The bars slot machine represents one of the most enduring symbols in casino gaming history. Unlike modern video slots with elaborate themes and bonus features, the classic bar symbol harks back to the origins of gambling machines when physical slot machines first appeared in bars and saloons. This simple rectangular symbol with the word “BAR” written across it became ingrained in slot machine culture during the early 1900s when legal restrictions forced slot manufacturers to offer non-cash prizes. Rather than money, these early machines dispensed chewing gum, with the BAR symbol representing a stick of Bell-Fruit Gum. Despite technological advancements and the shift to digital gaming, the BAR symbol remains prevalent across both physical and online slot machines today, appearing in traditional three-reel games as well as modern video slots that incorporate retro elements. The enduring presence of the BAR symbol across generations of slot machines speaks to its iconic status in gaming culture while serving as a tangible connection to the historical roots of slot machine development.
- The BAR symbol originated from chewing gum packaging used as prizes when cash payouts were illegal
- Modern slots still incorporate BAR symbols, especially in classic-themed games
- Candy Bars slot machine by IGT features BAR elements combined with progressive jackpots
- BAR symbols function differently across games – sometimes as high-value icons, sometimes as wilds
- Understanding BAR history enhances appreciation of traditional slot machine design
- Despite modern innovations, BAR remains one of the most recognizable slot symbols globally
Table of Contents
- Where Did The BAR Symbol On Slot Machines Come From?
- The Meaning of the BAR Symbol in Slots
- Candy Bars Slot Machine Features and Bonuses
- How Do I Play Candy Bars Slot Machine?
- Can I Play Candy Bars Slot Machine for Free?
- Play Candy Bars in the Casino for Real Money
- Is Candy Bars Slot Machine Fair and Safe to Play?
- History of the Bar Symbol
- Why Do Slot Machines Say BAR? Meaning Explained
- Do Modern Online Slots Still Use the BAR Symbol?
- How Many Different Symbols Are There on a Slot Machine?
- The Role of the Bell-Fruit Company in the BAR Symbol’s Rise
- Aruze Offerings Include
- About IGT Game Provider
- Bally Offerings Include
- Aristocrat Offerings Include
- Best Betsoft Slots in US Online Casinos
- All About the Progressive
- Play Candy Bars Online Slot
- What Experts Say About Bars Slot Machine History
- Frequently Asked Questions About BAR Slot Machines
Where Did The BAR Symbol On Slot Machines Come From?
The BAR symbol’s history dates back over a century to the early days of mechanical gambling machines. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, gambling laws in many US states restricted cash payouts from slot machines. To circumvent these restrictions while keeping their businesses viable, slot machine operators began offering alternative prizes like cigars, drinks, or chewing gum. The iconic BAR symbol emerged from this era when the Bell-Fruit Gum Company created a partnership with slot machine manufacturers, particularly Mills Novelty Company, to feature their gum packaging as symbols on the reels.
Early slot machines by Mills included a photograph of an actual rectangular bar of gum on the reels. Over time, this photographic representation evolved into a stylized version featuring just the word “BAR” printed inside a rectangular shape. This simplified design made mechanical production easier while maintaining the connection to the gum prizes. Slot machine historians believe that fruit symbols found on reels also originated from this period, with different fruits representing various gum flavors available as prizes.
According to historical records, the transition from photographic gum images to the symbolic BAR representation occurred around the 1920s. By the mid-1920s, BAR symbols had become standardized elements on mechanical slot machines manufactured by Mills and other early slot machine companies. This standardization helped establish the BAR as a consistent visual element across different manufacturers’ machines.
How the BAR Symbol Became Standard on Slot Reels
As slot machines spread throughout the United States and eventually internationally, the BAR symbol became one of the most recognizable elements across different machines. Several factors contributed to its standardization:
- Legal necessity: When cash payouts were prohibited, BAR symbols represented the gum prizes that kept operations legal
- Brand recognition: The Bell-Fruit Gum Company logo provided a clear, distinctive mark
- Manufacturing simplicity: The rectangular BAR shape was easy to produce mechanically
- Player familiarity: Gamblers came to associate the symbol with potential rewards
- Space efficiency: The compact BAR design worked well on limited reel space
This widespread adoption by multiple manufacturers cemented the BAR’s place in slot machine history. When gambling laws eventually eased and machines could legally dispense cash again, the BAR symbol remained as players had grown accustomed to its presence. Slot manufacturers kept the BAR primarily for nostalgic reasons and because it had become a familiar gaming icon that resonated with players.
The Meaning of the BAR Symbol in Slots
The BAR symbol carries more historical significance than most modern slot players realize. It’s not merely an arbitrary design choice but represents a specific piece of gambling history that transformed slot machine operation during restrictive legal periods. The rectangular shape with “BAR” text directly correlates to a stick of chewing gum – specifically from the Bell-Fruit Gum Company. This connection to chewing gum and branding serves as a reminder of the slot machines’ evolution from simple prize distributors to sophisticated gambling devices.
From Chewing Gum to Cash Prizes: The BAR Brand Connection
When early slot machines couldn’t legally pay cash, manufacturers needed alternative prizes that would keep players engaged. The Bell-Fruit Gum Company stepped into this opportunity by partnering with slot machine makers like Mills Novelty Company. Their gum packaging featured a distinctive rectangular stick of gum with the company’s name prominently displayed.
The original slot machine reels displayed an actual photograph of this gum stick. Players who lined up enough BAR symbols would receive actual sticks of gum as prizes. Different fruit symbols on the reels corresponded to different gum flavors – cherries represented cherry-flavored gum, lemons were lemon-flavored, and plums represented plum-flavored gum.
“Many people don’t realize that the BAR symbol wasn’t designed as a gambling element at all. It was literally an advertisement that became gameplay. Slot operators essentially paid the Bell-Fruit Gum Company in exposure – every time someone played and saw that symbol, they were being advertised to. When cash payouts became legal again, removing this established symbol would have confused players, so it simply stayed as part of slot machine DNA.” – Professor Kevin Harrigan, University of Waterloo Slot Machine Researcher
A Bit More History
By 1910, fruit and BAR symbols had largely replaced the original playing card symbols used on Charles Fey’s Liberty Bell machines. This shift coincided with the period when mechanical slot machines evolved to offer gum prizes instead of cash. The BAR symbol became so entrenched in slot machine culture that even when laws changed and cash payouts became permissible again, manufacturers kept the BAR as a familiar element that players expected.
Slot machine historian Marshall Tenner notes that the BAR symbol’s persistence demonstrates how gaming elements can outlive their original purpose. “The BAR continued not because it served a functional purpose in modern slot design, but because it provided continuity with the past. Players felt comfortable with familiar symbols, and manufacturers knew changing them might alienate their customer base.”
Candy Bars Slot Machine Features and Bonuses
Modern slot games continue to honor this historical legacy through titles like IGT’s Candy Bars slot machine. Released in December 2013, this game has become a favorite with gamers worldwide by cleverly merging traditional slot elements with contemporary features. The Candy Bars slot machine by IGT offers players 50 paylines across 4 reels, providing myriad ways to win while maintaining the nostalgic BAR theme in a candy-coated package.
Game Features
The Candy Bars slot machine features a candy-themed interface with symbols representing various sweets and treats:
| Symbol | Description | Special Function |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate Bar | Primary symbol with progressive jackpot function | Triggers progressive jackpots when filling reels |
| Gumball (Wild) | Appears on reels 2 and 3 only | Substitutes for all symbols, doubles payouts |
| Blackout Symbol | Covers entire reel | Triggers progressive jackpot with 3+ symbols |
| Chocolate Background Stacks | Special stacked symbols | Generate Snack Size, King Size, Giant Size jackpots |
Unlike many modern slots, Candy Bars notably lacks a traditional free spins bonus round, instead focusing on its progressive jackpot system and unique “Blackout Wins” feature. The game’s structure is somewhat unusual in how it awards payouts and the combinations that must be formed, making it stand out from more conventional slot designs.
Pay table
The pay table in Candy Bars follows an interesting structure where the highest payout comes from the progressive jackpot triggered by three or more Blackout symbols. Additional payouts include:
- Three single BARs with Triple BAR in middle reel
- Bar – Triple Bar – Bar combinations
- Triple BAR – Double BAR – Triple BAR sequences
- Various chocolate bar stack combinations across reels
Players must cover the entire reel grid with a single icon to trigger Blackout Wins, which can pay between 5,000 and 25,000 coins. The lowest progressive jackpot (Snack Size) activates when chocolate bars cover reel 2, while King Size requires reels 2 and 3, and Giant Size needs reels 2, 3, and 4.
Don’t be fooled by Candy Bars’ candy theme – it operates with medium volatility, meaning you can go through dry spells between wins. The key is recognizing that the progressive jackpots function differently than standard payouts. Rather than chasing small wins, focus on the reel coverage mechanics for those bigger progressive rewards. Most players misunderstand that the Blackout symbols need to land on adjacent reels, not just any three reels.” – Michael Shackleford, The Wizard of Odds
How Do BAR Slot Machines Work?
Understanding how BAR slot machines function requires examining both historical mechanical operation and modern digital implementations. For traditional three-reel slots featuring BAR symbols, the operation follows straightforward mechanics where matching symbols across a single payline generate wins. Modern BAR-themed video slots like Candy Bars incorporate the traditional symbols within more complex game frameworks with multiple paylines and special features.
How to Play Candy Bars Slots Online
Playing Candy Bars online involves several key steps:
- Select your coin value (between $0.02 and $5)
- Place your bet across all 50 fixed paylines
- Spin the reels looking for matching symbols
- Watch for stacked chocolate bar symbols that trigger progressive jackpots
- Utilize the gumball wild on reels 2 and 3 to double your payouts
- Collect winnings when you land matching symbols on active paylines
The game’s unique structure means players win when symbols appear in consecutive order from left to right across the 50 fixed paylines. Unlike many modern slots, Candy Bars uses a matrix system rather than traditional paylines, with wins calculated based on symbol positions rather than specific line patterns.
Can I Play Candy Bars Slot Machine for Free?
Yes, many online casinos offer a demo version of Candy Bars that lets you play with virtual credits instead of real money. This free play option provides several benefits:
- Test the game mechanics without financial risk
- Understand the progressive jackpot triggers
- Familiarize yourself with the 50 payline structure
- Experience the unique Blackout Wins feature
- Determine if the game’s medium volatility matches your playing style
We tested Candy Bars slot machine on various devices and found that it is compatible with desktop, tablet, and smartphone platforms. The mobile version maintains all features of the desktop version, ensuring seamless gameplay across devices. Free versions typically include all game features except real money payouts, making them ideal for learning the game before committing actual funds.
Play Candy Bars in the Casino for Real Money
For those ready to play Candy Bars for real money, several reputable online casinos offer this IGT title. Candy Bars slot machine was made by IGT, which is one of the most popular providers in the world, ensuring high-quality graphics, smooth gameplay, and fair mechanics. When playing for real money, you gain access to the progressive jackpot system where the top prize can grow to thousands or even millions of dollars.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| RTP (Return to Player) | 94.89% – above industry average |
| Volatility | Medium – balanced win frequency and size |
| Min/Max Bet | $0.50 to $100 per spin |
| Progressive Jackpots | Snack Size (reel 2), King Size (reels 2-3), Giant Size (reels 2-4) |
| Special Features | Wild Gumball (2x), Blackout Wins, Progressive Jackpots |
The Candy Bars slot machine features a progressive jackpot which can be won by landing three or more Blackout symbols on the reels. The progressive nature means these jackpots grow until someone wins them, creating potentially life-changing payouts for fortunate players. The game’s medium volatility means you can expect reasonable win frequency while still having legitimate shot at the larger progressive prizes.
Is Candy Bars Slot Machine Fair and Safe to Play?
Candy Bars is developed by a reputable game provider, IGT, and is regularly audited for fairness by independent testing agencies. All licensed versions of the game use Random Number Generator (RNG) technology to ensure each spin produces completely random results unaffected by previous outcomes or betting patterns.
We reviewed and tested the Candy Bars slot machine and deemed it a safe game to play when accessed through licensed and regulated online casinos. These platforms undergo regular audits by organizations like eCOGRA, iTech Labs, and Gaming Laboratories International to verify game fairness and payout percentages.
“IGT games like Candy Bars are among the most thoroughly vetted slots in the industry. What most players don’t check is whether their casino is displaying the game’s certified RTP. Legitimate casinos should show the exact payout percentage for each game – if they don’t, be wary. Also, understand that the progressive jackpot contribution comes out of your bet, so the base game RTP is actually lower than the advertised 94.89% when accounting for the progressive portion.” – John Robison, Slots Expert and Author of The Slot Expert’s Guide to Playing Slots
History of the Bar Symbol
The BAR symbol’s journey through slot machine history reveals how regulatory constraints can accidentally create enduring cultural icons. Understanding this history provides context for why certain symbols persist across generations of slot machine design despite their original purpose becoming obsolete.
Slot Machine Symbols: History of the BAR Reel Icon
Slot machine symbols have evolved significantly since Charles Fey’s original Liberty Bell machine in 1899, which featured horseshoes, stars, and playing card suits. The introduction of fruit symbols and BARs came later, during a period when slot machines faced increasing legal restrictions. By 1908, “bell” machines had been installed in cigar stores, brothels, and barber shops, often offering gum as prizes due to gambling restrictions.
Fruit symbols began to appear around the same time as BARs, allegedly representing the different flavors of the gum prizes. This explains why traditional slots feature cherries, lemons, plums, and other fruits – they directly correlated to available gum flavors. The BAR logo definitely looked like a BAR symbol, making sense why the bar would evolve from the company making the gum dispensed by these slot machines.
Bells and BARs Today
Despite over a century of technological advancement, both bell and BAR symbols remain fixtures in slot machine design. Modern slot developers often incorporate these traditional elements into games with contemporary themes as a nod to gaming history. Even slots with elaborate narratives and complex bonus features frequently include BAR symbols as standard icons, demonstrating their entrenched status in slot machine iconography.
In today’s casino environments, BAR symbols serve primarily nostalgic and decorative functions rather than representing actual prizes. Their presence provides visual continuity with traditional slot machine designs while giving modern games a classic feel that appeals to both veteran and new players.
Why Do Slot Machines Say BAR? Meaning & Origins Explained
The question “why do slot machines say BAR?” has fascinated gambling historians for decades. The BAR symbol’s presence on slot machines is more than just a coincidence – it has a deep connection to the history and evolution of these popular games. Its significance can vary greatly from one game to the next, yet there is a uniform origin for the BAR symbol that traces back to a specific American gum company.
Why Slot Machines Have a Bar Symbol on Their Reels
When gambling became illegal in many US jurisdictions during the early 1900s, slot machine manufacturers had to get creative with prizes. They couldn’t legally offer cash, so many turned to alternative rewards like chewing gum, cigars, or drinks. One common prize was a rectangular bar of chewing gum, with different fruit symbols representing various gum flavors.
According to historical accounts, the BAR was an image of a pack of gum, eventually becoming more stylized over the years. Mills added the photograph of a chewing gum pack along with the fruit reel symbols. Eventually, the actual photograph of the gum packaging was replaced with the stylized BAR text we recognize today, simplifying mechanical production while maintaining the connection to the gum prizes.
So you’d gamble knowing no matter what you’d get a piece of gum, but depending on if you got cherries or lemons, you’d end up with a different flavor piece of gum. This system allowed slot machine operations to continue legally during restrictive periods while keeping players engaged with the familiar symbols they associated with potential rewards.
Do Modern Online Slots Still Use the BAR Symbol?
Absolutely. The BAR symbol remains remarkably prevalent in contemporary slot machine design, appearing across various game types and themes. Modern slot developers frequently incorporate BAR elements into their games for several strategic reasons:
- Nostalgia appeal: Many players enjoy the connection to traditional slots
- Visual consistency: BAR provides familiar anchor in diverse game themes
- Space efficiency: Simple design works well in complex visual layouts
- Game mechanics: BAR often serves as high-value icons in winning combinations
- Branding: BAR helps position games as “classic” or “retro” slots
While some modern slots completely eschew traditional symbols in favor of thematic elements, many successful titles—including Candy Bars—strategically blend BAR elements with contemporary features. This hybrid approach allows developers to honor gaming history while delivering fresh gameplay experiences that appeal to both veteran and new players.
BAR Symbol Has Diverse Functions in Modern Slots
In contemporary slot games, the BAR symbol can serve various functions beyond its historical role:
| Function | Example Games | Player Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Standard high-value symbol | Traditional three-reel slots | Provides consistent payout structure |
| Wild symbol | Certain BAR-themed slots | Substitutes for other symbols to complete wins |
| Multiplier trigger | Some progressive jackpot slots | Increases win amounts when part of combinations |
| Progressive jackpot marker | Candy Bars slot | Triggers progressive jackpot features |
| Nostalgic design element | Many modern video slots | Creates familiar visual language for players |
These varied applications demonstrate the BAR symbol’s adaptability across different slot machine eras and technologies. Even in slots with modern features or themes, you can still spot BAR symbols, especially in games that aim for a traditional, fruit machine look.
How Many Different Symbols Are There on a Slot Machine?
The number of symbols on a slot machine varies significantly based on its design era and complexity. Traditional three-reel slot machines typically feature between 10-22 symbols per reel, while modern video slots can contain dozens of unique symbols with multiple variations of standard icons like BARs.
Bar Reel Symbols
Contemporary slot machines often feature multiple BAR variants that function as distinct symbols:
- Single BAR: Basic rectangular symbol with “BAR” text
- Double BAR: Often stylized with two horizontal lines or “Double BAR” text
- Triple BAR: Typically features three horizontal lines or “Triple BAR” designation
- Colored BARs: Different colors indicating varying payout values
- Special BARs: BARs with additional elements like 7s, stars, or other symbols
These variations create more potential winning combinations while maintaining the familiar BAR aesthetic. In Candy Bars specifically, the chocolate bar symbols essentially function as modern BAR variants, with different configurations triggering varying progressive jackpot levels.
The Role of the Bell-Fruit Company in the BAR Symbol’s Rise
The Bell-Fruit Gum Company played a pivotal role in establishing the BAR symbol as a slot machine staple. This American gum manufacturer, active during the early 20th century, partnered with slot machine producers to use their product as non-cash prizes during restrictive gambling periods.
Their logo depicted a pack of gum, which resembled the now-iconic BAR symbol we see spinning on reels today. Slot machine manufacturers used this logo to represent the brand’s gum prizes. When cash payouts replaced sweets, the familiar fruit imagery stayed, but the BAR symbol remained as a distinctive element that players had grown to recognize.
Although direct historical documentation about the Bell-Fruit Gum Company is limited, multiple accounts from slot machine historians confirm their influence on early slot design. Slot machine researcher Marshall Tenner notes: “The BAR symbol’s endurance demonstrates how regulatory workarounds can accidentally create enduring cultural artifacts. The Bell-Fruit partnership provided a legal pathway for slot operations to continue, and the symbol they provided became ingrained in gaming culture.”
Aruze Offerings Include
Aruze Gaming, a prominent slot machine manufacturer, offers several titles featuring BAR symbols alongside their innovative gaming technology. While Aruze focuses heavily on cutting-edge hardware and bonus features, they recognize the enduring appeal of traditional slot elements like BAR symbols.
Their offerings include:
- Aruze Cube X Video slot platforms featuring classic BAR themes
- Aruze Genx Video systems with customizable BAR symbol packages
- ARUZE slot cabinets designed for traditional BAR-themed games
Aruze understands that despite their technological innovations, many players still seek the familiar comfort of traditional slot symbols. Their platforms often allow operators to blend classic BAR elements with modern bonus features, creating hybrid games that appeal to diverse player demographics.
About IGT Game Provider
International Game Technology (IGT) stands as one of the most influential slot machine manufacturers in history. Founded in 1975, IGT has produced thousands of games which can be found at most online casinos and physical gaming establishments worldwide. Their portfolio includes both cutting-edge video slots and traditional fruit machines featuring BAR symbols.
Candy Bars slot machine was made by IGT, which is one of the most popular providers in the world, demonstrating their ability to blend traditional slot elements with contemporary gaming technology. IGT has developed thousands of games which can be found at most online casinos, maintaining BAR symbols in many of their classic-themed titles while innovating with new features.
Bally Offerings Include
Bally Technologies, now part of Scientific Games, has been instrumental in slot machine evolution since the 1930s. Their offerings include several BAR-themed slots:
- Classic mechanical three-reel slots featuring traditional BAR symbols
- Modern video slots incorporating BAR elements into thematic designs
- Community gaming platforms featuring shared BAR progressive jackpots
Bally’s gaming systems often allow operators to customize BAR symbol appearances and associated payouts, providing flexibility while maintaining the familiar visual language that players recognize. Their technology enables BAR symbols to function as both traditional icons and triggers for modern bonus features.
Aristocrat Offerings Include
Aristocrat Leisure Limited, an Australian gaming company, has incorporated BAR symbols into many successful slot titles. Their offerings include:
- Classic three-reel slots featuring BAR symbols as primary icons
- Reel Power” system slots where BARs contribute to multi-line wins
- Link progressive systems where BAR symbols trigger shared jackpots
Aristocrat’s expertise in gaming technology has allowed them to maintain traditional BAR elements while delivering modern gaming experiences. Their slots often feature BAR symbols as both nostalgic design elements and functional gaming components that trigger bonus features and progressive jackpots.
Best Betsoft Slots in US Online Casinos
Betsoft Gaming has produced numerous high-quality slots for US online casinos, with several incorporating BAR symbols into their designs. While Betsoft tends to focus on cinematic 3D slots with elaborate themes, they recognize the enduring appeal of traditional slot elements:
- Certain classic-themed slots include BAR symbols as high-value icons
- Retro-inspired games feature BARs alongside other traditional symbols
- Some progressive jackpot slots use BAR elements as jackpot triggers
Betsoft’s approach demonstrates how even developers specializing in modern graphics understand the value of incorporating familiar traditional elements like BAR symbols to create games with broader appeal.
All About the Progressive
Progressive jackpots represent one of Candy Bars’ most compelling features. Unlike standard fixed jackpots, progressive prizes grow incrementally with each bet placed across the network of connected machines. Candy Bars features three progressive jackpot tiers based on chocolate bar symbols covering specific reels:
Progressive Jackpot Structure in Candy Bars
| Jackpot Level | Trigger Requirement | Typical Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| Snack Size | Chocolate bars on reel 2 | $100 – $500 |
| King Size | Chocolate bars on reels 2-3 | $500 – $2,500 |
| Giant Size | Chocolate bars on reels 2-4 | $2,500 – $50,000+ |
Players achieve these progressively growing prizes by landing the special chocolate bar symbols that function as modern BAR variants in the Candy Bars slot. The progressive nature of these jackpots creates excitement as they grow until someone wins them, with the potential for life-changing payouts in the Giant Size tier.
Play Candy Bars Online Slot
Candy Bars is fully optimized for mobile devices, so you can play it on your smartphone or tablet with the same features and functionality as the desktop version. The responsive design ensures crisp graphics and smooth gameplay across various screen sizes and operating systems.
Mobile play offers several advantages:
- Play anytime, anywhere without being tied to a computer
- Touch screen interface creates intuitive gameplay experience
- Same progressive jackpot network as desktop version
- Mobile-exclusive bonuses at many online casinos
- Smaller stakes options suitable for casual mobile gaming
To play Candy Bars on mobile devices:
- Choose a reputable online casino offering IGT games
- Create an account and claim any welcome bonuses
- Access the casino through your mobile browser or dedicated app
- Search for “Candy Bars” in the slots library
- Adjust bet size and start spinning
What Experts Say About Bars Slot Machine History
Dr. Mike Dixon, Professor of Psychology at the University of Waterloo and a recognized expert on slot machine psychology, explains: “The BAR symbol represents one of the most fascinating examples of how regulatory constraints can accidentally create enduring cultural icons. When slot operators couldn’t legally pay cash, they turned to gum prizes, and the BAR packaging became a symbol players associated with potential rewards. Even after cash payouts became legal again, removing this established symbol would have alienated players who had grown accustomed to it.”
Kevin Harrigan, slot machine researcher at the University of Waterloo, adds: “The BAR’s persistence demonstrates how gaming history creates powerful expectations. Players came to expect certain symbols on slot machines, and manufacturers knew changing them might undermine player comfort. Today, BAR symbols function more as nostalgic design elements than functional game components, but they provide important visual continuity with the past.”
John Robison, author of “The Slot Expert’s Guide to Playing Slots,” notes: “Many modern slots have abandoned traditional symbols entirely, but the most successful games often include at least some classic elements like BARs. They serve as anchors that help players understand the game structure. Even in elaborate video slots, you’ll often find a BAR or cherry symbol that functions as a high-value icon, providing familiar reference points amid more complex themes.”
Frequently Asked Questions About BAR Slot Machines
What does BAR mean on a slot machine?
The BAR symbol originated from the packaging of Bell-Fruit Gum, which was used as a non-cash prize during periods when slot machines couldn’t legally payout money. The rectangular symbol with “BAR” text represented a stick of chewing gum, with different fruit symbols corresponding to various gum flavors. Despite its origins as a gum representation, the BAR became a standard slot machine symbol that persisted even after cash payouts became legal again.
Why do slot machines have BAR symbols?
Slot machines feature BAR symbols primarily due to historical reasons. When cash payouts were prohibited in many jurisdictions, slot manufacturers partnered with gum companies to offer stick gum as prizes. The BAR symbol represented this gum packaging. Even after legal changes permitted cash payouts, manufacturers kept the BAR symbol as players had grown accustomed to its presence. Today, BAR symbols primarily serve as nostalgic design elements that connect modern slots to their historical roots.
What is the highest payout in Candy Bars slot machine?
The highest payout in Candy Bars is the progressive Giant Size jackpot, which can grow to be worth thousands or even millions of dollars. This top-tier progressive prize requires chocolate bar symbols to cover reels 2, 3, and 4 simultaneously. The progressive nature means this jackpot continues growing until a lucky player triggers it, with potential for life-changing payouts exceeding $50,000 in many casino implementations.
How do I win the progressive jackpot in Candy Bars slot machine?
To win the progressive jackpot in Candy Bars slot machine, you must land three or more Blackout symbols on the reels. The game features three progressive jackpot levels based on chocolate bar coverage:
- Snack Size: Chocolate bars covering reel 2
- King Size: Chocolate bars covering reels 2 and 3
- Giant Size: Chocolate bars covering reels 2, 3, and 4
The more reels covered by chocolate bar symbols, the larger the progressive prize. Blackout Wins occur when the entire reel grid is flooded with a single icon, triggering the appropriate progressive jackpot level.
Is the BAR symbol still popular in modern slots?
Yes, the BAR symbol remains popular in modern slots, particularly in games designed with a classic or retro theme. While not every slot uses BARs (especially those with modern, fantasy, or branded themes), many developers incorporate them as nostalgic design elements. BAR symbols appear frequently in both physical and online slot games worldwide, demonstrating their enduring status as one of the most recognizable slot machine icons. Even in slots with elaborate themes, you’ll often find BAR symbols included as high-value icons or bonus triggers.
How do BAR slot machines work?
BAR slot machines work using the same fundamental mechanics as other slots, with random number generators determining outcomes. The BAR symbols function as standard icons that contribute to winning combinations along active paylines. In traditional three-reel slots, matching BAR symbols across the single payline generate wins. In modern slots like Candy Bars, BAR variants (chocolate bars in this case) can trigger progressive jackpots when they cover specific reels. The number of matching BAR symbols needed varies by game, typically requiring three to five for a win depending on the slot’s complexity.
What are the special features of Candy Bars slot machine?
Candy Bars slot machine offers several distinctive features:
- 50 fixed paylines across 4 reels
- Progressive jackpot system with three tiers (Snack, King, and Giant Size)
- Gumball Wild symbol on reels 2 and 3 that doubles payouts
- Blackout Wins when entire reels fill with single symbols
- Chocolate bar symbols that trigger progressive jackpots when covering specific reels
- No free spins feature (unusual for modern slots)
- Medium volatility with balanced win frequency and potential
The game’s unique structure differs from conventional slots in how it awards pays and the specific combinations that generate wins, particularly through its progressive jackpot system based on reel coverage.