Jump to content

Slot machine

From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Slot machines in the Trump Taj Mahal

A slot machine (American English), called also fruit machine[1] (British English), the slots (Canadian English), poker machine or "pokies" (slang) (Australian English and New Zealand English) or simply slot (American English), is a casino gambling machine with set of numbers or pictures that after putting money in it and pressing button will randomly spin. The game is popular in casinos as it is easy and hassle free way to gamble money.[2] The display of a slot machine have reels, which have symbols; a built-in number generator determines the different symbols. If same numbers or pictures line up the player will win their bet or multiplier of it.

Slot machines include a currency detector that detects if coins and notes are real ones and what values they have. The machine pays the winning or issue a coupon that will entitle to collecting reward in cash or prizes. In some countries where money gambling in casinos is illegal the slot machines can issue free prizes, coupons or vouchers. Slot machines are the most popular gambling method in casinos and make up about 70 percent of the US casino's income.[3]

The first modern slot machine was invented by Charles Fey of San Francisco, California, in 1894.[4] The following year Fey built the 4-11-44 in his basement. It became very successful at a local saloon, so he soon quit his job, and opened a factory to make more units. In 1898 Fey built the Card Bell, the first three-reel slot machine with automatic cash payouts. The Card Bell had a handle that set the reels in motion when it was pushed down and playing card suitmarks that lined up to form poker hands. His next slot machine, the Liberty Bell, was built in 1899 and used horseshoes and bells as well as playing card suitmarks on the reels. Three bells lined up in a row meant the top payout. Chiefly because of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, only 4 of more than 100 Liberty Bell machines built by Fey survive. The Liberty Bell proved immensely popular among saloon patrons in San Francisco and was quickly copied by Fey’s competitors, such as the Mills Novelty Company of Chicago.

Variants

[change | change source]
  1. Progressive Jackpot Slots
  2. Multiple Pay-Line
  3. Multiplier Slots
  4. Bonus Multiplier Slots
  5. Megaways Slots
  6. Classic Slots
  7. 3D Slots
  8. Video Slots

References

[change | change source]
  1. "The Gaming Act 1968 (Variation of Monetary Limits) Order 2005". Legislation.gov.uk. Retrieved 22 August 2016.
  2. "Is it safe to play online slots". Australian pokies. Archived from the original on 15 June 2019. Retrieved 29 September 2016.
  3. Cooper, Marc (December 2005). "How slot machines give gamblers the business". The Atlantic Monthly Group. Retrieved 2008-04-21.
  4. "The Reel/Real First Slot Machine". About.com. Archived from the original on 26 February 2009. Retrieved 22 August 2016.