Slot Machine Fruit Symbols: Origins, Meaning & History
Colourful fruit symbols are a common feature on many slot machines in the UK, but have you ever thought about why cherries, lemons, and plums appear so often?
This blog explores the origins and meaning behind these well-known images, following their story from mechanical machines, to today’s online slots.
Learning how these symbols came about can give you a fresh perspective next time you play. You might even notice more about the games once you know what the images stand for.
Why Do Slot Machines Have Fruit Symbols on Their Reels?
Fruit symbols first appeared on slot machines in the early 1900s. These machines, often called “fruit machines” in the UK, used bright and recognisable images, like cherries and lemons. The reason for this was simple: early machines could not offer cash prizes, so chewing gum or sweets became common alternatives. Each type of fruit matched the flavour of gum or sweet, making the symbols easy for everyone to recognise.
Some slot machines still use these traditional fruit symbols, especially classic slots found in land-based venues and online. However, not all slot games follow this style. Modern slots now come in many themes, so you’ll sometimes see letters, numbers, or other images on the reels.
Given that each game is made differently, it may be useful to look at the paytable and game rules first. Slots outcomes are set by Random Number Generators (RNGs), ensuring that every result is randomly chosen and cannot be changed.
The Rise of Fruit Machines in the UK
By the early 20th century, fruit machines had become a familiar sight in UK arcades, and social clubs. These machines offered straightforward entertainment, and the colourful fruit images made them easy to spot.
The name “fruit machine” caught on in the UK specifically because of the fruity symbols and the gum or tokens you could potentially win. The Betting and Gaming Act 1960 later provided new rules for where these machines could be used, which helped them spread further.
While the earliest fruit machines were purely mechanical, today’s versions include digital machines in venues and online slot games. These may offer bonus features or advanced graphics, but classic fruit symbols can still be found in many of them.
What Was the First Slot Machine to Use Fruit Symbols?
The first slot machine to use fruit symbols was the Operator Bell, created in 1907 by Herbert Mills, a manufacturer from Chicago. He introduced colourful images like cherries, lemons, and plums to make the game more appealing and to represent the flavours of chewing gum that could be awarded as prizes—since cash payouts were not allowed at the time.
This followed the earlier Liberty Bell machine, developed by Charles Fey in the late 1800s, which used symbols such as bells, horseshoes, and card suits.
Mills’ use of fruit symbols quickly caught on, leading to widespread use in machines across the United States and later in the UK. These symbols became so iconic that “fruit machine” became the common UK term for slot machines, and they still appear in many games today.
What Do the Fruit Symbols Actually Mean?
Originally, fruit symbols on slot machines represented the flavour of gum or sweets you could potentially win instead of cash, helping the machines comply with gambling laws at the time. For example, landing a cherry might mean a cherry-flavoured sweet.
Today, these symbols are used mainly for tradition and style. They no longer relate to sweets and have no special meaning beyond the payout potential rules of each specific game.
The value of any symbol—including fruit—depends entirely on the game’s design, which you can check in the paytable.
Most importantly, all outcomes are determined by an RNG, ensuring every spin is fair and cannot be influenced.
Are Fruit Symbols Still Used on Modern Slot Games?
Fruit symbols are still quite common, especially on classic three-reel slot games. Modern slots sometimes include fruit themes, appealing to fans of more traditional styles.
Of course, many slot games now have very different themes, so you’ll often see all kinds of symbols from history, fiction, or popular culture. Fruit-themed slots remain a popular choice for those who know and enjoy old-school machines.
Remember to check the paytable and look at which symbols feature in each game before you start, as this can help you understand the possible outcomes.
What Other Symbols Were Used Alongside Fruit?
While fruit has always been a main feature, early slot machines and later fruit machines often included other symbols, each with its own meaning or use.
Other Common Symbols You May Find:
- BAR: Started as a logo for a gum company and became a valued symbol on machines.
- Bells: Originally from the Liberty Bell machine, often linked with higher possible payouts.
- Horseshoes: Traditionally connected with “luck”.
- Stars: Sometimes act as bonus or special symbols.
- Sevens: Favoured by many for offering top prizes, depending on the game.
Developers still choose which symbols to include based on the game’s style and theme, with paytables offering full details. Each spin’s result is always randomly picked.
Play Classic Fruit Machines Online at Ivy Casino
Discover classic fruit machines and a selection of modern slots at Ivy Casino. Fully licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, Ivy Casino makes it easy to browse, choose and play in a straightforward online setting. Whether you prefer old-fashioned fruit slots or newer titles, you will find plenty of options.
Log in or join Ivy Casino to access both classic and modern online slots. Everything is designed for ease of use to make your experience as smooth as possible throughout the UK.
It’s important to set your own limits and to gamble responsibly. If you ever feel you need support, advice is available at GamCare or GAMSTOP.
Exploring the history and meaning behind fruit symbols can add depth to your slot play, helping you notice details and traditions that remain part of the experience today.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these slot games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.