Slot machines are one of the most popular online casino games and one of their distinct characteristics is standard symbols. Standard symbols are icons like fruits, numbers, and classic shapes that attract players and boost their gameplay. While standard symbols appear simple, they are also major contributors to slots with smooth gameplay, to influence player's experience.
In this article, you will discover everything you need to know about standard symbols, their mechanisms, and some popular examples.
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⚠️ Disclaimer: This article does not promote or encourage addictive gambling in any form. Remember, all casino games involve risk, including standard symbols. Play responsibly, set limits, and know when to walk away. |
What are Standard Symbols in Casino Games?
Standard symbols in casino games are the basic icons commonly found on classic slots and used to form winning combinations. Some standard symbols follow the game themes. For instance, in Monopoly Megaways, you will come across standard symbols 9, 10, J, Q, K, A, and styled in bold colours. In this megaways slot, you will also find monopoly-themed characters or symbols such as battleships, cars, and top hats, a high-paying standard symbol.
The table below showcases the main standard symbols on slot machines, their examples, and their functions.
|
Standard Symbols |
Function |
Examples |
|
Fruit symbols |
These are simple and colourful symbols, usually with low to mid-paying potential. |
Cherries, Lemons, Oranges, Plums, Grapes, Watermelons |
|
BAR symbols |
The more BARs you stack at a casino, the higher the payout. BARs are mid-range paying symbols. |
Single BAR, Double BAR, and Triple BAR |
|
Lucky 7s |
These are often high-paying standard symbols and are sometimes the highest in classic slots. |
Red 7, Double 7, Triple 7 |
|
Card suit symbols |
These are low-paying symbols and are used to fill reels. The payout is low but usually frequent. |
10, J, Q, K, A (Diamonds, Clubs, Hearts, Spades) |
|
Themed icons |
These are symbols that match slot or casino themes. Although some are special symbols, the mechanics are still similar to standard symbols as they change from game to game. |
Gold coins in pirate slots, hieroglyphs in Egyptian slots |
Understanding the function of each symbol highlighted in the table above will also help you place more strategic bets and have fun while doing so.
The Role of Standard Symbols in Slot Mechanics
Michael Jordan said, "I want people to understand, gambling is not a bad thing if you do it within the framework of what it's meant to be, which is fun and entertaining". Symbols are essential in gambling because they play a crucial role in slot mechanics, and they determine if a regular player can have fun with gambling or not, under normal conditions.
Below are the roles of standard symbols in slot mechanics and how they create fun for gamblers.
- Forms winning combinations: Standard symbols form most winning combinations during base gameplay. The more symbols you match, the more you keep triggering wins on the slot machine.
- Determines paytable structure: Low-value standard symbols appear more frequently in a paytable, while the high-value ones appear less frequently. This helps to create a balance and maintain volatility throughout the game.
- Boosts player engagement: Even if a player doesn't land a big win, matching standard symbols frequently keeps the game exciting and rewarding.
- Contributes to feature triggers: Standard symbols don't trigger features directly but can work with special symbols. For instance, you can hit a winning line if you land standard symbols alongside a wild.
How standard symbols shape gambling experience
Since standard symbols do not trigger huge wins like special symbols, how do they shape the gambling experience? Standard symbols create a sense of familiarity, especially the traditional ones like fruits, BARs, and 7s. They give players a nostalgic feeling, bringing back the memories of classic slot machines and land-based casinos.
Paul Newman said in the movie titled The Color of Money that "Money won is twice as sweet as money earned." In slot machines, the money won becomes sweeter when there are frequent payouts, thanks to standard symbols. Even though the payouts are low to medium range, they help to maintain game flow and keep the momentum going. The small, consistent rewards play a crucial role in maintaining the gambling experience entertaining.
Example of classic slot games and their symbols
The table below shows some classic slot games and their symbols.
|
Slots |
Slot Provider |
Standard Symbols |
|
Mega Moolah |
Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Giraffe, Playing Cards | |
|
Double Diamond |
Bar, 7s, Cherries, Double Diamond Logo | |
|
Starburst |
Coloured Gems, 7s, BARs | |
|
Mega Joker |
NetEnt |
Cherries, Lemons, Oranges, Plums, Watermelons, Bells, 7s |
|
Cleopatra |
IGT |
Eye of Horus, Scrabs, Scepters, Hieroglyphics, Card Symbols |
Many of these titles also appear alongside jackpot slots or themed game families, and some may feature in time-limited promotions such as free-spin offers or opt-in events, subject to terms and conditions.
Popular slot themes
As mentioned earlier, some symbols are tailored to specific slot themes. Below are some popular slot themes, including the games they are mostly found at.
- Ancient Egypt: This slot theme is popular for its mysterious and mythology symbols, such as pharaohs. They often promise treasures and adventures, and examples include the Book of Dead, Cleopatra, and Legacy of Egypt.
- Animal and Nature: Players who love the arcade nostalgia and childhood feel mostly go for the animal and nature-themed slots. A perfect example is the Fluffy Favourites game with cuddly toys like pandas, hippos, and turtles.
- Mythology: Myth-themed slots are characterised by Greek, Norse, Roman, etc. The heroic soundtracks and temples give a bold atmosphere, making them suitable for players seeking a thrilling casino experience. Examples of myth-themed slots include the Age of the Gods, Rise of Olympus, and Thunderstruck II.
Other popular slot themes are listed below:
- Adventure & Treasure Hunt
- Fruits & Classic Vegas
- Horror & Dark Fantasy
- TV, Movies & Pop Culture
- Oriental & Asian-Inspired
- Irish Luck & Fantasy
- Space & Sci-Fi
Players can explore themed titles using mobile devices supported by UKGC-licensed platforms.
Trends in Standard Symbols
As reported by BBC in May 2024, the government accepted debit cards for playing on slot machines to encourage a cashless society across casinos. This new development encouraged more players to hit more standard symbols, especially for residents in the United Kingdom. There is also a more rapid transition from traditional fruit symbols and BARs to symbols that reflect the slot's theme. These days, we now have character icons replacing cherries, lemons, 7s, etc.
Most slots have also now divided standard symbols into low-paying and high-paying tiers to help structure visual flows better on the reel machine. The low tier includes playing cards like 10, J, or simple objects. On the other hand, high-tier standard symbols could be animalistic, characteristic, or a key item from the game theme.
Conclusion
Although some standard symbols do not have flashing features or exciting mechanics, they remain the basis of every slot game. Standard symbols keep your gaming experience consistent, engaging, and rewarding. More importantly, they keep gambling entertaining, just how it's meant to be, not a means of chasing unrealistic gains. So, before trying out online slot platforms, take some moments to appreciate the lined-up symbols and designs.
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