Machines Inspired by Classic Retro Designs

Retro slot machines can provide a unique glimpse into the first technologies and mechanisms used in land-based gambling. The “opener” title in the history of physical slot games was created in 1891 by a New York-based company called Sotmann and Pit. This slot machine was made up of 50 playing cards and 5 drums, requiring players to pull the lever to line up poker-winning hands on the reel. The first slot machine had no mechanism to pay out winnings, so winners had to go to the bar to collect their rewards.

This issue was resolved in the 1960s after Bally Manufacturer released the first electromechanical game called Money Honey in 1963, which could pay wins of up to 500 coins by itself. It still required a player to pull the lever; however, it also came with an electronic circuit and electronic components, such as resistors, switches and electric lights. 

After Bally’s Money Honey game became popular, there was a rise in slot machines in gambling venues. Eventually, the side lever was replaced with touch screens, and players could start the game by clicking on the Start button. However, even today, many online pokie machines get inspiration from their retro predecessors, adapting their concepts and designs. 

In this article, we will take a look at some of the best examples of retro slot machines and explore how they were created. So, make yourself comfortable and let’s begin. 

Key Elements Used in Vintage Slot Machines

Electromechanical slot machines consist of numerous components, like any other machine or device we can find in our surroundings. But what are they exactly, and what’s their use? Below, we highlighted the key elements of vintage slot machines. 

• RNG Chips: This is the random number generator used in physical machines that replaced the spinning wheel. It was designed to generate hundreds of random combinations and determine the symbols where the reels will stop. 
• Coin Hopper: Inside the electromechanical slot machines, there is a special container that stores coins. It is called a Coin Hopper and can pay out jackpots to lucky players automatically.
• Stepper Motor: This is the component that is used to stop the slot reels with the help of electrical pulses, which create a shaft in the reels. 
• Computer Processing Unit: The CPU controls the entire slot machine, including the RNG. The CPU covers the max bet button, the start button, the payout and reel assembly mechanism and token sensors.

All these parts and components combined make it possible for players to enjoy an easy and streamlined casino experience. Slot players just need to place their minimum bets and push the start button to start playing. The rest is taken care of by the slot machine itself. 

Top Retro Machines That Inspired Modern Slot Game Developers

Throughout the history of gambling, there were some hugely known slot machines with such classic themes as bells, fruits, and 777. Modern software providers like NetEnt, Microgaming and Pragmatic Play started to develop online pokie machines filled with the nostalgic feel of retro games. So, below, let’s review some of the top vintage slot machine types and their mechanics.

Bell-Themed Machines

The very first bell-themed slot machine was created in 1894 by Charles Fey from San Francisco and was called Liberty Bell. It was also referred to as “one-armed bandit” and featured three reels with symbols of a heart, diamond, horseshoe, spade, star and a cracked Liberty Bell. 

To operate this machine, players needed to pull the lever to spin the reels after “depositing” some nickels. After seconds, the reels would stop on any random combination of symbols, and if the player managed to get the same symbol on all three of them, they would hear a bell ringing and then get their reward coins. 

The theme of bells is also commonly used in the current slot-developing industry. You can check out Jackpot Bells created by Playtech or have a look at the Golden Bell Deluxe by Promatic Games. 

Fruit Machines

Fruit slot games appeared back in 1907 and were the modified version of the Liberty Bell. These machines typically featured various fruits on the reels, such as lemons, cherries, grapes, plums, etc. 

The best example in this category can be the slot machine created in 1910 by Mills Novelty Company, Operator Bell. This machine had the function of vending flavoured chewing gums instead of monetary wins in the states where gambling for cash was prohibited. 

The later versions of the Operator Bell were built in a wooden cabinet so that it was easy to move around, and it also helped to silence the noise. In modern online casinos, there are many fruit machines. Some worthy examples include Berry Burst by NetEnt and Fruit Xtreme by Playson.

Jackpot Slot Machines 

The next technological innovation in the sphere of slot machines was brought by International Game Technology in 1986. The company introduced the very first progressive slot game, Megabucks, which gave gamers a chance to hit some truly massive jackpots. 

In order to get started with this classic slot game, players should just put some coins in the machine. On each spin, you can play up to 3 coins, each of which will cost you $1. Megabucks comes with a standard layout of three reels and feature one single payline. To get the jackpot prize, you should land three of Megabucks symbols. Today, you can find many variations of progressive slot machines, including such popular titles as Mega Moolah by Microgaming and Divine Fortune by NetEnt.