The Evolution of the Slot Machine

The first slot machine was invented by Charles Fey in the late 1800s. Fey's original invention was much simpler than current day video slot machines. The original slot machine was composed of three spinning reels containing only five symbols: horseshoes, diamonds, spades, hearts, and a Liberty Bell. In 1963 Bally developed the first fully electromechanical slot machine. This was the first slot machine ever invented to have an automatic payout system. Popularity and profits soared and these side lever machines paved the way for the creation of the video slot machine which was developed in 1976 by Fortune Coin Co. Video slot machines have continued to evolve, now equipped with multiple screens and bonus games and are commonly found in all Las Vegas casinos and casinos around the world.

With the internet now being so prominent in many peoples' lives, those without easy access to brick and mortar casinos have turned to online casinos in order to gamble. Online casinos offer the same games and stakes as live casinos including online slot machines. Players are able to wager any amount they desire, push a button and let the reels spin. Some people prefer the excitement of live casino play but with busy schedules and the ease of logging on to a computer, online gambling popularity has grown fast in recent years.

Does the convenience of internet gambling supersede the excitement of wagering at a live casino?