Machines made by Mills Novelty, the Caille Brothers, Watling Manufacturing of Chicago and Jennings were the first available, and are considered the basis of present day slot machines. Most of the machines of the time and in the years following the turn of the century were made by a handful of companies.

These poker machines enjoyed immense popularity until the First World War. In deference to the law of the times, most of these machines dispensed tokens for candy, gum and cigars instead of cash winnings. Poker machines existed as early as 1890 and were extremely popular in saloons and cigar stores. Most of them are made of metal and wood, using no electronics whatsoever. What typifies the pre-1950s slots is the fact that they have no lighted or plastic fronts. Most experts classify vintage slot machines as any machine dating pre-1950s however some say that anything before the 1970s is considered vintage.