In recent years, the production of slot machines has become a more competitive market. In the 1970s, around 90 percent of the market belonged to Bally Gaming Systems. It was most likely that a Bally-made slot machine was the one you played during that period. There are now well over a dozen slot manufacturers on the market. Software designers also create online casino slot machines. This is just a small selection of some of the most prominent names in traditional slot machine manufacturing.
AC Coin & Slot was established in Pleasantville, New Jersey, in 1978. I don’t know if you were there, but I didn’t realize the town existed until I saw Reese Witherspoon in Pleasantville. Of course, it wasn’t in New Jersey. However, parts of the Garden State look pleasant to me. AC Coin & Slot began making slot machines in New Jersey when gambling became legalized. They also sell International Game Technology slots in Atlantic City.
Aruze Corporation is a Japanese company that produces slot machines and other products. They are authorized to distribute and manufacture slot machines in New Jersey, Nevada, and Mississippi. Their U.S. subsidiary, Aruze Gaming America, is based in Vegas. It is a 100%-owned subsidiary.
Atronic Americas does not have a North, South, or Central American headquarters, as you might think. Instead, it’s a German company. They didn’t like Atronic Deutschland for some reason. But, if you ask me, it has a lovely ring. The company was founded in 1994 and is now the third-largest slot machine manufacturer globally.
Bally Gaming Systems was the first big name on the scene. It was founded in 1968 and operates under many names including Bally Technologies. They produced the first multi-coin and video multi-coin slots. Although they no longer have the same market dominance as in the past, Bally remains a major player in the industry. They are not related to Bally Total Fitness.
International Game Technology (IGT), a manufacturer, is located in Reno, Nevada. It is home to Lieutenant Jim Dangle, his fine deputies, and his family. IGT is a multinational corporation with branches located around the world and is the biggest slot machine manufacturer globally. They pioneered progressive slots in wide areas and developed EZ-Pay, a ticketed system.
Konami Gaming is the gambling arm of the Japanese company that is best known for its popular video games, which can be found in arcades around the world and on Nintendos. Konami is amazing! They invented Castlevania. That’s enough. They have been making slots since 1973 but only started selling slots in the United States in 2003. They are licensed in Nevada, as well as several American tribal territories.
Mikohn Gaming is relatively new to the world of slot machine manufacturing. They were founded in 1996 and is based in Las Vegas. IGT is the main developer and marketer of most of their games.
Some companies specialize not only in creating online slot software but also machines for land-based casinos. Although many companies specialize in this area, only a few big players are.
Microgaming, a software development firm, is located in the Isle of Man. Microgaming claims to have launched the first online casino in 1994. They also produce online slots for nearly 100 casinos. They also create games for blackjack, poker, and roulette.
Playtech claims to be the largest publicly traded online casino software developer. However, I couldn’t find any evidence to support that claim. They create a variety of games, including table and slot games.
Real-Time Gaming (RTG), was established in Curacao in 1998. They are well-known for their progressive slot machines and are a leader in manufacturing. RTG was one of few online game developers to not develop their policies regarding American customers following the 2006 passage of the Internet Gambling Enforcement Act ( UIGEA ) by the United States Congress. Instead, each client decides if they will accept American players.
Vegas Technology is not based in Las Vegas, as you might think. Nope. They were established in Antigua in 1997. Vegas Technology is most well-known for its video slots. You don’t need any software to play the games.
There are a wide variety of reel combinations and themes offered by all the manufacturers of slot machines. There is truly an online slot game for everyone.