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Monkey Slots - The Story Behind Slot Machines

In 1887, the idea of the slot machine was invented by a mechanic named Charles Fey. Based in San Francisco, they were handmade and added to local mini-casinos in an agreement with owners to charge a 50% rental fee for their use. Widespread opinion would dictate bulky and heavy machines in the beginning. In reality, they appeared similar to today's slot machines. Also, symbols were different back then; fruit symbols came out later as these entertainment machines began to branch out.

Besides being its inventor, Charles Fey also sold and distributed slot machines to businesses as well. The very first machine consisted of simple symbols such as bells, stars, playing card images, and horseshoes and was dubbed the 'Liberty Bell.' An increasing trend, Charles Fey was revolutionizing the early casino industry with this simple game. Slot machine enthusiasts will be excited to know that the Liberty Bell Saloon and Restaurant in Reno, Nevada still holds the original Liberty Bell. It could award reel spinners a maximum 20 coin profit hitting the right combination. All gamers were in agreement that slot machines would be the next big thing.

In 1907, Charles Fey decided to become partners with the Mills Novelty Company to produce a line of new slot machines. The first was the Mills Liberty Bell. 3 years later, the Mills Company created the very first fruit symbol slot machine called the Operator Bell. The early slot machines were made of cast iron, a heavy material that was hard to lug from casino to casino. In 1915, with the Mills Company's involvement came the first wood cabinet slot machine. This lighter material made it easier for them to deliver slot machines to various businesses.

The Mills company used its creative mind to branch out and create more interesting slot machines for players. In the 1930's, it worked on different designs for different machines, all coming with their own mini-themes. These eye-catching, more colorful machines became a luxury for players. In the 1930's, there was a slot machine boom throughout the United States.

Slot machines in casinos covered an original concept and purpose of keeping wives entertained while high rollers hit the tables. To the casino owners' surprise, slot machine profit was higher than the table games' on a daily basis. Right now, slot machines are the prime money makers for casinos, with them making up 2/3's of a casino's income. By the numbers, they account for $300 million in cool casino profit. Reel action is attributed mostly to nickel and quarter machines which attract the most players. From the Charles Fey days in the 1800's to today's ground breaking trends in the slots industry, this entertainment machine has broken ground and has turned casino operations into successes.