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Slot machines have been down a long road, evolving from simple mechanical devices to the digital world, and separated into many different types along the way. However, all the modern variations of slots that can be seen online or in traditional casinos, stem from classic gambling machines.
TIMELESS CLASSICS
First slot machines have appeared in the end of the 19th – beginning of the 20th century, and looked quite original. Many have heard the phrase ’one-armed bandit,’ and it appeared because the first slots had a lever that was used to operate the machine. All those that were willing to test their luck, had to pull the lever and hope a winning combination would hit on the reels. Three or five spinning wheels (and nowadays these could be on the digital screen), demo mode and an option for the automatic game are the main features of this classical piece of gambling world.
The name ’classic slot machines,’ and, similarly, ’classic automates’ in casino could be seen as a tribute to the first versions of these. Nowadays they are called classic as they have similar design to the first terminals, and such continuity is used to attract gamblers of all ages.
The way of the game
The game is very simple: before the start, player makes a bet, and then spins the reels by pulling the lever or pressing a button. If a winning combination hits the reels, the player is granteda payout or a bonus game.
Several buttons are used to control the process:
- ’Spin’ – starts the game;
- 'Bet' – select the bet size;
- 'N-Lines' – the number of lines in the game (where winning combination could also be assembled on the central and additional lines);
- ’Line number 1 (2, 3, etc)’ – this button allows the player to select the number of lines used for determining the outcome;
- 'Collect' – stops the game and removes the deposit
Slots and their payouts
The symbols normally used in classic slot machines are sevens, cherries and sometimes bells (in reference to the first machine that was called ’The Bell of Freedom’). Getting all sevens would give a gambler the largest payout, while cherries would give the smallest. A range of different combinations is also possible, and all these are shown in the table above or below the screen.
A maximum payout is called ’jackpot,’ and in order to win it, the player needs to hit the best winning combination with the highest bet.
