Today there is a huge variety of online slots to choose from, and each of them feature different symbols on the reels. The symbols are designed to reflect the theme of the game – for example, an animal-themed slot is likely to feature different creatures as symbols, whereas one with a classic fruit machine theme might use symbols like lemons, cherries and plums.
Although each slot game is unique, there are some common types of symbols that you will come across. From bonus symbols to Wilds and Scatters, some of these symbols can offer additional opportunities to win a cash prize.
What Are Online Slots?
There are two different types of slot machines: land-based and online. Land-based slots are physical slot machines, and they’re often found in pubs, casinos and anywhere else that has a licence to run them. Typically players insert coins to operate the machines, and their choice of games is limited to the machines that are physically available.
Online slots have some similarities to land-based ones, but the advantage is that they can be played online, on your mobile device or desktop. Online Casinos like Prime Slots offer a huge range of games to choose from, with the opportunity to bet real money on them for a chance to win a real cash prize.
An Introduction to Slot Machine Symbols
Although each online slot will have its own unique symbols and design, the function of these symbols is likely to be similar across different slot games. To explain what we mean, let’s take a look at some of the different types of slot machine symbols:
Standard Reel Symbols
Standard symbols are those which usually award a cash prize for landing a certain combination of them on the reels. The symbols will be relevant to the design of the game - for example, a fishing-themed slot might feature different types of fish, while a fairytale-themed slot could feature different characters from a story.
Many slot games use the traditional card values A, K, Q, J, 10 to represent the lower-paying symbols, while the higher-paying symbols are likely to have a more unique design.
However, this can vary according to the game, so always check the paytable of the game you’re going to be playing.
Scatter Symbols
Most slot games (but not all of them) feature Scatter symbols. They can usually activate some kind of bonus round if a certain number of them appear on the reels, but again this will depend on the specific game.
Scatters get their name because they can be ‘scattered’ across the reels. Unlike standard symbols, which usually have to appear on adjacent reels from left to right, Scatters do not need to be next to each other to trigger the bonus feature.
Scatters are sometimes easy to identify because they may have the word ‘Scatter’ written on them. Otherwise, check the paytable to find out what the Scatter symbol is in your chosen slot game (and if there is one).
Bonus Symbols
Bonus symbols are very similar to Scatter symbols, but they always trigger a bonus round. You might need to land a certain number of Bonus symbols on the reels to get access to the bonus round, or the symbols may need to land on certain reels.
Bonus symbols often have the word ‘Bonus’ written across them to make identifying them easier, but this isn’t always the case. Check before you play to see what the rules are for your chosen game.
Wild Symbols
If you’re familiar with card games, a Wild symbol in online slots is similar to a Wild Card. In slots it can replace any other standard symbol, hopefully helping you to land a winning combination.
Usually Wilds can’t replace ‘special’ symbols such as bonus or Scatter symbols, but this will depend on the specific game you’re playing.
In some slot games Wilds might have other special powers, such as doubling any win they form a part of, but this varies so you’ll need to check the rules for your game.
Sometimes Wilds will be easy to recognise as a symbol that reads ‘Wild’, but in other games it may be less obvious.
Check the paytable to find out what the Wild is in the slot you’re playing, and remember that not all slot games feature Wild symbols.
Online Slots to Try at Prime Slots
If you want to put your new symbol knowledge to good use, why not try a few of our favourite slot games? Look out for Wilds, Scatters and bonus symbols for even more chances to win a real money prize.
Big Bass Bonanza
Big Bass Bonanza is a classic fishing-themed slot where you could win up to 2,100x your bet. Find at least three Bass fish Scatters anywhere on the reels to win a maximum of 20 free spins!
During free spins, the fisherman will appear to help you collect fish with money values attached to them. If you find more than one fisherman on the reels, they’ll each collect the fish independently to boost your wins.
Fishin’ Frenzy
We’re back in the fishing boat again with Fishin’ Frenzy, a five-reel, three-row slot with a fun free spins feature. During free spins, fishermen will hopefully help you to catch blue and orange fish on the reels to win a corresponding cash prize.
The game also has a fun Gamble feature, where you can choose to gamble your winnings for double the prize – or nothing! If you don’t guess correctly you will lose your prize, so use this feature with caution.
Book of Dead
Book of Dead is a modern classic that is known for its fun gameplay and immersive adventure story. Fans of the Book of Ra slot will appreciate this Egyptian-themed game and its hero Rich Wilde, a handsome explorer with a certain resemblance to Indiana Jones!
Join him in his quest to find the Book of Dead, a sacred item that was written to help deceased Pharaohs to navigate the underworld and enter the afterlife. With fun free spins and Gamble features, there’s plenty to explore in this epic slot game.
Sweet Bonanza
Last but certainly not least it’s Sweet Bonanza, a hugely popular slot featuring fruity symbols plus colourful jelly sweets. Wins are achieved for landing eight or more matching symbols on the same spin, but they do not need to be next to each other to qualify.
The most important symbol on the reels is the lollipop Scatter, which triggers the free spins round when four or more of them land on the same spin. During free spins a candy bomb symbol is also in play, which has the power to multiply wins by up to 100x for a chance to win some sweet cash prizes.
Play All These Online Slots Here at Prime Slots!
You can find all these slots plus many more here at Prime Slots. We’re constantly adding new games to our catalogue to ensure that our players always have access to the freshest slots. Join Prime Slots today and find your new favourite game!
