Evolution of the Slot Machine

The slot machine has a rich history.

It’s been over a hundred years since the earliest model was created by Charles Fey, a celebrated inventor from San Francisco. The Liberty Bell (named for the bell symbols that appear on the reels alongside diamonds, spades and lucky horseshoes) proved an instant success in the States – so popular, in fact, that it wasn’t long before similar machines began popping up all over the globe.

Since Fey’s day, rapid advancements in technology have seen the slot evolve almost beyond recognition. Soon after the slot crossed the Atlantic and made it to British shores half way through the 20th century, an electromechanical machine was born and the global slot market become more competitive than ever. Manufacturers were tasked with innovating new machines, with even more engaging bonus features and special extras, to keep the gameplay fresh for players and stay ahead of the competition.

But the real defining moment in slot history came with the move online. Somewhere in the mid ‘90s, the first internet video slot was innovated. Being digitalised meant it could showcase more pay-lines and bonuses than the Liberty Bell could have ever dreamed of.

Today, just a couple of decades on, the internet is packed to burst with hundreds and hundreds of exciting and highly-innovative online slot games. It’s revolutionised the way we can play. Sites like bgo.com now offer specially-designed mobile casino apps, which enable gamblers to spin on their smartphone or tablet whenever and wherever they choose. And as new technologies continue to be developed and discovered, the future of the slot machine looks set to get even more exciting for players. . .