Pub fruit machines are an ever-present source of entertainment ranging from classic one-armed bandits that have become collectors’ items, to high-stakes video slot machines that are restricted to adult players only.
The first fruit machine is credited to American inventor Charles Fey and was completed in 1895. It didn’t actually feature any fruit, but had three reels featuring symbols such as a heart, spade, diamond, star, horseshoe or a bell – the Liberty Bell that gave the machine its name.
Over the years since, designs have changed to include more reels and different symbols, plus plenty of features and side games, but the basic concept of a slot machine still owes a lot to the original Liberty Bell design by Charles Fey.
How to play a pub fruit machine
Modern pub fruit machines are computerised but the basic gameplay is the same as ever. Put the correct amount of money in the coin slot and press the Start button (or pull the lever on an old-style one-armed bandit) to spin the reels.
A basic win usually consists of the same three symbols matched up across the middle row, but there are lots of other ways to win on modern fruit machines, so take a moment to look at what’s lit up and what it’s worth before you decide to collect.
You can unlock extra features by completing the ‘trail’ (usually seen just above the ‘hold’ buttons) or sometimes by landing on a certain combination of feature symbols over one or several spins.
How to win on a slot machine
The big prizes on modern slot machines are one of the reasons why children are not allowed to play on them, but they add to the excitement for adults.
A fruit machine usually has lots of different ways to win – in fact most of those flashing lights are a win of one kind or another – and often it’s about knowing what to collect, and when.
For example, even a basic win worth tens of pence could be a way to unlock the main feature, if you successfully gamble, or you might prefer just to take the money immediately.
When you’re playing the feature, learn as you go along, and you’ll be more familiar the next time you play the same machine.
Look out for the times when you have a choice of what to collect – and if you’re coming up to a potential ‘game over’ space, decide whether it’s worth the risk or whether you should cash out early.