Slot machines are full of bright lights and unique symbols, but the BAR symbol is one that often stands out. Many people notice these BAR images but may not know what they mean or where they come from.
There is a bit of history behind the BAR symbol, as well as reasons why it often appears next to fruits and numbers on slot reels. Players sometimes wonder how the BAR works, why there are different types, and what role it plays in payouts and winning combinations.
This blog post explains the meaning of the BAR symbol, its origins, why there are single, double, and triple versions, and how these symbols fit in with other popular slot images. It also looks at paytables, common misconceptions, modern digital slots, and sensible ways to approach slot play.
What Does BAR Mean On A Slot Machine?
The BAR symbol is one of the most common images seen on slot machines. Despite appearing simple, it has a specific function within the game.
In most slot games, the BAR acts as a standard symbol that helps form winning combinations according to the paytable. Sometimes, multiple BAR types feature in higher-value lines, especially when a game uses single, double, and triple BARs with different values.
The word “BAR” does not refer to a pub. It is simply a label shown as a white or black rectangle with the word “BAR” in bold letters.
Slots use random number generators, so each spin is independent and cannot be influenced by what has already happened. If you choose to play, setting a budget and taking breaks can help keep sessions manageable.
Where Did The BAR Symbol Come From?
The BAR symbol has roots in the early days of slot machines. It is closely linked to the Bell-Fruit Gum Company, which operated in the early 1900s.
At that time, some machines awarded chewing gum rather than money. The company used a stylised version of its logo on the reels, which looked like a bar with the word “BAR”, and the design took hold across many machines.
Single, double, and triple BARs followed as a simple way to add variety and extra payout tiers. That is why BAR symbols still appear alongside classic fruit icons in both mechanical and digital slots today.
Curious why there are different BAR types and what they mean for payouts? That is exactly what the next section explores.
Why Are There Single, Double And Triple BAR Symbols?
Single, double, and triple BAR symbols were introduced to create more combinations and clearer payout steps. They are easy to recognise at a glance and straightforward to map to different values in a game’s rules.
A single BAR shows one bar with “BAR” inside. Double and triple BARs stack two or three bars, usually with increasing value. On many paytables, three triple BARs pay more than three single BARs, and some games also pay for a mixed BAR line.
These distinctions let designers set up a wider spread of outcomes without overcomplicating the reels. As noted earlier, the result of each spin is still random. To see how a particular game handles these symbols, check its paytable for the exact values and any mixed-combination rules.
How Does The BAR Symbol Affect Payouts And Paylines?
The BAR symbol contributes to payouts based on how it lines up on a game’s paylines. Paylines are the set paths across the reels that define where matching symbols must appear for a payout.
Single, double, and triple BARs usually carry different values. Three matching triple BARs on an active payline may award more than three singles, and some titles pay for mixed BAR lines if stated in the rules. In certain games, BARs can appear stacked on a reel or even act as wilds, which may substitute for other symbols to complete a line.
Because rules vary, it is worth checking the paytable and help pages of each game. That way, you can see whether mixed BAR lines count, how many paylines are active, and whether special BAR features apply.
How To Read A Paytable For BAR Payouts?
A paytable is a chart that shows the value of each symbol and which combinations award a payout. It also explains any special features, such as wilds or stacked symbols.
To find BAR details, look for the section listing single, double, and triple BARs and note the values for two or three in a row, depending on the game. Some paytables include mixed BAR payouts, where a line of different BAR types still returns a prize, and some explain when BARs can appear stacked or act as wilds.
Paytables are usually available via an on-screen button or within the help or info menu. Reviewing them first helps set clear expectations, especially regarding which paylines count and how BARs interact with them.
Common Variations Of The BAR Symbol
Single BAR, Double BAR And Triple BAR Explained
Most classic-style slots use these three BAR types. Single BARs generally sit at the lower end of the BAR pay scale, with double and triple BARs stepping up in value. Some games also pay for a mixed BAR line, for example, single, double, then triple on one payline, though this varies by title.
Stacked Bars And Special BAR Wilds
Some slots stack BAR symbols so they fill multiple positions on a reel, which can make BAR lines more common if the stacks land together. In others, a BAR may be designated as a wild, substituting for regular symbols to complete a line. The exact behaviour depends on the game’s rules, so a quick look at the paytable will show how these features work.
BAR Symbol Vs Fruit Symbols: What's The Difference?
BAR and fruit symbols are among the most recognisable images on traditional slot machines. They often share the same reels but come from different origins.
Fruit symbols such as cherries, lemons, and watermelons began as references to fruit-flavoured gum or sweets that some machines awarded. They are a visual nod to early fruit machines. The BAR symbol, by contrast, came from branding, not from prize flavours.
On a paytable, each fruit and BAR symbol usually has its own value and may link to different combinations. The overall effect depends on the game’s design, which is why you will see variations from one slot to another.
Modern Digital Slots And The Role Of The BAR Symbol
In digital and online slots, the BAR symbol serves as a familiar bridge to classic machines. Many developers include single, double, and triple BARs because players recognise them and understand their stepped values at a glance.
BARs in modern slots can work exactly as they do in traditional games, or they may be tied into features such as wild substitutions or stacked reels. The rules set out how BARs connect with paylines and what combinations qualify for a payout.
Crucially, the presence of BAR symbols does not affect the fairness of results. Random number generators determine each outcome, so results cannot be predicted. If you choose to play, consider setting personal limits that suit your circumstances.
Common Misconceptions About BAR Symbols
One misconception is that BAR symbols are linked to special bonuses or better outcomes by default. In practice, BARs follow the same principles as any other symbol, with values and features defined by the game’s rules.
Another belief is that seeing more BARs over time makes a bigger payout more likely. Slot results are independent from one spin to the next, so previous outcomes do not influence future ones.
It is also sometimes thought that certain BAR combinations are due to appear. In reality, each combination has its own probability, set by the game design, and this does not change based on how long someone has been playing.
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**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.