Slot machines are one of the widely played casino games online because of their simplicity. While it is easy to understand the gameplay of slot machines, there's more to playing slot machines than simply spinning the reels, like the symbols on the reels of the game.
Aside from the regular symbols you find on the slot machine of a trusted UK operators casino, there are other special symbols on the slot machine that stand out like the scatter symbol. In this guide, we’ll be talking about everything you need to know about the scatter symbols, from what they are, to how to identify them, their types, what differentiates them from wild symbols, and everything in-between.
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⚠️ Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only. Gambling involves risk, and there is no guaranteed strategy for winning. Always play responsibly and understand the casino payout rules properly. If you need help, visit BeGambleAware.org. |
What are scatter symbols?
One of the roles of scatter symbol is that it can trigger access to the game bonus round. Unlike regular symbols that you need to land a payline to trigger a win, the scatter symbols can appear anywhere in the row or column of the reel and reward you.
When the scatter symbol appears during gameplay, it can trigger unique features like bonus rounds, free spins, and multipliers, which adds an extra layer of excitement to the game. These scatter symbols can appear anywhere in the reel, but are not eligible for replacement with wilds. Additionally, because scatter symbols give players access to high-paying bonus features, making them one of the most valuable symbols in the entire game. As you play and hope to get these higher paying symbols, remember as poker player V.P. Pappy ones said “Gambling is not about how well you play the games; it’s really about how well you handle your money.”
How to identify scatter symbols in slots?
If it’s your first time playing any slot machine, an easy way to identify the scatter symbol is to check the paytable. The scatter symbol on one slot machine can look completely different on another, but they behave similarly. But in most cases, scatter symbols have a generic design with the word “Scatter” labelled across it making it hard to miss it.
Whereas on some other slot machines, particularly themed-slot, the scatter symbol often features images that are relevant to the slot's theme. For example, in the slot Big Bass Splash from Pragmatic Play, the scatter symbol is a fishing boat, which aligns with the aquatic theme of the game. Big Bass Splash is a slot series with Pragmatic Play recently releasing a horse race-based theme keeping the series fresh.
Scatter symbols appear in many game types, including jackpot slots, Megaways titles, and traditional video slots available at an online casino
Types of scatter symbols
Another important feature of the scatter symbol you should know is that there are various types. Depending on the slot machine you’re playing, the way the scatter symbol works on that slot machine may differ from how it works on another machine during the base game. As such, we have curated some of the most common types of scatter symbols you can come across when playing slot games below:
- Free spins scatter: As the name implies, this type of scatter symbol rewards you with free spins. It is the most common type of scatter symbol you can find on most slot machines. When you trigger the scatter symbol on this type of slot machine, you get rewarded with a specific number of spins. And during the free spin, you can land three or more identical symbols on the reels which can retrigger more free spins, and can as well turn into scatter pays and expanding scatter symbols.
- Paying scatter: Paying scatter is another common type of scatter symbol that serves as a value symbol. In most cases, a paying scatter symbol is the highest value symbol in the game offering a payout when you land three or more of them on the reel. For example, for landing 3, 4, or 5 paying scatter symbols, the slot machine may reward you with 20x, 50x, and 100x respectively.
- Wild scatters: Some slot machines feature the wild scatter that can play the role of the wild symbol. This type of scatter can replace regular symbols to contribute to the winning combination.
- Bonus buy scatters: In some slot machine, landing the scatter symbol triggers the bonus buy feature. With the bonus buy feature, you can buy 3 to 5 scatters for a specified fee. Buying these scatter symbols gives you instant access to the bonus round.
- Other bonus game scatters: There are some modern slot machines UK that feature a scatter symbol that can trigger access to other bonus games and bonus modes. This can include options like the in-game jackpot ladders which offer instant payouts, and so on.
What are the differences between scatters and wild symbols?
The scatter symbol and the wild symbol are special symbols you’ll often come across when playing the slot machine. Some of these differences includes:
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Scatter Symbol |
Wild Symbol |
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Triggers special features like bonus rounds |
Substitute other symbols to form winning combo |
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Can appear anywhere on the reel |
Must appear on a payline to contribute to the a win |
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Often pays when a certain number appears anywhere |
Only pays when it is part of a winning line |
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Appears less frequently compared to wild symbol |
More common compared to scatter symbol |
The functions of scatter symbols remain the same whether playing on desktop or mobile.
Tips for playing slots with scatter symbols
Scatter symbols offer several unique advantages in the slot machine. As such, if you want to enjoy the many benefits that come with landing a scatter symbol. Below are a few tips to assist you.
Tips of slot machines with scatter symbols
- Play slots with free spins: When choosing a slot machine to play, look for one with plenty free spin. And not just free spins but a slot machine, that one where the free spin can trigger the scatter symbol. With the free spin you get to enjoy multiple chances to win without wagering real money, and can trigger scatter symbols in the process.
- Look for slots with high scatter payouts: Also, when choosing an online gambling slots UK machine, look for one that offers better payouts for scatter symbols. Research the game’s paytable and find out how valuable the scatter symbols are.
- Watch for special bonus rounds: Many slot machines are designed with bonus rounds which are often triggered by scatter symbols. Ensure the slot machine you choose offers attractive bonus rounds. And ensure to gamble responsibly. As Mike McDermott said from the 1998 movie Rounders, “If you can't spot the sucker in your first half hour at the table, then you ARE the sucker.”
When assessing promotional offers, always review the terms via the promotions page and understand any wagering requirements applied to free-spin bonuses.
Scatter features can provide additional gameplay variety. However, outcomes remain random and no feature guarantees wins. For information on safe play practices, visit responsible gaming.
Conclusion
In conclusion, scatter symbols are exciting features in slot machines that offer players the chance to unlock free spins, bonus rounds and so much more. All players’ needs is to line up a certain number of scatter symbols on the reels to trigger this special feature. Understanding what the scatter symbol is and how they work on the slot machine shows there’s more to the slot game than simply spinning the reels. When you incorporate scatter symbols into your strategy when playing slot machines at a modern casino UK, it enhances your gaming experience and potentially increases your chances of hitting it big. Learn more at Prime Casino
