Most modern slot machines have done away with the stack of buttons that used to be on the front of a machine for placing various wagers. Instead, they’ve been replaced with a computer screen, one that can be updated with more flexibility based on the betting requirements of a slot machine.
This is often called a bet panel, although different manufacturers may have varying names for it, such as a deck. By switching to a computer screen, as they have in other places on the machine, it’s easier to make updates when a new game is installed, for instance. Or, it allows flexibility for things like changing denominations or playing different line counts.
A great example of this is the DiamondRS series of mechanical reels slots by IGT. On games like Double Top Dollar, they can offer a single line and a multi-line variation on the same machine. They can also offer different denominations.
The bet panel (along with other parts of the machine also displayed by a monitor) updates to reflect what’s going on with the game’s configuration – no needing to manually swap things out or restrict to limited settings.
And being a full screen instead of buttons, any sort of layout within the dimensions of that screen is now possible, so slot makers are able to try new things, such as a toggle that opens up more bet levels than just the traditional 5-6 options, something Light & Wonder and IGT have both incorporated into some slots in recent years.
This move away from physical buttons isn’t limited to slots, of course – an interesting debate has been growing over the shift from various knobs in cars to touchscreen panels as well. Some cars are doing away with all sorts of individual buttons in favor of a universal touch screen area, one that’s also been getting bigger in recent years.
Oftentimes slot machines will still have a couple of physical buttons, particularly for the spin button (or buttons, when slot machines have them on both sides), and to a lesser degree the cash out button. Most of the rest of the controls have shifted onto that bet panel.
So when you look at a slot machine, be sure to take a look at what’s in front of you. Slot machine handles may be a more rare find nowadays, but oftentimes you’ll see those bet panels with one or a couple of buttons.
