Slot games – where it all began

December 20, 2022

Slots have been around for over a century, making a huge impact on the gambling industry. Playing slots has long been one of the most exciting ways to win big and have fun, but that wasn’t always the case. 

Historically slots are relatively new, but where did they come from and how did they get to where they are today? In this day and age, players can access Slots from the comfort of their own home by playing Paddy Power online slot games. 

Keep reading to find out more on the history of the much-loved Slots, from pulling a leaver on a machine, to tapping a button on your device – we still love them! 

The birth of the slot machine

Let’s go back to the start…

The first slot machine was invented in 1894 in San Francisco. Pioneered by Charles Fey, his device, known as the Liberty Bell, features the familiar design that we’ve all come to know and love. The Liberty Bell included three spinning reels, a single pay line, and a fully automated pay-out system.

Some years later in 1907, the classic fruit symbols were added to the slot machine’s reels, but prior to this, card symbols and suits were used. In the 1920’s, a company invented a function called ‘Skill Stop’, where a player could push a button to stop the reels and attempt to influence a win.

From then on, small inventions were added to the original design to make the classic Slot machines we see in most venues today. 

The influence of technology

As game designers grasped a better understanding of technology, alongside the take-off of online casinos, Slots now come in a wide variety of themes and styles. Here are just some examples of the types of Slot games available:

  • Classic Slots

Also known as three-reel slots, these are single-line games which are arguably the most simple, ideal for someone who has never played before. Consisting of various symbols, in order to win, the player needs to match all three to take the jackpot.

  • Five-reel Slots

Often referred to as video slots, these games are big on entertainment. Five-reel slots usually have a central story that’s brought to life by images, animations and familiar themes.

  • Progressive Slots

As the name suggests, such slots have a large progressive jackpot attached to them which grows incrementally. A small portion of all players’ bets goes towards the overall pot. 

There are three types of jackpots, and they can be standalone, linked or wide-area. Progressive slots offer fewer regular wins in order to balance out the potential of somebody winning the massive prize. 

  • 3D Slots

Many players tend to favour 3D slots, which is because of their superb graphics, great animations, enhanced sound effects, and interesting features. However, playing 3D slots online requires a stable internet connection if you wish to enjoy your gaming session to the fullest.

As you can see, the industry has changed quite dramatically since the first Slot machine was created in 1894. With more developments happening all the time – it’s hard to get bored when playing. But will you be exploring the different themes, characters and stories lines of online Slot games?