Due to the Liberty Bell's success, similar machines began to appear in saloons & gambling establishments across the United States. This signaled the start of a new era in gaming, one in which the general public could now enjoy chance-based entertaglobal slotsinment. The regulatory environment around slot machines expanded along with their popularity. As a result of state laws restricting gambling by the early 20th century, "fruit machines" that gave out candy or chewing gum in place of cash prizes became more popular. These devices deftly got around legal limitations without sacrificing their allure for players. Economic hardship brought about by the Great Depression made things even more complicated by raising scrutiny of gambling activities.