Betting on slot machines for money is becoming more and more popular. Because such machines allow you to spend your time interestingly, enjoy the feeling of excitement, chase luck, if you are lucky, get good money and other valuable prizes. It is generally accepted that gambling originated with humans. Back in the tenth century BC, there were the first dice, which were enthusiastically played, placing something valuable on the line.
The slots that went down in history as "one-armed bandits" appeared later. In fact, they owe their appearance to the first land-based gambling halls. Let's consider the history of the appearance of the famous "one-armed bandits", what were their features and why they became so popular that they gathered whole halls of those willing to try to catch luck and get a profit.
It is worth starting with the fact that the first flowering of the game industry falls on the end of the 19th century. It was at this time that the first land-based casinos were opened, where fans of gambling gathered in droves. It is a well-known fact in the field of entertainment that the first slots were invented in 1894.
After the next eighteen years, "fruit" machines found themselves in the field of gambling. Which almost immediately became incredibly popular among fans of excitement. Although today there is a wide variety of plots, but such a design (in the form of fruits) remains the most popular in the field of entertainment.
As for the first online slots, the history of their appearance dates back to the mid-nineties of the twentieth century. Such slots were much more primitive than modern ones. They lacked bright and realistic graphics, not to mention sophisticated design. But even then, such devices gave players what they were looking for. The feeling of excitement, the opportunity to win the desired jackpot.
For now, let's talk about traditional one-armed bandits. Where did it all start? How did these machines manage to gain such popularity that lasts to this day?
"One-armed bandits" - where did it all begin?
Speaking about the history of the creation of one-armed bandits, the following facts should first be considered:
- The very idea, as well as the principles of operation of slots, are based on poker. In 1891, two mechanics, Pitt and Sitman, designed and built a poker machine;
- The machine made had 5 reels and 50 cards. In order to start the game, you had to throw a coin into the machine and then pull the handle;
- The player watched the spins, waiting for a combination to come out. Which could bring profit or turn out to be unsuccessful;
- It is interesting to note that the first slots did not notify users that they had won. If the player saw that a successful combination came out, then he called the bartender and he gave the player a prize.
These were the earliest variants of "one-armed bandits". Those who have seen these machines may wonder why they are so big and strong. The answer is quite simple. The owners knew that there would be more losses than wins and then the players would beat the drums, breaking the evil for failure. Slots had to be ready for this, so they were made with a strong construction.
"The Bell of Freedom" by C. Fey
Time did not stand still, the slots also changed. The next milestone in the development of slots belongs to the German Charles Fay. It was he who created the car, which was originally called "4-11-44". Such a machine consisted of three lines, and from the same single handle, which allowed to call the slots "one-armed bandits".
A little later, namely in 1898, Fay managed to improve his own creation. He gave the invention a beautiful name, which sounded "Freedom Bell". It was this inventor who "taught" the machine to pay out winnings on its own. As for the name of the invention, it was connected with the symbol that was depicted on the drums.
The essence was that when the player reached three "bells" then he received a cash prize. In principle, there were no special differences regarding the winning rules, but it became more interesting to play.
The next stage in the development of devices was that they began to play for money with "fruit" machines. Instead of ordinary cards, the player saw strawberries, bananas, pineapples, cherries and other "juicy" curiosities. The principle remained the same. The player needed "one hand" to draw and bet, testing his luck.
Years passed, but the demand and interest in such devices did not decrease. On the contrary, it only grew. "One-armed bandits" remain in the assortment of modern casinos and gamblers often prefer them.
The main differences of slots
Old-style slot models are usually called classic machines or "one-armed bandits". Looking at the modern game range, you can see that "bandits" have the following differences:
- Differ in primitive interface;
- Management is simple and intuitive;
- The number of drums is small. Can be from 1 to 5. Lines from 1 to 9;
- There may be additional (bonus) levels.
Even now, when there are a huge number of game possibilities, "one-armed bandits" do not lose their popularity. Players appreciate the machines for their simplicity. You only need to pull the handle and the dream of insane wealth can become a little closer.
What are the most popular "one-armed bandits"?
Slots related to old models have differences not only in terms of themes, authors-developers and number of lines. It is worth taking into account some other characteristics:
- According to the method when winnings are calculated. These are old machines that have a standard, constant and progressive (that is, constantly growing) jackpot. The second option is more popular among players, because it provides an opportunity for a bigger win;
- "One-armed bandit" that has the appearance of a multiplier. That is, the direct and bonus multiplier. In the first subtype, the machines have access to activate all successful combinations through one coin. The following coins allow you to increase your winnings. Bonus multiplier machines increase winnings in bonus rounds;
- Megaspins, that is, devices where you can spin not from one drum, but from several at once. It is generally accepted that they provide especially high chances of winning.
Today, you can play "one-armed bandits" online. You can place a bet and start the drum without leaving your home. This can be done from a standard PC or from a mobile application.
"One-armed bandits" from the first models to the present
"One-armed bandits" became a classic of the world of gambling. Although many years have passed since their creation, their popularity does not decline. But, of course, the models improved, became better and more interesting for the modern user. The feeling of excitement when you pull the cherished handle is guaranteed, and everything else depends on the persistence of the player and the favor of fortune.