Slot machines have a much deeper history than many people probably realize. In the US, these machines, also known as “nickel-in-the-slot machines,” have been around since the 1880s. Back then, they were more novelty items than gambling devices, however, and could usually be found in saloons. Some of these machines could earn its players winnings, such as free drinks or cigars. But by 1900, they started paying off in coins, much like the machines we use today.
In Great Britain, slot machines are also called “fruit machines.” And the name is pretty fitting because most of them use fruit images on their displays. But if you don’t frequent casinos much, you might not realize that there are actually several types of slot machines in most establishments. And while many of them still do use fruit images, there are various types of devices you can use.
Traditional slots
Traditional slot machines are probably the ones most often thought of. They’re the basic classic type of device with three to five reels, but the most basic ones have just three. These machines came about around 1899 and have never left the scene. Traditional slot machines have three physical wheels with 10-30 symbols (or stops) each. And usually, the more symbols the wheels have, the lower the odds and the higher the payout. The idea of the basic slot machine is that there is only one payline, no matter how many wheels it has. So if your symbols line up in the middle line, you’re a winner.
Multi payline slots
Multi payline slots are the next level up from traditional slots because there are multiple ways to win. Usually, with these types of machines, the player chooses the lines to bet on. If one line is chosen, it would mean the symbols have to line up and match in the middle. But you could also choose several lines in which there are more patterns and chances to win. For example, a five-line wager, you might win with three cherries that are diagonal. Each slot machine is different in the way it figures earnings, but your chances are much greater the more lines you play. You’ll find machines similar to these in major casinos across the globe and on Bingo sister sites online.
3-D slots
3-D slots were made to appeal a little more to the video game crowd. Most of them have characters and narratives, making them a little more interactive than just pulling a lever or pushing a button once. They’re usually animated with popular television or movie characters and some are much more well-designed than others.
Video slots
In 1975, a slot machine called “Fortune Coin” was created by a man named Walt Fraley. These games transitioned slots into the era of video games and away from the need to have mechanics for spinning wheels. And while they didn’t replace traditional slot machines, they certainly revolutionized them. These devices made it possible to add many more line counts, combinations and images than before. And they also paved the way for online gambling as we know it today.
Progressive slots
Progressive slots came about soon after video slots. They allow for bigger “pots” because they keep accumulating money until someone wins. This works similarly to the lottery in that the more people who play, the bigger the pool of money gets. Some casinos just have one designated progressive slot machine. But thanks to advanced technology, they can also link multiple machines together, even at different locations to add more money to the pool. These slots can pay out millions of dollars if the casino chooses to utilize the technology.
2018 ·