The game became well-known very fast because of its simplicity and element of chance. Slot machines were widely available in bars and saloons throughout America by the early 20th century. These machines were frequently passed off as "fruit machines" satta.king comor "poker machines" during Prohibition in order to get around the ban on gambling while still offering entertainment. Slot machine functionality & design have changed significantly as a result of technological advancements. The advent of electromechanical devices in the 1960s made it possible to add lights and sounds and play more intricate games. The emergence of video slots in the 1980s allowed for a wider variety of themes & gameplay mechanics by substituting digital screens for actual reels.