On this page, we take a look at the main types of slot machine symbols and features you can expect to find in slots machines. If you're new to slots, our handy guide below will provide you with all the information you need to know.
For example, the liberty bell symbol, which was on the first slot machine built in 1899, is often used on popular slots. Other classic symbols include cherries, lemons, and lucky sevens. The bar symbol has also survived the test of time and nowadays is often modified to double bars, triple bars, and so on. With every year that advances on the online slots you play game today, the symbols used on slot machines both in the casino and as part of the online slot games change as well. They do this to keep the interest of the players and to move with the times so as not to be left in the past.
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Wild Symbol
A Wild symbol is one of the most common types of slot machine symbols. It can be found in the vast majority of modern 5 reel video slots machines. A Wild symbol simply substitutes for any other symbol. Rules vary depending on the game so you may find a Wild does not substitute for certain symbols, such as the Scatter symbol.
Exactly what happens when you get a winning line with the help of a Wild will also depend upon the rules of the game you are playing. For example, landing a winning line with the help of one or more Wilds may trigger bonus games, free spins, jackpots or other rewards.
As well as the standard Wilds, in some of the latest video slots machines, you can find Expanding Wilds. Which expand vertically or horizontally to helpfully cover more spaces on the reels. There's also Sticky Wilds which will stay in their position when you next spins the reels.
Scatter Symbol
The Scatter symbol is another very common symbol in slots machines. Scatters are really useful slot machine symbols. They can help you create wins regardless of where they land on the reels.
Depending on the game you are playing. Scatter symbols wins may trigger special features such as free spins, or bonus games. In which case they may also be known as Bonus Scatters.
Pictured is a Scatter symbol from our Merlin's Cave slot machine. Getting 3 or more anywhere on the reels will trigger the free spins feature.
Bonus Symbol
Bonus Symbols are symbols with the specific task of triggering bonus features. When they are part of a winning payline. The look of Bonus Symbols varies from game to game.
Please note that many slots machines do not have a specific Bonus Symbol. Offering instead Wild and or Scatter symbols which may trigger bonus features when they are part of a winning payline. These can be thought of as Bonus Wilds and Bonus Scatters. They will often be described as such in a game's paytable.
Pictured is a bonus symbol from our brilliant Robin Hood slot machine. Getting 3 or more anywhere on a payline triggers the Archery bonus game feature.
Free Spins Symbol
Free Spins Symbols are found in many 5 reel and video slots machines. Offering as they do the chance to spin the reels without spending any of your credits. Slots with Free Spins symbols are well worth keeping an eye out for. The nature of Free Spins symbols and Free Spins rules vary from game to game. You can find slot machines in which the Free Spins symbol only appears in a bonus game.
Typically a Free Spins feature has predefined limits such as rewarding you with 3 free spins. Before normal play resumes. However, you can find slots in which Free Spins can be re-triggered during your Free Spins feature. Which means that, in theory, and if you're lucky, you can spin for free many times, repeatedly winning more free spins rounds!
The majority of our slots machines have a free spins feature. The screenshot shows the free spins symbol in our Slots of Vegas slot machine.
Multiplier Symbol
Multiplier symbols appear in many video slots machines and are well worth looking out for. A multiplier symbol, as they imply, will multiply a win. So for example, if you win 300 credits with an x2 Multiplier symbol on your winning payline. Then you will win 600 credits. Multipliers can appear in the base game and/or bonus games or sometimes during special modes. Such as during Free Spins rounds. You can find slots where your multiplier increases with the idea being you try to build up your multiplier to the maximum amount.
Gamble Feature
Many slots machines have what is known as a Gamble feature. Typically this is triggered after a win and is a game of chance in which you can opt to gamble on the outcome of a random event. Such as the value or suite of the next playing card to be dealt, or the result of a dice throw (eg if it will be Odd or Even.)
Usually, the gamble feature odds are 50/50. If you guess correctly you'll double your winnings. Beware though - guess incorrectly and you'll lose your win. If you gamble and win. Some gamble features may give you further chances to win even more with subsequent gambles. Continuing until you opt to quit and return to the main game. Or predict incorrectly and so lose any accumulated gamble game winnings.
The gamble feature screenshot is from our Halloween Party slot machine. Which gives you the option of gambling on the playing card color or playing card suite.
Slot Themes
All slots machines have their own individual theme. Themes are varied and cover things such as sports, holiday seasons, adventure and exploration, Halloween, animals and wildlife, Science Fiction, ancient history, and legends etc. Such themes will determine the overall look of the game, of course. Be it a game that's set in the Wild West or a game with a glamorous and girly look set in a shopping mall or city location.
One of the most popular themes with slots players both online and in real-world casinos is the Cleopatra. We even have our very own Cleopatra themed slot with many of the features described on this page. Including a Pyramid bonus game, scatter symbol, wild symbol, and free spins feature.
Some of the big slots developers have attractive big budget slots machines with themes based on popular franchises. Such as famous Superhero and comic book characters. Including Spider Man & Judge Dredd. TV shows such as the X Factor, Hollywood stars and even video game characters. Playtech, for example, have a famous selection of DC Comics Superheroes slots machines. While developer Microgaming has video slots themed around Game of Thrones, Tomb Raider, Hitman, Batman, Hell Boy, Terminator and more.
If you take a look at our main slots page you can see we have plenty of themes to choose from. Including sports, shopping, Halloween, Christmas, Valentines and many more.
Now you're an expert on slot machine symbols and features you might also like to read our guide to the different slots types you can play. Or read up on the history of slots machines and check out our handy guide on how to play slots