What is the history of the BAR symbol in slot machines?
The BAR symbol is an iconic symbol of slot machines, present since their inception. It is found in the form of a small box in which the letters BAR are inscribed. The BAR symbol is located between the number 7 and a fruit present on the reels of the slots.
Its history is closely linked to the evolution of gambling and provides a fascinating insight into the entertainment industry.
Discover the history of the BAR symbol thanks to GAMRFIRST and become knowledgeable about the world of slots and casino games.
The beginning of the BAR symbol
The BAR symbol, now synonymous with luck in slot machines, has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the very origins of the game.
During the prohibition in the early 20th century, when gambling was prohibited, establishments found a way to encourage customers to play: by offering chewing gum as a reward.
In 1909, the Industry Novelty Company was the first to manufacture slot machines with fruits as symbols. The Mills Novelty Company of Chicago followed suit, adding an additional "BAR" symbol to the reels, which initially represented a pack of chewing gum. Mills' ingenious idea was to install a chewing gum dispenser next to the slot machine, thus offering a free spin with every purchase of chewing gum. The BAR symbol became the emblematic symbol of slot machines.
Although Mills attempted to protect these symbols through copyright, they were widely copied by other establishments. These slot machines with the "BAR" symbol remain popular today, whether in traditional casinos or online, offering players the chance to win significant prizes.
The first fruity symbols in slot machines
At a time when gambling was strictly regulated and prohibition was in force, gaming establishments had to be creative to attract players. Thus was born the innovative idea of using chewing gum as a reward instead of money.
With the prohibition on promoting gambling, the first fruit symbols emerged on the reels of slot machines. Cherries, bananas, lemons, and other fruits were chosen for their visual appeal and their association with popular chewing gum flavors. These fruity symbols quickly captured players' imaginations, offering a playful and appetizing experience.
This period, often referred to as the "gum age" in the history of slot machines, marked the beginning of a lasting tradition in the gaming industry. Even though slot machines now dispense money instead of chewing gum, fruity symbols have remained ingrained in slot machine culture. They not only recall the humble beginnings of these games but also the ingenuity and creativity of the pioneers who shaped the gambling industry.
Thus, whenever the reels display juicy cherries, golden bananas, or tangy lemons, they offer a glimpse into the colorful and captivating history of slot machines, while continuing to encourage players' imagination across generations.
The BAR symbol, still relevant
While online slot machines have exploded in popularity, offering an endless variety of symbols and features, the BAR symbol remains a crucial element. As a duty of memory, it serves as a reminder of a retro era reminiscent of the 20th century. Moreover, it can serve as a point of comparison between standard symbols and those with higher value.
Beyond its simple graphic presence, the BAR symbol retains its strong symbolic value. It is often associated with luck, high winnings, and jackpots, recalling its status as a precious symbol in traditional slot machines.
This positive association is leveraged by game developers, who integrate the BAR symbol into special features. It can thus serve as a bonus symbol, triggering free spins, win multipliers, or other benefits for the player.
An icon of the gaming industry
The BAR symbol has far exceeded the framework of slot machines to become a recognizable icon of the gambling industry as a whole. Its simple and elegant silhouette is regularly depicted in films, television series, and video games, contributing to popularizing its image and reinforcing its association with entertainment and luck. It can be found in:
- Films: The BAR symbol has made notable appearances in iconic films like "The Hangover" and "Ocean's Eleven," often associated with casino or gambling scenes. Its presence enhances the atmosphere of these scenes and helps cement the idea of the BAR symbol as an inseparable element of gambling.
- Television series: Many popular television series, such as "Las Vegas" and "The Sopranos," have also integrated the BAR symbol into their sets or plots. These recurring appearances further familiarize the audience with the symbol and reinforce its symbolic significance.
- Video games: The world of video games is not left out, with games like "Grand Theft Auto" and "Fallout" incorporating the BAR symbol to decorate virtual casinos or game-related objects. This presence in video games allows reaching a younger audience and spreading the image of the BAR symbol to new generations.
A subtle evolution
The appearance of the BAR symbol has undergone some transformations over the years. Its shape has sometimes been modified to adapt to the different graphic styles of slot machines, adopting more modern or streamlined designs. Despite these evolutions, the BAR symbol retains an important place in the world of slot machines. Its presence reassures players and recalls traditional slot machines. Its generally high value makes it a coveted symbol, and its association with luck makes it a potential lucky charm for players ready to seize their chance.