Walk into almost any venue with slot machines, and it will not be long before you spot a line of colourful fruit symbols spinning by. From cherries to lemons, these classic icons are instantly recognisable, but how did they become such a staple of slots in the first place?
This blog explores where fruit symbols came from, what getting three cherries might mean, and how both have changed over time. It looks at why fruit became the go-to imagery, the role of chewing gum and fruit shops, and how designs moved from mechanical reels to digital screens.
You will also find out how to read a paytable to see if three cherries pay on a particular game, which myths to ignore, and whether fruit symbols still appear in online slots today.
Read on to learn more.
Why Did Fruit Symbols Become Standard On Slots?
Fruit symbols such as cherries, lemons, and plums began appearing on slot machines in the early 1900s. In many places, rules at the time restricted cash payouts, so manufacturers used fruit symbols to show non-cash rewards like chewing gum or sweets. If a certain fruit combination landed, the player received gum in that flavour.
The pictures made each game easy to grasp at a glance and helped machines stand out. Over time, fruit imagery became part of the identity of slots. Even after cash payouts returned, these symbols stayed because they were clear, bright, and quick to read on fast-spinning reels.
You will still see fruit on plenty of machines today because the visuals do a simple job well. They are easy to recognise, work across different designs, and give a nod to the heritage of slots while keeping the screen uncluttered.
Curious about the cherries you see so often? That brings us to one of the most asked-about outcomes.
What Does Three Cherries Mean On A Slot Machine?
On many traditional machines, three cherries in a row are often linked with a smaller, regular payout. It is a familiar combination that tends to sit below bars or sevens in value, but the exact amount depends on the specific game.
Some slots pay for one or two cherries as well, especially on older-style games, while others only pay for three lined up on a payline. Modern themed slots might not use cherries at all.
There is no universal rule across all machines. The only way to know what three cherries mean in the game in front of you is to check its paytable.
How Did Chewing Gum And Fruit Shops Influence Slot Symbols?
In the early 20th century, when cash prizes were restricted in some areas, slot makers offered non-cash rewards. Chewing gum was common. Fruit symbols on the reels matched the flavours that could be awarded, so three lemons might have meant lemon-flavoured gum.
Placement mattered too. Machines were often found in shops, including places selling fruit and sweets. Using fruit imagery helped the machines fit the setting and made the prizes feel natural to the venue.
This era also shaped other symbols still seen today. For instance, the bar symbol traces its roots to a gum company’s logo, which evolved into the simple bar icon used on classic reels.
Once rules changed and cash payouts returned, the fruit theme stuck. It was practical, eye-catching, and already part of how people pictured slot machines.
As the technology behind slots shifted, those familiar pictures moved with it.
How Have Fruit Symbols Changed From Mechanical To Digital Slots?
Mechanical slot machines relied on physical reels and a limited set of bold, high-contrast symbols. Fruit worked perfectly because it was simple, bright, and readable from a distance.
Digital slots opened the door to far more creative artwork. Designers can animate fruit, add 3D effects, and place the reels against detailed backgrounds. In some games, fruit symbols do more than pay line wins. They might unlock features or trigger special rounds, depending on the design.
Even with all that flexibility, many digital slots still use fruit because it delivers a clean, classic look. Others build entirely new themes and keep fruit off the reels altogether. The result is a mix of traditional and modern styles sitting side by side.
Reading The Paytable For Three Cherries
The paytable explains exactly how each symbol combination pays on a particular game. It shows which symbols form winning lines, how many of each are needed, and how much each outcome could return at the current stake.
You will usually find the paytable on the cabinet or screen of a physical machine, while online slots include it within a help or information menu. A quick look before playing shows whether cherries are in the game, what they do, and where they sit in the pay order.
Variations In Payouts And Display
Payouts for three cherries can vary widely. On some slots, they deliver a smaller prize, while others scale the value based on stake size or the specific payline. Some games list payouts for mixed or partial cherry combinations, and some do not use cherries at all.
Designers also present cherries in different ways, from flat icons to animated images, but the meaning always comes from the game’s own rules. Checking each paytable sets clear expectations and avoids guesswork.
If you are wondering how this translates to online play, the next section shows where fruit fits on modern sites.
Are Fruit Symbols Still Used In Online Slots?
Yes, fruit symbols remain common in online slots, especially in games that recreate a classic look. These titles often use cherries, lemons, and plums to echo mechanical machines, sometimes with updated graphics or added features.
Plenty of online slots take a different approach, though. Adventure, history, and fantasy themes are widespread, and many of those games skip fruit entirely in favour of symbols tied to the story.
Whether a slot uses fruit or not does not affect how results are decided. In the UK, online slots use random number generators to determine outcomes, which means each spin is independent of the last.
Common Myths About Fruit Symbols And Cherry Payouts
There are a few persistent myths around fruit symbols. One is that, at certain times of day or on specific machines, three cherries are more likely. They do not. Each spin is an independent event, and results are not influenced by timing or past outcomes.
Another myth is that fruit symbols always mean a big prize. In reality, the value of cherries or any other symbol depends on the game’s paytable. Some slots place cherries at the lower end of the pay scale, while others might not include them at all.
You may also hear that fruit-themed slots are somehow “easier.” They are not. Theme and artwork do not change how outcomes are generated.
If you decide to play, set sensible limits and avoid chasing patterns. The design of the symbols does not provide a route to guaranteed returns.
How To Check If Three Cherries Pay On Your Machine?
The clearest way to see whether three cherries pay on a slot is to read the game’s paytable. On physical machines, it is usually shown on the front glass or on a help panel. Online, it is typically found through an information button or within the game menu.
If cherries feature, the paytable will show how many are needed, whether mixed combinations count, and if a particular payline or stake level is required. If cherries are not listed, they do not form part of that slot’s prizes.
Keep play within your means. Set personal limits that suit your circumstances and take breaks if needed. If gambling starts to affect your well-being or finances, seek support early. Independent organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware provide free, confidential help.
Play Slots Online at Bonanza Slots
If you are interested in playing slots online, Bonanza Slots offers a range of games, including titles with traditional fruit symbols alongside newer styles.
Bonanza Slots is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. You will find tools to help you set limits and manage your play, so you can make informed choices.
If you choose to join, create an account and explore the games at your own pace. Set deposit limits before you start, and play as an occasional form of entertainment.
**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.