Why Slots Went Bananas

Have you ever wondered why fruit symbols are so common in slot games? Since the dawn of civilization in Mesopotamia, people have played games of chance. However, fruit symbols didn’t rise to popularity until the advent of slot machines. If you’re curious about the broader history of gambling, you can explore it in our previous article here. With countless slots available today, it would take a lifetime to spin through them all. Each game comes with its own unique set of symbols, yet fruit remains one of the most iconic and enduring themes. But why is that? Let’s uncover the history behind this fruity phenomenon.

The Sweet Symbolism

In general, fruits evoke positive associations—fun childhood memories, vibrant colors, and even their sweet or tangy taste just by sight. Unlike other symbols, they rarely spark aversion. Beyond this, fruits have deep cultural and mythological significance. In Greek mythology, they symbolize fertility, abundance, and even immortality—grapes, for instance, were considered the food of the gods on Olympus. While these are compelling theories, they aren’t the main reason fruit symbols dominate slot machines.

Timeless Icons of Slot Games

Apart from vibrant nature’s treats, bells and sevens are among the most iconic symbols in slot games. Number seven is universally regarded as lucky, which is why it appears so frequently. The bell, on the other hand, pays homage to one of the earliest slot machines—the Liberty Bell—while also symbolizing American freedom. Want to learn more? Check out our article on the evolution of slot machines for the full story.

How it Started

By the 1850s, San Francisco had grown into a world-famous city, drawing people and activities from all over. It even surpassed New Orleans as the gambling hub of the United States. Slot machines made their debut in the late 1880s, quickly gaining popularity. The earliest models featured no fruit symbols—instead, their reels displayed bells, stars, horseshoes (a well-known symbol of luck), and playing cards. Just as the industry was booming, a 1909 law banned all slot machines in San Francisco. This was a major setback, seen by many as an infringement on their civil liberties. To get around the law, Charles Fey devised a clever strategy—he replaced traditional luck-based symbols with something entirely new. You guessed it, the fruits take over the reels and are brought into the spotlight. Instead of providing the winner with money the machines now offered gum and sweets. The fruit that landed on the reels determined the flavor you’d receive. This was a way to avoid breaking the law and people could still have their fun. Quickly all kinds of stores, bars and saloons had these sweet dispensing slot machines available for their customers. You could just go to your closest or favorite establishment, insert your coin and spin. That simplicity has stood the test of time, keeping classic slots engaging and popular to this day.

Gem Fruits – A Juicy Spin on Classic Slots!

We can’t speak about fruity slots without mentioning the sweet prizes that are ripe for the taking in Gem Fruits, a thrilling slot with 25 paylines and stacked Wilds! Trigger Free Games with Scatters, and watch as the Jackpot Feature spins through Grand, Maxi, Major, Minor, and Mini Jackpots—some with multipliers! With a top award of 50,000x your bet per line, this high-volatility game is packed with fruity fun and massive payouts. Spin today and see if money really does grow on trees!

Conclusion

Fruits may have started as a clever workaround, but they’ve since become an enduring part of slot machine history. What began as a way to sidestep gambling restrictions evolved into a timeless tradition, with cherries, lemons, and watermelons spinning on reels for over a century. Today, fruit-themed slots remain a staple, blending nostalgia with modern gameplay to keep players coming back for more. Whether it’s a nod to the past or a symbol of luck, one thing is certain—fruit slots are here to stay.