When most people think of a UK online slot, one of the first images that comes to mind is the classic symbols spinning on the reels, cherries, golden 7s, or the famous BAR icon. These symbols are so ingrained in slot culture that even people who’ve never stepped foot in a casino instantly recognise them. But where did they come from, why were they chosen in the first place, and why do they still appear in modern slot titles when games now feature everything from Norse gods to neon aliens?
The journey of slot symbols is a fascinating one that blends history, design, and psychology. Understanding it not only explains why we still see fruit on our screens in 2025, but also shows how game designers use familiar icons to balance nostalgia with fresh ideas.
The Origins of Classic Symbols
The very first slot machines, appearing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, used symbols as a way to simplify the game for players. Instead of complex card suits or abstract designs, recognisable shapes were chosen.
Fruit and Gum
The fruit symbols, cherries, lemons, oranges, and plums, became iconic not just because they were colourful and simple, but also because of a quirk of history. Early machines often awarded fruit-flavoured chewing gum or sweets as prizes rather than cash. A cherry symbol might mean a cherry-flavoured reward, while a lemon might correspond to a lemon sweet. This kept games technically legal while still giving players something tangible.
The BAR Symbol
Another classic, the BAR, actually originated from the Bell-Fruit Gum Company’s logo. The company made chewing gum for these machines, and its logo gradually transformed into the bold BAR design we see on reels today.
Lucky 7s
The number 7 has long been seen as a symbol of luck across cultures. It naturally became a high-value symbol, representing top-tier rewards. Even as slots evolved, the 7 maintained its reputation as the ultimate win indicator.
If you want to dive deeper into how slot gaming itself evolved alongside these symbols, Slingo’s guide to slot evolution over time is a great complement to this history.
How Symbol Design Evolved
As technology advanced and slot machines became more sophisticated, so too did their symbols. The simple fruits and numbers gradually gave way to themed designs that matched the story or atmosphere of the game.
From Fruit to Fantasy
By the mid-20th century, developers were experimenting with more elaborate artwork. Instead of just fruit, you’d see bells, stars, or other motifs designed to stand out on mechanical reels. When digital slots arrived in the 1980s and 90s, symbols became even more detailed, with space for shading, textures, and animation.
Matching Themes to Symbols
Modern slot design now ties symbols directly to the narrative. An Egyptian slot might use ankhs, scarabs, or pharaoh masks. A fantasy slot could feature swords, wizards, or magical gems. The paytable becomes a reflection of the story world, making gameplay feel immersive rather than generic.
This is where specific icons, like Cleopatra’s imagery, play a big role. Slingo’s breakdown of interpreting classic slot symbols shows how cultural references are often woven into the symbol design.
Modern Takes on Old Icons
Despite all the advances in slot design, cherries, BARs, and 7s haven’t disappeared. In fact, they continue to reappear in many modern titles, though often with a twist.
Nostalgic Appeal
Players associate classic fruit machines with simplicity. By reintroducing those old icons into modern video slots, developers create a comforting bridge between past and present. A neon fruit in a futuristic slot evokes the same feeling as the wooden machine once did.
Variations on the Theme
Today’s slots often remix these classics, 3D-rendered fruit that glows, or animated BARs that explode into multipliers. The symbols retain their familiarity but gain new life through technology.
Wilds, Scatters, and Beyond
On top of the traditional imagery, new functional symbols have taken centre stage. Wilds, scatters, and multipliers add depth to gameplay by altering outcomes rather than just representing payouts. For players, these aren’t just symbols, they’re mechanics that directly shape how the game unfolds. Slingo’s guide on how modern symbols affect gameplay digs into these powerful icons and why they’re central to today’s design.
What Symbols Mean in 2025
By 2025, slot symbols have become more than decoration. They’re a key part of how developers communicate the style, volatility, and features of a game.
Symbol as Storytelling
Symbols now help tell the story. A horror-themed slot might use bats, candles, and skulls to immerse you, while a circus-themed slot might use juggling clubs, lions, and popcorn. Symbols aren’t just graphics; they’re narrative tools.
Symbol as Signal
Symbols also act as signals to the player. For instance, elaborate high-value icons usually indicate higher variance, while a screen packed with low-value icons hints at more frequent but smaller wins.
Continuing the Legacy
Even so, cherries, BARs, and 7s still appear. Their role isn’t just historical—it’s emotional. They remind players of the continuity of slots, from mechanical reels to today’s immersive online games. That sense of familiarity makes them timeless.
And for players who want to balance history with fresh gameplay, looking back at symbols reminds us of one important truth: slots are always chance-based. Whether it’s a fruit, a pharaoh, or a scatter triggering a bonus, wins are never guaranteed. The fun comes from the variety and design, not the certainty of outcome.
Conclusion
Slot symbols may seem like small details, but they’ve carried the industry from the earliest machines to the most advanced online titles. Starting as practical markers for gum prizes, they evolved into iconic images of luck and chance, before becoming narrative devices in themed slots. Today, they’re both nostalgic and functional, keeping one foot in tradition while stepping boldly into modern game design.
The next time you see cherries, BARs, or lucky 7s on your screen, remember you’re looking at more than just graphics. You’re seeing a piece of slot history still alive in 2025, proof that some designs truly never go out of style.
