Slots are not an invention of the internet era. The truth is mechanical slots have been around for a while. Online slots computerised versions of the popular casino game. The slot machine has a long-standing history of providing gamblers with easy betting options. Gamblers are fascinated by how easy to play slot games are. There is no technique or strategy to learn. It is purely a game of chance. We can agree that slot machines are not what they used to be some ten decades ago. As technology advances, so has slot machine technology. The game has witnessed several improvements and changes from its original design to what we now know. The first slots go back to 19th century San Francisco. While other factors may have contributed to the evolution of slot machine technology and online gambling, this article focuses on the impact of technology and the internet. In this post, we will explore the origin of the slot machine, how slots have advanced over the years, the role of the digital revolution and the internet era. From algorithms to RNGs, we will also explore how new technologies like 3D graphics and virtual reality are changing the game. See more on these topics below:
Origins of the Slot Machine
The first slot machine was invented in 1895 by an inventor in San Francisco named Charles Fey. Fey’s invention had three spinning reels and a total of 5 different symbols. Charles Fey was a car mechanic and transferred his expertise in mechanics to creating several slot machines. The first mechanical slot was named the Liberty Bell. It was a 3-reel design with automatic payouts. At the time, the maximum jackpot that players could win per payout was 50 cents or 10 nickels. The three reels had heart, diamond, spade symbols and an image of a cracked liberty bell. Players could win the biggest payout if a spin resulted in 3 three Liberty Bells in a row. Charles Fey built several machines and rented them out to bars and saloons. Soon, other manufacturers became interested in Fey’s design and began creating different versions of mechanical slots. The initial idea has since been reworked and improved to what we now know.
Advancements in Mechanical Slots
Some years after Charles Fey first launched his mechanical slot machines, other manufacturers began to copy and rework his designs. This included the introduction of fruit symbols, multiple pay liners and mechanical slots machines that used electricity. In 1963, the first electromechanical slot machine was invented by Bally Manufacturing. The machine was named the Money Honey and could pay out more that 500 coins automatically. Bally’s iconic Money Honey slot machine featured a bottomless hopper and could make payouts automatically.
Digital Revolution
The digital revolution had great impacts on the advancement of slot machines. As the world shifted towards digital electronics so did manufactures and inventors in the gambling sector. With the advent of microprocessors and video displays most gaming manufactures transitioned from mechanics to these new technologies, offering multiple pay lines, bonus features, and impressive graphics and animations. Fifteen years after Bally Manufacturing introduced the electromechanical slot machine the Money Honey, the first electronic slot also known as video slots was invented. The first free video slots machines were developed in 1976 by Fortune Coin Co, a company based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fortune Coin Co used a modified 19-inch Sony Trinitron color receiver to display the images and symbols. The first prototype for video slots was tested at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas. After several modifications and improvements were made to the overall performance of the machine, the Nevada State Gaming Commission approved its usage. In 1978, the International Gaming Technology purchased Fortune Coin Co’s video slot machine. This led to the steady decline of mechanical slot machines.
Internet Era
The internet era was an important turning point for slot machine technology. With the internet, casino operators began to transition to fully digital services and so online casinos were born. By the early 2000s online casinos had become immensely popular amongst gamblers all over the world. Game developers began to create games that matched the rich digital atmosphere that was brewing around them. This included the creation of games and new features such as progressive jackpots, and slots with 3D graphics and animations. This led to the invention of computerised versions of casino slot games. As the 2000s rounded off, the rise of mobile technology took off. With mobile technology growing at unprecedented rates, more gamblers began seeking out mobile gaming alternatives. This led to the development of slot games that can be accessed from mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones. There are several benefits to playing slot games at new online casinos. Players can enjoy their favourite games from wherever they are. In addition to the convenience of playing online, you can benefit from a vast selection of games, and enticing features like progressive jackpots and bonus rounds.
Cutting-Edge Features and Technologies
Arguably, one of the best benefits of the incorporation of new technologies and cutting-edge features to online slot games is the immersive experience the games now offer. But for the amazing work of 3D graphic experts, online slots would simply be bland and boring. The use of 3D graphics makes the games more colorful and appealing; they also make features more life like and captivating. What is an immersive experience? An immersive experience allows players to enjoy the game as though they were in a real casino, players are mentally transported to an alternative world of fun and excitement. In addition to 3D graphics, other trends in online slot technology that contribute to creating a unique and immersive experience include virtual reality, augmented reality, RNGs and mobile gaming.
- The Random Number Generator The Random Number Generator (RNG) has been a monumental improvement to online slot games. RNG is a software that determines the outcome of slot games and ensures that results are random, fair, and unbiased. RNG results are based on numerical sequences that on which position each reel lands in online slot games. RNGs are microprocessors that determine the outcome of slot games by choosing a starting number “seed” then uses a complicated algorithm to calculate the next number. It is impossible to guess what the seed number is and equally impossible to determine what the result of a spin would be. This makes online slot games truly fair and unbiased.
- Virtual Reality Virtual reality is has had quite an impact on online gaming already. This cutting-edge technology has the potential to completely change how slot games are made and how we play them. Players can completely immersive themselves in a virtual casino environment. With VR technology, you can enjoy the game as though you were in it, complete with incredible graphics and sound. VR technology offers players a more realistic way to enjoy their favorite games and interact with other players. Although the incorporation of VR technology in online slot games is still in its infancy, some online gaming developers are already using this technology to create hyper-realistic games.
- Augmented Reality Augmented reality is already contributing to some extent to the development of online casino games including slots. Augmented Reality (AR) enhances the real world using digital technology and devices such as tablets, mobile phones, and special smart glasses. AR embellishes real world experiences by adding sound and visuals elements to your physical environment. You can view and interact with these elements using your smartphone or tablet. The incorporation of AR technology in slot games will change how players interact with slot games in their every day lives.
- Integration to Mobile gaming platforms The introduction of slots to mobile gaming platforms has led to the seamlessly integration of slots into daily life. It signifies a change in how players perceive and engage with these games. Mobile slot games have altered the online gambling landscape as they are easily accessible and offer players new ways to play slot games. Most online casino players now opt for mobile games since they are easily accessible and can be enjoyed on the go.
Conclusion
Slot machines have come a long way since the 19th century and Charles Fey’s first mechanical creation. The mechanics of the game has been a work in progress since, transitioning to electromechanics, video slots and now the immersive experience that online casino gamblers are benefiting from. Thanks to cutting edge technologies like RNGs, and Augmented reality, players can enjoy fair and unbiased games. As technology continues to advance, we can expect new features and other exciting additions to the game which will influence how we play and enjoy it.