The history of slot machines

It’s an object that fascinates casino players — and even those who don’t play. So much so that in movies, it’s not uncommon to see a slot machine featured in films like The Hangover or Ocean’s Thirteen.

But who invented it? On Casino King, dice slots are so popular that our blog decided to trace their origins — from Charles Fey and his Liberty Bell to their predecessors.

You’re about to discover the full history of the slot machine — to better appreciate its design, and understand how it became one of the most beloved gambling games, from physical halls to online casinos.

Charles Fey and the birth of the Liberty Bell

It was in San Francisco, around 1894–1895, that Charles Fey, a German-born mechanic who immigrated to the United States, designed what would become the first automatic slot machine. Named Liberty Bell, this invention relied on a clever yet simple mechanism.

It consisted of three spinning reels, each displaying five symbols — the classic hearts, diamonds, spades, the horseshoe, and the Liberty Bell that gave the machine its name.

When a player inserted a coin and pulled the lever, the reels began to spin. If a winning combination appeared — particularly three aligned bells — the machine automatically paid out coins.

This ability to deliver winnings without human intervention made the Liberty Bell the first true slot machine in history — the ancestor of the ones you now enjoy on your favorite Belgian online casino, Casino King.

The Sittman and Pitt precedent

Although Charles Fey is often credited as the inventor, we must give credit where it’s due. In 1891, the New York–based company Sittman and Pitt had already created an earlier model — three years before the Liberty Bell.

This machine was inspired by poker. Built with a deck of 50 cards, players pulled a lever to start the game. Winning required forming specific poker hands.

So why isn’t it recognized as the first slot machine? Because the prizes weren’t money — they were drinks or cigars, since these machines were placed in U.S. bars.

The strategic evolution of fruit symbols

Charles Fey’s machines quickly became a massive success. But their growing popularity worried local authorities, who began banning games of chance in many U.S. states. To bypass these laws, manufacturers adapted their designs.

Many machines were turned into candy or gum dispensers, and the playing card symbols were replaced with colorful fruits — cherries, lemons, oranges, or watermelons — representing the flavors of the rewards. A bit like Sweet Bonanza Dice from Pragmatic Play, available on our site. That’s how the iconic fruit-style design of slot machines was born — still widely used today.

These “fruit machines” allowed manufacturers to continue operating legally, while keeping players entertained. Ironically, these legal constraints helped shape the timeless and recognizable look of modern slots — still a key element of responsible entertainment.

A solid foundation for the modern gaming industry

The invention of the Liberty Bell marked a major turning point in gaming history. It established the foundations of what would become a pillar of entertainment and gambling worldwide. The core principles — inserting a bet, spinning the reels, and landing a winning combination — remain identical in today’s digital versions, such as Fakir Dice Slot, which you can test for free in demo mode here.

Today, whether in physical casinos or on online platforms, slot machines remain the most popular casino games in the world. And to think — it all started in a small San Francisco workshop, with a simple mechanical invention that would change gaming forever. Experience it yourself on Casino King, and register in just two clicks if you haven’t yet.