The invention of the slot machine is closely connected to another mechanical invention: the vending machine. In this first of a two-part history of the slot machine, we take you through its earliest annals, starting with a quick visit to ancient times and ending with the 1950s. Slot machines as we’ve come to recognize them today go back to the late 19th century, to a time when the earliest prototype of the machines were, in reality, mere novelties. There’s no doubt that slots have become ubiquitous over the years, but the origins of this gambling invention can be traced back to places outside the casino and gaming world. Slots generated more than $873.6 million this July, a 60% increase from the same month in the previous year. One of the main reasons behind this record haul was slot machines. 27 that we wrote about casinos in Nevada raking in a total of $1.36 billion from patrons in July, the highest single-month revenue from gaming for the state since gambling was legalized back in 1931. Slot machines are considered to be among the most lucrative games on the casino floor for both players and the house.
