The history of slot machines goes back to the 19th century. In those days, players would use cigarettes to win prizes in slot machines. Today, the technology behind slot machines is much more sophisticated. Many modern machines feature 3D graphics. However, the earliest slot machines had no spinning reels. The invention of electronic reels and a computerized random number generator allowed slot machines to be more interactive.
As a result, slot machines became extremely popular. Manufacturers fought to keep profits once bans were implemented. In the early years, manufacturers attempted to circumvent these bans by developing machines that used chewing gum as a prize. The resulting machines dispensed chewing gum when a player landed three identical fruits.
The first fully electromechanical slot, Money Honey, was released in 1964 by Bally. Although the reels were controlled electronically, the machine still required a lever to start. However, Money Honey was the first slot machine to offer automatic payouts of up to 500 coins. This machine paved the way for electromechanical slots, which eventually became the dominant type of slot machines.
During the late 1800s, Fey’s Liberty Bell slot machine became popular. The Liberty Bell was a hit, causing a rush of slot machine manufacturers to emerge. Fey’s factory was overwhelmed by demand and could no longer produce the machines at its full capacity. Another slot machine that was very similar to Fey’s Liberty Bell was created by Herbert Mills in 1907. The machine was called Operator Bell. By 1908, bell slots were becoming a popular fixture in any establishment.
