The casino industry today is a vast, expansive world valued at billions of pounds; however, this was not always the case. Over time, the casino industry has undergone a prolonged period of evolution, with roots dating back to the 1600s, when games such as Blackjack and Roulette were created. These games would develop over time, adapting their rules and eventually becoming two of the main games featured in traditional casinos. Despite becoming two of the market-leading games in the 20th century, the creation of slot machines would provide some competition. Slot games were developed as a result of technological advancements, which have turned the casino industry into the expansive online field seen today.
Pre-Technology Casino’s
Until the creation of the slot machine in 1894, the casino industry had been in a stalemate, with no true innovation reshaping it. The creation of the first slot machine was credited toCharles Fey, and the ‘Liberty Bell’ slot machine. The Coin-based machines gained notable popularity in their early years, prompting Fey to open a factory to manufacture them on a larger scale. The first slot machine was extremely basic compared to today’s expansive online slot industry; however, at the time, it was revolutionary. Despite being basic compared to today’s industry standards, the machine laid the foundations for the industry, and some of its features remain in use today. The Liberty Bell machine features a 3-reel display, a payline, and base-game symbols, all of which are used in today’s releases. In these times, gamers couldplay casino games such as the Liberty Bell at in-house casinos.
Despite the industry-changing introduction of the slot machine, gambling became highly regulated, placing restrictions on casinos. In the USA, there were strict gambling regulations put in place, cementing the end of the casino industry, for now. Despite traditional casinos being deemed illegal, many countries continued to operate in the casino market, albeit illegally. With the casino’s flourishing illegally, it prompted the USA to legalise casino gambling, leading to the infamous Las Vegas downtown strip.
Technological Advancements
In the mid-1900s, casinos were on the rise, with gambling being legalised in numerous countries, and the growth of the slot machine was well underway. These traditional casinos were becoming more advanced over the years, but they would undergo a huge shift with the electromechanical breakthrough. In 1963, the first electromechanical slot machine was created, with the Money Honey game released by development studio Bally. Previously, slot machines were operated strictly by mechanics, utilising gears, springs, and levers in the gameplay. The electromechanical innovation enabled electricity to spin the reels, resulting in much faster gameplay.
The 1970s arrived, and were widely regarded as one of the largest technological shifts in the history of the casino industry. The changes in this decade were among the most notable to date and laid the foundations for the modern online slot market as we see it today. In 1976, the first video slot machine was created and tested in Las Vegas, utilising a video screen rather than physical reels. With video screen slots becoming popular, many developers began implementing Random Number Generator (RNG) systems into gameplay. The introduction of the RNG replaced the mechanical randomness, ensuring the outcome of all spins was fair.
The Birth of the Online Casino
The first online casino platform, InterCasino, opened in 1996, transforming the casino industry forever. Following the creation of the first online casino, many clones were created, though all platforms were very basic compared to what we see today. In the early years of online casinos, only a very few games were available, with Blackjack and Roulette among them.
Shortly after the birth of the online casino, many more platforms were established, and the first-ever online slot game was released. These technological changes were instrumental in the casino industry, increasing the accessibility of slot and other casino games, ultimately leading to the downfall of traditional casinos. During these times, notable game development studios such as Microgaming and IGT were founded, which dominated at the time and remain a presence in the industry today.
The Digital Era
With theinternet becoming more accessible than ever before, smartphones and other online devices were transforming many industries, including casinos. Astechnology advanced, many game development studios began creating games for online devices, placing greater focus on the iGaming sector than on traditional games. After the creation of the first-ever online slot game, many developers drew inspiration from Microgaming and the Cash Splash slot, releasing their own online titles. The digital era was essential to the industry’s growth, propelling it to heights previously unattainable.
Additionally, during the digital era, live casino games would become more advanced than ever before. Live casino games are unique in the iGaming industry, allowing gamers to play traditional casino games from online devices, operated by a real-time dealer in a casino environment. These live casino games recreate the aesthetic and feel of in-house casinos, are accessible 24/7, and can be played anywhere. As of late, in the modern iGaming industry, many development studios have created live game shows, transforming the live sector. Similar to traditional casino games played live on casino platforms, these game shows are hosted by a real-time dealer and offer greater interactivity than online slots. In the majority of live casino games, there are interactive options, such as text boxes, that allow players to communicate with the dealer or fellow players, showcasing how far the industry has come.