IGT's history: From land-based machines to online gambling
IGT's history: From land-based machines to online gambling
Founding and first steps (1970s - 1980s)
International Game Technology (IGT) originated in 1975 in Nevada as a manufacturer of slot machines. Early on, the company focused on mechanical slots, which gradually displaced the classic "one-armed bandits." IGT relied on the introduction of microprocessor technologies, which made it possible to create more reliable and functional machines.
In the early 1980s, IGT brought video slots to the market, replacing the drums with a screen. This was a breakthrough: games received more opportunities for themes, and operators - flexibility in settings. During the same period, the company began expanding outside the United States, supplying products to Europe and Australia.
Breakthrough with progressive jackpots (1980s-1990s)
In 1986, IGT introduced the Megabucks system, the world's first large-scale progressive jackpot. The machines, combined into a network, saved part of the bets, forming a giant prize pool. This was a revolution: players got a chance for millions of winnings, and casinos were an additional tool for attracting customers.
Megabucks brought IGT international recognition and enhanced its reputation as an innovator. The company established itself as a leading provider of land-based casino solutions and came to dominate the United States and Australia.
The era of digitalization and global expansion (1990s - 2000s)
In the 1990s, IGT actively developed the direction of video slots with bonus rounds, licensed brands and complex mathematics. Then the company began to acquire technology firms to strengthen its position in the market.
Key achievements:
In 2005, IGT increased its influence in Australia through the supply of video slots for local halls and clubs, where pokies have become a key part of the entertainment industry.
Transition to online gambling (2010s)
With the development of the Internet and the legalization of online casinos in a number of countries, IGT entered the iGaming segment. The company began adapting its ground hits into digital versions.
Directions of development:
IGT's IT infrastructure allowed players to learn their favorite machines online: MegaJackpots, Cleopatra, Wheel of Fortune have become cult and digital.
Modern stage: integration and multidisciplinary (2020s)
Today, IGT is a multinational corporation with offices in the United States, Europe and Australia. The company unites the following areas:
Particular attention is paid to responsible gambling and certification of games in jurisdictions with strict rules (UKGC, MGA, etc.). In Australia, IGT operates through the terrestrial sector, but digital products are only officially available in countries with legalized iGaming.
Significance for Australia
Australia is one of the world's largest slot machine markets. IGT plays a leading role here, supplying pokies for clubs, bars and casinos. Many classic titles known to Australian players have roots in IGT developments.
Despite the ban on full-fledged online casinos in AU, the company remains a key technology supplier and partner of local operators. This confirms its status as a "bridge" between traditional gambling and digital evolution.
Result
IGT's story is an example of a local Nevada manufacturer becoming a global leader. From mechanical automata of the 1970s to modern online slots and lottery systems, the company has gone through a path of continuous innovation.
For Australian players, IGT remains a symbol of reliability and quality: in ground clubs, their machines are the industry standard, and in online gambling around the world, time-tested hits adapted to the digital era.
Founding and first steps (1970s - 1980s)
International Game Technology (IGT) originated in 1975 in Nevada as a manufacturer of slot machines. Early on, the company focused on mechanical slots, which gradually displaced the classic "one-armed bandits." IGT relied on the introduction of microprocessor technologies, which made it possible to create more reliable and functional machines.
In the early 1980s, IGT brought video slots to the market, replacing the drums with a screen. This was a breakthrough: games received more opportunities for themes, and operators - flexibility in settings. During the same period, the company began expanding outside the United States, supplying products to Europe and Australia.
Breakthrough with progressive jackpots (1980s-1990s)
In 1986, IGT introduced the Megabucks system, the world's first large-scale progressive jackpot. The machines, combined into a network, saved part of the bets, forming a giant prize pool. This was a revolution: players got a chance for millions of winnings, and casinos were an additional tool for attracting customers.
Megabucks brought IGT international recognition and enhanced its reputation as an innovator. The company established itself as a leading provider of land-based casino solutions and came to dominate the United States and Australia.
The era of digitalization and global expansion (1990s - 2000s)
In the 1990s, IGT actively developed the direction of video slots with bonus rounds, licensed brands and complex mathematics. Then the company began to acquire technology firms to strengthen its position in the market.
Key achievements:
- introduction of multi-line slots that increased player engagement;
- use of licenses of popular films and TV shows in slots;
- growth in the European and Asian markets.
In 2005, IGT increased its influence in Australia through the supply of video slots for local halls and clubs, where pokies have become a key part of the entertainment industry.
Transition to online gambling (2010s)
With the development of the Internet and the legalization of online casinos in a number of countries, IGT entered the iGaming segment. The company began adapting its ground hits into digital versions.
Directions of development:
- creation of a platform for online slots with the same mechanics as in ground devices;
- mobile optimization for smartphones and tablets;
- cooperation with international online casino operators, including markets in Europe and Latin America.
IGT's IT infrastructure allowed players to learn their favorite machines online: MegaJackpots, Cleopatra, Wheel of Fortune have become cult and digital.
Modern stage: integration and multidisciplinary (2020s)
Today, IGT is a multinational corporation with offices in the United States, Europe and Australia. The company unites the following areas:
- land-based machines (covering more than 100 countries, including Australia);
- online slots and platforms for iGaming;
- Casino system solutions (management, loyalty, analytics)
- lotteries and betting.
Particular attention is paid to responsible gambling and certification of games in jurisdictions with strict rules (UKGC, MGA, etc.). In Australia, IGT operates through the terrestrial sector, but digital products are only officially available in countries with legalized iGaming.
Significance for Australia
Australia is one of the world's largest slot machine markets. IGT plays a leading role here, supplying pokies for clubs, bars and casinos. Many classic titles known to Australian players have roots in IGT developments.
Despite the ban on full-fledged online casinos in AU, the company remains a key technology supplier and partner of local operators. This confirms its status as a "bridge" between traditional gambling and digital evolution.
Result
IGT's story is an example of a local Nevada manufacturer becoming a global leader. From mechanical automata of the 1970s to modern online slots and lottery systems, the company has gone through a path of continuous innovation.
For Australian players, IGT remains a symbol of reliability and quality: in ground clubs, their machines are the industry standard, and in online gambling around the world, time-tested hits adapted to the digital era.
