Scatter Symbols in Online Slots

Unlike other symbols that have to line up in a particular combination on an active payline in order for you to win anything, a required number of scatter symbols simply have to show up on the reels within a single spin to trigger the free spins, mini-games, and whatever other win-boosting features the slot has to offer. Scatters also differ from other symbols in that they cannot be replaced by wild symbols.

These symbols are typically one of the highest paying symbols in a slot game too, and payouts awarded when you spin in a set number of scatter symbols are based on a multiple of the amount you wagered on the spin and not just the payline bet. On some slot games, the value of those multipliers can go up to a x100, x200 and even x500 your base game staked amount winning payout if all five scatter symbols appear. 

Note that on more complex 5-reel video slots, scatter features will be game-specific – i.e. they will function differently, depending on the game. In some simpler slot games, scatter icons don’t unlock any additional features and just payout on a winning combination. You may not even find them at all on some three-reel slots.

1. 1. Scatter PaysYou will find some video slots that offer a set of scatter symbols that do nothing more than awarding a cash prize whenever you spin in a certain number of them anywhere in view on the reels. Note that on these types, the payouts are potentially huge if you land a five-of-a-kind combination – i.e. one scatter symbol on every single reel within a single spin.
2. 2. Free SpinsThere are slot games that not only award you with a bigger loot when you do land more scatter symbols but the scatters will also trigger the slot’s main bonus game which is more free spins with more chances to win!
3. 3. Unique ScattersIn some video slot games where the scatter symbols are used to trigger a bonus game, they need to show up in a certain way, e.g. x amount on certain reels only within a single spin, in order to unlock that feature.
4. 4. Wild ScattersAnother type of scatter symbol you may encounter, are those that double up as wild symbols. And when those wild scatters come spinning in, your chances of winning big are very good!

To find any back-end information on a slot, you have to click on the game’s paytable, which will be easily accessible from the screen. Here you will find all the information pertaining to that slot, including scatters, wild and bonus elements. In fact, it’s always a good idea to check out a game’s paytable before playing – that way you will understand its potential, what type of symbols you’ll find, and how they work individually, and in a combination, to trigger bonus features and enhance wins.