Invented during the Industrial Revolution, the slot machine has evolved dramatically since its development. From Charles Fey’s original “Liberty Bell” to the microprocessor slot offering multi-line bets, double pays, progressive jackpots, and five-reel games, the slot has kept pace with America’s consciousness. For over a century, it has entertained, teased and made a few very, very rich.

During the last part of the 19th century, America was tantalized by what could be. Gripped by the promises of the California Gold Rush, slews of people made their way west. Congregating in the rowdy Barbary Coast of San Francisco, these people – risk takers by nature – discovered the slot machine was just their cup of tea, or, more appropriately, their glass of whiskey. The original coin-operated machines – arcade devices with spinning arrows, colorful wheels and playing cards attached to drums – catered to the crowd. Some were risqué, others cashed in on the spirit of adventure.

As we moved into the 20th century, the change from a penny slot to a machine that could accept up to 10 coins reflected the public’s insatiable appetite. But by 1909, many felt the popularity of the slot was out of control and called for its abolishment. Ingenuity prevailed: laws banning slot machines were circumvented by camouflaging them as gum and mint vendors; designers added symbols – such as cherries and lemons – to display the flavors available, becoming mainstay symbols. It wasn’t long before the tide changed completely; the Temperance Movement washed over the country, leading to outward Prohibition and backroom entertainment.

1910s	1920s
Fey Klondike The Fey Klondike, one of the earliest slot machines, conjured images of the Alaskan Gold Rush, capitalizing on the fever that had that gripped the nation.	The Liberty Bell The first mechanical slot machine, invented by Charles Fey in 1985, featured reels instead of card-holding drums and remained the standard model for slots for decades to come.