Standard | Wild | Scatter | Coin | Mystery | Sticky | Multiplier | Stacked | Bonus
Reels make the slots world go round, but it’s symbols that turn spins into prizes. Only by matching symbols can you get winnings from a slot game, which is why it’s crucial to know what you’re dealing with. This guide explains how these icons are important in a slot game and influence the outcome of a spin.
What are Slot Symbols?
Slot symbols are visual icons or images that appear on the reels of a slot machine. These symbols are a fundamental part of slot games and contribute to both the visual appeal and the mechanics of the gameplay. They come in various forms, each representing a different value, theme, or function within the game.
The arrangement of these symbols on the reels determines the outcome of each spin. When the reels stop spinning, specific combinations of symbols across designated winlines can result in winning prizes.
Types of Slot Machine Icons
Slot machine icons come in various types, each adding a unique flavor to the gameplay and contributing to the overall entertainment value. Here are some common types of slot machine icons you might encounter:
Standard Symbols
Standard symbols in slot games encompass various categories that contribute to the visual appeal and winning potential of the game.
- Minor Symbols: These are the lower-rewarding symbols that contribute to smaller wins and add variety to the gameplay. Usually, these are the playing card symbols like A, K, Q, J, 10, or other minor theme-related icons. For instance, in a classic slot, you might find oranges, lemons, and grapes as the low-win symbols. While they don’t provide as substantial prizes as major symbols, they are essential for maintaining the balance of the game’s rewards.
- Major Symbols: These are the higher-rewarding symbols that usually have a more significant role in the game’s theme or narrative. They offer larger prizes and are often tied to special features or bonus rounds within the game. Going back to the same example as above, in a classic slot, the high-win symbols might include lucky 777 or BAR icons. Similarly, in an Egyptian-themed slot, the Pharoah and scarabs could be the high-win symbols.
In addition to standard symbols, some slot games feature special symbols with unique functions, such as:
Wilds
Wild symbols have the power to substitute for other symbols and create winning combinations if enough matches are in view. Their specific role can change and vary across different slot machine games.
Scatters
Scatter symbols serve as your ticket to bonus features, usually triggering free spins. You typically need to land three or more scatters to trigger a bonus – this varies from slot to slot.
Coin Symbols
Coins symbols have the potential to unlock instant prizes, trigger special features, or activate jackpots in certain slot machine games.
Mystery Symbols
Mystery symbols possess an intriguing charm. Why? Because they’re mysterious as the name implies. These symbols are typically random and can do anything including transform into other symbols, often leading to unexpected winning combinations.
Sticky Symbols
Sticky symbols hold their position for multiple spins. This has the effect of increasing your chances of making winning combinations, especially if the sticky symbols are wild.
Multipliers
Multipliers increase your winnings. They do this by multiplying them by a certain number. So, if the prize is five coins and you hit a 10x multiplier, the prize increases to 50 coins.
Stacked Symbols
Stacked symbols can pile up on top of each other to cover some or all rows on a particular reel. Like wilds and stickies, stacked symbols can improve your chances of making a winning combination.
Bonus Symbols
Bonus symbols have the power to unlock special features, such as free spins, interactive mini-games, multipliers, or progressive jackpots.
Wrapping Up
Slot symbols give games character, but most importantly they’re key to unlocking prizes. Therefore, it’s worth looking through our collection of online slots to find games with symbols that pique your interest. Indeed, the right icons will present to you a frenetic world full of fun and win potential.
FAQs
How many symbols are there in slot machines?
The number of symbols can vary depending on the game’s design and complexity, but you’ll typically have between eight and 12 in play.
What are the classic slot game symbols?
Classic slot game symbols include fruits, such as cherries, lemons, and 7s. Bar symbols and bells are also classed as traditional slot symbols.
Where do slot machine symbols come from?
Slot machine symbols originated from the first mechanical slot machines, where fruit symbols represented different flavors of gum.
What is the oldest slot machine symbol?
The Liberty Bell, used in the first mechanical slot machine, is the oldest known symbol. Bells have been used ever since and are now popular in online slot gaming.