Slots Symbols Explained

SLOTS SYMBOLS EXPLAINED

• HISTORY OF SLOTS SYMBOLS
• TRADITIONAL SLOTS SYMBOLS
• THEMED SLOTS SYMBOLS
• WILD SYMBOLS EXPLAINED
• HOW DO SCATTER SYMBOLS WORK?
• WHAT DO BONUS SYMBOLS DO?
• WHAT ARE MULTIPLIERS IN SLOTS?
• MODERN SLOTS SYMBOLS: STICKY AND STACKED
• THE EVOLUTION OF SLOTS SYMBOLS

HISTORY OF SLOTS SYMBOLS

The origins of slot machine symbols can be dated back to the late 19th century when the first slot machine was invented by Charles Fey. His 1895 creation, known as the Liberty Bell, featured just three reels with a set of simple symbols. While these early slot machines were mechanical and basic compared to the sophisticated online slots available today, they laid the groundwork for the famous symbols we see in today’s land-based and online casinos.

Fey’s machine used horseshoes, diamonds, spades, hearts, and the iconic cracked Liberty Bell, which was the slots jackpot symbol. With these symbols, players were able to quickly understand the mechanics of the game – match three symbols in a row and win a prize! As the years rolled by, the Liberty Bell and other machines evolved to include more and more complex designs, eventually incorporating fruit symbols. This soon led us to the term “fruit machines,” which is still commonly used by some South Africans to refer to slot machines.

TRADITIONAL SLOTS SYMBOLS

Early slots employed symbols borrowed from playing cards, such as spades, hearts, diamonds, and clubs. As slot machines spread far and wide, so too did the variety of symbols used. In the early 20th century, the famous BAR symbol was introduced. This symbol was inspired by the logo of the Bell-Fruit Gum Company, who played a big part in influencing the design of the classic slot machine with their famous fruit symbols and the BAR logo.

Today, these traditional symbols, including cherries, lemons, oranges, and plums, are still used, representing the simplicity and nostalgia of old-school slots. While modern slot games offer advanced graphics and themed designs, many still incorporate these classic symbols as a nod to the history of slot machines.

THEMED SLOTS SYMBOLS

As technology advanced, so too did the creativity in designing slot symbols. Today’s modern slot games often feature themed symbols based on various genres from pop culture, mythology, and even specific seasonal or cultural themes. Among the most popular are Irish-themed and Halloween-themed slots, each offering unique visuals and engaging gameplay tied to their respective motifs.

In Irish-themed slots, players will often encounter symbols that represent luck and folklore. Common symbols include four-leaf clovers, pots of gold, leprechauns, and rainbows, all of which are tied to Ireland’s rich mythology. The cheerful green colour palette, combined with upbeat Celtic music, creates a fun and whimsical atmosphere.

On the other hand, Halloween-themed slots offer a completely different vibe, blending spooky music with classic horror imagery. Symbols in these games typically include pumpkins, witches, black cats, haunted houses, and ghosts. The graphics are often dark and eerie, with sound effects and animations adding to the haunted atmosphere.

These are just two of a huge number of the different themed- slots out there, and it is a testament to how far slots have evolved that now every slot can have bespoke symbols referring to their individual themes. Long gone are the days of various fruit symbols dominating the slot machine world, however more often than not slot machines will include the same type of symbols, regardless of theme. These include wilds, scatters, bonus and multiplier symbols, so let’s take a look at these in a bit more detail!

WILD SYMBOLS EXPLAINED

Wild symbols are among the most powerful in any slot game. They act as a substitute for most other symbols on the reels, helping players complete winning combinations. For instance, if you have two matching symbols on a payline and a wild symbol lands in place of the third, it can substitute for that symbol, resulting in a win.

Wilds often come with added twists, such as the Expanding Wilds in Starburst that grow to fill entire reels or Wild West Gold's Sticky Wilds that contain multipliers Depending on the slot game, wild symbols may also come with their own payouts, especially if you land multiple wilds on a single payline.

HOW DO SCATTER SYMBOLS WORK?

Unlike most symbols that need to land on a specific payline to generate a win, scatter symbols pay out regardless of where they land on the reels. In most modern slots, landing a certain number of scatters, usually three or more, triggers a bonus feature like bonus spins or special mini-games. Scatter symbols will often match the theme of the slot game, so they will vary from slot-to-slot. This is why it always useful to familiarise yourself with the different symbols a slot has before you spin the reels for the first time.

WHAT DO BONUS SYMBOLS DO?

Bonus symbols are another key to unlocking extra features in slot games. It is important to note that not every slot will include Bonus symbols, but in those that do these symbols will typically trigger special bonus rounds, which can vary widely depending on the game. These can include anything from pick-and-win games to wheel spins or even multi-level mini-games that allow players to win extra prizes, multipliers, or bonus spins.

WHAT ARE MULTIPLIERS IN SLOTS?

Multiplier symbols add an extra layer to gameplay by boosting your payouts. When these symbols appear, they multiply the win by a specified amount, usually displayed directly on the symbol itself (e.g., 2x, 5x, or even 10x). Multipliers can appear during base game spins, in bonus rounds, or in free spins, and they can sometimes even be stacked to multiply the multiplier!

In some cases, multipliers are also attached to other special symbols like wilds or scatters. For example, this means if a wild symbol with a 3x multiplier lands in a winning combination, it could triple your payout.

MODERN SLOTS SYMBOLS: STICKY AND STACKED

Sticky symbols remain in place on the reels for multiple spins, which can increase your chances of hitting winning combinations. Typically found in bonus rounds or free spin features, sticky symbols can turn an average spin into a rewarding one, as they hold their position while the remaining reels spin.

Similarly, stacked symbols come in clusters, filling one or more positions on a reel. When multiple stacked symbols appear, they cover large portions of the reels and can lead to payouts, especially when they cover multiple paylines at once. Stacked wilds are particularly popular as they can create winning combinations that may not be possible with standard symbols.

THE EVOLUTION OF SLOTS SYMBOLS

Slot symbols have evolved over the years, from the simple bells and fruit of early machines to the intricate and bespoke designs seen in modern games. Wilds, scatters, bonus symbols, and multipliers all add layers to each slots gameplay, often enhancing its overarching theme. Whether you're drawn to the nostalgia of classic slots or the more stylish nature of themed games, understanding these symbols is fundamental to getting the most out of the slot you choose to play.