Electronic slot machines appeared around 1960 and began a new turning point for the slot machine industry.  The electronic slot machines began to replace several mechanical slot machines.  Mechanical slots were very heavy and prone to be vulnerable to player manipulation due to their limitations on when the reels would stop spinning.  Electronic slot machines on the other hand provided more security and less vulnerable to manipulation, but were still not cheat proof.  From the standpoint of the slot machine operator, these advanced slots proved to provide more variation.  Even further, these electronic slot machines provided more operator control.  Casinos could now offer larger and more or less frequent prizes making them even more appealing to the passing slot players.

You will recognize some of these names when you visit Las Vegas or any other gambling destination.  In the early 1940's, Bally was already making a name for itself in the gaming industry.  The Bally Club Bell Console (a 3-coin multiplier slot machine) was already in existence in 1941.  This slot machine was further revolutionized several years later in 1963.  Bally converted it into a casino slot by refining the payout mechanism and creating a case that opened in the front.  By 1968, Bally introduced the first multiple coin, 3-payline slot machine - Bally Model 831.  You may still be able to find variants of these fine Bally machines in your favorite casino today.  Mills and Jennings were soon to be driven out of the slot machine business as Bally continued with their slot machine innovations.  Currently, Bally remains a big name in casino gaming machines.

A new Electronic company was formed in 1974.  Williams Electronics achieved great success with their various arcade and video games, which were created under the Williams Bally labels and shortly thereafter; they then changed their name to WMS Industries Inc.  WMS had a proven track record of a successful gaming company, thus their venture into gambling games would be inevitable.  They started out manufacturing and placing video lottery terminals throughout North America in 1991.    With the success of the video lottery terminals, they moved on to Video Poker games for a few years, and then ventured into slot machines.  By 1997, they unveiled their complete line of upright slot machines.  Their premier slot machine “Reel ‘em In” is still quite fashionable in today’s casinos.  Continuously, they added more enchanced features to their slots.  These features included graphics, betting options; high resolution colored screens, detailed graphics and increased payout frequencies.

IGT is one of the most accomplished of all slot machine manufactures.  Born, 1981, IGT has advanced in several ways bringing the latest innovative technology to slot machines.  Their trademarked ‘M Slot’ made history in 1983.  It was the first solid state spinning reel machine.  The IGT Company was also responsible for the dawning of the 1st penny multi-progressive video slot – The Beverly Hill Billies, which was themed from the TV Series.  IGT continuously produces more slot machines that gamblers find irresistible.