Slot games have been a staple in the casino world since the first one was created between 1887 and 1895. In the modern-day, you can play Paddy Power online slot games, for example, from your mobile phone – proving just how far these games have truly come.
But whether you decide to play Slots online or at a land-based venue, the question remains: how exactly do the machines work?
Read on as we give you a whistle-stop-tour on how slot games have evolved, as well as the inner-workings through the ages…
The first slot machine
Aside from the first Poker machine, which resembled what could be considered the first slot game, the very first machine to allow automated payouts was actually created by Charles Augustus Fey, between 1887 and 1895 (as previously mentioned).
This game consisted of three reels which displayed just five symbols – hearts, diamonds, spades, horseshoes and a liberty bell.
The bell icon represented the highest payout, and therefore the machine was named the Liberty Bell.
The game gained huge popularity, but Fey didn’t apply for a patent for his design, so it was copied by many other slot machine manufacturers.
The inner workings
It was the Liberty Bell that inspired the basis for many slot machines to come. These remained purely mechanical – played by inserting a coin and pulling down a lever.
This lever would set the reels in motion by stretching a spring inside the machine. As the spring gradually stopped the reels from spinning, the combination of symbols on the display would show whether or not you’d won.
It’s this lever mechanic that inspired the expression “one-armed bandits” – used to describe avid players of the machines.
Slots go electric
In 1964, the first electromechanical slot was released by Bally. The game was called Money Honey, and despite having entirely electrically operated reels, it was still played by pulling a lever. This was purely so gameplay remained familiar to all that played.
Money Honey was the first slot machine to have a bottomless hopper, which could reward an automated payout of up to 500 coins.
In 1976, the first video slot was developed. This used a modified 19-inch Sony TV for the display and could be found on the Las Vegas Strip after cheat-proofing modifications enabled it to be approved by the Nevada State Gaming Commission.
Then, 1996 saw the introduction of online casino sites. Slots developed second-screen bonus rounds, and it didn’t take long for gaming developers to create reels that could be spun at online casinos.
As technology continued to evolve and more people gained access to computers, slot games became those which we know and love today.
But how do they work?
Behind the scenes
Online video Slots really aren’t that complex. Whilst new mechanics, symbols, graphics and themes may have been introduced, the behind-the-scenes mechanics remain the same as those which kept the first electromechanical slot fair and unpredictable.
It all comes down to a Random Number Generator (RNG). This is computer software which creates an unpredictable combination of numbers or symbols every single second. An RNG has no memory, so all previous outcomes are irrelevant – you never know what might happen the second you press ‘spin’ and the reels are set in motion.
—
It really is as simple as that. So, with your newfound knowledge, do you think you’ll give playing slot games a go?
