Slot games are one of the most popular games to wager on at casinos. On any night, count on most of the slot machines to be filled with enthusiastic players. They appear in a good selection of wagering levels; a few only cost five cents a play and others can cost as much as $20 a play. Although slots are a betting tool, a number of people are intimidated by the big money card tables and prefer the fun and excitement of a good slot machine.
The 1st slot machine was assembled in 1895 and was called the "Liberty Bell." Invented by a California machinist, the 1st slot games had 3 spinning reels with diamonds, hearts, spades and a cracked Liberty Bell on each. Before this invention, the term "slot machines" was used to describe several types of vending machines.
The initial across the board use of slot machine games in American betting houses is attributed to the Flamingo Hotel, Las Vegas in and around 1940. The owner of the brick and mortar casino had originally thought the machines would be amazing to captivate apathetic wives of some of the biggest high roller customers of the betting house. Little did he know that slot games would be an enjoyable game for nearly everyone and that the allure would extend further than the bored wives. At this time, it is said, the slots make up over 2/3rds of all money brought in by U.S. casinos.
Slot machines certainly have a rich history. From the petite invention of the mid-1800’s to the multi-million dollar industry of today, slots will continue to grow in popularity.