Head to any casino or even to an online gaming platform and there’s a good chance that some of the featured slots are products from Bally Technologies. This gaming company dates back more than five decades and has become a leader in the industry.
Bally’s has undergone several ownership changes but remains at the forefront of slot technology and offers players numerous popular titles. The company continues manufacturing high-quality games and has been responsible for some key technological changes in the slot machine industry.
Keep reading to learn about Bally Technologies and the company’s importance to the world of slot machines.
History of Bally Technologies
Founded in 1968 by Jack Solomon and Alvin Snaper, Bally Technologies as known today was originally called Advanced Patent Technology. The two men held numerous patents and worked to develop business with that intellectual property. Some of these ranged from ultrasonic fluidic fuel systems to a dry cleaning machine and more.
The company then moved into the slot machine and casino industry in 1979 with the acquisition of United Coin Machine Company, one of the largest slot route operators in Nevada. Alliance increased its involvement with slot machines and gaming even more after merging with video slot manufacturer Omega Enterprises. The company also expanded into casino ownership during these years, including properties in Nevada, Louisiana, Indiana, Iowa, Mississippi, and more.
Potential mergers and acquisitions involving WMS and Bally Technologies ensued in the 1990s for Alliance as the company considered a shift in slot manufacturing by focusing on more of an entertainment value for players beyond simply winning and losing. In 1995, Bally’s officially merged with Alliance in a $185 million deal.
Bally Manufacturing Corporation was originally founded in 1932 and produced slot machines and pinball machines. Alliance absorbed the slot machine gaming division of that company.
In the 2000s, Bally’s began exiting the slot route and casino industry by selling off assets. Alliance officially changed its name to Bally Technologies in 2006 and purchased SHFL Entertainment in 2013, allowing the company to enter the electronic table games market as well as adding the company’s online gaming assets.
In 2014, Scientific Games (now Light & Wonder) acquired the company for $3.3 billion assuming $1.8 billion in debt. Light & Wonder is a leader in the lottery and sports betting industry, and the move allowed the company to add considerable holdings in slot machines and casino gaming environments. Light & Wonder remains one of the largest gaming companies in the world with 4,000 employees and reported $997 million in revenue in 2022.
Discover more about the top slot developers and their contributions to the gaming industry in our complete guide to slot machine manufacturers.
Key Bally’s Achievements & Innovations
As a subsidiary of Light & Wonder, Bally’s continues to manufacture popular slot machines, and the company, both as Bally’s and Alliance, has been a leading innovator in the industry. Bally Manufacturing Corporation was a significant player in the industry as well before being absorbed by Alliance to create a larger company.
In 1963, that older Bally’s company unveiled a major milestone in the industry – the first fully electromechanical slot machine called “Money Honey. ” The game was fully electrically operated, not based solely on a spin of the reels via the game’s lever. Money Honey produced a major shift in slot manufacturing and more electromechanical games followed.
In the mid-2000s, Bally’s unveiled a more powerful Sierra operating system to provide better and faster games for players. The company also unveiled larger and more complex cabinets and screens, ramping up the company’s product line. By 2009, 550 casinos boasted Bally’s slots with more than 400,000 games worldwide.
The company, based in Las Vegas, continues to innovate and Bally’s Legacy Unix SDS slot system is used throughout the industry the Bally MultiConnect (BMC) slot management system is also a popular technology for many casinos.
Popular Bally’s Slots
Ballys, both as Alliance and the original Bally Manufacturing Corporation, has produced many popular titles through the years. In 1999, the company launched the Thrillions wide-area progressive jackpot games.
Trillions debuted featuring Betty Boop, an early example of the growing trend of slot manufacturers licensing popular characters, television shows, movies, musical acts, and more. Later variations also included Blondie and Popeye.
The 2000s saw the rise of Bally’s popular Hot Shot Progressive games, a new series of video and reel gaming options that promises larger possible payouts. These became the company's best-selling games and the most successful launch in company history. They remain extremely popular still today as the company continues adding to the product line.
Bally’s offers top-rated games including popular Asian-themed games like 88 Fortunes, which has been one of the best-reviewed and most popular games of 2023. The Quick Hit slots have also become an immensely popular product line.
Some major successes have included variations of the popular Monopoly board game. A few other popular games include:
Cash Wizard
Triple Cash Wheel
Lucky Link Beats
Lady Robin Hood
Michael Jackson King of Pop
Fu Dao Le
The Bally Technologies creative and development teams continue expanding the product menu to offer new and interesting games.
Where to Play Bally’s Slots
As one of the largest slot developers in the world, Bally slots can be found in casinos and gambling houses around the world – including in Bally’s casinos, although these aren’t part of the slot machine company.
These games offer players a wide variety of gaming options and stakes. Players heading to Las Vegas will find numerous Bally’s slots to check out. As part of the Light & Wonder gaming company, Bally’s is well-known and has a wide distribution reach.
Chances are that if you’re heading to a casino, you’ll at least see a few Bally’s slots, including popular games like 88 Fortune, Quick Hits, Michael Jackson King of Pop, Fu Dao Le, and more. What makes some of these games so fun?
Great themes and narratives
Easy to play
Progressive jackpot possibilities
Fun bonus games
Excellent graphics and sound
Wide range of stakes
Many of these popular offerings can also be found in real-money online slot gaming. These games are the same as the slot games one might find in a brick-and-mortar casino.
Additionally, players looking to check out some of Bally’s slots won’t have to worry about playing for real money or heading to a casino when playing online for free. Platforms like Jackpot Party feature popular Bally’s games like Jewel of the Dragon, Cash Spin, Fu Dao Le, Quick Hit Ultra Pays Eagle’s Peak, Quick Hit Ultra Pays Sun Dragon, and others.
This can be a fun option to play some Bally slots right from a mobile phone or online with no download required. Players will find plenty of fun challenges and rewards as they spin the reels. Playing for fun can be a great way to have some slot fun and check out some of the games you might enjoy when heading to Las Vegas or another slot machine location.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Bally's founded?
The company, as recognized today as a slot manufacturer, was founded in 1968 as Advanced Patent Technology and the business underwent numerous changes in ownership through the years. After initially focusing on other industries, the company eventually moved into the world of slot machines and casino gaming. The company was purchased by Light & Wonder (formerly Scientific Games) in 2014 and remains a subsidiary of that gaming giant continuing to produce popular slot machines for live casinos and online platforms.
What are some popular slots from Bally’s?
Bally’s has a wide range of popular slots – from progressive jackpot games to Asian-themed to those featuring pop culture icons. Some of the company’s popular titles include the Quick Hit line of games, Hot Shot Progressive, Fu Dao Le, Triple Cash Wheel, and numerous others.
Where can I play Bally’s slots?
Casinos around the world feature some of these popular games. Head into a live casino and chances are you’ll find some Bally’s slots. The company remains a leader in the industry and continues to innovate and make technological advancements in its game offerings.
Can I play Bally’s slots online?
Yes, numerous online real-money gaming platforms offer Bally’s slots. These digital versions online are almost the same games that you’d find in places like Las Vegas, Atlantic City, or other casino locations. You can also find some of these games on free-to-play slot platforms like Jackpot Party and QuickHitSlots.com. These sites and mobile options offer players the fin of playing slots without spending any money and you can play on a web browser with no download required.
BEST BALLY SLOTS
