For many people, Slots are the main reason to go to any casino, whether in the real world or online. What’s the appeal of slots? The lights, the colors, the hypnotic spin of the reels, the sounds of music and clattering coins, and maybe the chance of a big payout on this very spin—or the next one! Slot machines feel like marvelous grownup toys that hold out the possibility of rewarding you big-time.

Unlike many casino games, they’re a relatively recent invention. The first slot machine was invented in 1895 by Charles Fey, who partnered 12 years later with the Mills Novelty Company to feature the first mass-produced versions, which featured spinning reels of Heart, Spade, and Diamond playing card symbols. Fruit symbols came along in 1910, giving Slots the familiar nickname of “fruit machines.” Until the 1960s, slot machines remained largely mechanical devices: after inserting your coin in the slot gave the game its name, you had to physically set the reels in motion by pulling the lever or arm that, combined with the ever-present house advantage, gave slots another nickname: one-armed bandits!

The dawn of the computer age saw the arrival of Video Slots, which added to Slots all the visual variety and dazzle of modern video games. This development also paved the way for Slots to take its place as a popular online game in which spinning reels and possible big wins all have their start with the push of a key or the click of a mouse.