Slot machines have been the staple of many casinos and gambling establishments for more than a century. Over that time, they have provided a huge chunk of revenue for their owners, sometimes reaching 70% of the entire casino’s income. Over time, various types of slots have been developed and each had a loyal following. From simple poker machines and Liberty Bells of the 19th century to modern online slots, they have always attracted players from all over the world.
The History
They show that the evolution of the bicycle, from an unstable device w ith a large peddle-driven front wheel to the much more stable machine w ith two equal w heels and a chain-linked rear wheel. The History of Slot Machines Invention. The first slot machine was invented by Charles August Fey back in 1894. The machine operated with coins and it became the first of many to follow. History of Slot Machines. Modern day slot machines began with an invention of a poker based game in 1891 in Brooklyn, New York. Here, Sittman and Pitt invented a machine with five drums containing 50 cards.
The first slot machine was designed in 1891 by Sittman and Pitt, a Brooklyn-based company. It contained five reels with 10 symbols each. The symbols were based on poker cards, as well as the winning hands. For a nickel, players would play a spin, hoping for a winning poker combination. Since the machines didn’t have a direct payment mechanism, the prizes were given out by the bar owners, where most of the machines were located. For a simple pair, you could get a free beer. A royal flush would get you dinner and drinks. Each establishment offered prizes based on what they could offer. The popularity of these first slots was so great that there was hardly a bar in New York that didn’t operate at least one of them.
The number of combinations was so big that it was almost impossible to devise a machine that could handle direct payments. Realizing the problem, Charles Fey of San Francisco came up with a much simpler design in 1895. Fey’s machine had only three reels, each with five symbols. Many modern manufacturers still use these slot machine symbols, although fruit symbols are also widely popular. They were horseshoes, diamonds, spades, hearts, and a Liberty Bell, for which the machines were named. The ease of use created massive popularity and even after they were banned in California a few years later, Fey had trouble meeting the demand.
More about slot machine symbols you can find here: https://www.askgamblers.com/gambling-news/blog/slot-machine-symbols/ .
Traditional Slot Machines
For a long time, traditional slots based on Fey’s design were the only type available to the players. It is hard to imagine any famous Las Vegas casino without rows of them lining its halls. Even the Las Vegas Airport, the McCarran International, has hundreds of slots installed in their passenger areas. While the design of mechanical slots evolved over time, the basic principle remained the same. In the 1960s, the first electromechanical slots appeared. However, it wasn’t until 1976 that the first major change was introduced. The development of electronics has allowed the designers to create the first video slot, called Fortune Coin. It featured a 19-inch Sony display, originally used on a TV model. As soon as it was approved by the Nevada State Gaming Commission, hundreds of them were made for casinos on the Las Vegas Strip.
Online Slot Machines
The One-hand Bandit, as traditional slot machines came to be known, due to their distinctive lever, dominated the market for decades. Then came the age of the Internet. Online slot machines were made possible by the development of original video slots. It was only a matter of time before the developers saw the potential computers offered and started integrating them into video slots. From there, it was only one step to abolish machines altogether and host them online. In 1996 the first online casino was opened, called Intercasino. Among other games, it featured several online slots that prove to be as popular as their physical cousins. The differences between online and traditional slot machines weren’t that drastic, allowing players to easily transition from one type to another. Those first slots were a far cry from the modern ones we have today, but still, players flock to them. Over time, various types of online slots were developed.
Progressive Slots
The main difference between progressive and traditional slots is the jackpot. Traditional slots have a fixed amount they will pay out to the lucky winner. Progressive ones, on the other hand, have a changing jackpot which increases with every spin. Each time a bet is placed, a percentage of it goes to the jackpot fund. The percentage varies from one slot to another, with some setting aside as much as 15% for the jackpot. This way, it is possible to reach truly astounding figures, provided nobody has won it for a long time. Progressive slots come in three flavors. Standalone variety only calculates its own bets for the jackpot and provides the smallest winnings. The second type is in-house slots, meaning all slots in one casino are linked together. Finally, there are wide-area slots, which create a huge network of slots all contribute to a single, massive jackpot.
Multiplier Online Slots
Multiplier slots got their name from their ability to multiply your winnings. Depending on the machine, that multiplier can be x2, x3, or even x100. After you have got a winning combination, you will be offered a chance to increase it in a bonus round. Sometimes the prizes are small, like free spins, but they can also be quite valuable. The possibility to double or triple your initial winning is a temptation not many players can resist, but keep in mind that you can also lose the bonus round and your prize with it.
Video Slots
As we mentioned, the original video slots appeared in the 1970s. since then, they have evolved tremendously, keeping in step with the development of their core technology, the graphic display. Today, modern video slots have graphics that rival those of the most demanding video games, offering their players a rich experience.
The Slot Fan’s Guide to Olden Day One Arm Bandits
A quick search on eBay reveals some interesting results for antique slot machines. Few people would believe that archaic devices with minimal spinning reels and a handful of symbols could be worth a small fortune. Collectors know better. Slot machines from the 1930s and 1940s can fetch a pretty penny, depending on their condition, brand name, and rarity. For example, an Antique 1930s Mills War Eagle 5 cent Nickel Slot Machine can fetch as much as $2,595 on the market. These contraptions are typically a little worse for wear, and they may not have all their original working parts. In the United States, there are rules in place which regulate the sale of antique slot machines, and certain states may not qualify.
If you’re looking to spend a small fortune, you may be on the prowl for an antique 1899 Mills 5c Dewey slot machine. This device retails for $16,800, and it is in its mint, original condition. These devices were expertly crafted, full of intricately detailed artwork and mechanical parts. If the sticker price is a little steep, you may wish to consider the Mills Novelty Company Owl Slot Machine antique at a price of $15,750. These slot games are worlds apart from the video slots we see nowadays at land-based casinos and online casinos. These are fully functional freestanding machines with ball and claw feet, solid oak carved frames, and beautifully-furnished metal housing. It’s always important to check for damage, especially with the wood items.
Specs of Antique Slot Machines
Slot Machine History Sociotechnical Theory
The Antique range of slot machines are extremely expensive, and can retail at $19,000+ apiece. The original machines were created around 1906, and have a devout following among slot machine collectors and gaming experts. Many slot fans choose to refurbish their antique slot machines, to keep them in pristine condition. The antique slot machines business is a roaring trade, with a niche market of highly motivated buyers and sellers. Only the most skilled technical experts in slot machine restoration professionals can work in this arena, since customers are highly specific and detail oriented when it comes to these high-priced antiques. The typical weight of an antique slot machine ranges from 75 pounds through 100 pounds. Their dimensions are typically 16” x 16” x 28” in height.
There are many examples of popular antique slots, including the following:
- 1941 Mills Diamond Front
- Mills Hi-Top
- Mills Bursting Cherry
- 1938 Mills Roman Head 5 Cent
- 1946 Jennings Super Deluxe Club Chief
- 1935 Watling Coin Front 25 Cent
- 1947 Mills Black Cherry 5 Cent
- 1933 Watling Treasury 5 Cent
- 1948 Mills Blue Bell 10 Cent
- 1950 Pace Four Reel Harrah’s Club 10 Cent
Slot Machine History Sociotechnical Analysis
The price of an antique slot machine may range from a few dollars to as much as $50,000 +, depending on its condition, rarity and how much the buyer is willing to pay for it. Many antique collectors seek these devices as decorative pieces, or as investments for posterity. The most common brand is Mills, both with its Golden Nugget slot machine and its Orange Front QT slot machine variants.
Slot Machine History Sociotechnical Systems
Slot Game Variety Over the Years
Believe it or not, various slots enthusiasts consider any slot machine created after 1930 as a contemporary slot machine, and not an antique. These contemporary machines are largely comprised of replacement parts, and many of them have been fully restored and tested. The cost of these machines is less than those with a limited number of replacement parts. If you’re looking to buy an antique slot machine, it is best to select a machine that is relatively untouched, and in its original mint condition. Once restoration work has begun, the perceived value of the machine diminishes. If you find an e-commerce platform selling a 1930s/40s slot machine under $3,000, it is likely a contemporary machine with replacement parts.
The strict definition of an antique is a collectible object that has a high value because of its considerable age. In the United States, the Customs Service regards antiques as items that are at least 100 years old. With slot machine games, antiques are considered old-school slot games – typically the 3-reel classic slots. Nowadays, players can enjoy sophisticated HD slots with 5 spinning reels and hundreds of paylines. Video animation, 3D technology, and a virtual presence are worlds apart from the physical nature of antique slot machine games. Online slot games offer a modern-day perspective on this age-old pastime. You can still experience the classic slot titles online, except that now you have far more variety in every way.