Slot Machine Symbols: History of the BAR Reel Icon
Slot machines have been part of the UK gaming culture for decades, from fruit machines to online reels. Yet, few symbols are as familiar as the simple rectangle marked “BAR.”
This blog explores how that design began, what it represents, and why it remains visible in many modern slot games. Understanding where these symbols came from may help you read the reels more clearly and recognise how slot traditions have evolved over time.
What Does the BAR Symbol Actually Represent?
The BAR symbol is a rectangular icon with the word BAR written across it. It usually appears in single, double, or triple form. In most slot games, each version represents a different possible payout value:
- Single BAR – lowest payout
- Double BAR – medium payout
- Triple BAR – higher payout
Some machines may also reward mixed BAR combinations (for example, one single and one double BAR). These values differ from game to game, and you can view them on the paytable, which lists every symbol, payout amount, and any bonus features.
Slots are games of chance, meaning each spin is random. Licensed UK slot machines and online games use Random Number Generators (RNGs) to determine results. This technology ensures fairness — no previous spin influences the next one. You can never predict or guarantee an outcome.
Checking the paytable before playing may help you understand a game’s structure, including how BAR symbols may fit into the line-up, alongside others such as cherries, bells, or sevens. Some older UK fruit machines feature BARs as core payout icons, while newer video slots may use them more for style or nostalgia.
From Chewing Gum to Cash Prizes: The BAR Brand Connection
The BAR symbol’s story goes back to the early 1900s, when slot machines were not allowed to offer cash prizes. Instead, they dispensed chewing gum or sweets as rewards. Each fruit on the reels represented a gum flavour — for instance, cherries, lemons, and plums — which linked directly to the prizes available.
This approach allowed operators to stay within the law, while still entertaining players. Over time, these fruit icons became strongly associated with gaming machines themselves, even after monetary prizes were permitted. When cash payouts replaced sweets, the familiar fruit imagery stayed. The BAR symbol joined this group as a distinct and easily recognisable logo.
The Role of the Bell-Fruit Company in the BAR Symbol’s Rise
The most widely accepted origin story connects the BAR icon to the Bell-Fruit Gum Company of Chicago, which produced fruit-flavoured chewing gum in the early twentieth century. The company’s logo featured a bold rectangular design resembling the word BAR. Slot machine manufacturers used this logo to represent the brand’s gum prizes.
As slot machines evolved from mechanical models, to electric and later digital versions, the BAR design remained. It was simple, easy to read, and carried strong brand recognition. When UK pubs and arcades began adopting similar machines, the symbol travelled with them, becoming a standard across both sides of the Atlantic.
Even today, BAR symbols appear on many fruit machines, a term often used in the UK for reel-based gaming machines traditionally found in pubs and amusement venues. They have also made the transition to online slot games, where they often feature alongside the bell, the number seven, and fruit icons, depending on the game. This consistency reflects how strong the BAR’s visual identity has become in gambling history.
Do Modern Online Slots Still Use the BAR Symbol?
Many modern online slots still include BAR symbols, but not all. Developers often use them in classic-style or retro-themed games to capture the nostalgic look of early machines. Examples can include three-reel formats that mirror old fruit machines, where symbols like cherries, lemons, bells, and BARs usually appeared together.
In contrast, video slots with detailed themes—such as adventure, mythology, or television tie-ins—may skip the BAR entirely. Instead, they use custom icons related to the storyline. Some developers may blend both approaches, keeping a few traditional symbols, while updating the overall design with animation or sound effects.
In practical terms:
- BARs in classic slots usually act as standard payout symbols.
- BARs in modern hybrids may also serve as bonus or stacked symbols, depending on the game’s design.
Whether a slot includes BARs or not, the outcome of each spin remains random.
The RTP (Return to Player) rate—expressed as a percentage—shows how much a game returns to players on average over a long period of time. For instance, an online slot with an RTP of 96% is designed so that, theoretically, £96 of every £100 wagered may be returned to players as winnings over a very large number of spins. This does not mean that you personally will receive this return; it is a long-term statistical measure.
Since every slot game operates differently, it may be useful to:
- Check the game rules and paytable before playing.
- Understand that symbol values, paylines, and features can vary.
- Remember that no system or strategy can guarantee consistent wins in games of chance.
Play Slots Online at 666Casino
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We are licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), and we prioritise a secure, straightforward experience from sign up, to gameplay. You can browse classic fruit machines, modern video slots and themed releases from well known providers, all in one place.
You can log in or create an account at 666Casino to play slots for real money. Our lobby makes it easy to find games, so you can move between nostalgic BAR reels and fresh designs without fuss.
Results are random and cannot be guaranteed. Only play with what you can afford, consider setting limits that suit you, and use safer gambling tools if you need support.
Whether you enjoy traditional BAR symbols or prefer modern themes, you can find a game that suits your taste at 666Casino.
*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.
**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.
