Slot machines have come a long way and have evolved. Players will always get more from slots developers, from classic games to slots with catchy fruit icons and, most importantly, special feature symbols. These special symbols, wilds, scatters, and bonus icons are more than flashy designs. They help players to get bigger wins, especially when featured in high RTP slots.
As newer games continue to evolve across platforms such as classic titles, progressive jackpot slots or Megaways formats, or themed video slots at an online casino, understanding the role of these symbols can help players understand how bonus rounds are structured.
In this post, you will discover facts about special feature symbols, what they are, and how they can be used to have an amazing experience at casinos.
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⚠️ Disclaimer: Gambling involves financial risk and should be approached responsibly. Readers must be 18 years or older (or the legal age in their jurisdiction) to participate in any form of gambling. For guidance and safe play, visit BeGambleAware.org. |
What are Special Feature Symbols?
Typically, special symbols mean characters unrelated to the standard numbered or lettered orders. They could be signs or punctuation marks, such as exclamation marks (!), a question mark (?), or a dollar sign ($). In gambling, special feature symbols are special, just as the name implies. They are multipliers, wilds, scatters, and bonus symbols that add to the fun of slot machines.
"Slot machine outcomes are determined using a Random Number Generator (RNG), which is a mathematically-based program that selects groups of numbers to determine which symbols are selected to produce a winning or losing outcome" - New York State This is true, as gambling is more of a game of luck. Still, with special feature symbols, players can unlock more free spins and bonus rounds and increase their potential payouts.
Types of Special Feature Symbols
According to Investopedia, gambling is a lucrative business, as commercial casino gaming yielded a revenue increase of 21%, amounting to $60.46 billion in 2022. Further research has shown that extra special feature symbols on slot machines are a top attraction for casino players. Booming gambling businesses are known to feature slots with different types of special feature symbols, which include wild symbols, scatter symbols, and bonus symbols in UK licensed online and mobile platforms.
1. Wild symbols
Wild symbols are one of the most common symbols you will encounter at slot machines. They substitute for most other symbols on the reels, helping players hit that jackpot! Let's say you miss a symbol to complete your payline, a wild can help you win it.
For example, the wild symbol appears as a colourful bearded fisherman in the Big Bass Splash, and it can be used for the Free Spins feature, substituting for all symbols except the scatter symbol. During the Free Spins, each wild fisherman symbol that lands on the reels collects the values of all visible fish Money symbols. At the same time, the fish symbols come with random cash values. Additionally, the Big Bass Splash has a progressive feature, such that you retrigger the Free Spins every fourth wild symbol so you can get up to 10 extra spins.
2. Scatter symbols
With three or more scatter symbols, you get to activate a free spins bonus round. Also, the scatter symbols in some slots start interactive mini-games or bonus rounds that offer multipliers and cash prizes. Scatter symbols are one of the most exciting features in slot machines because they help hit winning combinations without needing to land on any specific payline.
3. Bonus symbols
Bonus symbols are another special feature in slot machines. Unlike wild and scatter symbols, bonus symbols don't always serve as direct substitutes for other symbols. Instead, they open the door to some of the most rewarding experiences a slot offers by activating special game features like a jackpot round or wheel of fortune. For bonus symbols, you might spin a prize wheel, open treasure chests, or select mystery items to reveal instant wins or multipliers.
4. Multiplier symbols
Multiplier symbols are powerful special features that can appear in both base games and bonus rounds and are often among the most desired symbols. This is because multipliers have the potential to increase total rewards. When a multiplier symbol is part of a winning spin, it increases the payout by its multiplier value, such as 2x, 3x, 5x, or even up to 100x in some games.
In Area Link Dragon, a slot game developed by Games Global, the Area Link bonus feature is activated by collecting coloured Fireball symbols, each corresponding to a unique dragon egg modifier. When you get a Green Dragon upgrade, a random multiplier is applied to each new Fireball symbol that lands on the reels during the bonus round.
The difference between wilds, scatters, bonuses, and multipliers symbols
The table below summarizes the differences between wilds, scatters, bonuses, and multipliers symbols.
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Symbol Type |
Function |
Where it appears |
|
Wild symbol |
It substitutes for other symbols to form winning combinations. |
Base game and bonus rounds |
|
Scatter symbol |
It triggers free spins or bonus features, and often pays anywhere. |
Anywhere on the reels |
|
Bonus symbol |
It unlocks bonus games or special interactive features. |
Specific reels (usually 1,3,5) |
|
Multiplier |
It multipliers the payout of a win by a specific factor. |
Base or bonus rounds |
If a slot includes promotional free-spin features, players can review applicable terms on the promotions page.
Other Icons Used in Special Feature Symbols
In special feature symbols, developers use icons or symbols beyond traditional fruits and bars. Thus, beyond the wild, scatter, bonus, and multiplier symbols, you might come across money features, collectors, and free spins.
"The difference between winning and losing is most often not quitting" - Walt Disney. As much as special feature symbols are designed to trigger bonuses and rewards, it's also important how each of the icons works.
- Money symbols: These icons include cash amounts, gold coins, dragon eggs, and gems, and they help display the values collected during game features.
- Collector symbols: These include characters like fishermen, miners, or beasts. Collector symbols can also be baskets and coloured dragons, which help collect values, trigger upgrades, or modify the bonus round.
- Free spins: These include icons like clocks, books, moons, or anything visually tied to the game's theme with "Free Spins" text.
- Themed symbols: These symbols range from ancient gods, fishing, and weapons to futuristic tech, depending on the slot's narrative. They usually blend with stories while serving as wilds, bonuses or feature triggers.
Conclusion
From wilds and scatters to bonus symbols and multipliers, each symbol uniquely boosts players' winnings. Special feature symbols keep things exciting, especially when combined with quality UK casino tables, and you play on reputable casino platforms. You can be sure to get a premium gaming experience. So, pay attention to those special symbols next time you play as you focus on hitting your next big win! Learn more at Prime Casino.
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