Slot Machine History

In 1899, Charles Fey invented the Liberty Bell, the first slot machine. To circumvent laws banning slot machines they started selling chewing gum so they could be classified as vending machines. The chewing gum was fruit flavored, which resulted in fruit symbols being used and in the use of the name Fruit Machine.

Slot Machines spread across the USA. In the 1950s federal legislation was introduced that restricted their use. Las Vegas introduced slot machines as an amusement for the wives and girlfriends of the high rollers. By the 1980s slot machines were as popular as table games and by the 1990s had become more popular.