History of Slot Machines
Today slot machines are one of the cornerstones of the gambling industry and are one of the most profitable revenue streams for land based casinos. The history of slot machines and the history of gambling in the United States are intertwined and can be traced back to 1895, when the first ever slot machine was built.
Designed and built by Charles August Fey, the Liberty Bell slot machine was first available to the public in 1895. Named after the San Francisco saloon it was placed in, the Liberty Belle became an instant hit with gamblers. Recognising that there was potential in this new untapped market, and buoyed by the huge publicity and success that his first invention had created, Charles August Fey decided to establish a new company that would focus solely on the design and manufacture of slot machines. The new company, aptly named 'Charles Fey and Company Inc' would go on to dominate the slots industry for the next 50 years.