Slot machines are packed with symbols, but few are as recognisable as the simple word “BAR”. You’ll see it on reels in physical venues and online, yet its meaning and origins can be a bit of a mystery.
This article explains where the BAR symbol came from, why it appears so often, and what single, double, and triple BARs typically mean for payouts. It also covers whether BAR symbols affect a game’s return to player (RTP) and how to read a paytable with confidence.
If you’re new to slots, you’ll find clear explanations without jargon. First up, what does BAR actually mean on the reels?
What Does the BAR Symbol Mean On Slot Machines?
The BAR symbol is a standard reel icon. It usually appears as a rectangle, often black or white, with the word “BAR” printed across it. Unlike the fruit symbols many players know, it is not based on cards or traditional imagery.
On most slots, BAR symbols act as regular pay symbols rather than special features. They are not the same as wilds or scatters. Their role is simple: if the right number line up on a payline, they can form a winning combination.
Values vary by game. You’ll often see single, double, and triple BARs, each with its own payout shown on the paytable. Single BARs generally pay less than double or triple versions, but the exact figures depend on the slot.
To see why the symbol looks the way it does, it helps to go back to the beginning.
Where Did the BAR Symbol Originate?
The BAR symbol dates to the early 20th century, when some machines paid out items like chewing gum rather than cash. A well-known manufacturer used a logo based on a bar of gum, which appeared on its reels.
Over time, that logo was simplified into a neat rectangle with “BAR” written across it. The clear, blocky shape was easy to print and stood out next to fruit icons, so it caught on.
As the style proved practical and easily recognised, it became a staple of classic slot design.
Why Did Manufacturers Replace Brand Logos With BAR?
As slot machines grew in popularity, manufacturers wanted symbols that were simple, universal, and free of licensing headaches. Early brand logos made sense when machines paid out goods, but they weren’t ideal for wider distribution.
The generic BAR symbol solved this neatly. It avoided trademark issues, worked in any setting, and stayed instantly recognisable on a spinning reel.
This straightforward design also helped machines move from prize-based payouts to coins and, later, digital credits. That simplicity made the leap to modern slots much smoother.
How Did BAR Symbols Change From Mechanical To Digital Slots?
On mechanical machines, BAR symbols were printed directly onto physical reels. Their bold shapes made them easy to pick out among the fruits and other icons.
Digital slots opened the door to more styling and animation. Designers can resize, recolour, or theme BARs so they fit the look of a particular game. You’ll often see single, double, and triple versions with distinct artwork to match the slot’s style.
Despite the visual upgrade, their job remains the same: they are regular symbols that form winning combinations as shown on the paytable.
Single, Double And Triple BAR: How Do They Differ In Payouts?
Most classic-style slots use three versions of the symbol. A single BAR is typically the lowest-paying of the set, a double BAR sits in the middle, and a triple BAR tends to offer the highest return when three land on a payline.
Some games also pay for mixed BAR combinations, such as one single, one double, and one triple on a line. These mixed wins usually pay less than three of the same type.
Exact payouts differ from one slot to another. A quick look at the paytable will show the values for matching three single BARs, three double BARs, three triple BARs, and any mixed-BAR lines if the game allows them.
Wondering whether these symbols change your overall chances? That comes down to how the game is designed.
Do BAR Symbols Affect Your Odds Or RTP?
BAR symbols do not alter a slot’s odds or its return to player. They are simply part of the symbol set used to build winning combinations.
RTP is a long-term, theoretical percentage that indicates how much a slot may return to players over time. For example, a 96% RTP suggests that, on average, £96 is paid out for every £100 wagered across many spins and players. Individual sessions can differ widely from this long-term figure.
The appearance rate of BAR symbols is set within the game’s random number generator and reel layout. The overall RTP and odds are determined by the slot’s design, not by any single symbol.
With that in mind, the paytable is your best guide to how BARs pay on your chosen game.
How To Read A Slot Paytable For BAR Symbols
A slot’s paytable explains the value of each symbol and which combinations count as wins. On a digital slot, it is usually found via an info or menu button. On mechanical-style games, it may be shown on the cabinet or screen.
Look for the section listing single, double, and triple BARs. You’ll see the payout for three of a kind on an active payline, and in some games, a separate entry for mixed BAR combinations.
Paytables often include simple graphics so you can see how lines are formed. Because every slot is different, the values and combinations for BAR symbols can change from one title to the next.
Even with a clear paytable, a few myths still crop up around BARs.
Common Misconceptions About BAR Symbols
One myth is that BAR symbols are tied to bonuses or better chances of winning. In most cases, they are regular icons with no special effect on the odds. If a game has wilds, scatters, or features, those are shown separately in the paytable.
Another belief is that certain BAR patterns guarantee larger prizes. While triple BARs often pay more than single or double BARs, all outcomes are still selected at random and cannot be predicted.
Some players think the BAR symbol hides a deeper meaning or influences how a machine works. Its origin is simply practical design, not a secret mechanism.
If gambling starts to affect your well-being or finances, support is available. GamCare and GambleAware offer free, confidential help.
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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.