These machines are designed to dispense small portions of bubble gum to customers for a small fee, typically a few cents. The history of bubble gum dispensers dates back to the early 1900s when chewing gum became popular in the United States.

The first commercial bubble gum was introduced in 1928 by the Fleer Corporation. The gum was called "Dubble Bubble" and quickly became a hit with children and adults alike.

The gum was sold in sticks and was wrapped in wax paper. At the time, chewing gum was sold in packs, and customers would have to purchase an entire pack to get a piece of gum.

The introduction of bubble gum in a single stick allowed customers to purchase smaller amounts of gum, making it more accessible.

As the popularity of bubble gum grew, companies began to develop machines to dispense the gum. The first bubble gum dispenser was introduced in 1947 by the Norris Manufacturing Company. The machine was called the "Master" and was designed to dispense Dubble Bubble gum.

The machine was a simple design that used a lever to release a single piece of gum.

Over the years, bubble gum dispensers became more elaborate and decorative. In the 1950s and 1960s, many bubble gum dispensers were designed to look like characters from popular TV shows and movies. These machines were often made of plastic and had a coin-operated mechanism that would release a single piece of gum when a customer inserted a coin.

In the 1970s and 1980s, bubble gum dispensers became more high-tech. Many machines were designed to light up and play music when a customer inserted a coin. These machines were often found in arcades and other entertainment venues.

Today, bubble gum dispensers are still a popular fixture in candy shops and other retail locations. While many of the machines are still coin-operated, some are now designed to accept credit cards or mobile payments. Additionally, some bubble gum dispensers are now designed to dispense other types of candy, such as gumballs or small chocolates.

One of the most popular types of bubble gum dispensers today is the gumball machine. Gumball machines are typically made of glass or plastic and are designed to hold large quantities of gumballs. Customers insert a coin, and the machine dispenses a single gumball. Gumball machines are often found in restaurants, grocery stores, and other retail locations.

In recent years, bubble gum dispensers have also become popular among collectors. Vintage bubble gum dispensers, particularly those designed to look like characters from popular TV shows and movies, can be worth a significant amount of money. Some collectors specialize in bubble gum dispensers from a particular era, such as the 1950s or 1960s.

Bubble gum dispensers have undergone significant changes since their inception in the early 1900s, and they remain a popular feature in many retail locations today. In addition to dispensing bubble gum, modern dispensers can also dispense other types of candy and are designed to accept a range of payment methods, including credit cards and mobile payments.

While some bubble gum dispensers are still coin-operated, others have evolved to keep up with the changing times. Gumball machines are a prime example of this evolution, with their ability to hold large quantities of gumballs and dispense them with the insertion of a coin.

Furthermore, collectors of vintage bubble gum dispensers are fascinated with the unique designs and styles that have come and gone over the years.

Despite their evolution, bubble gum dispensers have remained a cherished fixture in the American retail landscape. As such, they continue to be popular among both collectors and those looking for a quick and easy way to satisfy their sweet tooth.

With their continued popularity, it's safe to say that bubble gum dispensers will remain an enduring aspect of American culture for years to come.