The tradition of using fruit symbols in slot machines harks back to the early 20th century when cash-paying slot machines started facing bans or restrictions across several American cities due to growing concerns over gambling. Manufacturers sought a workaround to keep the machines in operation. The solution came from the Industry Novelty Company, which introduced gum-dispensing slot machines.
Instead of money, these machines would reward players with a piece of gum corresponding to the fruit symbols on the reels. Grapes, watermelons, and cherries were among the flavours on offer. Should a player line up cherries, for example, they would receive a cherry-flavoured gum. This innovative approach allowed the slot machine industry to bypass the gambling regulations while still providing an entertaining experience.
Why Do Slot Machines Have Fruit Symbols On Their Reels?
The fruit symbols became the industry standard for slot machines, and their use continued even after the ban on cash-paying slot machines was lifted. The symbols have since become iconic signs for classic fruit slot machines, commonly known as fruit machines or fruit slots. The fruit themes are still popular among many slots today.
Although modern slot machines have diversified and can now display any symbol imaginable to match a wide range of themes, the humble fruit symbols continue to hold their ground. They serve as an enduring link to the slot machine's early days while adding a touch of nostalgia to the gaming experience.
What Fruit Symbols Are On Slot Machines?
The fruit symbols commonly found on slot machines include cherries, grapes, watermelons, lemons, oranges, and plums. Some machines might also feature other fruits like apples or peaches. The cherries are particularly significant, as they were among some of the first fruit symbols to be used and continue to feature prominently in many modern slot games.
The introduction of fruit symbols was a significant milestone in the evolution of slot machines. Before their introduction, slot machines, also known as one-armed bandits, used symbols related to poker, such as diamonds, hearts, and spades.
Over time, card suits gradually faded away, while fruit symbols gained more prominence. However, one card symbol, the Joker, remains a staple in many slot machines today, often serving as a wild.
What Does 3 Cherries Mean On Slot Machines?
Landing three cherries on a slot machine traditionally signals a win. This convention dates back to the days of gum-dispensing slot machines, where lining up cherries would reward the player with a cherry-flavoured gum. In modern slot machines, three cherries usually result in a potential cash prize or triggers a bonus feature, depending on the specific game's rules.
In addition to offering cash prizes, some slot machines include bonus features like Free Spins or Win Multipliers. For instance, landing three or more matching special symbols might award a certain number of Free Spins. Some games may also feature expanding symbols, where a fruit symbol randomly lands and expands to cover an entire reel.
To learn more about a specific slot game, you can refer to the game rules or paytable.
Play Classic Fruit Machines Online
Online casinos, like Slots Baby, can offer a wide array of fruit-themed slot games that blend traditional fruit symbols with modern gameplay mechanics. Some popular fruit-themed online slots include Cheeky Fruits, Diamond Strike, and Stacked Fire 7s.
Cheeky Fruits
Cheeky Fruits is a 5-reel classic slot game featuring a variety of fruit symbols like oranges, lemons, cherries, watermelons, and more. The game also includes some non-fruit symbols like red 7s and bonus symbols. Landing three scatter symbols on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th reels triggers a Free Spins round!
Diamond Strike
Diamond Strike, developed by Pragmatic Play, is a 5-reel slot game that combines a classic fruit theme with a modern twist. The game features traditional fruit symbols and a diamond wild symbol. Landing three scatter symbols on reels 1, 3, and 5 triggers a free spins feature. In addition, landing three golden 7s activates a Jackpot bonus game, where the player has a chance to win up to 1,000x their stake!
Stacked Fire 7s
Stacked Fire 7s is a fruit-themed slot game developed by Inspired Gaming. Apart from the fruit symbols, the game also features different 7 symbols: Fire 7s, Blue 7s, and Red 7s. Landing three bonus symbols in a single spin triggers a Free Spins feature!
In conclusion, the tradition of using fruit symbols in slot machines is a testament to the industry's ingenuity and adaptability. From bypassing gambling regulations to becoming iconic symbols of the gaming industry, the fruit symbols have stood the test of time. Whether you're a seasoned player or a newbie, the charm of fruit-themed slot games can be hard to resist.
Please gamble responsibly.
*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.