Why Do Slot Machines Use Fruit Symbols?

If you have ever played a slot machine, either online or in a venue, you might have spotted bright fruit symbols like cherries, lemons, and oranges spinning on the reels. These simple icons are some of the most recognisable features of slot games.

This blog explores the story behind fruit symbols in slot machines. You will find out how these colourful designs became a key part of both traditional and online slots. Their history may surprise you.

Whether you are new to slots or simply curious, you will soon see why fruit symbols are still so common on many UK slot machines today.

Why Do Slot Machines Use Fruit on Their Reels?

Fruit symbols go hand-in-hand with slot machines, a connection dating back more than a century.

In the early 1900s, gambling rules across the UK meant that potential cash prizes were not always allowed. Instead, slot machines in pubs and arcades paid out chewing gum or sweets. The fruit pictures, like cherries or lemons, showed which flavour you might win. This playful system made games fun and easy for everyone to understand.

Although the rules changed over time and possible cash prizes became legal, fruit icons remained popular. People became used to seeing them, so they stayed as a familiar feature. Simple designs, such as melons and oranges can help make slot games easy to follow and spot any potential winning combinations.

Even now, fruit symbols are used in the latest online slots. Not only do they bring a nostalgic touch, but they are also bright, clear, and easy to spot on modern digital screens. Classic fruit designs set some games apart from themed slots based on adventures or films, offering familiar gameplay.

Keep in mind that all UK-regulated online slots use Random Number Generators (RNGs) to decide the outcome. Every spin is separate, with no set order or guaranteed result.

Before you try a new slot, have a look at the paytable and rules for that game. This can help you know what to look for. It may also be a good idea to set a spending limit and plan when to take a break.

Fruit Machine vs Slot Machine: Is There a Difference?

You have probably come across both the terms “fruit machine” and “slot machine” in the UK. They are often used in similar ways, but there are some differences worth knowing.

In most UK pubs, clubs, or arcades, a “fruit machine” means a machine with physical reels, buttons, or levers. These usually have fruit symbols on the reels, and classic features like nudges, holds, or simple bonus rounds. This can make them fun and interactive for many players.

A “slot machine” covers a wider range. Not only does it include traditional fruit machines, but also all the digital and online slots you find at licensed UK gambling sites. Modern slots often have different themes – animals, adventure, TV shows, and more. Both types use RNGs or fair mechanical reels to decide every result.

Features, themes, and how machines operate may be different depending on where you play. For any slot or fruit machine, checking the paytable and rules can help you know what you might expect. Every spin is random, and there are no ways to influence or guarantee a result.

If you want to play any of these games, it is helpful to set your own limits and enjoy regular breaks. This can help keep playing safe and enjoyable.

Slot Machine Symbols List & Their Meaning

Every slot machine has its own set of symbols, each with a special role. Knowing these may make your experience much clearer if you are new to online slots in the UK.

Common Slot Symbols and What They Mean

• Cherry, Lemon, Orange, Plum, Melon
  The basics. These fruit symbols generally stand for standard possible wins, often giving smaller prizes for a successful match.
• BAR
  This can appear as single, double, or triple BARs. The more BARs you line up, often the higher the potential prize.
• Bell
  Once a top symbol, now sometimes used for bigger potential wins, or to activate special rounds.
• Number 7
  Widely seen as marking higher value prizes in many slot games.
• Wild Symbol
  Can stand in for other regular symbols to help make a potential winning line. Designs vary by game.
• Scatter Symbol
  Usually starts special features or bonus rounds, often without needing to land in a row.
• Bonus Symbol
  Triggers extra games or free rounds. Usually explained in the slot’s paytable.
• Multiplier Symbol
  Boosts the value of any potential win it is part of. For example, a 2x symbol doubles that payout.
• Free Spin Symbol
  Awards additional spins, usually linked to a bonus feature.

Some slot games may add their own unique characters or pictures, but most UK slot games include a paytable or help section, so you can see exactly what each symbol does and how it interacts with the bonus features.

You might spot other unusual symbols, but whatever appears, each spin has a random result and there is never a guaranteed way to win. If you want to play responsibly, set a personal budget and take time to read the game rules first.

How Many Symbols Are on a Slot Machine Reel?

The number of symbols on a slot reel can vary quite a bit, depending on what type of machine you are playing and where you are playing it. This changes how each game works behind the scenes.

Older, classic fruit machines you’d find in pubs or arcades usually have 3 reels, each with about 10 to 20 symbols. The reels are actual moving parts, so the total number of possible combinations is limited to how many stops there are.

When it comes to modern video slots, especially those found online, things work differently. Reels and symbols are decided by software, so there can be many more stopping places for each reel. Settings can change not just from one slot to another, but from theme to theme.

Examples in Practice

• Classic fruit machines: Usually 3 reels, 10 to 20 symbols each.
• Modern video slots: Often 5 reels, with up to 20, 30, or even 40 symbols per reel.
• Starburst: Uses 5 reels with 10 win lines and a mix of symbols on each spin.
• Rainbow Riches: Has 5 reels and around 20 symbols per reel in the game’s digital version.
• Book of Dead: Also 5 reels, 3 symbols high per reel, giving 15 symbol spaces per spin.

Each slot game has its own paytable and rules section, so you can see what combinations to look out for and how many unique symbols there are. Whether it is a pub fruit machine or an online slot, UK games use an RNG or mechanical reels to keep play fair and unpredictable.

Checking the paytable and setting a budget are always good steps before opening a game. Remember, there is no way to change the outcome, and taking breaks may help you keep things enjoyable.

Play Fruit Slot Machines Online For Real Money

If you would like to see which UK online casinos offer these classic and modern slots, you can browse the selection at Best Casino HQ. Our site highlights only licensed UK casinos, and you will find detailed guides, slot reviews, and helpful tips.

Considering a new slot? 

Take a moment to read through the rules and use our resources to make your play more informed and enjoyable. If you wish to explore further, Best Casino HQ is here to help you choose only regulated and trusted places to play.