Official slot is a game that allows players to win credits by spinning reels and matching symbols. The game has a pay table that lists the payout amounts for different combinations. Some games also have wild symbols that can substitute for other symbols to complete winning lines. In older machines, the pay table is listed on the face of the machine; in video slots, it’s usually displayed within a help menu.
The first slot machine was created in 1887 by Charles Fey, who worked as a mechanic and pursued inventive projects in his spare time. His Liberty Bell machine was the first to become a hit, and would go down as the father of modern slots. Fey’s design would be adapted by countless other manufacturers.
Fey’s popularity was short-lived though, and by the end of the decade gambling bans had swept through cities across America. Forces of morality and the clergy quickly opposed the operation of slot machines, resulting in a number of San Francisco-based companies shutting up shop and moving elsewhere. However, it was not long before the machines reappeared – this time in bars and saloons.
Charles Fey would continue to experiment with new designs, but it was not until the 1890s that he managed to develop a machine with three reels that was truly revolutionary. The Mills Novelty Company would produce his classic 3-reel machine and soon, it became a worldwide hit. A few years later, Fey’s name would be added to the list of ‘Father of Slots’ alongside Sittman and Pitt.
Bally Manufacturing was another early manufacturer that produced a number of electromechanical slots. The company’s founders, Raymond Maloney and Bill Bally, had started the firm back in 1932 and had originally focused on pinball machines. Bally’s first electromechanical slot was the Money Honey – which featured a ‘bottomless’ hopper, allowing it to make larger payouts than previous models.
Reel Rush is an excellent example of NetEnt’s creativity and innovation. The slot has an impeccable look, with fashionable colours and a fun, quirky style that draws in the player. The graphics are flawless, and every detail is meticulously thought through.
The National Football League is partnering with Aristocrat to launch NFL-themed slot machines that will start appearing in casinos this September. The move is a major reversal for the NFL, which had vehemently opposed sports betting before the Supreme Court ruling that paved the way for it to be legalised in states across America. The branded slot machines will be designed to load relevant imagery, videos of key game moments, and even stadium anthems. The games will also feature a strategy around responsible gambling initiatives.