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Most of us have gotten used to casino machines and entertainment devices of that nature to be flashy, bright, and packed with dozens of games one can choose. This step forward came with the digital approach to the machine, as it got powered by a computer enclosed in an appropriately designed housing, with the screen being the bridge between the slot machine and the customer. One might think that slot machines appeared not so long ago as it is pretty challenging to imagine a mechanical device that could provide the same amount of entertainment and thrill. However, this is precisely the type of machine Betsafe took under its wing for restoration.

Restoring a 70-Year-Old Machine Is No Easy Task

Betsafe acquired this fine sample of the Beromat B slot machine from Croatia, joining the collection of classic slot machines in which the company takes plenty of pride. This particular machine dates back to the 1950s, and due to its condition, it is as perfect as restoration projects go. The mechanical device weighs in at a whopping 60lbs, so it is a piece of work to move around. The first partially electric, partially automated slot machines did not appear on the market by the mid-1960s, so this kind of design was the norm for that era. Gunter Wulff was the man behind the design and production of mechanical slot machines, and he did it as a serial manufacturing model. The series included Beromat and Beromat B mechanical slot machines, with the original Beromat not being the success Gunter had envisioned.

The Disassembly Process Uncovered Plenty of Surprises

Back in the day, machines got built differently, and it is surprising just how simple it is to open up the Beromat B’s back to access its insides. There are two hinges and locks that ensure the door can easily be opened and locked in place. Once unlocked and opened, the door could easily be removed off the hinges, showing the mechanical innards in their full glory. The three-column reel wheels are held in place by the mechanical contraption, which is the essence of it all, mounted to the housing with four bolts. Next in line were the coin dispenser and the coin tray, along with the handle itself and the game triggering system. These components got made from a metal alloy with zinc being the base material, enriched with copper, aluminum, and magnesium. This material is commonly used in metal workshops nowadays, representing good news for people involved in the restoration.

Restauration of the Machine Was Relatively Easy

Because of the condition in which the original Beromat B was in, the restoration process went quite smoothly. The project’s technician found handling the restoration process with hand tools such as sandpaper, chisel, hand brush, and the likes. First and foremost, the machine needed a thorough cleaning, a process that included taking down a layer of the old paint to reach a workable surface. Then, sanding prepared the surface and uncovered any crevices in the material that needed filling once this was out the way. Finally, due to the condition of the back door, it got entirely scrapped, with the MDF panel replacing it.

Finding the correct color shade was a challenge, as it was necessary to pick the right texture graining and retain the original look all over. Despite being in relatively good shape, the actual label containing information on playing the game was also re-done to match the brand new look. With all the details and repainting done, the machine was ready to be assembled back together, and as expected from a simple gadget like this one, it all went smoothly.