The slot machine is undeniably the most iconic and profitable symbol of the modern global casino industry.

Tracing the technological evolution of the slot machine reveals how the gambling industry continually adapts to human psychology.

The Invention of the Liberty Bell (1894)

Charles Fey revolutionized gambling by inventing the ‘Liberty Bell,’ the very first machine capable of automatically paying out physical coins.

The physical act of pulling the heavy metal side lever stretched a massive spring that sent the reels spinning rapidly.

• The ‘BAR’ symbol, which is still incredibly common today, originated as the corporate logo for the Bell-Fruit Gum Company
• Cheaters would often use magnets or drill small holes in the metal casing to stop the mechanical clockwork from spinning freely
• Original Liberty Bell machines are incredibly rare today and are considered priceless artifacts by gambling historians and collectors

The Electromechanical and Digital Revolutions

By utilizing electricity, Bally’s machine could feature a bottomless hopper, allowing for massive, multi-hundred coin payouts without a human attendant.

The absolute turning point for the industry arrived in 1976 with the invention of the very first true ‘Video Slot’ machine.

The slot machine is the perfect marriage of human behavioral psychology and cutting-edge digital engineering.