The first-ever slot machine was created in 1895 by Charles Fey, a mechanic from San Francisco. The machine, known as the Liberty Bell, marked the beginning of the modern slot machine era. It featured three reels and five symbols: diamonds, hearts, spades, horseshoes, and a cracked Liberty Bell, which was the key symbol for winning the jackpot.
The Liberty Bell was mechanically operated and didn’t require electricity, relying on mechanical reels and springs to function. The jackpot payout for the machine was $50, which was a substantial amount at the time. This invention laid the foundation for the development of future slot machines, influencing the designs and features that would eventually evolve into the video slots and progressive machines we see today. The Liberty Bell’s creation was a pivotal moment in gambling history, helping to establish slot machines as a cornerstone of the casino industry.