Slots is an American slang term for the popular gaming devices usually called slot machines. Other popular nicknames for these devices include the British term "fruit machine," the Australian term "poker machine" (which may actually refer to video poker) and the American phrase "one armed bandit."

A traditional slot machine was a mechanical device that had several spinning reels. These were usually powered by a lever on the side of the machine. The reels had various designs or pictures painted on them. The reels spun around when the lever was pulled and if the right combination came up the player was a winner. The lever gave rise to the popular American slang term: one armed bandit.

These machines were the first coin operated gaming devices marketed and are still among the most popular. Most casinos now feature large banks of them and the gaming industry now derives most of its revenue from devices such as fruit machines.

In some places; such as most of the US and Canada, these machines are restricted to licensed casinos and other gambling halls. In other areas such devices may be found in almost any public place including bars, pubs, amusement arcades and bookmakers shops.

Slot Machine Technology

Slots were originally very simple mechanical devices but today they are often complex computerized machines. Originally these gadgets featured reels of pictures but today many of them are video slot machines.

These usually feature digital images of the objects traditionally spun around on the wheel. Many of these devices now tell a story and offer players a wide variety of extra features. Some of these gizmos have themes based on popular movies, television shows or even comic books.

The latest trend is online slots in which the stories and animation from video slot devices are placed in online venues. This enables players to play their favorite games at home and bet via credit card.

Another popular trend is progressive jackpots in which the jackpots of dozens of players, playing at dozens of machines are pooled. This creates gigantic prizes rivaling state and national lottery payouts in size.

In the UK these Jackpots have attracted a lot of media attention. Some people have won as much £2 playing slots online.

Another popular variation on slots is the many pop culture themed slots these include slots based on popular game shows like Deal or No Deal and Wheel of Fortune, the ever popular Elvis slots and numerous movie slots. Popular movie slots include Indiana Jones, Star Wars, and Rocky. Also very popular are the slots based on classic board games like Monopoly and Cluedo (Clue in the United States and Canada). An interesting addition to the world of slot machines is a line of UK slots based on the popular Marvel Comics superheroes such as Iron Man and the Hulk.