If you’ve seen a slot machine in a UK casino, or online, you may have noticed the word “BAR” displayed on the reels. It often appears alongside symbols such as cherries, bells or the number seven.
This blog explains what the BAR symbol means, where it came from, and why it’s still used today in both physical and online slot games.
Whether you’re brand new to slot machines, or just curious about the symbols, this guide aims to give you a clearer understanding. Knowing more about how these features work can potentially help make playing a more informed and enjoyable experience.
Why Do Slot Machines Say BAR?
The BAR symbol first appeared over a hundred years ago. In the early 1900s, slot machines didn’t pay out cash. Instead, they offered non-monetary prizes like chewing gum. This was partly due to legal restrictions on cash gambling at the time. One American manufacturer, the Bell-Fruit Gum Company, used its company logo on machines. The logo resembled a simple rectangle with the word “BAR” across it. This stood for a “bar of fruit-flavoured gum”.
As slot machines developed, the BAR image remained. Over time, it became a regular part of slot machine design. Even when money payouts were allowed, the BAR symbol stayed on the reels as a familiar visual element. Today, you’ll still see it on many online and physical machines, including those available through licensed UK operators.
How Do BAR Slot Machines Work?
Machines that show BAR symbols work the same way as other slot games. They aren’t a separate type. The BAR symbol is just one of many images that can appear during a spin. The goal in a slot game is to try and match a number of symbols on what’s known as a “payline”. A payline is a set path across the reels that the game uses to calculate wins. Some games use a few paylines. Others have hundreds or even thousands.
BAR symbols often appear in three versions: single BAR, double BAR, and triple BAR. These are usually shown as one, two or three stacked rectangles. Each type tends to have a different value, depending on the game’s design. A single BAR might have a lower potential payout compared to a triple BAR. However, this varies from game to game.
All outcomes in UK slot games are based on a system called a Random Number Generator (RNG). This is a piece of software that produces results at random. It makes sure each spin is completely independent of the last. This means no pattern or sequence affects your chances. UK-licensed operators are required to use RNG technology and have their games tested by independent agencies to ensure fairness.
If you’re unsure what each symbol means, most slot games include a help section. This is often marked by an “info” or “paytable” button. It shows how each symbol works and what combinations may result in a payout.
Triple BAR: What Does It Mean?
The triple BAR symbol is one of the higher-value BAR symbols you may come across. It’s typically displayed as three stacked rectangles and may appear by itself or with other BAR symbols.
Its role and value vary depending on the slot game. In some games, landing three triple BARs on a payline could result in a higher payout than landing single or double BARs.
Some slot games group different BAR symbols together for possible combination payouts. For example, a mix of any three BARs (single, double, or triple) may still result in a win. Others only pay for exact matches. This is why it can be useful to review the paytable before playing.
You might also see triple BARs used in bonus rounds or special features. These could include extra potential payouts or free spins, depending on the game rules. Game features like this vary widely, even between slots from the same provider.
Because all outcomes are random, there’s no way to know when or if a triple BAR symbol will appear. It’s best to see it as one of many visual features that form part of the game’s design.
BAR Slot Machine Cheats: Do Any Exist?
There are no legitimate ways to cheat a slot machine in the UK. All licensed slot games, whether online or in physical venues, are regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). These games use Random Number Generators to produce fair and unpredictable results. This means no one can influence or forecast when, or if, a particular symbol will appear.
Attempts to cheat or tamper with a slot machine are illegal and carry serious legal consequences. Claims about “hacks” or “guaranteed win strategies” should be treated with caution. These are not based on facts and can be misleading. In some cases, they are scams.
Slot machines are designed to be games of chance. The outcome of each spin is independent, and no strategy or system can change that. While some players enjoy looking for potential patterns, these are not based on how the machines actually work.
If you’re playing for real money, it’s important to set limits. Many UK-licensed online casinos offer safer gambling tools. These include deposit limits, time reminders, and self-exclusion options. You can use these features to help manage how you play.
If you feel you need support or someone to talk to, organisations such as GamCare and BeGambleAware.org offer free and confidential help.
It’s important to remember that slot games are not designed to provide consistent or expected returns. They are random, and while it is possible to win, there is no way to ensure any outcome. Playing responsibly and for entertainment can help you keep the experience safe and enjoyable.
