Topic: Amazing Vintage Slot Machines (Read 424 times)

This is a very find since most of the slot machine maker is already upgraded to a digital version of slot games which has huge screen while vintage slot machine are full mechanical inside to give random results.

I don’t see this kind of slot machine even in my childhood because slot games is not that popular in my country before because we preferred playing Bingo instead of slots. Looking on the slot machine features shows how detailed the machine before just to attract customers without too many lights like the current slot machine version.

I do think that these vintage slot machines cannot be manipulated since they are working machines that does not require any electricity to work.

For example, if you compare an electric bike to a vintage old manual bike, then you would notice that the former requires electricity to work; whereas the old bike just needs physical effort for you to move. You can basically apply the same principle in these slot machines- you push the lever and pray that you get matching images for you to win.

I do agree, however, that there is a tendency for manipulation in modern slot machines as these are operated electronically. Though that may be the case, I still think that the government are strict when it comes to gambling; that any sort of manipulation that can increase house edge beyond the allowable rules/law would have their gambling license revoked.

Yes, I saw a related slot machine video, an antique, I'm sure if it was sold at auction the slot machine would be priced at a fantastic dollar value, I think it's a rare item that is not used in physical casino houses anymore, maybe it's just in testing whether it's still good, whether it still works well or not, the results you see are certainly impressive and good.

Elsewhere, on Twitter, I have also seen a Kono slot machine, unfortunately there is no video on how to use it.


I am sure that slot gambling is not only now popular with many gambling users, in the era of AD, slot gambling was already in demand by many fans, As time goes by, with modern technology, of course today's slot machines are much better, but antiques are always sought after by collectors.

For what purpose, personal? Though as a kid our preferences are strange that even a thing is not a toy we are still interested on them. I know, maybe this is because of the catchy tune and cute fruit graphics of this machine. Gambling started long time ago and the machine we have here is one of those early machines, so yeah, they are so common back in time. They might only be exclusive to the casino owners but even up to this date, as we all know that gambling is kinda sensitive.

You need permission from the governments first to have and operate one. $500 for this in the past seems expensive but if done or set up correctly, we can still recover our ROI and even make more. Funny that they might only be more expensive now because they are already antique.

"The house always wins" is a word that will never disappear even though the transition of manual technology to digital technology, will indeed remain the same.
But I was just fascinated by slot machines and other gambling machines that were designed in the past with limited technology, could make a sophisticated machine that even looked very difficult and complex.

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It seems that it will be a good collection, with engine mechanics that may be different, very complicated and of course it is a memorable Slot Machine.
And it only works by using magnets without any electricity, which would be a valuable antique for a slot machine collector.

Many have been restored without compromising their distinctive shape and series, these can sell for thousands of dollars,
depending on how they are in condition and how old the slot machine is.

Though, perhaps there would be a problem with people who are interested in making sure they are not being ripped off by some machine which has been rigged by the house.
Those mechanical slots are arguably easier to rig in favor of the house and have regulators a harder time to prove it. While with electronic machines have software which can be quickly analyzed by someone who knows what they are doing.
I am not against the keeping these machines as collectibles or even using it to gamble in ones home, but trying to capitalize of the nostalgia and the vintage of their style could be a bit troubling in the eyes of some people, in my opinion. There is a good reason provably fairness is a thing in online casinos: it is always better to verify than trusting blindly on a provider.

All these machines remind us of the past history of gambling now everything is more advanced and digital so slots machines are now controlled by program but I think gambling through all these physical machines is really fun even though I don't have real experience of gambling with all these machines. I can feel that they were really a lot of fun. But looking at it I really don't understand how this mechanism works for slots

Yes, these working casinos would be a good way to make money too. Many people like to bet on these vintages and it wouldn't just be used as decoration. It's interesting to have them in a business, it generates interest and everyone will bet

Ah, really happy to see this thread.

I'm a huge fan of old school mechanical slot machines and would love to create a collection of them one day. For one of my clients, back in 2021, I've did a blog series where I acquired an old magnetic Beromat and completely restored it, and then documented the whole thing through a series of blog posts.  





The thing about these vintage slot machines is that they are working through magnets only = no electricity at all!

If you're interested in the exact model that I did, as well as the photos of pre-restoration and after restoration, you can check out the blog posts here:

#1. We’ve Got a 70-Year-Old Mechanical Slot Machine!
#2. We disassembled our 70-year-old Slot Machine!
#3. We Restored our 70-year-old Slot Machine!


It was by far one of my favorite marketing stunts.

The appreciation for vintage slot machines is about more than just gambling. it's a nod to the artistry and mechanical ingenuity of the past. These machines are marvels of engineering, each with its own set of intricate parts and mechanisms.

And it's understandable to find charm and perhaps a sense of fairness in these vintage machines. They function in a straightforward manner, reliant on the laws of physics and mechanics rather than the opaque algorithms that govern modern slot machines. However, they weren’t built to consistently give out more than they take in

But I can agree, the thrill of the possibility of winning, the sound of the gears, and the clink of the coins that make playing these machines a unique experience.

Yeah, even at the progress of the slot machines, developers really knows that they have to make something that will give the house the edge but at the same time, people are going to enjoy it and have some fun and will not notice that they are not going to win and only small percentage are going to be given to those who are "lucky". And then it has evolved to create RNG to make it more harder for players to win. But it's good that someone is giving us the glimpse of the inner of this machine and how this vintage slots operates and you will have to admire the investor on coming up with this kind that will continue up to this day.

Those old machines are no different in upholding the phrase "the house always wins" .  As with many other things, configuration to new technologies has only served to improve its initial functions.

It seems to me that the old slot machines were not set up in favor of the players.
I've heard that many of them actually gave out winnings of less than 15 percent. It seems unfair and insulting to those who decided to try their luck. Perhaps this was one of the casino's strategies to make more money at the expense of the players. I think it's important that slot machines are set up honestly and transparently so that players have an equal chance of winning.

It's good that now many cryptocurrencies provide open source code that can be verified.

Keeping the slot machine will probably provide more profits at a later time because the price will be higher because we know that in this world there are many antique lovers and maybe there will be gamblers who can be said to be whales who want to own one because they really like slot games.
I have never seen a slot machine directly, only through pictures on the internet, the existence of slot machines proves that the slot game is one that has been around for a long time and there are still many fans because this is one type of game that is always tempting even though making a profit is not easy but it never reduces gamblers' interest in continuing to play this game.

Wow, I didn't know if there were slots like this used years ago. How were they ensuring randomness? This is the most interesting question. Btw it is very impressive that someone came up with the idea of a machine that would have some fruits on it that you will roll and get a combination that might bring you a win or lose. The structure of slot games is very entertaining and impressive for the 20th century. But were they back then claiming a fairness of the system? Does anyone know? Do we have any old forum members that have played these mechanical slots? I can't find a good explanatory video about how these slots guarantee the fairness of the result.

I've never since a vintage slot machine in my life, such a fascinating piece of art! I've never seen one ever since I only gamble online and have never been in a physical casino. So I appreciate you sharing this one haha. Online slot machines nowadays can be programmed with specific odds and payout rates, while for vinatge slots, it operates based on the original design and mechanisms. I think owning one is truly fun! you can play endlessly without spending money on bets. Just watch what will be the outcome when you spin. Ah~ now it makes me wanna own one as well haha!

i can't say that it can be manipulated or not, but i am sure that the machine has been tested by a mechanic and it has been confirmed that the machine meets casino standards and has gone through various testing phases. so whatever experiments are carried out by gamblers, it is quite difficult to find patterns or manipulate this machine so that they can win and get the jackpot in their own way.

honestly, i'm more interested in playing on a slot machine like that, because the sound and how it spins is more fun and exciting, compared to spinning slots on a cellphone screen.

Yes, they are available for sale at different prices, I suppose depending on the model and the degree of repairs needed.

https://www.ebay.com/b/Collectible-Antique-Coin-Slot-Machines/14282/bn_3023785

Some are very cheap, so I imagine they don't work, but this one for example for $10K looks pretty good and I wouldn't be surprised if it still works, but it's not clear from the description.

1929 Mills Slot Machine PLAY BALL 5 Cent Wooden See Description for Shipping

Wow amazing share frenn

Those are really vintage I want one too just for a collection I mean and yeah I agree with you it might help us to play slot hahaha. It is rare to see vintage slots nowadays even in the offline casino because I hear the news that big casino like in Macau or Las vegas now had physically machine but with screen on it so it connected to hardware and software just regular we play on online slot.

Im curious about who the old slots worked and what is the odd to winning the game

The market determines what is supposed to be done to those objects, with some collectors preferring for their items to not be modified in any way or form, even if that means the item does not work.

But when it comes to slot machines collectors prefer for the slot machine to actually work, after all they do not want to just take a look at it, what they want is to play with it, however depending on the machine the restoration price could go from a few hundred dollars to a couple thousands, so only collectors with a reasonable level of wealth can afford to restore a slot machine.

These machines are the living stereotype of casinos. Having one of these as decoration in a bar or even as a function would be very interesting. Are these functional models still sold? Or will we only get it from collectors?

$500 in the 80s seemed to be quite expensive, but now the price tag for a vintage slot machine like this is around $3k and it's an antique that won't be owned easily.
For collectors, the older the item, the more expensive it will be.

https://www.gameroomshow.com/shop/antique-slot-machines/

Thanks for the video, I saw the video and he tried to conquer the slot machine to give him the jackpot, after 127 days he got it.
How much money it takes just to hit the jackpot, but of course it will be different for each slot machine.

Big unpaid winnings are a disaster for casinos, they do not think that the machine will issue too big a prize, this is indeed a complete bug and not what they arranged.
An audit is only a sign that the machine is safe and will make good money for the casino, of course it will also provide profits for some players but will not be as big as when the machine crashes.

You got it right! Especially if you really want to play just for your own happiness if you have spare time, this is kind of like a fidget toy for an adults like us! I also just wondered about these vintage vendo slot machines, were these types manipulated or cheated? because nowadays, we're high-tech and we're doing it online just like tapping the button on the screen while the vintage one, it's really based on you on how strong you pulling the slot. I just thought if you look at the pictures, when you open the back side of the vendo, you can move the system itself.

Everyone that has played on an online casino has had this thought run in their mind, and I guess if it has no reputation to lose they can indeed manipulate these games, but then again most casinos don't really have full control of these games , which means that the casino doesn't get the heat because most of our online casinos use third party game providers...unless it's an in-house casino game.

Actually these were a nuisance if you ask me, and this is based on many court cases I have seen online over unpaid winnings as a result of a faulty slot machine and casino refusing to honour their dues...but all in all like @chaser15 said..these were or still get audited to ensure fair game play but we all know who has the last say

Here's a guy playing on this and hitting a jackpot The machine is much smaller than I'd expect it to be.
And here's a guy showing how it works

I remember seeing a casino with old slot machines 30 years ago. They were making a lot of noise and you could hear the money rolling in there and falling out as people were winning. Newer machines tried to recreate this noise from speakers but it wasn't the same. Old casinos with these vintage slots had a certain vibe that you won't be able to experience again. That's a very similar feeling to what old cinemas used to be back in the day where the film was physical and you could hear it rolling if you sat in the back.

There’s some people selling slot machine on Facebook marketplace but all of them is already modified to adapt the new looks of slot machine in the casino. I still don’t find a legit vintage slot machine but I already have a guy looking for this online for me.


Men, this is the ultimate gem! I’m search for this video game too but I don’t know what’s the specific name I will use to search but this is the first backyard gambling that became popular in my country when I was a child.

Here in my neighborhood I've seen a lot of slot machines but as I don't play on them and I've never played on a slot machine, so I've never gotten very close to any of those slot machines that are in my neighborhood, so I don't know exactly how they are. they look similar, I just remember that they have a lot of red light, I don't realize if because they have red lights on, they are electronic machines, so they must have some type of software, now that I see this post I started to ask myself: if The government of my country has prohibited those slot machines that are in my neighborhood from being operated outside of casinos. So who inspects the code to determine whether it is demonstrably fair?

I assume that no one from my country's government inspects these illegal machines that are in my neighborhood, so they must be manipulated machines and many people in my neighborhood play on them and are probably losing money, because whenever I go to the bank I have seen many people playing on those slot machines that are in my neighborhood and then they start fighting because one of them jumped the line because there are a lot of people who want to play and the machines are few, so they fight to be the first to play. So I wonder how inspections are carried out on these Vintage Slot Machines? Do the government guys dismantling every machine to see if it is demonstrably fair?

Whether the machine is in the hands of a legal or an illegal establishment doesn't change the fact that there must be some sort of a level adjustment done on the working mechanism of the machine to making sure as a casino they do have an edge over the gambler. It doesn't and has never been a 50/50 thing.

The only difference I will establish here between that of a legal and illegal casinos is that as an establishment that is legal they will be be very sensitive to the laws guiding their operation under such jurisdiction therefore adjusting the machine to a very minimal level that it's hard to notice but those of illegal jurisdiction they don't give a damn the adjustment can be glaring to a gambler just by the results they are getting from the machine's.

The commonplace am trying to fall on here is that no matter how legal a casino might operate it can never give an equal hedge to the gambler with itself. There will always be a mark of differentiation.

Meh, most vintage slot machines follow the same design language, and unless you're a moldbreaking manufacturer who always do things in his own way and not through cookie-cutter means (in which case why the hell are you doing that?) There's really nothing to be so shocked and surprised about the technology of a vintage slot machine. Matter of fact, these crank slots are often susceptible to tampering by its very own players, to tip the odds in their favor for the most part, so for me, it's still great that we have these digital slot machines that leave no room for error.

Machines like these are only really good for collection and nothing else, plus points if they are still functional but they don't really need to be. If it's from a well-known manufacturer it could shell you out a couple thousand dollars depending on the condition, but if it's from a lesser-known manufacturer, prepare to only get a couple hundred from it.

Slot machines of the past are cool and all but there's a reason why we have digital variants that are more liked by the casino and the player. It's time we stop making these and instead acquire these for collection purposes only.

Probability, a slot machine, or this kind of gambling game that relies on probability—yes, you need luck in order to be in the probability of winning—but do mind that winning in a slot machine relies on probability. Yes, you need luck in order to have a high probability of winning, but do keep in mind that winning in a slot machine is not easy, but it is fun and addictive. Well, it's because of how interesting it is and how calm and relaxed you can be. But yeah, this kind of machine has a probability mechanism where there's a certain play or spin you could do before the winning match could align, and believe me, it will take a lot of tries or attempts in order to attain that probability. In terms of online slot machines, I don't play that because it is also based on probability, as the programme may be doing random patterns, but I still can't stop thinking that it can be programmemed to show the winning pattern less than it should be. Of course, who's businessman will make a gambling game online that a player could win easily, right?.

This is an interesting take to buy a physical slot machine to reduce gsmbling spending.

It's like a fidget toy to cut cigarettes and smoking hehe. Of you are just used to the motion and the habit of the spins then it's a good buy and more people should consider this idea. I think it would work with many people because the habit and passing time is important to them generally. But a big issue here is also that maybe someone will use it till very bored with it and might want to go back to the real thing. Or maybe after you are bored with it you just use it as a paperweight and be done with gambling entirely. Which is a good outcome also.

I have also felt much curiosity and enthusiasm for those old slots machines. Since I was a child I have always wanted to own one of those, but they are rather difficult to find here in my country, nowadays with some luck one can only get some of the modern ones which are electronic.
In my opinion, one of the biggest challenges for engineers, besides the system to handle the coins within the machine, was the way to guarantee there was enough entropy within the mechanical system for it to be considered to be gambling and nobody would realize there was some way to find a pattern for their own benefit. You know.

Nowadays and thanks to the technology we all have available, it is rather easy to generate entropy using electronic means, anyone of us could get a true random number generator if we needed to, but it is a completely different thing to try to generate random numbers using a lever, springs and gears.

One of these days, when I have got some spare time, I will try to find an explanatory video on how those slots machines actually managed to get enough entropy to satisfy the standards of regulators. 

This slot is a pure mechanical slot, and I am not old enough to remember such slots, and maybe there were none in my country... at least I never saw anything similar to this one, except on some videos (Pawn Stars, Storage Wars, and similar).

After a short search, I found this image, these kinds of slots we had here, and it looks similar to slots I was playing in the '90s.



There was a key (the owner had it) and he could set up "the house edge" and how much money it would give with that key. I have watched the owner do it several times for slot and poker machines.

It would probably be fun to own one but I don't think will have the same effect as playing a slot machine where you are risking money and has a chance of winning, I mean the thrill risking your money and wanting to profit from gambling is one of the main reason why a lot of gamblers gamble.

Owning that will probably be fun as you don't have to go somewhere else and you won't be spending any amount of money from there. And if you're just for it to have fun then it's worth it to own it. I think that it's got some IC chip inside and the algorithm of it was already programmed and that's already possible even before to make the favor go into the owner's hand.

It means that whoever plays it are unlikely to win or if they do, they're only going to win some few amounts. Well, what I like with the life before was that there is no pressure, you gamble and you're still fine as you won't be suffering a lot because the places were just chill and prolly the same with the people.

I guess there were some addicted slot gamblers already before and until now, many does suffer with that problem that only few able to survive with it based on their own ways of getting rid of it.

There is nothing cannot be manipulated. It doesn't matter if it is analogy or digital, modern or vintage. Slots can be manipulated by dishonest owners for personal profit. There are two way which I learned that vintage slot machines are manipulated. One way is that they put a plug on the reel stop cog so the stop arm could never land on a particular symbol. Another way is that some of them won't let you win until a certain number of rolls are made.

$0.05 per spin and so much to win will get someone addicted to this game.
It would be a gem to find one. They all landed in a junkyard somewhere and rotten. If people during that time thought that it would be a thing for the museum 50 years later, they would have kept them and sold them to Harrisons for thousands.

Pony race machines back in the 90s were the craze back then. People love it, these slot and race machines do have patterns I guess. 

That's beautiful, thank you for sharing this video here with us. But I don't understand with such archaic mecanisms how they could be prefectly (or at least reasonably) random? Players could certainly be able to find some loopholes and patterns into these machines. So I don't know if the game was more risky for the house that is to say the owner of the slot machine or for the player at the end. Anyway it should be fun to see, listen and touch such old gambling machines.

This is a gem. I’m dreaming having a machine like this now because I grew up on a neighborhood that has an illegal gambling den with this kind of vintage slot machine while it brings back my good old days when I’m having a penny and risk it on that stupid machine just to multiply it which never happened back then.

I watch a video from Pawnstar episode that featured vintage wooden slot machine. I’m always fascinated on this vintage collection but sadly it’s very hard to find one now since this kind of machine is frequently being destroyed since it’s illegal back then here in my country.

I will post some picture if ever I landed to purchase one in my country.

Well, that slot machine actually looks amazing for sure the way it rotates and stops is just great seeing those machine parts. I mean this is still used in casinos right so I have to assume that there are some ways where the casino is always going to end up making money at some point, It is difficult to think about these things for sure compared to right now which is online gambling just thinking about it, it can easily be rig at some point where the roulette there could somehow end up not winning anything at a certain time, probably it is going to lose 10times then win 3 times something like that, we that way the casino is already going to make a profit and at the same time, there are people who are winning this slot machines. I could easily imagine that it could be the case here even though it might be an old machine, I mean it might be put luck as well since there was actually a higher chance for the gambler to win since getting that reel jackpot is going to be difficult anyway. Probably it is just a matter of how many players are actually going to use it, but looking at these machines they are just very attractive to gamblers, I don't know if it was just me but it was kinda fun playing slot machines with just looking at it, its colorful, it's a nice piece of machinery.

Reading your statement and seeing that image, it's a different thing that comes to my mind when I see an opened vintage slot machine. The story of that guy who cheated by studying those machines and rigging them.
Tommy Glenn Carmichael. I forgot where I watched that story of him but for four decades he had been escaping the law until the FBI came in and investigated. Millions of dollars, he got a lot of money because he truly learned how to do it and studied it carefully by buying slot machines and tinkering with them.
I'd like to buy one too if there's a chance but not to mimic what that guy did. It's only for entertainment and I think the kids would love to have that kind of vintage game inside the house. I mean it is a good decoration and also could be entertaining especially if you are not spending anything. If I have that, I am thinking about putting some money in though, and maybe test my luck.

I remember wanting one of these as a kid. It seemed like they were commonly available back in the day but I can’t say I’ve seen one for sale in many years. Probably some new laws about gambling or something keeping them from being sold to the normal folks. If I recall correctly, in the late 80s you could get a working slot machine like this for around $500.

You reminded me when no regulation at all was some years ago in the Western Balkans and the houses were setting up these type of slots in such a way that the house would get 86% and the people 14%,this was the highest of the slot machines namely Apex from Austria let the maximum to be permitted as a house edge.This was in Montenegro,Kosovo,Serbia,Albania and North Macedonia that I have experienced first hand as I was having work trips in such countries many years ago and I still remember the rage of people in all these countries when losing money while I imagined how much the owners of landline casinos would be laughing at people stupidity.

Thanks for the article, I tried to read it carefully, but it seemed difficult to understand.
The explanation is certainly very complex and very foreign to me.

And yes, the term I should be using, because every casino is looking to profit from the machines they provide for gambling.
If it only benefits the player, then the casino will go bankrupt.

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You can read the article given by @Davidvistorson, there has been explained how slot machines work.

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Never played such or any other antique slot machine because in my country alone there are no such machines, no gambling establishments.

With regard to legal jurisdictions as well as some audits conducted on slot machines,
whether, slot games available at online casinos must also comply with legal jurisdictions and conduct audits before being given to players.

Since many online casinos are illegal and do not have any licenses,
I found many casino advertisements that promise huge profits with slot gambling.

Whether or not you are playing on a machine that might be tight or loose would likely depend on whether the machine you are playing on is in a legal jurisdiction or not. Illegal operators would probably set the machine for the highest house setting whereas legal establishments probably have to abide by some sort of regulation.

As far as I know, before a physical slot machine will be used in actual live gambling, there are checking and auditing on how that machine works, and the casino or the one involved in creating the machine has to explain the whole mechanism of its winning rate or we can call it similar to RTP in the modern slot.

That goes on vintage slot machines but as always, the machine was designed to give casinos more profit compared to what users can take home, as that was what gambling is supposed to be. I hope we can find details on how the random algorithm works on vintage slot machines or how it follows a random result.

I have been fascinated by this too. I did some research and found this article written about how classic slot machine works.on How stuff work website. The machine engineers were pretty detailed aand we have to appreciate the effort that went into thos wheels, levels and gears that made up the old slot machine.

I know you'll be interested in this article so here is the link - https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/slot-machine.htm?srch_tag=gw5f3ujklwwk7u3hmespyuf4c77ou7jm

I'm terms of manipulation, well I wouldn't call it that. I'll say house edge because it has to be set in such a way that the operators has more wins so as not to go bankrupt. No manipulation just some mechanical settings.

This morning as usual I opened Twitter and found a video of a Vintage Slot Machine that was still working fine.
So amazing when seeing how the mechanism shown in the Vintage slot machine.

This is the work of an amazing machine engineer, who can create such an intricate slot machine.
If Online casinos are now using software to program Slot Machines and there may be some manipulation being done, then what about Vintage slot machines like this?
Whether this Vintage slot machine can also be set to the wishes of the owner, or this will only depend on how lucky we are.

But having one Vintage Slot machine like this will save me to play slots,
because you don't need to spend any more money and do as much as you like to play it.



Source: https://twitter.com/Rainmaker1973/status/1773627645403537884