Liberty Bell

A German immigrant by the name of Charles Fey, has been credited with inventing the slot machine. In the 1890's, California, and especially San Francisco, were a hotbed for many forms of gambling. Slot machines in many shapes and forms existed. Charles Fey's "Liberty Bell" was aimed at competing with the existing slot machines. The Liberty Bell had many unique features that soon distinguished his machines. Players liked the Liberty Bell, and any good establishment gives the players what they like. The Liberty Bell took off, and Charles Fey was given credit for inventing a new standard in slot machines, that to this day has some influence.

Slot machines in the 1890's can best be described as being semi-legal. It was the method of paying the players that could make the use of slot machines illegal. Slot machines were eventually banned in California, but Charles Fey continued to produce his machines illegally.

He knew his machines were popular. The end users were using his inventions illegally, so why should he give up producing, when as far as he was concerned, they were legal if used correctly.

This is what I find to be the most interesting thing about Charles Fey. He saw no reason why he should give up his livelihood just to stay within the political whims of his time. He continued to produce and sell his inventions, and yes, he was arrested and fined.

It was never legal to produce or own slot machines again in California as long as Charles Fey was alive. Production was legal in other states, these producers often copied his machines and sold them to his clients.

I wonder what Charles Fey would be doing in the year 2000 with Internet gambling and online casinos. Are we missing out on the latest invention of the "Liberty Bell"?