The history of 5-reel slots
There is no denying that the slot games that can be found at casinos all around the world are among the most popular to play. Regardless of whether they are being played physically or online at a top platform, they continue to provide punters with some of the very best experiences across a variety of different factors.
Indeed, there have been a number of modifications to how these games are played, although they have always continued to offer a simple and basic gameplay experience that can be enjoyed by everyone without too much trouble.
One of the biggest modifications to have taken place was the creation of the 5-reel slot game, as a further two reels were added to the initial 3-reel version that had been created almost 150 years ago. Despite being extremely old, they have continued to compete with father time, as they have become instant classics and preferred choices with gamers, due to the ability to win some rather extraordinary prizes and offer a gameplay experience that requires no skill or knowledge.
Classic titles including Dead or Alive, Gonzo’s Quest, Steamtower, and many others have proven to be some of the most popular 5-reel real money online slots in New Jersey punters continually play because of the aspects that were highlighted above.
But, what is the actual history surrounding the creation of the 5-reel slot game, and how do they look today? This article will take a look at their background and then provide an insight into what could potentially happen in the future.
Table of Contents
The first 5-reel slots were created in the 19th century
It is widely believed that the first 5-reel slot machine was invented in 1887 by Charles Fey, who also created the first 3-reel slot machine. However, there is evidence that a 5-reel machine was actually built earlier, in 1885, by a man named Richard Hollingshead. Hollingshead’s machine had five reels, each containing 10 playing cards. The object of the game was to create a poker hand from the cards on the reels.
Fey’s 5-reel machine, which he called the Liberty Bell, was much more advanced than Hollingshead’s machine. It had symbols instead of playing cards, and it paid out in cash instead of prizes. The Liberty Bell quickly became immensely popular, and Fey, subsequently, became a wealthy man.
The Liberty Bell was the first slot machine to use the now-familiar symbols of diamonds, hearts, spades, horseshoes, and the Liberty Bell itself. These symbols were chosen because they were easy for machinists to create. The Liberty Bell was also the first slot machine to use the concept of paylines. A payline is a line that crosses through all of the symbols on a reel. If a player matches up all of the symbols on a payline, they win a prize.
Fey’s company, called Mills Novelty Company, continued to produce 5-reel machines for many years.
Electronic and digital 5-reel slots
In 1964, Bally Manufacturing Corporation released the first electronic slot machine, called Money Honey. This machine used an electronic display instead of physical reels.
Today, 5-reel slots are some of the most popular games in casinos around the world. They offer players the chance to win large jackpots, and they are often themed after popular movies, television shows, or comic book characters.
As mentioned before, each of these games also provides a gameplay experience that anyone can enjoy due to the simplicity of the titles. All players need to do is to spin the reels and hope that a winning combination is achieved. If this happens, then they can reap the rewards!
Can 5-reel slots improve in the future?
Indeed, there will be questions regarding whether 5-reel slots can improve in the future, given the fact that they have been around for as long as they have. Naturally, there is an argument that would suggest they can, especially when technology is considered.
There is no denying that the online video slot game market has been able to greatly benefit from the tech that has been made available, however with new innovations continuing to emerge including virtual and augmented realities, as well as creative mechanics from developers who continue to push boundaries, it is easy to suggest that players can expect to receive new experiences from 5-reel slots in the future.
