The first slot machine was designed by the American Charles Fey, who started inventing and manufacturing them from his workshop in San Francisco in 1894. His 'Liberty Bell' machine continues to be used in gaming devices today ? but the three old-style reels holding 20 symbols have now evolved into more sophisticated devices with up to five spinning reels holding hundreds of symbols. It wasn't however until the 1930s that slot machines gained popularity in America, with their introduction to the Flamingo Hilton hotel in Las Vegas. It was originally intended that the slot machines be there for the entertainment of the wives and girlfriends of high rollers, but they quickly gained popularity, and now account for over two-thirds of casino revenue in the USA.
The symbols on each reel are programmed into a computer in order to make the jackpot rare enough that the machine will generate enough money to pay out for the jackpot whilst also making a profit for the casino - most machines are set to pay out anywhere from 83 to 98 percent of the coins that are played in the course of a pay cycle. Since the origin of the game there has been regulation, but in the UK in the1960s it was decided that there must be an element of skill involved in order for the game to be legal.
The first Fruit Machines (as opposed to Slot Machines) did not pay out any cash, but had prizes such as cigarettes and alcohol! They are now a huge presence in the UK in pubs, amusement arcades, and motorway services, but they are not found in casinos, which have slot machines like every other casino in the world!
Fruit Machines are now found online and their popularity is escalating rapidly!
Here's a quick guide to some of the features of the Fruit Machine:
Hold: Every fruit machine, in order to qualify as a fruit machine must have a Hold button, plus a Nudge, Gamble Feature, Cash Ladder and Bonus Trail. The Hold Feature allows the player to put a hold on one or more reels in order to have a better chance of winning.
Nudge: allows the player to nudge one or more reels on the next spin, and show up on the payline (win line), giving you the chance to better the outcome that is showing on the reels. Gamble Feature: usually activated after every win and offers a higher or lower bet allowing the player to gamble their win to either double it or lose it all.
Cash Ladder: flashs up and down and the player has to hit stop when it is as near to the top as possible to win the biggest possible prize amount.
Bonus Trail: small squares that have prizes or features on them and when you hit spin, you randomly select a number that causes the trail squares to light up as you move along the trail. Each square on a bonus trail makes something happen - your winnings could be doubled, tripled or even multiplied by 10, you could be sent over to the cash ladder or even win a set amount.
Why don't you give online Fruit Machines a go?
1. Always play at the right time: Playing at the right time is probably the most important factor in winning at the fruit machines. Modern fruit machines are controlled by sophisticated computer programs which are designed to ensure that the maximum payback to players doesn't exceed the legal minimum of 70% of the total take. You can use this information to your advantage.
Choose the machine you wish to play on carefully. Watch what's going on for a minimum of thirty minutes before playing yourself.
As soon as it's free, choose the machine that hasn't paid out whilst you have been watching, this is the one that should pay out very soon and you stand a greater chance of winning or even dropping the jackpot.
2. Look for newly installed machines: Newly installed machines are often set to give a higher than the normal 70% payout for the first week or so following installation. This is to attract new punters and get the machine quickly established. For a bonus win, new machines must also pay out quickly to reach the minimum 70% return level. Keep a keen eye on the machines in your locality and make a point of targeting the newly installed machines.
3. Listen very carefully when you insert your coins: If your coins appear to fall a long way into the machine, the machine is more than likely ready to pay out. A long fall indicates that the coin tubes are probably full and the excess coins are being diverted to a lower part of the machine. If the machine is full, it suggests a win is due so keep playing.
4. Skill bonus: If you win any type of skill bonus and need time to fully understand the workings of the machine so you can work out what to do next. Press the cancel button, this generally slows everything down considerably, thus allowing you time to figure out what your next move should be and so facilitate a win.
5. Two holds in succession: If you get two holds in succession, always have another go. Most machines will then offer a third hold. And considering that the symbol you need for a winning line always seem to fall into place third time around it would be crazy to leave it to the next player.
6. You have a nudge but you don't have a winning line: When you have a nudge but you don't have a winning line, nudge two of the same symbols onto the winning line. If the next play allows you to hold, don't do it, spin all three reels and your win should come in.
7. Your winning sequence is above the win line: If you have a win above the win line and the machine allows you to hold. Always hold all three reels together, they should then all nudge down as one and give you a winning line or even the jackpot.
By following the steps detailed above you could vastly improve your chances of winning on fruit machines.
Aways remember, once the machine has paid out, move on, it is very unlikely that it will pay out again and you should then leave it for others to refill it so you can come back once more when the odds are in your favor.
Never play a machine without studying it for at least 30 minutes first and never play a machine that has just paid out, you will simply be giving your money to the machines owner without a chance of a return.
Both Gen Wright & Mike Collins are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.