Unpredictability plus big rewards equals excitement. This equation perfectly describes slot machines realm. It seems that so many gambling fanatics choose slots as their favorite game. Known as 'one armed bandits,' the popularity of slot machines lead to diverse reactions, ranging from approval to cynicism. On one side, you have people saying that they are forms of entertainment and no one is forced to play. On the other side are critics claiming that slots only create a culture of indolence, with the 'easy play, easy money' impression that they espouse. Yet, slots only end up 'stealing' more bets because everything is played by chance. But before joining a debate on the matter, it is better to get a basic knowledge and understanding of this game. Learn how slots evolved from an ingenious playing machine to an internet-wide phenomena. Get an overview of the game mechanics, the odds involved, and the jackpot that awaits a player.
Slot machine first underwent its mechanical phase, with early prototypes existing since 1870. Charles August Fey is noted as founder of the industry. His love for mechanical things began while working at a farm gadget shop in Munich, Germany. He migrated to America and started working for California Electric Company. After observing several machines, he made his own version of the machine, the three wheel affair, in 1894. He made several pieces which he placed for 50% rentals. Fey put up a slot production factory in 1896 and produced Liberty Bell out of cast iron. The machine used three free working reels, each having ten symbols. Aside from using images from playing cards, Liberty Bell also made use of images like horseshoes, bells, and stars, for its reels. The players just needed three similar symbols to succeed, and players had a one in a thousand chance of winning. Years later, Fey collaborated with Mills Novelty Company and made Mills Liberty Bell, which in 1910, had the fruit icons (which we all now associate with slots) and gooseneck coin entry.
When Fey died in 1944, Mills continued the work by coming up with a much silent machine, which was later called 'Silent Bell.' Later on, several distinctive cabinets were introduced: Lion Head, Roman Head, and War Eagle in 1931, and Castle Front by 1933. Then, slot machines went through the electromechanical phase revolution come middle of 20th century. They created Big Bertha to take half a dollar as bet then return as winnings around 80% of the amount. The machine was updated with a new version called Super Big Bertha that had an electric motor of five horsepower operating the equipment. Slot machines then entered its computer phase as computer mechanism was applied to slot machine technology. Actual reels in the old slots that mechanically spin to predict outcome were replaced in computerized machines by random number generators. Symbols are now randomly selected by a generator, and these increases the unpredictability and excitement in playing slots. In today's age of the internet, slots can now be played online by visiting any of the hundred, if not thousand, online slot sites available.
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