Slot machines are some of the most popular games in both physical and online casinos. Whether you’re exploring classic three-reel slots or modern video slots, understanding the different types of symbols can help you make sense of how these games work.
This guide will explain the key slot machine symbols you’re likely to see, what they mean, and how they affect gameplay. Whether you’re new to slots or looking to refresh your knowledge, this overview will give you a clear foundation.
What Are Slot Machine Symbols?
Slot machine symbols are the icons that appear on the reels during play. When certain combinations of these symbols land on an active payline, they create winning outcomes.
While traditional slot machines featured simple symbols like fruits, bars and sevens, modern online slots include a variety of themed and special symbols. These often introduce additional features such as free spins or bonus rounds.
At 7bet, you’ll find a range of online slots that use different combinations of these symbols, each with their own mechanics and designs.
Standard Symbols
Low-Value Symbols
In most slots, the lowest-paying symbols are represented by playing card icons: 10, J, Q, K, and A. These appear frequently and contribute to smaller wins.
High-Value Symbols
High-value symbols often reflect the theme of the slot. For example, in a safari-themed game, you might see animals or adventure equipment. Landing combinations of these symbols usually results in larger payouts.
Wild Symbols
What Is a Wild Symbol?
A Wild symbol acts as a substitute for other standard symbols on the reels, helping form winning combinations. Think of it as a joker in a card game, it fills in the gaps to complete a line.
Types of Wilds
Modern slots often introduce variations of the Wild, including:
- Expanding Wilds: These grow to cover entire reels.
- Sticky Wilds: These stay in place for a set number of spins.
- Shifting Wilds: These move across reels between spins.
Wilds are a common feature in many of the games available here at 7bet.
Scatter Symbols
What Is a Scatter Symbol?
Unlike most symbols, Scatters do not need to appear on a payline to activate their effect. Instead, they can trigger bonus features when a certain number lands anywhere on the reels.
Why Are Scatters Important?
Scatters often unlock features such as:
- Free spins
- Bonus rounds
- Multiplier prizes
For example, landing three or more Scatters may trigger a free spins round, where players get a set number of spins without placing additional bets.
Bonus Symbols
Bonus symbols are similar to Scatters but are specifically tied to bonus games within the slot. When triggered, they take players to interactive rounds where additional prizes or features can be won.
This could include picking hidden items, spinning a bonus wheel, or progressing through a themed mini-game.
Multiplier Symbols
Multiplier symbols increase the value of any winning combination they’re part of. A 2x multiplier, for instance, doubles the payout, while higher multipliers can offer larger enhancements.
Some slots combine multipliers with other features, such as applying them during free spins for even greater potential rewards.
Special Symbols in Modern Video Slots
Modern video slots often include advanced symbols with unique mechanics. These may include:
- Overlay Wilds: Appearing in random patterns over the reels.
- Cascading Symbols: Winning symbols disappear and are replaced by new ones, allowing for consecutive wins in a single spin.
- Colossal Symbols: Oversized symbols that cover multiple reel positions.
These features help keep gameplay varied and are part of what makes video slots popular among players. Check out our guide on how to play online video slots here if you want to learn more.
Slot Symbols in Live Casino Games
Some live casino game shows incorporate slot-style mechanics, using symbols and reels in a live-streamed environment. At 7bet, you can explore interactive games that combine traditional slot elements with real-time hosts and multiplayer features.
This approach offers a different experience from standard online slots while using many of the same symbols and mechanics.
Why Understanding Symbols Matters
While slot games are based on chance, knowing what each symbol does can help you make informed choices. Recognising the role of Wilds, Scatters, and bonus symbols allows you to follow the game’s flow and fully understand the features it offers.
Whether you’re exploring new casino slot games here at 7bet, a UK online casino, or trying out live casino games, this knowledge is a useful starting point.
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