When you think of a casino, one of the first things that come to mind is the iconic slot machine. These colorful, flashing machines have been a staple in casinos for decades, but their history may surprise you.

The first slot machine was invented in the late 19th century by a man named Charles Fey. In 1895, Fey created the “Liberty Bell” machine, which featured three spinning reels with symbols like horseshoes and bells. Players would insert a nickel and pull a lever to spin the reels, hoping to match up the symbols and win a prize.

The Liberty Bell was a huge hit, and Fey quickly began mass-producing the machines for saloons and bars around San Francisco. However, the popularity of slot machines quickly led to a ban on gambling in many states, forcing Fey to come up with a new way to distribute his machines.

In the early 20th century, slot machines began to be replaced by gum vending machines to evade the anti-gambling laws. Players would insert a coin, spin the reels, and if they landed on a winning combination, they would receive gum as a prize. These machines became known as “trade stimulators” and helped to keep the slot machine industry alive during the Prohibition era.

In the 1930s, the first electromechanical slot machines were introduced, featuring lights and sound effects to enhance the gaming experience. These machines quickly became a hit in casinos across the country, and by the 1970s, they had evolved into the video slot machines that we know today.

Today, slot machines are one of the most popular games in casinos, generating billions of dollars in revenue each year. They come in all shapes and sizes, from traditional three-reel machines to elaborate five-reel video slots with bonus rounds and progressive jackpots.

Despite their humble beginnings as trade stimulators, slot machines have evolved into a casino staple that is synonymous with the thrill and excitement of gambling. Whether you’re a casual player looking for some fun or a high roller chasing a big payout, you can’t walk into a casino without encountering these iconic machines. And it all started with Charles Fey and his Liberty Bell.