The Liberty Bell, created in 1895 by San Francisco-based auto technician Charles Fey (1862–1944), was the first mechanical slot machine. Fey built a new machine (the 4-11-44) in his basement after the coin operated machine proved to be popular. The machine was so successful that he started a manufacturing facility to produce more units. He made history again in 1898 when he invented the Card Bell, the first three-reel slot machine with automated cash payouts. The Card Bell included playing card suitmarks that matched up to make poker hands and a handle that, when pushed down, started the reels spinning. Then, in 1899, the Liberty Bell arrived, making history and improving upon earlier designs to bring slot machines into the general public's attention. Of Fey's more than 100 Liberty Bell machines, just four survive the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. The Liberty Bell quickly turned into a copy of Fey's rival, the Chicago-based Mills Novelty Company, after it became extremely popular among San Francisco tavern customers.
I was just curious about the origins of the first slot machine because it's one of the modern-esque games casinos have. I actually find it interesting that an invention like this, that was just made in a basement, has pioneered into something big as we have now in casinos.
It’s wild to think that something cooked up in a basement over a century ago is now this multi-billion-dollar beast in the gambling world. From a rusty old machine to flashy slots today, Charles Fey really started something insane!
@ray from what I have seen most incredible inventions start in someone's basement 😭 but it's really cool to see how the said machines have evolved and also have become an integral part of today's casinos. A journey it has been 😁
It's very interesting to read about how new inventions came into place. This one is particular was fun to read. Thanks Ray for sharing it! I will go read the article now
Oh thanks for this information! I also wondered where slots came from because it seems like the most advanced things you see in casinos nowadays. And the fact it was just a mechanical object back in the day and now has turned into a successful business investment, just blows my mind.
That's really interesting, thanks for sharing.
I wonder what the RTP on those old bad boys were!
Crazy to think how something that started in a basement became such a huge part of gambling culture today.
Everyone is thanking you for the information but let me ask you this, can i buy this original piece? I mean it has to be somewhere and probably for sale right? I love collecting vintage stuff and this is a jackpot. Is it just me whose first thought was to buy it XD.
