Slots History

Charles Fey will always be remembered as the father of the modern day slot machine. In 1895, Fey invented the first slot machine. He modified his model further in 1907 when he joined the Mills Novelty Company, and the Mills Liberty Bell, as his slot machine came to be called, was the model upon which modern day slot machines were based.

The Liberty Bell originally included a real bell that chimed when a lucky combination was scored. The three reels featured playing cards and the machine sported classical iron feet complete with toes. Today’s slot machines featuring multi reels, advanced technological processes and state of the art electronics all base themselves on the original Liberty Bell model, and most slots today still feature some type of bell or chime to announce when a lucky jackpot has been reached.

The model to follow on from the Liberty Bell was the Operator Bell, manufactured by the Mills Novelty Company in 1910. This model sported the new features of fruit symbols on the reels and a coin funnel. In 1915 slot machines made of wood began to be made with further modifications introduced. Slot machine models were continually advancing and being improved upon up until the 1930s. One such modification was the introduction of a soundless bell, earning the model its name of the Silent Bell. The feature of the double jackpot was also introduced during this time.

In the 1930s the Mills Novelty Company made classic themed slot machines that are today highly sought after by slot machine fans and collectors everywhere. The War Eagle, the Roman Head and the Lion Head were just some of the themed slot machines that found instant appeal among slots fans for their unique and classical designs.

Today, despite technology’s advances, the slot machine remains true to the idea behind Charles Fey’s original model. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why slot machines have retained a special place in casinos and in the hearts of slots fans through the decades.