindrance in some states. However, slots games became firmly entrenched within popular culture after the Second World War.
The 1960s saw the slot machine industry boom. The launch of the first electromechanical slotmachine in 1963 sparked a boom that has barely slowed down since. In 1976, Fortune Coin Co launched the world's first video slot machines. International Gaming Technology bought the technology in 1978.
The introduction of video technology allowed slot machines to become more immersive. The World Wide Web created a whole new wealth of possibilities for the industry. Online casinos were dominated by roulette and blackjack. Their structure was largely the same as traditional video slots, with a base game and a second screen bonus round forming the core of each game.
Slots have evolved a lot since the 1800s. Modern slots push the boundaries of technology. The incorporation of game themes has contributed to the evolution of online slots over the past couple of decades. Egyptian, television shows, music, sport and comic book characters are among the most popular themes in online casinos.
The last decade has witnessed a massive evolution in slots development. Improvements in mobile technology and Wi-Fi connectivity have been central to the changes. The next big thing to impact slots is expected to be Virtual Reality (VR) technology. Evolution Gaming launched a VR version of Gonzo’s Treasure Hunt last year.
