The most famous person in the history of casino slot machines would have to be Charles Fey, the creator of the first slot machine ever. However, before Charles Fey started designing his slot machine in the basement of his own home, there was already an earlier version of the slot machine, which was too different from the machines that we know today. The earliest version of slot machines that was ever made was designed by Pitt and Sittman in 1891. Back then, the slot machine is not yet known as such. It was simply a machine with five drums and does not even give out jackpots to winners. Those who had the first machines usually just gave out freebies such as free drinks to those who win.

When Charles Fey came up with his slot machine, which he called Liberty Bell, his big break came along when Bugsy Siegel started his own Flamingo Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas and employed the use of slot machines. He first intended it to be a minor gaming machine that will keep the wives and girlfriends of his rich customers entertained while the wealthy men played at his casino. Not long after, the popularity of slot machines increased. If you are already picturing the image in your mind, you must be thinking of the present-day slot machines we have, or something slightly different. But the truth is, the Liberty Bell would probably be unrecognizable in the eyes of today’s gamblers. The Liberty Bell is still preserved at the Liberty Belle Saloon and Restaurant in Reno. A bulky machine with over 100 pounds, it was made of cast iron, and showed the suits from playing cards. The popular fruit symbols are nowhere to be seen.

Charles Fey did not let up. He went on to improve his own creation and came up with Operator Bell. This was where the fruit symbols made its first appearance. He also designed the slot machines much like vending machines to outsmart those who were against gambling through slot machines. Not long after, several states in the United States banned casino slot machines. A lot of people back then probably thought that it was the end of slot machines, especially when New York’s slot machines were publicly thrown into the sea as a testimony of the government’s anti-slot machines campaign.

However, by the 1960’s, slot machines found a way back into the gaming world. This time, it came back with a vengeance. During the late 1960’s, the slot machines were already electronic, and more casinos adopted the machines. It became known as a staple in casinos, and became more popular among casino-goers. Not long after that, random number generators were already being used to operate the machine. The completely electronic machines can spin with the push of a button. As the 1980’s rolled along, more and more people began to enjoy slots, and casinos enjoyed the increase in revenue that they get from the slot machines.

Now, slot machines can be seen in every single casino all over the world. They are now a must in casino gambling and make up a large sum out of the total revenue of most casinos. More changes occurred to casino slot machines. Now, slot machines pay huge jackpots, have many different kinds, and can be found online.

By Dan Roberts II
Dan writes original informative articles about many of the live casinos that are now available in the UK. You can play the best online casino slots as well as online slots.