Liberty Bell

Charles Fey invented the very first slot machine in California in 1895. Similar coin-operated machines already existed back then, but they usually imitated famous games like poker and provided gum, drinks, and cigarettes as prizes.

What is the Liberty Bell?

The Liberty Bell machine marked the start of a whole new gambling era—that of slots. Unlike the poker machines, though, the Liberty Bell gave out monetary prizes, which is why it became so popular and successful. This machine weighed more than 100 pounds and was made of cast iron. Additionally, it was the very first slot machine to use three reels with five symbols each: diamonds, horseshoes, hearts, spades, and, naturally, liberty bells.

Yes, there were only a few symbols back then, and now even Indiana Jones and Star Wars themes can be found on these machines. As the reels spun, the symbols rested on various positions. Whenever three matching symbols appeared across the payline, a player would receive coins. Normally, a 50-cent payout was given to Liberty Bell winners. Because of this popular design by Charles Fey, slot machines continued using the classic three-reel concept for decades.

Classic 3-Reel Slots Today

Experience modern interpretations of the classic 3-reel slot design pioneered by the Liberty Bell. These slots capture the simplicity and excitement of early machines while offering updated features:

It shouldn't be surprising that these first slots became very popular in San Francisco right away. Charles Fey started up a workshop there where he kept working on newer slots, upgrading and modifying them. In fact, even despite anti-gambling laws, Charles Fey kept making machines for years.

The Liberty Bell is a historic milestone as the very first slot machine. Today, the actual Liberty Bell machine stands in a restaurant and saloon in Reno, owned by Fey’s grandchildren, preserving his legacy in slot machines.