If you’ve ever taken an interest in classic slot machines, you might recognise some of the familiar symbols that appear on the reels—melons, cherries, lemons, plums, oranges, the number 7, and of course, the BAR symbol. These traditional three-reel games helped shape many of the slot formats we see online today.
But where does the BAR symbol come from, and what does it actually represent? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at its origins, how it became a staple of slot machines, and what it means when it appears on a slot machine.
Why Do Slot Machines Say BAR On Their Reels?
The BAR symbol stands out on the reels of many classic slot games, often appearing alongside fruit symbols and the number 7. It’s a staple in these vintage-style machines, showing up in various forms.
Unlike other symbols that might have special effects or bonuses, the BAR is more straightforward. It tends to appear randomly and in different configurations—sometimes as a single icon, other times stacked in pairs or threes. This variety makes it quite distinctive.
Its value compared to other symbols is sometimes higher, making it one to watch out for if you’re playing a traditional fruit machine.
Where Did The BAR Symbol On Slot Machines Come From?
The origins of the BAR symbol are surprisingly linked to something quite unexpected: chewing gum. During the early 1900s, when gambling faced legal restrictions in parts of the US, slot operators had to get creative with what they offered as rewards.
Instead of cash, they began dispensing gum as a prize. One of the companies involved was Mills Novelty Company, famous for producing early slot machines. The company’s logo featured a pack of gum, which inspired the rectangular bar shape that became a symbol on the reels.
Since chewing gum came in many flavours, this also explains the presence of fruit symbols like cherries, lemons, and grapes in these early machines.
What Does BAR Stand For On A Slot Machine?
While it might seem like an abbreviation, the BAR symbol actually pays homage to the gum packaging from those early machines made by Mills Novelty Company. It’s a familiar sight on nearly all classic-style slots, whether the layout is 3×3 or 5×3 reels.
In some slots, the BAR appears in different colours and can show up as single, double, or triple icons, with each form carrying its own payout value depending on the game’s rules.
For example, in simpler three-reel machines, hitting three matching BARs in a row usually results in a payout. On more complex slots with multiple paylines, the number of matching BAR symbols needed for a win can range between three and five. Of course, these details vary from game to game, so it’s worth checking the paytable before you spin.
It’s important to remember that BAR symbols, like others, show up randomly on the reels, so they won’t appear every spin.
Conclusion
Symbols like the BAR have been part of slot machines for over a century, and their presence in modern games highlights how elements of the past continue to appear in today’s titles. Understanding where these symbols came from can offer some context around the design choices in both classic and online slot machines.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to this slot game are subject to change at any time.
**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.
If you’ve ever taken an interest in classic slot machines, you might recognise some of the familiar symbols that appear on the reels—melons, cherries, lemons, plums, oranges, the number 7, and of course, the BAR symbol. These traditional three-reel games helped shape many of the slot formats we see online today.
But where does the BAR symbol come from, and what does it actually represent? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at its origins, how it became a staple of slot machines, and what it means when it appears on a slot machine.
Why Do Slot Machines Say BAR On Their Reels?
The BAR symbol stands out on the reels of many classic slot games, often appearing alongside fruit symbols and the number 7. It’s a staple in these vintage-style machines, showing up in various forms.
Unlike other symbols that might have special effects or bonuses, the BAR is more straightforward. It tends to appear randomly and in different configurations—sometimes as a single icon, other times stacked in pairs or threes. This variety makes it quite distinctive.
Its value compared to other symbols is sometimes higher, making it one to watch out for if you’re playing a traditional fruit machine.
Where Did The BAR Symbol On Slot Machines Come From?
The origins of the BAR symbol are surprisingly linked to something quite unexpected: chewing gum. During the early 1900s, when gambling faced legal restrictions in parts of the US, slot operators had to get creative with what they offered as rewards.
Instead of cash, they began dispensing gum as a prize. One of the companies involved was Mills Novelty Company, famous for producing early slot machines. The company’s logo featured a pack of gum, which inspired the rectangular bar shape that became a symbol on the reels.
Since chewing gum came in many flavours, this also explains the presence of fruit symbols like cherries, lemons, and grapes in these early machines.
What Does BAR Stand For On A Slot Machine?
While it might seem like an abbreviation, the BAR symbol actually pays homage to the gum packaging from those early machines made by Mills Novelty Company. It’s a familiar sight on nearly all classic-style slots, whether the layout is 3×3 or 5×3 reels.
In some slots, the BAR appears in different colours and can show up as single, double, or triple icons, with each form carrying its own payout value depending on the game’s rules.
For example, in simpler three-reel machines, hitting three matching BARs in a row usually results in a payout. On more complex slots with multiple paylines, the number of matching BAR symbols needed for a win can range between three and five. Of course, these details vary from game to game, so it’s worth checking the paytable before you spin.
It’s important to remember that BAR symbols, like others, show up randomly on the reels, so they won’t appear every spin.
Conclusion
Symbols like the BAR have been part of slot machines for over a century, and their presence in modern games highlights how elements of the past continue to appear in today’s titles. Understanding where these symbols came from can offer some context around the design choices in both classic and online slot machines.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to this slot game are subject to change at any time.
**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.
