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6 - History of Slot Machines - The Computer Age 
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In the 1980's, Bally's manufactured a series of machines called the Series E. These omitted the electromechanical circuitry, and replaced it with the technologically superior microprocessor. These devices were more reliable than their predecessors and were easier to maintain. Around this same time, music chips were inserted in the microprocessor, adding to the appeal of the game. Passerby's were not only enticed by the attractive designs on the machines, but were also engaged by the new sounds that occurred when coins were inserted and the reels were spun.Microprocessors , or "chips" controlled the entire workings of the machine; from the coin meters to the intricate symbols. Stored in the memory, chips contain information on how often the machine is played, the last time it paid out and the amount that it paid out. Microprocessors are the "brains" of today' s slot machines.
While Bally's is still a major player in the slots market, they are no longer the player, that title belongs to IGT, International Game Technology. This Reno-based slot manufacturer dominates the industry. In 1996, nine of the top 10 earners among slot machine were manufactured by IGT, including their Double Diamond and Triple Diamond machines, their Red, White and Blue series, and the their Sizzling Sevens and Wild cherries machines. As the leader in the industry, IGT tries to maintain their footing with aggressive marketing and innovative design.
An exciting new line being introduced by IGT is their Black Rhino machine, with an option to bet up to 45 coins per game on a 5-reel machine. One particularly interesting machine was their Wheel of Fortune design. This fun design has pay-outs for various winning combinations, but the real excitement comes when you line up the three wheel of fortune symbols.
Then, the Wheel of Fortune above spins, with the possibilities of you winning anywhere from 25 all the way up to 1,000 times on their progressive.
Slot machines have come a long way from Fey's Liberty Bell. Slots business is now a multi billion dollar industry. More than $100 billion dollars was wagered on slots in 1997 in the U.S. alone.
<> (Submitted on: Mon June 10, 2002) 209
4 - History of Slot Machines - The 30's, 40's and 50's Rate It [ 0.00 / 0 Votes ]
1931 -1941 marked the "Golden Age of Slots." Prohibition gave rise to the notorious speakeasies - illegal hangouts that served alcohol and housed slot machines. The sale of slots soared during this period, with an annual revenue of approximately $150 million. Although politicians and law enforcement agencies fought against the slot machines, they continued to increase in popularity. Even during the Depression, hopeful players flocked to the machines for a chance to hit the jackpot.
In 1935, Watling Manufacturing introduced the ROL-A-TOR, a slot machine that showed the last nine coins deposited through a large rotary devise at the top of the game. The name changed to ROL-A-TOP the following year, and in no time almost every manufacturer had their own version of this type of game.
During the 1940's World War II was raging, which affected the manufacturing of slots. Many slot machine facilities converted to war production manufacturing plants. Shortages of aluminum caused slot machine manufacturers to return to cast iron designs. In 1942, the manufacturing of slot machines stopped completely until the war ended.
The end of the 1940' s and the beginning of the 1950' s produced unique type of attention-getting slot machines. Frank Polk, a reputable artist, created a line of carved wooden statues to encase slot machines such as the Mills High-Tops. The figures were intricate, life-like designs in the form of cowboys, Indians, miners, as well as other western figures. Like many of the other earlier machines, these unique slot machines are collector's items and have a whole legion of enthusiasts collecting, trading, buying and selling these vintage goodies.
~ Bob Jennings
<> (Submitted on: Mon June 10, 2002) 164
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