6 surprising facts about slot machines
Slot machines, or slots, are one of the most popular casino games worldwide, being simple yet thrilling, often among the first choices when selecting a casino game.
Since the beginning of the history of casinos, slot machines have seen an interesting evolution, starting from mechanical devices to the electronic machines that exist today, making a long and interesting journey to what we know today.
Hand in hand with the launching of online casinos, slot machines have found their place on the net, allowing players to enjoy the excitement from anywhere.
This is a highly popular game that many players are familiar with. However, some surprising facts are less well known. That’s why, on this occasion, we will unveil 6 astonishing facts about slot machines.
ONE
The earliest slot machines operated entirely mechanically and functioned without relying on electricity, a feature that sets them apart significantly from modern slots. In the late 19th century, a prominent American mechanic named Charles Fey marked a turning point in the evolution of these machines with the invention of the first slot machine: the “Liberty Bell.” This was a milestone in the gambling industry. It featured three reels that spun when a lever was activated.
Each of these reels had symbols like bells and horseshoes. When the reels stopped, they displayed different symbol combinations, and if they matched on a specific line, the player won a prize. This invention marked the beginning of a new era in slot machines and paved the way for designing the modern versions that are now a prominent feature in casinos worldwide. The “Liberty Bell” thus became a symbol of innovation and entertainment, contributing to the enduring legacy of slot machines.
TWO
There is an intriguing story behind the name “slot machines,” revealing an intriguing aspect of the evolution of these machines. Originally, these machines required players to insert coins to play, so they won prizes in coins, hence the name.
The hidden surprise in its name is that if you are lucky and hit the jackpot, you become the “slot machine.” This means that instead of the machine swallowing your coins, you are reaping the rewards in coins, reversing roles when luck strikes.
THREE
The first digital slot machine was created in 1995 after the launch of the first online gaming website, which marked the beginning of the digital era for slot machines. In its early days, its features and graphics were basic and limited.
Despite its simple beginning, it paved the way for the evolution of online slots to what we know today, where we have impressive and attractive features and graphics.
FOUR
The first digital slot machines and online gambling websites allowed players to bet and win real money. However, their technology could have been more rudimentary compared to what we have today.
For some time now, there have been specialized sites where you can play with real money slots. There are hundreds of games, from Big Bad Wolf to Rainbow Riches, with which you can play without waiting for it to clear. Besides, with the casino you play with, you can claim a bonus to double your benefits.
FIVE
Las Vegas is one of the world’s most popular entertainment hubs, and at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, you can find an enormous slot machine, still the largest in the world to this day. Its design is gigantic and unique, requiring players to climb a staircase to reach the coin slot, which is also impressively large, similar to the size of a dinner plate, that you must insert to start the game.
This imposing slot machine model has become an interesting tourist attraction, an example of how these machines can become real spectacles.
SIX
Another interesting curiosity about slot machines is the Return to Player (RTP) rate concept. Slot machines, whether in physical casinos or online, have an RTP that indicates how much money is expected to be returned to players over the long term. On average, slots can have an RTP ranging from 90% to 98%. This means players can anticipate recovering some of their money as they play.
Today, slot machines are a fundamental part of the history of casinos, which also have a fascinating history and a series of curious facts that, although they may go unnoticed by many, represent an indispensable part of today’s casino industry.