🕰️ The Origins of Pokies (Late 19th Century)
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1887: The invention of the first-ever slot machine by Charles Fey.
Event Details Creation of the Liberty Bell The machine featured three spinning reels and a bell-shaped symbol that earned it the name ‘Liberty Bell’. -
1899: The emergence of the first poker machine.
Event Details Invention by Sittman and Pitt It had five drums and used playing cards, allowing for different poker hands to create winnings.
📈 The Rise of Electric Pokies (Mid 20th Century)
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1963: The introduction of the first fully electronic slot machine.
Event Details Money Honey by Bally This marked the shift from mechanical to electronic devices, increasing the number of paylines and features. -
1976: The addition of sound effects in pokies.
Event Details Enhanced player engagement Pokies became more immersive with the introduction of sounds and lights corresponding to wins.
💻 The Digital Revolution (1990s – 2000s)
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1996: The launch of the first online poker games.
Event Details Introduction of Internet casinos This expanded access to pokies, allowing players to enjoy them from the comfort of their homes. -
2000: The introduction of progressives.
Event Details Linked jackpots Pokies began offering progressive jackpots that increased with each player’s bet until someone won.
🏆 Modern Era of Pokies (2010s – Present)
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2010: Enhanced graphics and themes in pokies.
Event Details Introduction of branded slots Games began featuring popular culture themes, including movies and celebrities, to attract players. -
2020: Rise of mobile pokies.
Event Details Accessibility on the go With the advancement of technology, players can now access pokies and play anywhere via mobile apps.
