Slot machines have come a long way since their earliest mechanical versions. Over time, a few have stood out for shaping how slot games look and play today. These machines introduced features that are still found in many modern titles, both in physical venues and on digital platforms.
Many of these original ideas have been carried through into online titles, including those available across Slots on Sky Vegas. Here’s a look at some of the most influential slot machines in history and why they’ve had such a lasting impact.
Liberty Bell (1895)
The story of Slots begins with the Liberty Bell, built by Charles Fey in 1895. It had three reels, a handful of symbols, and a straightforward design. What set it apart wasn’t just its appeal, but it introduced a format that shaped slot machines for decades.
Three matching symbols would stop on a single horizontal line, a layout that’s still widely used. Even though it was mechanical, the Liberty Bell set the groundwork for how Slots are structured today.
Operator Bell (early 1900s)
As Slots became more widespread, the Operator Bell expanded on Fey’s idea. Created by the Mills Novelty Company in the early 20th century, it brought in colourful fruit symbols — cherries, lemons, oranges — along with the famous BAR symbol.
These fruit machines were designed to work within early gambling restrictions, paying out in items like chewing gum. The symbols stuck, and fruit icons remain common in slot games today.
Money Honey (1963)
The 1960s brought a turning point with Money Honey, developed by Bally. It was the first electromechanical slot, using electrical components rather than just springs and gears. This allowed for more complex features and bigger payout systems.
Money Honey could automatically release up to 500 coins, which was a significant upgrade at the time. It also introduced buttons instead of levers, which became standard as technology advanced.
Fortune Coin (1976)
Fortune Coin was the first machine to use a video screen instead of physical reels. Released in the mid-1970s, it displayed spinning symbols on a modified television screen. While players were initially cautious about the format, they eventually warmed to it.
It laid the foundation for modern slot design, with digital reels with graphics, animations and advanced features, all made possible by removing mechanical parts.
Megabucks (1986)
Launched in the 1980s by IGT, Megabucks introduced a game-changing concept: a linked progressive jackpot. Machines across different locations were connected to a shared prize pool that could grow over time.
Progressive jackpots are now a key part of many online slot games. Several titles use the same principle of smaller contributions from each spin feeding into a much larger prize pool.
Wheel of Fortune (1996)
Inspired by the television show, Wheel of Fortune was one of the first branded slot machines. Released by IGT in the 1990s, it stood out for its bonus feature: a large spinning wheel that activated during certain rounds.
Its success helped launch a new category of branded Slots. Since then, franchises from films, TV shows, musicians and pop culture have been adapted into slot games.
Book of Ra (2005)
Novomatic’s Book of Ra became a standout title in both land-based and online formats. It introduced a mechanic where one symbol expands during bonus rounds, which is now a standard feature in many other games.
Set against an ancient Egyptian backdrop, Book of Ra also contributed to the popularity of historical and mythological themes across slot platforms.
Starburst (2012)
NetEnt’s Starburst is one of the most well-known online Slots of the last decade. Released in 2012, it offers a clean design, bright visuals and expanding wilds that re-spin when they appear.
Its layout’s simple, but that simplicity helped it stay relevant. Starburst remains consistently featured by operators, including in updated versions and sequels.
Written by Simon Turner
