Slot machines are a popular draw in casinos around the world, and even though each country has their different varieties of slot machines, the basic notion behind them all is the same. Traditionally, slot machines are coin-operated machines with three or more reels that spin whenever a lever on the side of the machine is pulled and released. Slot machines are affectionately nicknamed “one-armed bandits” because of their one-armed appearance.

Newer variations of the machine allow players to insert cash or even paper tickets with barcodes in order to play slot machines. Some of the more recent slot machines will even have a touch screen that starts the reels spinning.

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So just how in the heck did slot machines go from where they started to the machines of pleasure we see today? Today, they are modern technical marvels, but in decades gone past, the slot machine was basically a simple mechanical instrument with revolving wheels-nothing fancy.

You pulled the arm and the machine took your money-thus the “one-armed bandit” label was coined. They were very primitive. Personally, I think slot machines have taken a step back. Let me explain.

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