Why Do Slot Machines Say BAR? Meaning & Origins Explained
If you have ever looked at a slot machine, whether in a casino or online, you may have noticed the word “BAR” appearing on the reels. Many new players often wonder what this means and where it came from.
Slot machines tend to use a handful of simple, classic symbols, but “BAR” stands out as one of the most common and recognisable. Why has it been used for so long, and what is the story behind it?
This guide explores the origins of the “BAR” symbol, explains what it represents, and traces how it remains a feature in both traditional and online slot games. Read on to learn more.
What Does BAR Mean on a Slot Machine?
The “BAR” seen on slot machine reels is not an abbreviation or code. Instead, it is a symbol used alongside others like cherries, sevens, and bells. Visually, the BAR symbol is usually depicted as a black rectangle with the word “BAR” inside.
You might see single, double, or triple BAR symbols, each acting as a separate icon on the reels. For example, a single BAR represents one symbol, while double and triple BARs indicate two or three stacked together. In many games, lining up three of the same BAR symbols can result in a win, though the payout varies from one game to another.
Whether playing in person or online, the BAR maintains a classic look, adding to the familiar style of many slots. Full details on how BAR symbols pay can always be found in the game rules or paytable, which all regulated UK slot games are required to provide. This information explains symbol values and how any potential prizes are worked out.
Players should always remember to gamble responsibly and within their means- never wager more than you can afford to lose.
Where Did the BAR Symbol Come From?
To find out why BAR appears on so many slots, it could help to look back to the early 1900s in the United States. Slot machines at the time featured reels covered with fruit symbols and a few other icons. The Bell-Fruit Gum Company, wanting to promote their gum, offered it as prizes instead of money because of gambling laws. Their symbol, a simple, rectangular logo, was placed on the reels and came to be known as the “BAR”.
Eventually, the word “BAR” replaced the original logo, but the shape stayed the same. This made the symbol even more popular among machine makers and players. As machines spread globally, including throughout the UK, the symbol remained a consistent part of the slot experience.
Single, double, and triple BAR symbols you see today are a reflection of this long tradition and connection to fruit machines from the early days.
How the BAR Symbol Became Standard on Slot Reels
After the initial introduction of the BAR, it became a go-to feature for slot machine makers. Simple, clear symbols help players recognise games easily, and the BAR provided just that. It also gave machine designers greater variety, letting them create single, double and triple BARs for more possible combinations and varying payouts.
Because of this, BAR symbols quickly became a staple of mechanical slot machines. When fruit machines gained popularity in the UK, the BAR was already well-established, appearing alongside cherries, bells, and sevens.
As casinos and arcades adapted to new technology and online play grew, the use of BAR endured. Even in slots with modern features or themes, you can still spot BAR symbols, especially in games that aim for a traditional, fruit machine look.
Do Slot Machines Still Use BAR Symbols?
The BAR symbol is still common in both physical and online slot games in the UK. It appears most often in games designed to look like older fruit machines, together with other familiar icons. If you play at online casinos or visit a local arcade, you’ll likely find several classic slots that feature BARs as part of their design.
There are single, double, and triple BARs in these games, helping to build simple combinations and straightforward rules. Many players look out for these when they want familiar gameplay, as the symbols are easy to identify.
Of course, not every slot uses BARs, especially those with a modern, fantasy, or branded theme. If you want to play a slot that features BAR symbols, it could be helpful to check the paytable or information menu before starting. Each game’s rules and payouts are clearly explained there, so you know what to expect.
BAR Slot Machine Tricks: Do Any Exist?
It is common to see claims about tricks or “systems” for beating slots, especially those with BAR symbols, but these have no basis in fact. All slot machines in the UK are powered by Random Number Generators (RNGs), making every spin independent and unpredictable.
No button press, pattern, or timing can change a result or give an advantage. Stories about hidden features or secret strategies simply do not reflect how modern slot machines are designed.
To potentially help you understand a game better, you could look at the Return To Player (RTP) and volatility details in the game’s paytable. These provide information about the average long-term payout and how frequently wins might occur, though outcomes remain completely random, and these details are simply theoretical values calculated over millions of spins. RTIP and volatility do not serve as a guarantee of a specific outcome.
If you want to manage your play, it might be a good idea to consider setting a budget in advance, and remember that the best approach is to enjoy the game for what it is without expecting to find a way to influence the results.
Play BAR Slot Machines Online at O’Reels
If you’re interested in classic slot games featuring the BAR symbol, O’Reels has a variety to explore. Our selection covers both old-school fruit machines and newer games with extra features and bonus rounds, so you have plenty of options.
For every game on our site, you’ll find a full paytable and clear rules, helping you know what to look for and what to expect. Browsing is straightforward—use our filters or the information page to find the style you want, whether that’s classic BAR reels or something modern like Megaways.
If you’re ready to play, you can easily register and discover our range of slot games. Whether you’re an experienced player or new to online slots, our site makes it simple to find the games that suit your preferences best.
**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.