Australian History · Architecture · People · Artefacts
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Slot machines in Australia

Mechanical amusement devices preceded the electronic gaming machines now found in regulated Australian casinos. Their history intersects with changing law, technology and state and territory revenue policy.

From mechanism to terminal

Early reels depended on springs and gears. Later electromechanical and video systems changed the machine internally while retaining familiar symbols and rhythms.

Historic gaming objects arranged in a museum archive

Objects from different periods reveal the development of gaming technology and design.

A regulated technology

In Australia, electronic gaming machines operate within state and territory frameworks covering equipment approval, access, revenue and responsible-gambling requirements.