Fruit Machines
Finally, true Fruit Machines have begun to hit online casinos and are enjoying a great popularity. There is some confusion with identifying Fruit Machines with Slot Machines though. It is worth noting that whilst a fruit machine is a type of slots machine, not all slots machines are fruit machines. To be classed as a fruit machine the game must have certain features including a nudge and a hold feature, a bonus in the form of a cash ladder and a bonus trail.
Features of a Fruit Machine
The following features are present on all Fruit Machine games, many fruit machines have other features as well these can include, hi / lo gamble options, as well as progressive jackpots amongst other things.
Nudge Feature - This is usually randomly triggered (but varies from game to game) and when light up the player can 'nudge' a chosen reel round a number of times to create a winning combination.
Hold Feature - Similar to the nudge feature the hold feature is usually randomly triggered and when the Hold buttons are lit up the player can choose to hold one or more of the reels still on the next spin. Thus allowing the player to increase the chances of getting a higher winning combination.
Cash Ladder - There are two basic ways a cash ladder can work on a Fruit Machine, the first is that as the player plays he earns a move up the cash ladder by having certain symbols appear on the reels. So the more he plays the high up the cash ladder the player gets. The other pay is for the lights on the cash ladder to flash really fast lighting up and down, and the player must press the stop button to stop the light (obviously trying to stop it whilst the light is on the highest value). This is great for those with fast reactions as they can get the light on a higher value more often and thus win more money.
Bonus Trail - The bonus trail on every fruit machine is different but like the cash ladder there are two basic ways in which it works. The first is that you move round as you get certain symbols on the reels. The second is that the lights around the cash ladder flash fast round and round and the player has to hit stop to stop it on a space that will be of benefit. Each space on the cash ladder represents something different for example if you land on one space you may get awarded 3 nudges, whilst the next space may award you 5 times you bet in cash and the next space might take you to the bottom of the cash ladder and so on.
History of Fruit Machines
To further describe these fruit machine games we'll start with a little history. A Fruit Machine is an AWP, which means Amusement with Prizes, this is because some can be play in amusements in the UK and used to give out prizes instead of money for winnings.
Fruit Machines have been widely popular in the UK for decades. You'll find them in nearly all of the local pubs and they are featured in the arcades, but are not usually found in casinos in the UK. Slots machines are though. The idea of a slot machine that paid off for winning combinations was taken to a different level and made into more of a skill game that was marketed in the UK, during the first few decades in the 1900's. The same man who built and designed the first slot machines, Charles Fey, is also credited for inspiring the development of the Fruit Machines. It wasn't until the mid 1960's that British law makers deemed that in order for these games to be legal, there must be some kind of skill associated with them, thus, came the Fruit Machine Games.
The skill that is involved in Fruit Machines is two fold, the first being with the 'Bonus Trail' feature. On online fruit machines you are taken to a secondary screen and asked to hit 'Spin' to start the feature (whilst in land based fruit machines the bonus trail is made up of a board with lights behind it). It's a lighted 'Trail' of possible prizes and you spin to reveal a number of movements to be made on the 'Trail', when your marker stops on a prize, you win it. Other features that bring in a skill element include the nudge, hold and cash ladder (see above).
More about the History of slot machines.
Online Fruit Machines
In the last year there has been an influx of Online Fruit Machines introduced at the most popular online casinos. These offer the same draw as those you may be accustomed to in your local pub. To get you familiar with each new game, you can find Free Fruit Machines are available too. These give you the chance to learn how to play and gain experience before making a deposit and playing with your own money. The free games play exactly the same way as the real games, without the risk. Once you're comfortable with the game and know how it works you can play for real and go for the money.
There are some tips you can use when playing Fruit Machines for real money. These are designed to help you make the most out of the game and can be applied if you are new to the game, or even if you're familiar with them. As with any type of gambling, know your limits and stay within your budget. This is the most important tip there is. With most Online Fruit Machines, you can select the coin size that is best suited to you, and that will allow you to bet the maximum coin denomination. Betting the maximum will gain you the best payouts for your wins. A final Fruit Machine tip is to play at the most reputable online casinos. Rely on websites such as this one to help you find the best, we promote only the most honest, reputable casinos that use top notch casino software, offer the best games and have a reliable customer support department.
Reviews of Online Fruit Machines
There are a wide selection of Online Fruit Machines and we have reviewed most of them. Here are a selection of the most popular.
Treasure Ireland is was launched in January 2008 and has comical Irish Pirates theme, to make it more life like this game allows players to take a peek before nudging a reel to see what symbol they will be bringing round.
The Hulk Fruit Machine is packed full of features, and has two bonus trails, a hi lo gamble feature, a scatter symbol, a safe bank and a cash pot! Note US Players can not play at casinos that offer this game.
The Gee Gees is a fruit machine game based on the Bee Gees and has a Saturday night fever theme. Launched in November 2007 this game has all the classic fruit machine features including, nudge, hold, cash ladder and bonus trail.
