Slot machines (or Fruit Machines as they are more commonly known in the UK) are a recognizable sight in pubs and clubs where gambling is acceptable transversely the globe and can rightly maintain the crown as the most popular gambling technique to be found in casinos. (Research into gamblers' habits has shown that over two thirds of an average casino's income is derived from its Slots!)

Even though the machines to be found in real-world venues and simulated in online casinos are wonders of hi-tech computer control, the beginning of these up to date consoles stretches back to 1887 when Charles Fey debuted the first gaming machine identifiable as a three reel 'Slot' in San Francisco. Even though things have come a long way since then, one thing that has been approved over from these early purely mechanical machines is their less-than-flattering nickname – 'One Armed Bandits' - earned since of the conventional appearance of machines with their single spin lever and the apparent ease with which they could empty a gamer's pockets!

Thankfully the 'bandit' element of Slots is more perception than reality, as Slot machines in licensed venues must payout a certain minimum percentage established by law in the jurisdiction under which they are operating. For example, the minimum payout percentage in the US jurisdictions of Nevada and New Jersey is 75 percent and 83 percent respectively. In practice many reputable land-based casinos programmer their Slots to pay out at rates between 82 and 98 percent, and with competition so keen online you'll find Internet casinos usually have extremely attractive payout rates, endorsed by independent auditors.

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