What You Should Know About Slot Machine Symbols and Icons
Slot machines have been around for over a century, and they have become an iconic part of the casino industry. One of the most important elements of a slot machine is the symbols and icons that appear on the reels. These symbols can have a significant impact on the game and can often determine whether or not you win.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about slot machine symbols and icons, including what they are and how they work. Whether you’re playing on free slot machines or you’re playing for real money, knowing these symbols and how they work is very important if you’re looking for a superb gaming experience.
What Are Slot Machine Symbols?
Slot machine symbols are the images or icons that appear on the reels of a slot machine. These symbols are the main way to win prizes in the game. The symbols can be anything from traditional slot machine symbols like cherries and 7s to more modern symbols like superheroes or movie characters.
How Do Slot Machine Symbols Work?
The symbols on a slot machine are set up in a specific way to give players a certain chance of winning. The odds of winning are determined by the number of symbols on the reels, the number of reels, and the number of paylines. When you spin the reels, the machine randomly selects symbols to appear on each reel.
If the symbols match up in a certain combination, you win a prize. The amount of the prize is determined by the specific combination of symbols that appear on the payline. The more symbols that match up, the higher the prize. Some symbols may also trigger bonus features or free spins, which can give you even more chances to win.
Popular Types of Symbols
There are many types of symbols, with some being more popular than others. Below you’ll find the list of most recognisable ones.
Classic Symbols
Classic symbols are the traditional symbols that have been used in slot machines for decades and can be considered gambling world’s attraction. They include fruits like cherries, oranges, and watermelons, as well as other symbols like 7s and BARs.
Cherries are one of the most iconic symbols in slot machines. They have been used in slot machines since their earliest days and are often associated with the simplicity and nostalgia of classic slot machines.
- Bars are another common symbol in slot machines. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from single bars to triple bars.
- Bars are often associated with the classic feel of slot machines.
- Sevens are often considered the lucky number in many cultures, and slot machines are no exception. They are one of the most valuable symbols in slot machines and tend to offer large payouts.
- Lemons are another classic symbol in slot machines. They usually indicate a sour taste of disappointment, as they are generally considered a lower-value symbol.
Theme Symbols
Theme symbols are symbols that are based on a specific theme or concept. For example, a slot machine based on a superhero movie might have symbols of the main characters, while a slot machine based on ancient Egypt might have symbols of pyramids and hieroglyphics. These symbols are designed to add an extra level of excitement to the game and can often trigger bonus features or free spins.
Wild Symbols
Wild symbols are some of the most valuable symbols in a slot machine game. They work by substituting for any other symbols in the game, which means that they can be used to create winning combinations where there would have otherwise been none.
The wild symbol usually takes the form of an icon that is related to the theme of the game. For example, in a game that has a jungle theme, the wild symbol may be a tiger or a lion. In a game that has a fruit theme, the wild symbol may be a fruit symbol such as a cherry or a watermelon.
To understand how the wild symbol works, it is important to first understand how a slot machine game is played. Slot machines are made up of a set of reels, usually between three and five, with a set number of paylines. When a player places a bet, the reels spin and come to a stop, revealing a random combination of symbols.
Wild Symbols in Slots
In some slot machines, the wild symbol also comes with a multiplier. This means that when the wild symbol is used to complete a winning combination, the payout for that combination is multiplied by a specific amount. For example, if the wild symbol has a 2x multiplier and is used to complete a winning combination that would have paid 100 coins, the player will receive a payout of 200 coins. There are several types of wild symbols that players may come across in a slot machine game.
- Expanding wilds expand to cover the entire reel, making it easier for the player to land a win.
- Stacked wilds stack on top of each other, increasing the player’s chances of creating multiple winning combinations.
- Sticky wilds remain in place for a specific number of spins, which increases the player’s chances of winning.
- Walking wilds move from one reel to another after each spin, increasing a player’s winning chances.
Scatter Symbols
Scatter symbols are special symbols that are found in most slot machine games. They are usually designed to fit in with the theme of the game and can take on a wide variety of shapes and forms. The purpose of a scatter symbol is to trigger a bonus feature or payout when a specific number of them appear on the reels.
Unlike regular symbols, scatter symbols do not need to appear on a specific payline to be considered a win. Instead, they can appear anywhere on the reels to trigger a payout or bonus feature. This makes scatter symbols a valuable addition to any slot machine game, as they offer players an additional chance to win big.
When a player lands a certain number of scatter symbols on the reels, they can trigger a bonus feature. The exact number of scatter symbols required to trigger a bonus feature varies from game to game. In some slot machines, two or three scatter symbols may be enough to trigger a bonus feature, while in others, five or more may be required.
Scatter Symbols and Bonuses
The type of bonus feature that is triggered by scatter symbols also varies from game to game. Some bonus features include free spins, where players are given a certain number of spins that they do not have to pay for. Other bonus features may include multipliers, where the payout for a winning combination is increased by a certain amount.
Scatter symbols can also trigger a progressive jackpot. A progressive jackpot is a jackpot that increases in value every time a player makes a bet. When a player lands a specific combination of scatter symbols on the reels, they can trigger the progressive jackpot and win a potentially life-changing amount of money.
It is important to note that scatter symbols do not always trigger a bonus feature or payout. In some cases, they may simply offer a small payout when a certain number of them land on the reels. However, the potential for a big win is always there when scatter symbols are in play.
Conclusion
Slot machine symbols are an essential part of the game and can often determine whether or not you win. As a new slot player, understanding how these symbols work and what they mean can help you have a better chance of winning big prizes.
