30 Years Of Video Slots

It’s been over a century since the first ever slot machine, the “Liberty Bell”, made its grand debut to the gambling word. As for video slots, their advent came just three decades ago in the 1970s. Between then and now, video slots have eclipsed all other games in the gambling industry – both on land and online and the capabilities, popularity and payouts show no sign of letting up.

Back in 1975, Walt Fraley invented the “Fortune Coin” video screen game. Oddly enough, the game wasn’t at all popular since players will still so accustomed to gambling with dealers. The technology actually turned them off and made them skeptical that the game was rigged. Still, just one year later IGT, or International Game Technology, saw the promise and potential of the video slot and purchased the Fortune Coin technology and patent and then sought to make more games in its image and beyond. Then, in 1979 video poker entered the scene and changed everything. Wildly popular, this inspired other manufacturers to get in on the action and start inventing their own video slots and video gambling machines.

Between 1980 and today, the video slot machines industry has grown exponentially year after year. And with the evolution of the games into the virtual and online gambling worlds, the possibilities are seemingly limitless. Always popular with casino patrons, the lights, sounds, payouts and bonuses that are the mark of most video slot machines keep them coming back for more.