Who Created The First Slot Machine

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Have you ever been curious to know who invented the brilliant innovation that is the slot machine while you were spinning the reels? If so, here’s a brief rundown of the history of where it all began and the man behind the slot machine that has grown to be a casino staple and a gambler’s favourite to play at Wizard Slots.

What people may not realize is that slot machines, video poker machines and other electronic gaming devices make up the bulk of all that. Good first issue. Add a description, image, and links to the slot-machine topic page so that developers can more easily learn about it.

The Man behind the Machine

The man who first invented the slot machine is none other than Bavarian-born Charles August Fey. America, as the land of the free with its entrepreneurial spirit, has always many technical inventors and innovative minds but many will argue that Charles August Fey has been one of the most influential on American business, culture and technology through his invention of the slot machine. He was born in the winter of 1862, in a town called Vöhringen in Bavaria and lived to see his invention become a success, passing away in California, a state he grew to call home and where he lived until his death on the 4th November 1944. Charles August Fey came to the USA when he was in his prime at the age of 23 but had been working on his inventions and technology projects since he was a young teenager. He was known as an inventor and a traveller, first living in England and France as a young man before he made it across the pond to America.

The Very First Slot Machine

This first slot machine he ever constructed was in 1894 and even then it was evident that he had a revolutionary grip on mechanics and technology. Shortly after this Charles August Fey built another machine that is more in the likeness of the classic slot machines we would recognise today. It was a three-reel machine called Liberty Bell which automatically paid out upon a win and Liberty Bell still forms the mechanics of how modern-day slot games work.

The invention of the slot machine was a marriage made in heaven between technology and entertainment and the success of the slot machines owes a debt to the perseverance of Charles August Fey and his hard work in continuing to refine and perfect the slot machines he invented. Charles August Fey’s main aim was to capitalise on the opportunity to perfect the slot machine just as the entertainment industry in America was on the up, especially in California and San Francisco.

Finally in the late 1920s, Charles August Fey became the first slot machine manufacturer who managed to bring to market a three-reel slot machine which accepted dollar coins. Charles August Fey remained an innovator in the industry throughout his life and inspired many innovators both in the US and abroad to invent new slot machines and games. The first slot machines were not like the ones we know and love today, although Charles August Fey invented slot machines which could accept coins, the machines he invented could not pay out winnings. Instead, a casino attendant or barkeeper would be nearby and on hand to give the player the payout if they won and a lot of the machines were in bars or cigarette store, so instead of actual money, the players would get tokens which they could then use to buy cigarettes or drinks! It wasn’t until 1894 that Charles August Fey invented a machine with an automatic payout. This 4-11-14 machine was so popular that he quickly set to work to create more machines and shortly launched his own company called Charles Fey & Company which was extremely successful and soon moved to San Francisco’s flourishing business district.

The Invention of the Liberty Bell

In 1898, he made another breakthrough, inventing the world’s first Card Bell slot machine which had three reels with a staggered stop and once again with an automatic payout. This slot machine features poker cards which were very popular with players at the time and player’s loved this thrilling game of suspense. This game soon needed a facelift and to bring it into modern times, the symbols on the reels were developed and changed from suits to new and exciting symbols which included a star and bells and was renamed the Liberty Bell slot machine. Many classic styles slot games still feature stars and bells, paying homage to one of the first slot machines. An interesting fact is that the starts represent the starts on the United States flag and it was named in honour of the symbol of freedom – ‘Liberty’. This slot game had a level on the side of it which is why some people nickname slot machines “one-armed bandits” as in order to spin the reels on the slot machine, the player would need to pull down the arm/lever.

The Liberty Bell slot machine had a total of ten symbols on each of the reels and ten stops, giving a total of 1,000 different combinations. Other symbols associated with luck were included on the reels, including horseshoes as well as card symbols like diamonds, spades and hearts. The Liberty Bell’s RTP was around 86%, which is quite low in comparison to the online slot games which are played now! If a player was to be lucky enough to line up three bells on the three reels, they would win a whole 50 cents!

This style of slot machine continued to be extremely popular with players and dominated the gambling and entertainment industry until advancements in technology brought us the age of the internet and cutting edge graphic design. Although the slot machine was popular with gamblers, it wasn’t always a smooth ride for Fey and his inventions, many people hated the idea of slot machines, believing they were corrupting San Francisco and many anti-gambling crusades were launched in an attempt to rid San Francisco of Fey’s inventions.

Well, there you have it, an interesting history lesson which might make you want to play some of the classic retro style slot machines which are available both in brick and mortar casinos as well as online casinos!

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We have collected for you slot machines from more than a hundred world-famous manufacturers. If you play games by well-known companies, you do not risk playing with low-quality or pirated content. All branded games are checked for compliance with industry standards.

Slot machine developers create their products for PCs, tablets and smartphones. In addition to slots, they offer popular table games: blackjack, baccarat, video poker, roulette and others. You can find available platforms for playing slots on our website.

It is necessary to distinguish developers of slot machines and publishers of games (providers, suppliers). For example, a large gaming company Novomatic develops slot machines, its division Greentube is responsible for the publication and distribution of technology products.

Slot machine developers

After the emergence of slot machines on the Internet, the number of slots has increased significantly. Nowadays, several dozen companies work on the creation of online slots: they compose high quality solutions and have an individual style. Each platform can offer something unique for players. In this article, we shall take a look at the slot machine developers, specifics of the creation process and the leaders of the gambling business. All you need to know about slot machines before you start playing. Even though it is not always important for players to know, who exactly created a gambling machine, it is helpful to be informed about the machine’s producer. Such information can even help greatly in getting winnings. Each slot machine is a complex program that not only displays the symbols on the reels, but is based on a precise mathematic model of calculations. A team of skilled designers and web developers work on the design of a game.

Every year there are new variations of gambling, that include innovative features. Slot machine developers try to keep up with the latest market trends. Creation of the right game concept is impossible if sentiments and tastes of the players are unknown. That is a reason for permanent researches which are the source of this necessary information.

Slot machines of each company have their advantages and disadvantages. We have collected for you games from over a hundred developers. You will learn about the features and style of the company's products and find out how to distinguish them on pages dedicated to each of them.

Usually online casinos offer games from one or two or sometimes from several manufacturers, because licensed software from any progressive platform costs quite a lot. Therefore, knowledge of gaming machines from different developers will also help in choosing of casino.

We have gathered together a large number of licensed slot machines from various makers. You will find here well-known companies, such as Microgaming and Greentube, and also models of less known brands. Choose familiar developers or discover some new ones right now.

Slots are an integral part of land-based and online casinos. Different in form and management, they allow us to make the time spent playing a game memorable and full of thrills. The quality of a slot machine is an important element of the user experience, that is why the site offers original slots from famous manufacturers. Players’ confidence to these companies and their products is time-proven, so the chance of getting a real gaming experience from the best developments increases significantly.

Who Created The First Slot Machine

Developers of land-based gaming machines

There are some companies that deal with all the stages of the process: creation of both software and hardware. One of these self-sufficient companies is Novomatic. It offers models of slot machines for land-based casinos and online games of the highest quality.

The developers of slot machines and games for land-based casinos

Although the majority of companies have shown themselves in a particular area of gambling, there are some that have got an equally great reputation in both the virtual and the real markets. Production of slot machines is a difficult process that requires considerable material outlay and intellectual resources. Therefore, slots are designed by big companies with significant experience.

Companies, which make slot machines, have distinctive specialization. They can:

  • Create software for machines placed in land-based casinos.
  • Produce details, mechanisms and hulls for their machines.
  • Develop online machines.

The historical value of land slot machines can’t be underestimated. Having passed a difficult way of development and improvement, overcoming numerous legal injunctions, these devices offer players the possibility not only to try their luck in the pursuit of a big win but also to feel the special atmosphere of the gambling venues. Production of slot machines for casinos is a complex task, since besides meeting players requests, you must take into account benefits for casinos, prospects of a slot and features of exploitation.

Atronic, IGT, Konami, Novomatic, Bally companies have been meeting these challenges for years. Slot machines by these manufacturers can most often be found in land-based casinos.

Atronic

Atronic has developed 214 licensed games that are distributed worldwide. Only in the USA can Atronic devices be found in 25 states and 149 districts. Typically, slot machines have two screens and external speakers. A thematic variety of games have allowed the company to reach a large audience, not the least due to atmospheric bonus rounds implemented in almost every slot. In 2008, Atronic has absorbed US company GTECH. Popular slot machines by Atronic are:

  • Cashline
  • E - Moution
  • Mystery
  • Babooshka
  • Beach Patrol

Aristocrat Leisure

Australian company Aristocrat Leisure is one of the oldest in the gambling business. the first slot of which was released in 1953. At the moment, the company distributes products in more than 200 jurisdictions around the world. This is the second credible developer of gaming machines for land-based casinos in the world. With the development of online gambling, Aristocrat Leisure included in the list of achievements providing assistance in virtualisation usual gambling venues within the nLive program.

Among the games created by Aristocrat Leisure:

  • Queen of the Nile
  • Jackpot Carnival
  • Cash Express

Bally Entertainment

Seniority of Bally Entertainment is slightly less than that of Aristocrat Leisure. Bally entered the market of gambling business in 1979, although the company was founded in 1968. This is one of the first developers, who began deliberately filling casinos in Las Vegas, starting with the Colorado Belle complex. Bally Gaming slots are an amalgam of gameplay quality and visual style, that holds players' attention not only by beautiful images but also by special bonuses. Like many slot machine manufacturers, Bally Entertainment distributes games in both land-based and online casinos.

Noted games by Bally:

  • Titanic
  • Betty Boop's Fortune Teller
  • Cash Spin

Konami

The Japanese company Konami is one of the largest developers of video games in Japan and the 20th largest company in the world. Konami is a company that besides computer games and toys, makes slot machines too. The most popular in the gaming industry are arcade cabinets and Konami games.

The most popular games by players worldwide, primarily due to the high quality of game mechanics and visual design are:

  • Rocky
  • Money in the Bank
  • Dance Dance Revolution
  • Atlantic Treasure
  • African Treasure
  • Lucky Dice
  • Pro Evolution Soccer
  • Solstice Gold

WMS Industries

WMS Industries has had numerous changes of name and has merged with other gambling manufacturers. As a developer of land-based slot machines, WMS Industries proved itself in 1973 by creating a video game based on the arcade Pong Clone Paddle Ball. The company became popular by creating devices to play pinball. It started developing slot machines in 1994, but the first product in this new field was only introduced in 1996. It was Reel 'em In slot machine that was equipped with a multi-line and multi-coin bonus. Popular slot machines of the 90s developed by WMS Industries are:

  • Reel 'em In
  • Jackpot Party
  • Boom and Filthy Rich

Novomatic

Novomatic is known to almost every player of online slots for its atmospheric slots, and for creating and distributing the most trivial land-based gaming machines in 1980. At the moment, Novomatic is considered to be the largest supplier of ground slots equipping gambling venues in more than 70 countries. The quality of the design and a high level of slot machine Novomatic has allowed the company to create virtual counterparts of the most popular games. Such as:

  • Book of Ra
  • Dolpin's Pearl
  • Lucky Lady's Charm
  • Sizzling Hot Deluxe

Even though the graphic component of Novomatic gaming machines may seem simple, they are still pleasurable to play.

IGT

International Game Technology, better known as IGT, has been engaged in the development and distribution of land slot machines since 1975. Initially, IGT was focused on creating different variants of video poker under the name A-1 Supply. With the growing popularity of slot machines, the company has expanded its activities and started to develop slots. In 1983, IGT released a slot machine Fortune II M, and in 1984 after the acquisition of EDT, completed their products with the option of memorising and rewarding users. Among the best games of IGT are:

  • Triple Play
  • Spin Poker
  • All Star Poker
  • Megabucks
  • Wheel of Fortune
  • Monopoly
  • Star Trek

IGT deals not only with the development and supply of ground-based slot machines but is also a clear leader in the online slots market. With many years of experience in making slots for real casinos, it creates slot machine games on the basis of popular movies and TV shows that have conquered the hearts of players around the world.

Manufacturers of online slot machines

The development of computer technologies has opened the way to a new market of gambling services not only to eminent companies such as Novomatic, IGT, Konami and Bally's but also to young and creative teams. At its core, the online slots are similar to the land slot machines. The main difference is the possibility to play in the comfort of your own home. Online casinos have solved some difficulties of players associated with visiting casinos. First of all, this applies to the legal aspect in countries where land-based casinos are banned. Now, you do not need to comply with a dress code to play slots or have a certain amount in your balance to start a game. Simply select a reliable platform with original slot machines, like on this website, make a deposit and try your luck.

There are many good developers of online slots. Some adopt experience of older colleagues, while others find their formula for success but still produce a quality product for users. “Young” but talented software developers include:

  • Quickspin
  • Yggdrasil Gaming
  • Evoplay
  • Genesis Gaming
  • Thunderkick

Among the recognizable companies filling online casinos with their games, are:

  • IGT
  • PlayTech
  • Novomatic
  • NetEnt
  • Microgaming
  • IgroSoft
  • Cryptologic
  • Betsoft

Specifics of manufacturing slot machines

Who Created The First Slot Machines

Hundreds of new slot machines appear every year around the world. Some use famous topics, such as fruit or poker and some try to create something unique referring to fairy tales or popular movies. This is one of the main features of making slot machines – choose the right subject so that users come back again and again.

In addition to the visual part, gameplay mechanics is very important too. Manufacturers are supposed to balance between own benefit and players’ reward. This is one of the challenges that developers of slots face, as competition in the field of online gambling is high, and if a user is not satisfied with the response of a game, he will leave in search of another. This applies mainly to young companies, the credibility and popularity of which has not yet matured. With the “Veterans” of the gambling industry, players know that the session will bring positive emotions and a cash award.

The interactivity of a slot also has an impact on the game's popularity. Bonus rounds, risk games, animated cinematics and 3D-graphics make the game more complete and atmospheric. The level of computer technologies allows embodying the most daring ideas of developers, thereby expanding the list of possible games in land-based institutions and online casinos. A list of all slot machines can be found in the free slots section of our website.

Virtual slot machines inherit and develop wherever possible the ideas of classic ground devices. Many providers create shared progressive jackpot games which significantly increases its reward for all players. Applications are created not just for browsers but also for mobile applications for phones and tablets, as well as desktop apps. So Manufacturers support the usability of slot machines and gain more popularity.

The most well-known manufacturers of slot machines

When starting to familiarise yourself with the online gambling world, the safest and most reasonable solution would be looking to popular manufacturers that have earned the trust of users. The modern online slots market provides an extensive list of companies and slots, where a user with the most stringent demands can find a suitable game.

PlayTech

Established in 1999, PlayTech is one of the largest developers and distributors of slot machines, online bingo, online poker, scratch games, betting and mobile betting games. Not limiting itself to certain themes of slots, PlayTech regularly updates the portfolio bringing to fans memorable games.

  • X Men Slot
  • Pink Panther
  • Fantastic Four
  • King Kong
  • Iron Man 3
  • Blade
  • Cowboys and Aliens

Novomatic

The Novomatic company is a recognisable leader in the production and distribution of online slot machines. It owns a Gaminator brand, that has won the love of hundreds of thousands of players worldwide. Сompany’s products are distinguished by high-quality graphics, a user-friendly interface and interesting game mechanics. Novomatic was one of the first companies to enter the online casino market, creating for residents of countries, where the gambling activities are prohibited by law, the possibility to continue playing their favourite games. A distinctive feature of Novomatic slot machines are the fact that they always consist of 5 reels, 9 prize lines and have a risk game.

Who created the first slot machines
  • Columbus
  • Dolphin's Pearl
  • Sizzling Hot
  • Book of Ra
  • The Ming Dynasty
  • Ramses II

NetEnt

The NetEnt company is a Swedish developer of software for online casinos, a repeated receiver of EGR B2B Awards. The features of free slots that Net Ent have released are common to all operators – progressive jackpot games, a high return to player ratio (minimum 95%), as well as a variety of subjects. Additionally, these slots are famous for good video and audio accompaniment, multi-currency and cross-platform features. Top games by the company:

  • Aliens
  • Gonzo's Quest
  • Mega Fortune
  • Starburst
  • Jack Hammer
  • South Park
  • Blood Suckers
  • Cosmic Fortune

Microgaming

Microgaming in some sense is a founder of progressive jackpot online slots. It was the first company to implement an ever-growing global reward in their games, the amount of which was directly dependent on the number of bets made by players. The producer is also among the first companies to make use of 3D-elements in slot machines bringing a significant variety to the gameplay. The main features of slot machines my Microgaming are, multilingual, 5 reels, 25 lines, the possibility to play on any device. The most popular games of Microgaming:

  • Big Kahuna
  • Tomb Raider
  • Hellboy
  • Avalon Lord of the rings
  • Thunderstruck 2
  • Hitman

MegaJack

Bulgarian company MegaJack is one of the largest manufacturers of slots for the poker game. Their developments stand out with quality graphics and audio effects, generous bonuses and a user-friendly interface. Despite the fact that the MegaJack company is focused on video poker, its portfolio also includes slot games:

  • Champagne
  • Jack or Better
  • Slot-o- Pol
  • Aztec Gold
  • Bonus Poker
  • Deuces Wild
  • Joker Wild
  • Deuces and Joker Wild

IgroSoft

The Russian company IgroSoft is a popular developer and distributor of online slots in the global market. Through a catchy style of game savers, users can easily recognise manufacturer’s devices. Company’s games are constantly updated and improved to meet new requirements of the online market. 5 reels, 9 paylines, the theoretical RTP at least 95% and a risk game are typical for most online slots from the manufacturer.

  • Multi Fish
  • Crazy Monkey
  • Fruit Cocktail
  • Lucky Haunter
  • Garage
  • Resident
  • Sweet Life

Betsoft

Who Created The First Slot Machine

Betsoft is another giant in the global market of virtual slot machines, their portfolio contains about 200 games. The main features of slot machines by Betsoft are a cinematic design, thoughtful sound and 3D-graphics. Most slots have an animated cinematic intro that reveals to players the plot. Besides this, Betsoft slots have a simple and intuitive interface, so even a novice will easily understand how to play:

  • Mr Vegas
  • Paco and Popping Peppers
  • Gold Diggers
  • Royal Reels
  • Mega King
  • Aztec Treasures 3D
  • Reel Outlaws
  • HellRaiser

Why is choosing well-known manufacturers so important

A modern online slot machine is a computer program, that is rather large and expensive. This computer program can be transformed, for instance, the percentage of payouts may be changed in a way to win less and to increase the profits to the online casinos.

When Was The First Slot Machine Invented

But everything is not so easy. Major producers of online slot machines, such as NetEnt, Microgaming, Novomatic, PlayTech and even Belatra and Igrosoft, value their reputation. They envisaged the possibility that their slot may appear in the hands of unscrupulous casino owners. Therefore, makers insert complicated and expensive encryption algorithms in the programs of slots. Before launching a slot, such a program verifies the MD5 checksum. It is the sum of certain bytes, taken from different parts of the code. If someone will make changes in the program, the checksum of the slot will not converge and machine will not be launched.

Thus, if you choose a slot machine from a respectable producer, don’t worry, it will give out the prizes just like it was devised by its creators. Due to a high level of competition among companies, makers try to make the biggest jackpots available on their slots. Therefore, “branded” machines always give winnings well.

In terms of gameplay, the more popular the online slot is, the more statistics, tips, tricks, and reviews are accumulated on the web. This makes it possible to determine in advance how suitable a particular machine is, to correct the tactics of the game. Additionally, the player is guaranteed to receive a high-quality service and a pleasant experience of interaction with the gaming machine.

The licensed software of slot machines from known manufacturers also increases the financial and informational security of users. This moment distinguishes good manufacturers of slot machines from unscrupulous ones. Caring for the comfort and well-being, a pleasant leisure time of playing any of slot machines are priority objectives of the popular manufacturers.