Slot Symbols Explained

Article by : Andrej Trajkovski Apr 13, 2025

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Have you ever wondered about the symbols featured in your favorite slots? Why are they designed the way they are, and what do they mean? Are they just pretty (or not-so-pretty) additions to the mechanics, or do they carry some deeper meaning? If you’ve ever thought about this, you’ve come to the right place. I’ll tell you all about slot symbols, their history, the different types, how they impact the game, and much more.

As you might guess, symbols on slot machines are not just beautifully drawn art pieces meant to keep your attention or something like that. They are an essential element of any slot, fulfilling their functional duties, if we can put it that way. And these duties can vary. One thing unites them all — value. Every slot machine symbol has a value. It makes sense to start our review of symbols with the most basic ones.

Basic Slot Machine Symbols

Throughout your gaming experience, you’ve probably seen hundreds, if not thousands, of different symbols. From classic slot machine symbols — fruits (which are the most popular) to very niche or creatively designed ones. Among classic slots, you can find the following: the aforementioned fruits, so-called lucky sevens, or the BAR symbol, which is usually a low-paying symbol.

Fruit symbols are very old. They became entrenched in online slots because they were already familiar to players from past decades. Fruit slots were an indispensable part of the old analog slot machines found in casinos. Even today, slots with such themes can be seen in physical casinos worldwide. They have a long history, which, by the way, you can learn about from our other post on why slot machines use fruit symbols.

Usually, regular symbols are low-paying. To win a payout with a symbol, you need several identical symbols to land on the reels and form a winning combination. But besides standard symbols, two special symbols often become the stars of the game — Wild and Scatter.

• Wild acts like a joker in a card game, replacing other symbols to form winning combinations. For example, if you get two cherries (or any other symbol) and one Wild on a payline, the Wild can replace the third cherry to ensure a win.
• Scatter works on a completely different principle — it can trigger features like free spins or bonus rounds if you get enough of them, usually three or more. In classic slots, these symbols are often the core of the fun. Most big wins come from bonus games and free spins, which is why the Scatter is almost a cult symbol.

It’s worth noting that Scatter and Wild change their design from game to game. But their function remains the same. Often, you can identify them even without a paytable. Wilds can be marked by a stylized letter “W,” while Scatters are often depicted as coupons, tickets, or something thematic if the game has its setting. For example, in Ancient Greece-themed games, they might appear as relics or representations of deities.

Special Symbols and Their Functions

Slot games continue to evolve, with new elements constantly being added to keep the industry and players excited and never give them a chance to get bored. In terms of slot machine icons, some unique innovations enhance the gameplay and make the process more dynamic.

• Multiplier Wild — a variation of the Wild symbol that replaces other symbols and multiplies your payout. In the game Starburst by NetEnt, for example, Wild symbols can have multipliers up to x150, turning a modest win into a massive one.
• Bonus Symbols — trigger mini-games or jackpots. In Gonzo’s Quest, three Free Fall symbols (a type of bonus symbol) activate a bonus round with free spins and increased multipliers. Such bonus games can be numerous, depending on the creativity of the game creators and the audience’s needs, meaning you.
• Sticky Symbols — “stick” to the reels for several spins, increasing your chances of creating winning combinations. For example, in Jack and the Beanstalk, Sticky Wilds remain in place during free spins. I mentioned earlier that free spins and bonus rounds are the path to big wins. This is true because, during the bonus round, mechanics like these often make the bonus round much more profitable.
• Expanding Symbols — expand to cover the entire reel or several positions. In Book of Dead, the selected symbol during free spins can expand, creating big wins on multiple paylines.

Symbols in Different Themes

The beauty of slot machine symbols lies in their variety, which often matches the theme of the game to create an immersive experience.

• In mythology-themed slots, like Thunderstruck II by Microgaming, you will find symbols such as Thor’s hammer (which is a very common slot symbol), Odin’s ravens, and other gods, each connected to the game’s narrative and bonus features.
• Adventure slots, like Tomb Raider, feature symbols such as treasure maps and ancient artifacts, adding an explorer’s atmosphere and triggering thematic bonuses.
  Fantasy-themed slots may feature dragons, wizards, or magical potions, like in Merlin’s Millions.
• Ancient civilization slots, such as Egyptian-themed ones like Cleopatra, use symbols like scarabs, ankhs, and pharaohs to create an atmospheric experience.

And so on for every theme you can imagine (literally, anything you think of has probably already been made into a slot).

How to Use Symbols to Maximize Winnings

To gain an advantage and enjoy a great experience, study the paytable — it shows the value of each symbol and explains any special features associated with them. For example, if a slot has Multiplier Wilds, it’s worth paying attention to them for larger payouts. You can consider this not just advice but a rule. What’s the point of playing something you don’t understand? Before playing, your first step should be to study the paytable and understand the value of the symbols.

Conclusion

Symbols are an inseparable part of slots, both online and offline. They make the gameplay colorful and rich, conveying the spirit and theme of the game. There are simple slots with ordinary fruit symbols that no longer impress anyone. And there are modern slots with interesting mechanics and features. However, without vibrant and well-designed symbols, who needs dry mechanics anyway? The meaning of slot machine symbols can help you understand the game. And that’s important. Playing games is also a responsibility. First and foremost, it’s about your wallet.

Symbols, along with features, are the key to winning in the game. Wilds and Scatters are your best friends. Get to know them through the paytable before you start playing.