Slots Secrets Solved: Scatter Symbols

What is a scatter symbol? If you’ve played slots at an online casino even a couple of times, we’re sure you’ve come across them.

We’re here to reveal the secrets of one of our favourite slots symbols. Find out what they do and what they could mean for your prize money after a session at the virtual slot machines.

What is a scatter symbol?

Scatter symbols are slot machine symbols that work outside the regular payline system. Whereas usually you need a certain number of symbols in a certain pattern, the same is not true of scatter symbols. They are the exception to the slots rule.

Instead, they trigger wins and bonus features at their own discretion. And that’s why we love a scatter symbol.

How do scatters trigger wins and bonus features?

So we’ve already said that scatters operate outside of paylines. Then how do they lead to payouts? Well, usually you’re required to get between three and five scatters on the reels at one time in order to trigger a win or a bonus round.

But crucially, it doesn’t matter what order they’re in on the reels, as long as you get the numbers.

Typically, the more symbols you get, the bigger the payout or the better the bonus feature.

What bonus features can scatters trigger?

This varies depending on the game. But you can expect scatter symbols to trigger bonus features like free spins, bonus rounds, progressive jackpot games or mini games.

Are slot symbols hard to identify?

No, they usually aren’t difficult to identify. Sometimes they even have scatter written on the symbol themselves. If not, you can go onto the slot paytable and then you’ll see which symbol is the scatter, along with the value and meaning of all the other symbols of the game.

Does every slot game have a scatter symbol?

No, they don’t. If, for example, you’re playing super traditional fruit-machine type slots, they might not have a scatter symbol. The original slot machines way back when Vegas was first founded didn’t have bonus features like that, after all!

However, they are really common, about as common as wilds are. We’d go so far as to say most slot games you’ll find online will feature scatters. And yes, that includes bet365 originals, Greek themed slots and progressive jackpot slots!

What’s the relationship between scatters and wilds?

Speaking of wilds, maybe you’re scratching your head wondering what how these two symbols relate to each other. Well, wild symbols tend to replace any other symbol except scatters.

That’s because usually if you replace a symbol with a wild, it increases your chance of hitting another payline. However, that’s not how these symbols work.

So wilds leave scatter symbols to do their thing and don’t replace them.

Where can I find slots with scatter symbols?

Scatter symbols are pretty common, so you’re not going to have any problem finding slots with this type of feature. But one of our favourite places to find scatter-filled games is bet365. You can use your bet365 bonus code to sign up, if you’re a new player, and spin the reels to your heart’s content and hope all that scattery goodness comes your way.