The history of slots games is extensive and charming. Back in the early days, the slot machine was known as the ‘one-armed bandit’ and would be almost unrecognisable in comparison with today’s modern video slots. However, the core of the slot game is still at the heart of each game, despite their drastic evolution in appearance and some gameplay elements. Check out how far modern video slots have come by playing at Gold Rush Slots online. But how did this incredible evolution take place?

The Early Days

We’re taking you all the way back to the 1880’s, when the first slot machines were available for gameplay, although these games were not played for cash. Instead, the first one-armed bandits paid out rewards of tokens, which could then be used for cigarettes, cigars or beer. Slots were also aimed at two or more people playing together to win.

The introduction of the Liberty Bell slot machine in 1895 was a significant development in the history of slots. Charles Vey invented this innovative machine; one that is recognised as the true beginning of the slots industry we know and love today. People played Liberty Bell for coins; and there were 3 reels plus a variety of symbols including horseshoes, bells and playing cards. Landing 3 bell symbols in a row would award you the grand prize.

From the very late 1890s and beyond, slot machines became very popular, triggering a worldwide love of slots that is still very much alive today.

A Turn of Events

The popularity of slot machines continued to blossom, until 1909, when changes were made to America’s gambling laws and a total ban was applied. Slots survived, but instead of paying out cash prizes, they paid out gum, which the familiar ‘bar’ symbol represents. The playing cards and bells symbols were also replaced with items of fruit.

In spite of the changes, the popularity of slots started its decline, since there were very few establishments where the machines could be installed legally. Slots were still played, but this was all carried out illegally.

Starting to Flourish

The government began to recognise that money could be generated through taxes on slots and casinos, and after World War II – when money was in short supply – the ban on gambling was relaxed. Thus, the Golden Age of slot machines arrived, beginning in what became the casino capital (Las Vegas) and soon spreading across the world.

The popularity of slots flourished for many years, but naturally, the number of users eventually began to decline as the public began to get a little bored. It was the 1980’s. Money was abundant; however, the slots industry was a little stagnant and there was the captivating rise of computer games; a new, exciting technological development, and exciting to play despite no available cash prize to win.

Hello Video Slots

Slots software developers observed these new trends and technological advancements with interest. In time, slot machines followed suit. Classic one-armed bandits were modernised; there were now buttons to press rather than mechanical arms, and the graphics began to adapt. The old reels were replaced with larger video screens akin to those of computer games on popular consoles. Ultimately, the casino slots empire was on the rise once again.

The Online Slot Games of Today

Since the introduction of video slots, there have been astounding advances in internet-based technology. Today, while land-based casinos continue to offer physical video slot machines, most slots are based online. These are often visual wonders; packing in striking graphics and sound-effects, and creating an all-round immersive slot game experience for all. Online slots are abundant and varied; using a Random Number Generator (RNG) in the same way that physical slot machines do. They are safe, convenient, easy and often more fun to play than ever before.