What Are Fruit Machines? The Full History Of Slot Machines

Why Are They Called Fruit Machines?

The name “fruit machines” comes from the early versions of these gambling machines, which used fruit symbols such as cherries, lemons, and plums on their reels. This design choice was made in the early 20th century to get around gambling restrictions at the time, which have since been reworked to offer comprehensive protection to players.  

Instead of cash prizes, winners could receive flavoured chewing gum that matched the fruit symbols they landed on.   

Manufacturers quickly recognised how much people enjoyed these games and continued to use fruit symbols even after restrictions were changed, making them an iconic part of slot machine history.  

These colourful designs and straightforward gameplay have kept them popular among casino goers worldwide, turning what started out as a workaround into one of the most recognisable features in gambling history.  

How Does A Fruit Machine Work?

A fruit machine works by utilising a Random Number Generator in order to determine the result of each spin. The reels contain various symbols and when they stop spinning, specific combinations result in different payouts.  

Some fruit machines also feature spin modifiers, meaning that something happens on random spins. In traditional fruit machines, this could include progress being added to a trail, for example.  

Here’s a straightforward step-by-step guide detailing how to play a fruit machine for yourself:  

• You insert money, which converts into credits or tokens for play.  
• Choose how many lines you want to bet on; more lines increase your chances of forming a combination, but also cost more.  
• Press the “spin” icon or pull the lever to start the game. The reels start spinning and then come to a stop one by one.  
• If the symbols on the reels align in a winning combo on an active payline, you win. The specific patterns needed for a win vary between machines.  
• Some slots feature special symbols like wilds or scatters that can trigger bonuses, free spins, or increase your potential winnings.  
• Your potential winnings are added to your machine’s balance, allowing you to keep playing or cash out.  

History Of The Fruit Machine

The journey of the fruit machine began in the late 19th century with Charles Fey’s invention, the “Liberty Bell.” This groundbreaking device laid the foundation for what would become a cornerstone of casino entertainment.  

Before Fey’s innovation, Sittman and Pitt of Brooklyn, New York developed a poker-based gambling machine in 1891. Although primitive by today’s standards, this machine was an essential step towards modern and online slots.  

It featured five drums holding a total of 50 card faces and was based on poker. This early attempt at creating a gambling machine showed that there was significant interest in mechanised gaming.  

As years passed, the design and complexity of slot machines evolved significantly. In 1916, the concept of the jackpot emerged, revolutionising how payouts were handled and adding an extra layer to these games.  

Shortly after, other manufacturers began to create similar machines; notably, a Chicago manufacturer introduced Operator Bell in 1907 as a knock-off version of Fey’s Liberty Bell.  

Throughout these developmental years leading into the early 20th century, various iterations paved the way for the pub fruit machines you recognise today. The history highlights technological advancements and also reflects changing attitudes towards gambling and entertainment within society.  

Do Pubs Make Money From Fruit Machines?

Pubs do make money from fruit machines, with these gambling devices not just being for decoration. Instead, they provide a bit of entertainment for patrons, while also generating extra revenue for the venue.  

Every spin contributes to the pub’s earnings, with a portion of the takings going directly into its coffers. Operators set these machines to pay out less money than they take in, ensuring that, over time, the establishment will make a profit.   

This is known as the ‘House Edge’, a statistic that is shown as a percentage. The opposite of the house edge is known as the ‘RTP’ or ‘Return To Player’ rate, which is clearly labelled on most fruit and slot machines. Interestingly, the same is true for modern online slots, too!  

Nowadays, an online casino might host more complex slot games that come with different features, but fruit machines are staples in pubs that help them generate more income. 

The Advent Of Video Slot Machines

Video slots, as their name suggests, are slots that use multimedia to show the outcome of a spin. Their arrival revolutionised the gambling industry, introducing fresh features and exciting themes that enhanced the gaming experience.   

These slots led to a significant expansion in the variety and complexity of slot games, catering to a more diverse audience through innovative gameplay and captivating graphics.  

Typically, video slots feature multiple paylines and bonus rounds, many of which require some kind of interaction from the player. They also allowed for the inclusion of themes ranging from historical events to popular films, engaging players in ways that classic slots never could.  

With their touch screens and advanced features, video slots catered to a new generation of casino goers, setting new standards in gaming entertainment!