History & Evolution | New Zealand Desk

Chronicles of the 'One-Armed Bandit': From Mechanical Bells to Megaways

An exploration of slot machine evolution from late 19th-century mechanical devices to modern high-density online slots, including key inventions and regulatory shifts.

1895: The Liberty Bell

Charles Fey simplified early poker machines by using three independently spinning reels and just five symbols. Automatic payouts triggered when three bells aligned.

1964: Money Honey

Bally Manufacturing introduced the first fully electromechanical slot. It featured a bottomless hopper capable of paying out 500 coins automatically.

2016: Megaways Mechanics

Big Time Gaming revolutionized the industry with dynamic reels, allowing up to 117,649 potential paylines on a single spin, creating an unpredictable and highly volatile experience.