|
Training for Book Authors
|
|
|
Other Resources for Book Authors & Publishers
|
|
|
Please Support Our Advertisers
|
|
|
|
|
|
Slot Machines -- A Background and History
Copyright (c) 2006-2023 Tom Howze
Slot machines have a background and history as coin operated gaming devices that began in the late 1880's on the East Coast, and made their way westward where their popularity increased greatly. The father of the modern day slot machine is the inventor Charles Fey who back in 1899 was responsible for the creation of the 3-reel Liberty Bell slot machine. During this time period slot machines and "poker machines" were generally used to simply distribute gum, mints, or amusement coupons redeemable for drinks, cigars and tokens. In saloon and cigar stores they were used as trade stimulators. For example, the "Perfection" poker machine built by the Royal Card Machine Company in 1897 would give a lucky winner who hit a royal flush 100 free drinks.
These popular devices which quickly migrated across the United States, found a home in California where the gold rush brought together adventurous wealth seekers who lived life as a gamble on a daily basis. Especially in San Francisco where by 1890, 3,117 establishments were allowed to sell alcohol that equated to 1 license per 96 inhabitants in the city. The saloons and cigar stores that cropped up were a natural draw for nickel devices. Owners of these businesses in 1893, could purchase a device for around $35 each or share in a percentage of income per device with daily earnings often reaching $30 a day! It was easy to see why every businessman in those industries wanted a few for their place of business. In 1897, liberalization of the laws governing the devices paved the way for San Francisco to become a haven for their manufacture. Future versions grew larger, more extravagant and of course ate more nickels. Some would take up to 6 coins per pull and offer larger payouts, receiving a huge welcome from saloon and cigar store owners and also the public.
Demand for the gambling devices went up and down until Prohibition went into effect on January 16, 1920, effectively driving alcohol and gaming devices underground into the "speakeasy" where they continued to be enjoyed by the public in a hushed manner. Operation of both went from honorable businessmen and a regulated environment to gangsters and racketeers. Demand became so high in the speakeasy to where new devices were created and older nickel devices were being modified to accept dimes, quarters and half dollars. Charles Fey in 1929 made the Silver Dollar Jackpot Bell, which became the first bell devise to accept silver dollar coins. Other manufacturers saw increased sales such as Mills Novelty, Caille, Watling Manufacturing and Jennings to name a few. The famous Bally's Manufacturing Company began in 1932 with the introduction of a small, but highly profitable, pinball game called the "Ballyhoo" and Pace introduced the Comet Bell in the same year. Prohibition was finally repealed on December 5, 1933 by the signing of the 21st Amendment.
The makeup of the one-armed bandit remained purely mechanical until the early 1960's when the world of electromechanical operation came into age. This saw the entrance of electromechanical circuitry and motorized hopper payouts. Video poker came on the scene during the 1970's with devices run on solid-state circuitry. They offered decision-making options that the player could choose from, making them the rage to play that ran into the 1980's. During this period another change was the increase in monetary payout to the player. Prior to 1950, percentage payouts to the player were generally under 80%. Devices from Bally's that were pre 1975 gave the player 84% - 85% with the option to go up to 87% to 88%. But when high win dollar play got popular from 1976 onward, percentages then went to the range of 93% - 97%.
Computer technology with modern microprocessors took over the industry in the 1980's. Flexibility in what could be offered hit new ground as players could choose gambling preferences in how they wanted to play, specialized bonus rounds, amount of denomination (25 cents to $500 per pull) and more. Eventually people's preferences moved away from table games to gaming devices. And when microprocessors were combined with communications equipment, state wide networked progressives like Megabucks, Nevada Nickles and Quartermania enabled separate units in different casinos to work together in concert, giving a player a chance to win hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars with just one pull.
Today major manufacturers such as Bally Technologies, Inc. (formally Bally Gaming, Inc. and Bally Manufacturing Company), International Game Technology (IGT), WMS Gaming and Konami continue to add new features as microprocessor technology advances. Features such as interactive bonus games where players can actively make choices that affect bonus game outcome, multi-hand video poker which allows the player to play multiple hands per play instead of just one, touchscreen video monitors allowing choice of games and play functions like "Deal/Draw" or "Spin Reels" and ticket-in/ticket-out game play where the ticket can be cashed in or reused at another machine.
From it's beginnings as a 3-reel mechanical curiosity to the 21st century high tech masterpiece it has become today, the concept of fun and excitement along with a number of determined visionaries has caused this gaming device to find widespread acceptance in what has become a global casino industry.
VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >>
0 -
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5
<< Excellent Article
Tell our authors what you think about their article.
|
Top-Level Category: Z Do Not Archive Articles
10 Most Recent Articles Written by Tom Howze
2008 World Series of Poker Main Event
Written by: Tom Howze |
Distributed: 2008-12-02 |
Word Count: 593 |
Page Views: 2154
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 1.50
The 2008 World Series of Poker Main Event, which ran from July
3rd until November 10th, is now complete, with 22 year old Peter
Eastgate as its new champion.
Poker Online Freeroll Tournament
Written by: Tom Howze |
Distributed: 2008-01-07 |
Word Count: 493 |
Page Views: 2295
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 0.50
Poker online freeroll tournaments are a huge way to leverage a
player's way into major tournaments and to win big money at no
cost to the player. Casinos and poker rooms offer them to reward
active players and to recruit new ones. Generally by playing a
number of hands using real money, invitations are extended to
play in tournaments at no risk. Players are also sometimes given
points based on their play that can be redeemed for cash entries
to the tournament of their choice.
Finding Free Slot Games on the Internet
Written by: Tom Howze |
Distributed: 2007-12-19 |
Word Count: 511 |
Page Views: 2439
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 0.50
Finding free slot games to play and enjoy on the Internet can be
fun and occasionally rewarding. For the adult slot player who
loves slots, we will cover current trends, opportunities and
resources given by sites that allow free play. Plus an additional
focus will be presented on how to win cash while playing at no
cost to the player.
How Do You Make Money In Currency Trading?
Written by: Tom Howze |
Distributed: 2007-12-05 |
Word Count: 727 |
Page Views: 3791
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.78
The question, "How do you make money in currency trading?" is
being asked by investors and potential investors worldwide as
they witness the multi-year downturn trend of the US dollar and
upswings in other currencies such as the Euro or Canadian Dollar.
2007 World Series of Poker Main Event Day 1D
Written by: Tom Howze |
Distributed: 2007-07-17 |
Word Count: 651 |
Page Views: 2427
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 0.80
2007 World Series of Poker Main Event Day 1D had a lot taking
place today. For one we found out about the race car crash that
Phil Hellmuth Jr. was in. Also the payout schedule came out and
first place will pay $8,250,000 to the Main Event champion. On
top of that we have lots of record setting stats, so lets get to
it!
2007 World Series of Poker Main Event Day 1C
Written by: Tom Howze |
Distributed: 2007-07-10 |
Word Count: 603 |
Page Views: 2412
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 1.00
The 2007 World Series of Poker Main Event Day 1C results were
better than Day 1A or Day 1B. There were 1,743 players at the
tables today compared with 1,545 for Day 1B and 1,287 for Day 1A.
Officials are saying that the last round tomorrow Day 1D should
have the greatest number of players which may be 1800 plus. So
far, the series has set numerous attendance records in tournament
events leading up to the Main Event.
2007 World Series of Poker Main Event Day 1B
Written by: Tom Howze |
Distributed: 2007-07-10 |
Word Count: 576 |
Page Views: 2343
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 1.60
The 2007 World Series of Poker Main Event Day 1B had 1,545
players enter this round of the tournament. Officials said they
have approximately 1,600 that have pre-registered for Day 1C. So
more than likely the numbers for this year's Main Event will not
come close to the 8,773 total players in 2006. The dip in the
numbers is highly related to the fact that Harrah's did not
allow online poker rooms and online casinos to send their players
to the Main Event or any other event in this years WSOP.
2007 World Series of Poker Main Event Day 1A
Written by: Tom Howze |
Distributed: 2007-07-09 |
Word Count: 656 |
Page Views: 2403
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 1.60
The 2007 World Series of Poker Main Event Day 1A held at the RIO
casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 6th, marked the beginning of
what has become known as the largest poker tournament on earth.
2007 World Series Of Poker
Written by: Tom Howze |
Distributed: 2007-06-11 |
Word Count: 853 |
Page Views: 2278
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 1.40
The 2007 World Series of Poker began it's 38th year on June 1st.
And with 55 tournament events, not only will more gold and
diamond bracelets be handed out to more champions, but the prize
pool money payouts will be redistributed in all events.
Online Gambling Regulation, Debate and Controversy
Written by: Tom Howze |
Distributed: 2006-12-18 |
Word Count: 819 |
Page Views: 2246
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 0.75
Online gambling regulation, debate and controversy has become one
of the hottest issues on the face of the planet. Since online
casinos began to become prevalent over the Internet with an
estimated count of 2300 as of 2005, countries, lawmakers, gaming
industries and individuals have been battling over whether it
should be legalized and regulated or made completely illegal to
gamble over the Internet.
All of Author's Articles on this site: Tom Howze Articles
Most Recent "Z Do Not Archive" Articles
Savvy Online Gamblers Know Where To Get The Best
Written by: Steve Briggs |
Distributed: 2010-10-26 |
Word Count: 1107 |
Page Views: 2471
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 0.50
Discussion forums are full of complaints about online
casinos and their approach to treatment of their customers
with claims ranging from being banned from the casino with
their account frozen because they were accused of bonus
abuse when all they did was to accept the promotion offers
made to them, to the most common way players get cheated
when playing on line which is simple non payment of a
legitimate withdrawal request.
Growing Popularity of Online Gambling
Written by: Skyler Ace |
Distributed: 2009-06-09 |
Word Count: 711 |
Page Views: 2675
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 2.00
It seems almost like yesterday that the internet swept in and
changed the world as we knew it. For instance - the internet
revolutionized the world's messaging system. The postal mail,
previously the lone method of choice, not only got replaced by
the blisteringly fast email, it consequently got renamed the
snail mail. And with the advent of the internet came the
evolution of a new form of adventurous gaming. That of online
gambling!
Simple Rules of Gambling
Written by: Skyler Ace |
Distributed: 2009-06-04 |
Word Count: 716 |
Page Views: 3235
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 0.50
It's not uncommon for people to develop an interest in gambling.
Gambling is an exciting art performed by millions all over the
world. It takes a lot of practice and time to become really good
at it, but obeying the following simple set of rules will ensure
that you make a decent start of it whilst minimizing your losses.
Can I Make Money With Online Gambling?
Written by: Skyler Ace |
Distributed: 2009-06-03 |
Word Count: 625 |
Page Views: 2604
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 0.50
With the recent surge in popularity of online gambling people are
beginning to question its existence. A resurging question is its
economic viability. Is it possible to make some money of Online
gaming? How lucrative is it and how high are the risks involved?
The Gamble Question
Written by: Skyler Ace |
Distributed: 2009-06-02 |
Word Count: 695 |
Page Views: 2925
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 0.50
Why do people gamble? It certainly is an interesting question,
one that we don't often think about when we do actually gamble.
Gambling as an art has been around since the early days of the
human race.
Casino Free Slots - Is There A Thing Like Free Casino Slots?
Written by: Skyler Ace |
Distributed: 2009-04-28 |
Word Count: 686 |
Page Views: 2625
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 0.50
Most recently, a term as 'Casino free slots' has caught most
casino lover's fantasy. However, there are some people who want
to know whether such a thing really exists? If yes, how free are
they really?
Blackjack Strategy - Basic Steps To Enhance Your Skills
Written by: Skyler Ace |
Distributed: 2009-04-16 |
Word Count: 726 |
Page Views: 2509
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 0.50
Blackjack is a very simple game. It is highly popular among a lot
of people across the globe. However, what makes this game a
little problematic is the guesswork that's involved. This makes
the game little complicated.
Blackjack - Tips On Online Blackjack
Written by: Skyler Ace |
Distributed: 2009-04-14 |
Word Count: 714 |
Page Views: 2541
| Votes: 3 |
Rating: 0.67
Blackjack is known to be one of the most popular casino games
played online all over the world. People are crazy about this
game.
Online Betting - Be A Professional Online Sports Better
Written by: Skyler Ace |
Distributed: 2009-04-09 |
Word Count: 697 |
Page Views: 2757
| Votes: 3 |
Rating: 0.67
When the Internet has included everything in to its' huge world
for the convenience of visitors, how can it ignore sports and the
betting rage among sports lovers.
Internet Casino Gambling - Enjoy The Benefits
Written by: Skyler Ace |
Distributed: 2009-04-07 |
Word Count: 676 |
Page Views: 2705
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 2.25
Internet casino gambling is a favorite activities among millions
of people across the globe.
Most Viewed "Z Do Not Archive" Articles
Simple Rules of Gambling
Written by: Skyler Ace |
Distributed: 2009-06-04 |
Word Count: 716 |
Page Views: 3235
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 0.50
It's not uncommon for people to develop an interest in gambling.
Gambling is an exciting art performed by millions all over the
world. It takes a lot of practice and time to become really good
at it, but obeying the following simple set of rules will ensure
that you make a decent start of it whilst minimizing your losses.
The Gamble Question
Written by: Skyler Ace |
Distributed: 2009-06-02 |
Word Count: 695 |
Page Views: 2925
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 0.50
Why do people gamble? It certainly is an interesting question,
one that we don't often think about when we do actually gamble.
Gambling as an art has been around since the early days of the
human race.
Online Betting - Be A Professional Online Sports Better
Written by: Skyler Ace |
Distributed: 2009-04-09 |
Word Count: 697 |
Page Views: 2757
| Votes: 3 |
Rating: 0.67
When the Internet has included everything in to its' huge world
for the convenience of visitors, how can it ignore sports and the
betting rage among sports lovers.
Internet Casino Gambling - Enjoy The Benefits
Written by: Skyler Ace |
Distributed: 2009-04-07 |
Word Count: 676 |
Page Views: 2705
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 2.25
Internet casino gambling is a favorite activities among millions
of people across the globe.
Growing Popularity of Online Gambling
Written by: Skyler Ace |
Distributed: 2009-06-09 |
Word Count: 711 |
Page Views: 2675
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 2.00
It seems almost like yesterday that the internet swept in and
changed the world as we knew it. For instance - the internet
revolutionized the world's messaging system. The postal mail,
previously the lone method of choice, not only got replaced by
the blisteringly fast email, it consequently got renamed the
snail mail. And with the advent of the internet came the
evolution of a new form of adventurous gaming. That of online
gambling!
Gambling Online - Is Gambling Online Illegal?
Written by: Skyler Ace |
Distributed: 2009-04-01 |
Word Count: 743 |
Page Views: 2663
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 0.50
The legality of Gambling Online has always been a debatable
topic. It is not an easy question to answer. The reason is
because the whole situation of legality depends on where you are
when you play. The matter of gambling online has always been a
gray area as it is an unconventional phenomenon.
Casino Free Slots - Is There A Thing Like Free Casino Slots?
Written by: Skyler Ace |
Distributed: 2009-04-28 |
Word Count: 686 |
Page Views: 2625
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 0.50
Most recently, a term as 'Casino free slots' has caught most
casino lover's fantasy. However, there are some people who want
to know whether such a thing really exists? If yes, how free are
they really?
Can I Make Money With Online Gambling?
Written by: Skyler Ace |
Distributed: 2009-06-03 |
Word Count: 625 |
Page Views: 2604
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 0.50
With the recent surge in popularity of online gambling people are
beginning to question its existence. A resurging question is its
economic viability. Is it possible to make some money of Online
gaming? How lucrative is it and how high are the risks involved?
Blackjack - Tips On Online Blackjack
Written by: Skyler Ace |
Distributed: 2009-04-14 |
Word Count: 714 |
Page Views: 2541
| Votes: 3 |
Rating: 0.67
Blackjack is known to be one of the most popular casino games
played online all over the world. People are crazy about this
game.
Blackjack Strategy - Basic Steps To Enhance Your Skills
Written by: Skyler Ace |
Distributed: 2009-04-16 |
Word Count: 726 |
Page Views: 2509
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 0.50
Blackjack is a very simple game. It is highly popular among a lot
of people across the globe. However, what makes this game a
little problematic is the guesswork that's involved. This makes
the game little complicated.
Highest Ranked "Z Do Not Archive" Articles
2006 World Series of Poker -- Event #20 H.O.R.S.E.
Written by: Tom Howze |
Distributed: 2006-11-14 |
Word Count: 889 |
Page Views: 2302
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 2.00
H.O.R.S.E. which was Event #20 at the 2006 World Series of Poker
will be the one to watch in future WSOP tournaments as it pits
the best in the game of poker against each other in a contest of
skill, mental and physical endurance.
2006 World Series of Poker Circuit Tournaments -- Season 2
Written by: Tom Howze |
Distributed: 2006-07-26 |
Word Count: 659 |
Page Views: 2132
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 1.80
World Series of Poker Circuit Tournaments for the second season
have been completed and it's time to review what went on during
the past year. Plus we'll also take a look at the changes for
the upcoming 2007 season. From August 2005 to June 2006 12
separate tournaments were played at Harrah's casinos across the
nation, allowing all comers from everywhere around the world to
participate in top level poker competition. By competing in the
Main Events offered at each circuit stop, a few fortunate players
who became winners earned freeroll seats to the 2006 Tournament
of Champions. All of these winners won't be seen on television
as ESPN did not film all of the events on the circuit, but they
were named here so you know who went to the Tournament of
Champions.
2007 World Series of Poker Main Event Day 1A
Written by: Tom Howze |
Distributed: 2007-07-09 |
Word Count: 656 |
Page Views: 2403
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 1.60
The 2007 World Series of Poker Main Event Day 1A held at the RIO
casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 6th, marked the beginning of
what has become known as the largest poker tournament on earth.
2007 World Series of Poker Main Event Day 1B
Written by: Tom Howze |
Distributed: 2007-07-10 |
Word Count: 576 |
Page Views: 2343
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 1.60
The 2007 World Series of Poker Main Event Day 1B had 1,545
players enter this round of the tournament. Officials said they
have approximately 1,600 that have pre-registered for Day 1C. So
more than likely the numbers for this year's Main Event will not
come close to the 8,773 total players in 2006. The dip in the
numbers is highly related to the fact that Harrah's did not
allow online poker rooms and online casinos to send their players
to the Main Event or any other event in this years WSOP.
2007 World Series Of Poker
Written by: Tom Howze |
Distributed: 2007-06-11 |
Word Count: 853 |
Page Views: 2278
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 1.40
The 2007 World Series of Poker began it's 38th year on June 1st.
And with 55 tournament events, not only will more gold and
diamond bracelets be handed out to more champions, but the prize
pool money payouts will be redistributed in all events.
Las Vegas Casinos and Their Popularity
Written by: Tom Howze |
Distributed: 2006-11-28 |
Word Count: 671 |
Page Views: 2194
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 1.00
Las Vegas casinos are among the most popular places to visit in
the world. Even with competition from casinos on Indian
reservations, riverboat casinos and state run lotteries Las Vegas
casinos attract more people and earn record amounts of revenue
from gamblers.
2007 World Series of Poker Main Event Day 1D
Written by: Tom Howze |
Distributed: 2007-07-17 |
Word Count: 651 |
Page Views: 2427
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 0.80
2007 World Series of Poker Main Event Day 1D had a lot taking
place today. For one we found out about the race car crash that
Phil Hellmuth Jr. was in. Also the payout schedule came out and
first place will pay $8,250,000 to the Main Event champion. On
top of that we have lots of record setting stats, so lets get to
it!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Article Reprint Rights
|
This work is
licensed under a
Creative Commons
License
You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
|
|
Article Statistics
|
Word Count: 871
Total Views: 2501
Article Rating: 0.50 of 5
Votes Cast: 2
More Articles By Author:
Articles On This Website
Last Distribution Date:
2007-12-14 10:24:00
Internal ID: #3852
|
|
|
Home