Many people notice that fruit symbols often appear on slot machines, both in traditional venues and online. Seeing cherries, lemons, and other fruits on the reels is quite common, but not everyone knows why these symbols are used or what they represent.
This blog post explores the reasons behind fruit symbols on slot machines, how these symbols first appeared, and what three cherries might signify during play. It also covers whether certain fruit symbols are linked to payouts, and how these ideas differ between older mechanical slots and digital versions found online.
You will also find insights into the continued appeal of fruit symbols, their use in branding, and some common myths that surround them.
Read on to learn more.
Why Do Slot Machines Use Fruit Symbols?
Fruit symbols first started appearing on slot machines more than a century ago. These images were chosen because they are simple, recognisable, and stand out clearly on spinning reels. Early manufacturers had limited printing and display options, so bold colours and clean shapes made the games easy to read at a glance.
Cherries, lemons, oranges, and plums quickly became standard images on mechanical slot machines. Alongside these, bells and the BAR symbol were also commonly used. The straightforward artwork helped people follow outcomes without confusion, which was especially important on busy casino floors.
Over time, fruit symbols became closely linked with slot machines themselves. Even though thousands of different themes have arrived since, classic fruit designs remain popular in both mechanical machines and online slots.
While these images are iconic, they do not affect the underlying probabilities. Modern slots use random number generators, so each spin is independent of the last.
How Did Fruit Symbols Start In Slots?
Fruit symbols appeared on slot machines in the early 1900s, when restrictions on cash payouts led makers to rethink how prizes were awarded. To keep games appealing, some machines paid out sweets or chewing gum instead of money, with fruit images matching the flavour of the reward. A cherry on the reels, for example, could mean a cherry-flavoured treat.
This is also where the BAR symbol is widely believed to have originated, as a stylised version of a company logo used on gum packs. The approach allowed machines to remain entertaining and familiar while staying within local rules of the time.
As regulations changed and cash prizes returned, the fruit artwork stayed. It had already become part of the visual language of slots, and it still signals a classic, easy-to-understand style today.
With that background in mind, what does it mean when three cherries appear?
What Does Three Cherries Mean On A Slot Machine?
On many classic-style slot machines, three cherries on a payline often indicate a smaller win. The exact value varies across games, and it depends on how that particular paytable is set up. In some titles, three cherries sit near the lower end of the payout scale, while in others they might be positioned a little higher.
Digital slots can treat cherries in different ways. In some games, three cherries simply pay a set amount. In others, they might be tied to a minor feature, a multiplier, or a small bonus, depending on how the developer has designed the rules.
The paytable tells you precisely what three cherries mean in the game you are playing. It lists symbol values, explains any special features, and makes it clear how combinations are ranked. Seeing three cherries does not influence what happens next, as each spin is determined separately.
Are Fruit Symbols Linked To Specific Payouts?
Fruit symbols are often tied to particular payouts, but there is no universal standard. Each slot has its own paytable, and designers can assign values in whatever way suits the game’s structure. In one title, lemons might be low-paying symbols, while in another, they could sit in the middle, perhaps with cherries below and plums above.
Modern slots also mix fruit with other elements. A cherry might be a regular symbol in the base game, but a higher-paying version could appear during a feature round. Wilds and multipliers can also change how winning lines are calculated, which means the same fruit symbol can be worth different amounts in different contexts. The paytable and help screens are where these details are explained in full.
Mechanical Versus Digital Payouts Explained
Mechanical slot machines were built around simple mechanisms, a handful of reels, and a small number of paylines. Payouts were fixed for each winning line, and those amounts were printed on the cabinet. If three of the same fruit lined up, the machine dispensed the set prize for that combination, every time.
Digital and online slots work differently. They still use random outcomes, but the format allows for extra features such as expanding wilds, free spins, pick rounds, and different ways to win. A fruit symbol might pay one amount in the base game, then interact with multipliers or stacked symbols in a bonus, altering the final total. Because of this flexibility, two games that both feature cherries can feel quite distinct in how they pay.
Understanding these differences helps explain why older fruit machines feel straightforward, while newer titles can offer more variety without changing the fundamental randomness behind each result.
Why Do Modern Online Slots Still Use Fruit Symbols?
Even with advanced graphics and themed storylines, fruit symbols have endured. They are clear, familiar, and can be read instantly on a busy screen. For many players, they signal a classic approach: no complex rules to learn, just recognisable icons arranged in a tidy layout.
For game designers, fruit imagery is also a useful visual shorthand. It tells people at a glance that a title is inspired by traditional machines, which can be reassuring if someone wants a straightforward game amid a sea of feature-heavy options.
Despite the range of modern themes, fruit remains a popular design choice. It bridges the gap between old and new, keeping the look approachable while the underlying game systems continue to evolve.
Fruit Symbols As Branding And Player Familiarity
Fruit symbols have become part of the branding toolkit for slot games. Simple shapes and strong colours make for memorable icons, and that makes it easier for titles to stand out in a crowded catalogue. Even someone who does not play often can recognise a cherry or a lemon and understand the style of game on offer.
This familiarity can help when studios blend classic elements with newer ideas. A modern slot might include fruit alongside contemporary features, creating an entry point for those who prefer a traditional look but are open to trying fresh mechanics.
It is worth keeping in mind that this is all presentation. Artwork and branding do not influence how the game pays, and the value of any fruit symbol is defined by the rules set by the developer.
Common Myths About Fruit Symbols And Cherries
Several myths persist around fruit symbols. A frequent one is that three cherries always mean a big win. In reality, the value is specific to each game’s paytable, and in many titles, it is a smaller prize.
Another misconception is that seeing certain fruit combinations means a machine is about to pay out. Outcomes are generated at random on every spin, so previous results, or the symbols you have just seen, do not change what happens next.
Some people think older fruit-based machines are more generous than modern digital games. Both styles use random mechanisms, either mechanical or computer-based, which means spin outcomes are independent and cannot be predicted.
There is also the idea that pressing the button at the right moment can influence the appearance of fruit symbols. Timing, patterns, or personal routines have no bearing on results, because the outcome is already determined by the game’s internal system at the point of the spin.
If you choose to play, set sensible limits, take breaks, and only stake what you can afford to lose. If gambling is affecting your well-being or finances, consider seeking help early. Independent organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware offer free, confidential support.
Play Slots Online at Bezy
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If this sounds good to you, feel free to create an account at Bezy, deposit some funds to play with and explore the range of games at your own pace.
**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.