Scatters, Wilds, and Symbols – What Are They in Online Slots?

Online slots are super popular these days, and for good reason – they’re easy to play, come in a ton of different themes, and have the potential to pay out big bucks. But if you really want to understand these games and make the most of them, you gotta know what the different symbols and features are all about. In this article, we’re gonna break down scatters, wilds, and symbols in online slots and show you how they can affect your gameplay and winnings.

slot machines lined up in a row at a casino

Scatter Symbols

Scatter symbols are some of the most important symbols to keep an eye out for when you’re playing online slots. These symbols are usually represented by a specific image or symbol, like a scatter icon or a bonus symbol. They’re called scatter symbols ’cause they don’t have to appear in a specific order or location on the reels to trigger a win. All they gotta do is show up a certain number of times on the reels to activate a bonus round or free spins.

One of the biggest perks of scatter symbols is that they can trigger bonus rounds or free spins, which can seriously boost your chances of winning. For example, if you land three scatter symbols on the reels, you might be able to trigger a bonus round or free spins, which can give you extra opportunities to hit it big. Plus, some slots games also offer scatter pays, which pay out a prize even if the scatter symbols don’t trigger a bonus round.

Wild Symbols

Wild symbols are another important symbol to keep an eye out for when you’re playing online slots. These symbols are usually represented by a wild icon or a substitute symbol, and they have the power to substitute for other symbols on the reels to create winning combinations. For example, if you have a wild symbol on the reels and two matching symbols, the wild symbol will substitute for the missing symbol and create a winning combination.

One of the biggest perks of wild symbols is that they can seriously increase your chances of winning. Since they can substitute for other symbols, they can make it easier to create winning combinations. Plus, some slots games also offer wild multipliers, which can multiply your winnings by a certain amount.

slot reels lined up to make a pair

Slot Symbols

Symbols are the building blocks of online slots. These symbols are usually represented by different images or icons, like fruits, numbers, or letters. They’re arranged on the reels in a specific order, and the goal of the game is to match up as many symbols as possible to create winning combinations.

The symbols in online slots come in a ton of different themes and styles. Some slots games use traditional symbols like fruits, while others use more modern symbols like characters or animals. Plus, some slots games also use special symbols like wilds or scatters, which can have a big impact on your gameplay and winnings.

Fruit Slot Machine Symbols

Fruit slot machine symbols are a staple of the classic slot machine. These symbols are often represented by images of fruits such as lemons, cherries, and oranges. Fruit symbols are easy to recognize and understand, and they are often used in vintage or classic slot machines. They are also used in modern slot machines as well, often as a nod to the history of slot machines. Landing a certain number of fruit symbols on the reels can trigger a winning combination or even a jackpot.

Bar Slot Machine Symbols

Bar slot machine symbols are another classic symbol found in many vintage and classic slot machines. These symbols are often represented by images of bars, such as single bars, double bars, and triple bars. Bar symbols are easy to recognize and understand, and they often have different values depending on the type of bar. Single bars may have a lower value than double bars, for example. Landing a certain number of bar symbols on the reels can trigger a winning combination or even a jackpot.

Scatters Slot Symbols

Scatters slot symbols are a special type of symbol that can trigger bonus rounds or free spins. These symbols are often represented by a scatter icon or a bonus symbol, and they do not have to appear in a specific order or location on the reels to trigger a win. Landing a certain number of scatter symbols on the reels can activate a bonus round or free spins, increasing the chances of winning. Some slots games also offer scatter pays, which pay out a prize even if the scatter symbols don’t trigger a bonus round.

slot reels lined up to make a pair

Vintage Slot Machine Symbols

Vintage slot machine symbols are a nod to the history of slot machines. These symbols are often found on classic or vintage slot machines and are easy to recognize and understand. They include symbols such as fruits, bars, and sevens. 

These symbols evoke a sense of nostalgia for the early days of slot machines and are often used in games that are designed to mimic the look and feel of classic slot machines. Vintage slot machines symbols are often simpler in design and may not have as many features as modern slot machines, but they can still offer big payouts and a fun gaming experience.

How Many Symbols on a Slot Machine Reel

The number of symbols on a slot machine reel can vary depending on the game. Typically, a slot machine reel will have between 10-20 symbols, however this can vary greatly. Some slot machines may have as few as 3 symbols on each reel, while others may have as many as 30 or more. 

In general, the more symbols that are on a reel, the more chances players have to create winning combinations. However, it’s worth noting that the number of symbols on a reel does not directly correlate to a game’s payout rate or odds of winning.