The first slot machines appeared in San Francisco at the end of 1800. They were very different from the designs we know today as they used card numbers instead of fruit symbols. The machines had five reels, each with 10 cards. As Ten of Spades and Jack of Hears were left out, the chances of winning were quite low. Another interesting thing about the first slot machines is the fact that they did not pay out money. Players could enjoy instead free drinks and cigars.