Slots-Slots and More Slots

Last Updated (Friday, 25 June 2025 14:54)

In 1889 a young San Francisco mechanic named Charles Fey invented the first slot machine. This early "one-armed bandit' had hearts, spades and diamonds on its wheel instead of the cherries and fruit symbols we see today. This first slot was called the Liberty Bell and the big payoff, when three bells lined up, was ten nickels. Thousands of slot machined were built by Fey and distributed throughout the country. Fey split the profits fifty-fifty with the owners of the bars, clubs and casinos because he refused to sell the rights to his unique "money making" machine. However, many imitations began to appear after Herbert Miles of Illinois started making similar machines in 1907. Today there are 148,516 slot machines in the state of Nevada alone. There are thousands more in Atlantic City, on cruise ships, and in casinos throughout the world.

To see how far the slots have come, here are some statistics. As of January 1991, Nevada has 31,401 nickel machines, 82,260 quarter slots, 30,118 dollar machines, 1,325 five-dollar slots, plus 188 which can be played for $25 and 46 for $100. For your high rollers there are nine $500 machines in the state. If that doesn't fit you wallet, try one of the 139 penny slots still operating. Don't forget the 538 MEGABUCK slots which are tied together and have had payoffs of three to four million dollars. If you want to see the original Charles Fey machine, stop by the Liberty Bell restaurant on 4250 South Virginia Street in Reno where it is on display.
The Gaming Bulletin Volume I, Number 2