Did you know Sittman and Pitt of Brooklyn, New York develop a gambling machine in 1891[1] that was a precursor to the modern slot machine? It was based on poker and contained a total of 50 card faces. The payout system at that time isn't directly money but rather goods like beer, and cigarettes and is dependent on the establishment offers. It was played by inserting a nickel and pulling a lever which would spin the drums and the cards that they held.
Read more of its history here[1]
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slot_machine
In as much as I was wasn't wowed by the idea, I am surprised at the date mentioned. As far back as 1891 such an idea was coined, developed and practiced. Another weird thing I noticed was the kind of rewards given to the gamblers, beer, cigarettes Read more of its history here[1]
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slot_machine
This was the origin where gambling was demolized. Because those machines then would not be located in a decent environment, maybe in a ghetto or rough environment.