Most fruit machines have three reels. Each reel has a number of symbols printed on it. Some of the symbols are fruits, (cherries, oranges, lemons), hence the name fruit machine. But BAR and 7 symbols are also popular. A line is drawn through the centre of the symbols on the reels highlighting the Pay Line. There are lots of different symbol combinations which can result on the pay line. Not all those combinations will win a prize. But those which do are listed on an award chart, together with the value of prize won. Most wins result when three symbols of the same kind are present on the pay line.

The maximum prizes a fruit machine can pay are governed by law. At present the maximum is £35.00 in an over 18's environment or £5.00 if minors are allowed to play (this is usually the case in seaside arcades).