What Do Fruit Symbols on Slot Machines Mean?
Ever noticed the colourful fruit symbols spinning across slot machines and wondered why they exist? Despite being easy to spot, many new players do not know how these symbols became such a classic part of the slot machine experience.
Whether you are just starting or have played a few slots already, learning the history behind fruit symbols could add a new layer of interest to your games.
Read on to discover how these icons became a key part of slot machine design and what they mean in today’s games.
What Fruit Symbols Are On a Slot Machine?
Slot machines often feature a range of fruit symbols on their reels. Players will usually see cherries, lemons, plums, oranges, grapes, and watermelons. These traditional icons have been popular for decades and are still common in both classic and modern slots.
Cherries typically stand out as one of the main symbols for smaller prizes. Lemons, oranges, and plums are standard too, pairing alongside cherries on many machines. Grapes and watermelons often show up when a machine has more symbols, especially in games with larger playing areas.
Aside from fruit, you might notice bells, bars, and the number seven—these non-fruit symbols often serve as higher value or special icons, depending on the slot’s rules.
Online slots sometimes introduce even more fruits or mix up the way these symbols work. To find out exactly what each fruit symbol means for a particular game, it could be a good idea to have a look at that game’s paytable. The paytable gives a simple overview of what to expect.
Players should always remember to gamble responsibly and within their means- never wager more than you can afford to lose.
How Many Symbols Are On Each Reel?
Older mechanical slot machines typically included 10 to 24 symbols per reel, usually spread across three reels. This meant the game setup was easy to follow.
Modern online slots use digital reels, opening up much more variety. You may come across slots with five or more reels, each holding 20, 30, or even 50 stops. Features like “Megaways” can change the number of symbols shown on each spin, resulting in thousands of possible ways to win.
Some slots now use “cascading reels,” where symbols drop away and new ones fall in, which means the number of visible symbols can change during play.
If you are unsure about the setup in a particular slot, it might be a good idea to check the paytable or game rules—there you’ll find the exact details for that game.
Why Do Slot Machines Have Fruit Symbols on Their Reels?
Fruit symbols first appeared early in slot machine history. In the early 1900s, betting for money was often banned, so slot machines were turned into “fruit gum” or “mint” dispensers just to get around those laws. If you matched fruit symbols, your reward would be a piece of chewing gum or a sweet that matched the pictured fruit.
Lemon, plum, and orange icons let people easily identify what flavour they’d get. Over time, as cash prizes returned, those fruit symbols stuck around, because players had already grown used to seeing them.
Even now, fruit designs are found both online and in person, serving as a reminder of their origins.
The Link Between Fruit Symbols and Early Payouts
As mentioned earlier, early slot machines offered non-cash prizes to work around gambling restrictions. Winning lines of fruit symbols would earn you a reward that matched the symbol—chewing gum or a sweet instead of cash.
This system shaped the look of those classic machines, with simple, recognisable fruit icons. Even after laws changed and money became the main prize again, fruit symbols carried on as part of the style.
Modern slots use fruit designs for their classic look, though prizes are cash rather than sweets.
Spin outcomes remain random, with no way to predict or influence results.
Why Do Modern Slot Games Still Feature Fruit Symbols?
Fruit symbols are still used today for a simple reason: people know what they are, and they keep games easy to understand. Anyone can spot a cherry or lemon with no extra learning needed, which makes these slots welcoming for beginners.
For game designers, fruit designs connect modern slots with traditional machines, especially the classic British fruit machines seen around the UK. While some games now include features like bonus rounds and new mechanics, fruit slots continue to appeal to those wanting something familiar.
You’ll find fruit slots in most online casino libraries, together with games based on other themes. The choice comes down to what feels right for you, but just remember, all symbols and features in slots are there for fun and do not change your chances on each spin.
Fruit Machine vs Slot Machine: Is There a Difference?
In the UK, you’ll often hear “fruit machine” for traditional machines in pubs and arcades, especially those using fruit symbols and classic features like nudges or holds. These are physical machines designed for a quick game and a simple setup.
“Slot machine” is a broader term—used for all types of reel-based games, especially in casinos and online. Slots may have more advanced graphics, digital reels, and extra features such as free spins, wilds, Megaways, and more.
Both types are games of chance with random results. The main difference is really about where you play, the features they include, and the style of play. In conversation, “fruit machine” covers the classic UK style, while “slot machine” often means both land-based and online games with a range of styles.
How Fruit Symbols Became Part of UK Slot Culture
Fruit symbols carved out a place in the UK through their use on traditional fruit machines in pubs, arcades, and seaside amusements. These designs were easy to print, stood out, and matched the types of prizes often offered—sometimes even sweets or small tokens.
As machines gained popularity and technology advanced, fruit icons stayed at the heart of British gaming culture. Early digital slots kept the same symbols to help people recognise and enjoy the games they already knew. Even as online slots expanded to offer more themes and features, these classic fruit designs remained a familiar choice.
For new players, spotting a cherry or lemon can potentially make choosing a slot game less daunting.
Play Slots Online at O’Reels Casino
O’Reels Casino holds a UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) licence and gives players a secure setting with responsible play tools available at any time. The games work on computers, mobiles, and tablets, making it simple to choose what suits you best. Each slot has full details available, including what symbols are used, how wins are made, and how any extra features work.
Before you play, checking the paytable and game rules could help you understand what to expect from each slot. As covered earlier, results are set by RNGs, so every spin is independent.
You can set limits and access safer gambling tools any time you play. If you are ready to explore, O’Reels Casino has plenty of options to suit all types of players interested in both classic and modern slot games.
**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.
*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.