Wilds, Scatters and Bonus Icons in Slots

Slot machines have come a long way from the old mechanical ones with actual spinning reels and lever arms. Modern video slots displayed on screens provide engaging graphics, animations and a variety of innovative features. But one thing that hasn’t changed is the presence of special symbols that can affect gameplay and payouts.

Wild Symbols

The Wild is arguably the most popular type of slot symbol after the classic fruit and number icons. As the name suggests, Wilds act as joker cards, having the power to substitute for other symbols to complete winning combinations.

Some key facts about Wilds in games at 1 Red Сasino:

• They can replace any standard symbol but usually not other special icons like Scatters or Bonuses. Some slots have Expanding or Walking Wilds that cover entire reels and substitute for everything.
• Landing a Wild directly in a payline win will double or triple the regular amount. Or the payout may stay the same but become easier to trigger.
• Stacked Wilds pile up on reels, increasing the chance of forming multiple wins.
• Wilds almost always appear randomly, but some slots feature guaranteed or sticky Wilds that remain in place for subsequent spins.

Smart use of Wilds in the right situations can lead to some mega wins. Their ability to morph into what you need makes them one of the most valuable icons.

Scatter Symbols

Scatters are the other most commonly seen special symbol in modern video slots. They are powerful because, unlike normal icons, Scatters pay out when landing anywhere on the reels, not just on enabled paylines.

Here are key features of Scatters:

• Payouts for 2, 3, 4 or 5 Scatters landing, regardless of position. The more Scatters you hit, the bigger the win.
• Triggering Free Spins when 3 or more Scatters show up, awarding extra games with bonuses like multipliers.
• Scatter wins are added on top of payline wins, building your bankroll.
• On some slots, Scatters activate bonus rounds like Pick Me games for instant cash prizes when clicked.

With the ability to deliver payouts from almost anywhere and launch lucrative bonuses, Scatter symbols give your bankroll a powerful boost.

Bonus Symbols

The third type of special symbol bonus icons provides access to second-screen features like Pick Me games and Wheels of Fortune. Examples include:

Pick Me Bonuses

Show a grid of icons to pick from, revealing instant prizes matched to your choice. Prizes can be cash, multipliers, Free Spins or even progressive jackpots.

Wheels of Fortune

Spin the wheel indicator to win the cash prize that it lands on. Prizes get bigger on outer rings.

Trail Bonuses

Move along a path to open envelopes or stop at spots to win the matched prize. Different routes provide multipliers, cash prizes or bonuses.

Bonus symbols may vary in appearance, but all serve the same purpose of launching lucrative games for a chance to win big payouts in addition to regular slot play.

More Variations

While Wilds, Scatters and Bonuses are the most popular, some slots also use less common special symbols:

• Multipliers – Apply a 2X or 3X multiplier to any win they substitute in
• Extra Wilds – Transform other icons into additional Wilds
• Extra Scatters – Turn standard symbols into extra Scatters
• Locked – Holds a reel in place for an extra spin
• Respins – Awards a free re-spin with certain reels frozen

Using Special Symbols for Bigger Wins

Understanding the power of special icons is key to winning bigger payouts. Here are some tips on using them:

• Check paytables to learn the bonuses for different combos
• Maximize bets when you hit features to win their full potential
• Try slots with more Wilds and Scatters to trigger big wins
• Focus play around specials to optimize winning strategy

While normal symbols build regular wins from left to right paylines, special icons can quickly multiply payouts and launch lucrative bonus features. Learn to harness their power for some mega slot paydays!