The Thrill of Slot Machines: Spotlight on Wyoming's Top Casinos

There is something so magical about playing slot machines. Even if you aren't playing for money, there is something so satisfying about watching the reels spin and finding out where they end up. Combining the sheer excitement you feel with the sights and sounds of today's slot machines gives you an excellent game you can play for hours. In addition, occasionally, someone hits the jackpot, which is the pinnacle of excitement. Where did these games come from, what is their future, and where can you go to play them?

A Brief History of Slot Machines

Slot machines have been around since the 19th century, and their history and evolution are fascinating. The earliest recorded slot machine was a creation by a New York-based company called Sittman and Pitt in 1891. Their machine was billed as a mechanical poker machine and spun a hand of five reels of cards. The better the hand, the more you won; however, the machine didn't have a payout mechanism, so you would have to get paid by the bar, often in the form of free drinks or cigarettes.

More mechanical designs followed, but just as they were taking off, slot machines were banned in the U.S. They had gained the nickname "the one-armed bandit" thanks to the lever arm, and a ban was thought to prevent people from losing all their money. If we know one thing about this country, prohibition doesn't work, and slot machines proliferated even more under the ban. During the ban, companies got around it by letting people win gum and candy instead of money.

In 1976 the Fortune Coin Co. developed the first ever video slot machine, the grandfather of all the video slot machines we know and love today. Throughout the 90s and the early 2000s, electronic slots continued gaining steam on the casino floor and home computers. This amazing game seems to never stop evolving, but nothing is better than being on the casino floor with friends and taking in the whole experience while playing full-sized, legitimate slot machines.

Why We Love Slot Machines

There are so many reasons why people love slot machines, starting with the experience. Unlike many other casino games, slot machines offer a total experience with audio and visual components that make you part of the game.

Another significant reason people love slots so much is because they are easy to learn and understand. There is a little more strategy involved than only pulling a lever. However, someone could walk up and pull the lever without ever playing slots before and still have a chance to win. They are easily accessible to most players and allow those with mobility issues to play easily.

There is a better balance of risk and reward with slot machines. While other games require much more skill and a bigger buy-in, slots can be played for as little as pennies sometimes and have the potential to pay handsomely even if your initial bet was low. Slots also offer bonuses with the potential to earn even more of your initial investment.

Casinos love slot machines just as much as patrons because they don't take up a lot of floor space, so that you can have more machines in a small area. They also don't require a dealer to be part of the game, so they are more cost-effective in the long run than table games. While these games can pay out big, they are still major money-makers for casinos.

Where to Play Slots in Wyoming

All this talk about slots has probably got you wondering where the closest place is to you to play this exciting game. Luckily, there is no shortage of casinos with slots in Wyoming.

If you are looking for a smaller venue where you can pop in and play a couple of rounds, the Little Wind and the 789 Smokeshop and Casino are just what you are looking for. They don't have all the benefits of the bigger casinos, but that doesn't make the winning any less sweet.

If you want a more immersive experience, check out the Shoshone Rose and Wind River Casinos. These casinos also have hotels, so you can stay where you play. They offer everything you need for a weekend of fun and slots, including food and entertainment.

Choosing Is the Hardest Part

Now that you know more about slots and your excitement to play has been piqued, the hardest part is choosing which casino to visit first. The great news is that the top casinos in Wyoming are on the Wind River Indian Reservation, so they are all relatively close to each other. This means you can stay at one and take day trips to the others to maximize your gaming experience. Whether you are a professional gambler or a novice looking to have a little fun on vacation, you will love playing slot machines. The lights and sounds of every spin and the rush of hitting the jackpot make these games the most played casino games in the world.