What Is The Oldest Slot Machine Symbol
If you've ever spun the reels at BetMGM Casino or Caesars Palace Online Casino, you've seen the classic symbols. But have you ever wondered which one is the true original? The history of slot machine symbols is a direct line back to the very first gambling machines, and the oldest symbol isn't a lucky 7 or a bar—it's the humble playing card suit. The heart, diamond, spade, and club symbols date back to the late 19th century and Charles Fey's first mechanical slot machines. For US players today, understanding these roots adds a layer of appreciation to the modern video slots you play on DraftKings or FanDuel.
The Liberty Bell and the Birth of Slot Symbols
In 1895, San Francisco mechanic Charles Fey built the first true slot machine, the Liberty Bell. This three-reel machine didn't have complex graphics; its symbols were directly borrowed from poker. The reels featured the five playing card suits: hearts, diamonds, spades, clubs, and a horseshoe (for luck). The highest payout came from lining up three bells, which gave the machine its name. So, while the bell is iconic, the card suits were there first as the foundational symbols of chance.
From Card Suits to Fruit Machines
The evolution took a juicy turn in the early 1900s. When anti-gambling laws restricted cash payouts, manufacturers like the Mills Novelty Company created machines that dispensed fruit-flavored gum. The symbols changed to match the flavors: cherries, lemons, plums, and the iconic BAR (which was actually the logo of the Bell-Fruit Gum Company). This is why classic "fruit machine" symbols feel so nostalgic—they're literally from a different era of American gaming history.
How Classic Symbols Live on in USA Online Casinos
You can still play with these historic symbols today. Online casinos like Borgata Online Casino and Hard Rock Bet Casino feature dedicated "Classic Slots" or "Retro Slots" sections. Games like Double Diamond or Triple Red Hot 7s use streamlined sets of bars, 7s, and cherries. They offer straightforward gameplay, often with a 95-97% RTP, which is perfect for a player who wants a break from the bonus-round complexity of modern video slots. BetRivers Casino often includes these classics in its "Low Volatility" game filter.
The BAR Symbol: An American Icon
No symbol is more uniquely tied to American slots than the BAR. Originating from the Bell-Fruit gum logo, it evolved into single, double, and triple bars. Hitting three single bars on a classic slot was a standard win, while three triple bars (often shown in red) were the top prize. This hierarchy is still used in games today. When you claim a 100% up to $1,000 welcome bonus with a 30x wagering requirement at a US casino, trying it out on a classic bar-and-bells slot is a great way to connect with gaming history.
Modern Takes on Vintage Slot Symbols
Game developers don't just preserve history; they reinvent it. Popular titles like Gonzo's Quest or Book of Dead use thematic symbols, but the underlying mechanics owe everything to Fey's original design. More directly, games like IGT's Cleopatra blend Egyptian themes with classic slot aesthetics, using stylized scarabs as the "bar" symbol and hieroglyphs as the "fruit." This fusion shows how the simple language of the oldest symbols remains the universal grammar of slot machines, whether you're playing on a mobile app from bet365 Casino or at a Vegas-style online lobby.
FAQ
What was the highest paying symbol on the original Liberty Bell slot?
The highest paying symbol was three Liberty Bells, which awarded the jackpot of 50 cents (or ten nickels). This might seem small, but it was a significant sum in 1895.
Why are cherries such a common slot symbol?
Cherries became a standard symbol during the "gum dispenser" era of the early 1900s. Machines would pay out in fruit-flavored gum, and the cherry symbol represented a cherry gum prize. It stuck as a symbol for a small, frequent win.
Do classic symbols pay better than modern video slot symbols?
Not necessarily. The payout is determined by the game's paytable and RTP (Return to Player), not the symbol's age. A classic 3-reel slot might have a higher RTP (like 97%) than a flashy video slot (which could be 94%). Always check the game info before you play.
Can I play real money slots with these old symbols online in the USA?
Absolutely. Legally licensed online casinos in states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia offer dozens of classic 3-reel slot games. You can deposit with Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, or online bank transfer at sites like BetMGM or DraftKings Casino to play them for real money.