Slot machines: why do fruits spin on the reels?
If you have ever played a slot machine, you may have wondered why the reels are covered with fruit symbols. It seems like an odd choice, but there is actually a fascinating story behind it. In this article, we’ll take a look at the origins of fruit symbols on slot machines and why they continue to be used today.
Origin of slot machines
The first slot machine was invented in the late 1800s by a man named Charles Fey. It was a simple machine with three reels and five symbols: diamonds, spades, hearts, horseshoes and a liberty bell. The car was called the “Liberty Bell” and quickly became popular in the saloons of San Francisco.
The first fruit machines
It was not until the early 1900s that fruit symbols began to appear on slot machines. The first fruit machine was invented by the Industry Novelty Company in 1907. The machine featured fruit symbols such as cherries, lemons, and plums, and players could win fruit-flavored chewing gum if winning combinations landed. These machines were called “fruit machines” or “fruits” in the UK.
Role of anti-gambling laws
At that time, gambling was banned in many parts of the world. To circumvent these laws, slot machine manufacturers will offer prizes other than cash. Fruit-flavored chewing gum was a popular choice as it allowed players to satisfy their sweet tooth while still enjoying gambling. These machines were often found in places like candy stores and amusement parks.
The popularity of fruit machines
Fruit machines became increasingly popular throughout the 20th century, especially in Britain. They were a staple in pubs and bars and many people enjoyed playing them for a chance to win some coins. The simplicity of the machines and the bright, colorful fruit symbols have made them attractive to players of all ages.
Evolution of fruit symbols
As slot machines have evolved, so have the fruit symbols on the reels. In the 1960s, machines began to use more exotic fruits such as pineapples and bananas. In the 1970s, manufacturers began to add additional features to their machines, such as bonus rounds and progressive jackpots. However, the fruit symbols have remained constant and continue to be used on many machines today.
Modern slot machines
Today, slot machines are more complex than ever before. They feature high-quality graphics, challenging bonus rounds, and themes ranging from superheroes to TV shows. Despite these advances, many slot machines still feature fruit symbols on the reels. In some cases, the characters are stylized or animated, but the basic concept remains the same.
The psychology of slot machines
One of the reasons fruit symbols continue to be used on slot machines is because of the psychology behind them. Bright, colorful symbols are visually appealing and attract players to the machines. In addition, the use of fruit symbols brings a sense of familiarity and nostalgia to many players. They may remember playing fruit machines in their youth or seeing them in their favorite pub. The association with candy and gum also adds to the attraction, as players can indulge in the sweet treat as they play.
Another factor contributing to the popularity of slot machines is the element of chance. Players know the odds are against them, but the possibility of hitting a big jackpot keeps them coming back for more. The use of fruit symbols on the reels adds to this element of chance as players never know when they might land a winning combo.
The future of slot machines
As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that slot machines will evolve as well. We can see even more elaborate graphics and bonus rounds, as well as new types of symbols on the reels. However, it is also possible that the traditional fruit symbols will remain one of the main design elements of slot machines for years to come.
Examples of popular fruit slot machines for today:
Fruit Shop: This is a classic fruit-themed slot machine developed by NetEnt. It has 5 reels and 15 paylines with symbols such as cherries, lemons, watermelons and oranges.
Sizzling Hot: This is a popular fruit slot machine developed by Novomatic. It has 5 reels and 5 paylines with symbols such as grapes, watermelons, plums and oranges.
Fruit Blast: This is a fun fruit-themed slot machine developed by Skillz Gaming. It has a unique game mechanic where you have to match fruits to win cash prizes.
Fruit Spin: This is another popular fruit-themed slot machine developed by NetEnt. It has 5 reels and 40 paylines with symbols such as cherries, oranges and arbuTUS
Fruit Case: This is a fancy fruit-themed slot machine developed by NetEnt. It has 5 reels and 20 paylines with symbols including strawberries, pears and oranges.
