So, where did slot machines start? The first slot, the Liberty Bell, was invented by Charles Fey in 1894. It featured three reels and a single payline, plus payouts were automatic.
In terms of symbols, it featured the famous Liberty Bell, which is still commonly seen at slot machines today. It also used other classic slot machine symbols, such as playing card values and horseshoes – also symbols still widely seen. As you can see, classic slot machine symbols owe much to Charles Fey and his Victorian invention.
The next evolution in slot machine symbols came with fruit being added. Instead of offering cash prizes, companies started offering prizes of chewing gum. The fruits on the reels were used to denote which gum flavor the player won. The BAR symbol also became common in the early 1900s, as it was the logo of the Bell-Fruit Company, a popular game manufacturer of the time.
Another of the most common slot machine symbols is the 7, which has been used for decades. The reasoning behind the use of this symbol is simple: 7 is seen as lucky in many cultures, and who wouldn’t want lucky slot machine symbols spinning around when they play?
Nowadays, all kinds of slot machine symbols are used – the only limit is the developer’s imagination! So, you’ll find everything from animals to historical figures and aliens to pets spinning on the reels. And they undoubtedly help increase the attractiveness and enjoyment of the slots they’re attached to.