Slot Machine History

In 1887 Mr Charles Fey designed and made the first slot machine and named it the 'Liberty Bell'. Living in San Francisco, he contacted all the local casinos and rented the Liberty Bell slot machine to these casinos. In short period the Liberty Bell slot became a popular casino addition. The early slot machines used symbols like stars, horseshoes, spades, diamonds and hearts from playing cards.

In 1907 the Mills Novelty Company entered into a contract with Mr Charles Fey to produce an updated version of the Liberty Bell slot machine. The wooden frame and basic construction was replaced with a iron body and ornate iron feet. With the growing popularity the slot machine was given many face lifts, none more obvious that those featuring the indian head theme and cast iron claw feet.

The Flamingo Hilton owned by Bugsy Siegel introduced slot machines for the wives of high rollers, who would play these slots as a way to pass time as their husband's pursued action at the blackjack and roulette wheels.

With the invention of the computer chip in the 1970's slot machines were given a new lease on life. The standard 3 reel slots could now be turned into 5 reel slots machines; though 3 line slots are still seen in Vegas Casinos today.