Online Slot Scatter Symbols Explained

Everyone knows that modern slots have evolved past watermelons and fruits in general. They might feature them and stars, sevens, and BARs, but there are also special symbols that trigger bonus rounds and help complete winning combinations. The wild acts as a joker, while the scatter is crucial for triggering the bonus rounds.

In general, they are among the highest-paying symbols in slot games. There are some slots where they pay nothing, but in general, matching 3 or more on the reels results in a cash prize. Plus, some new slot machines have introduced scatter prize jackpots where you score huge wins for landing as many as 10 or 15 scatters simultaneously.

How do Scatters Work?

Scatters are easy to understand. Typically, three scatters trigger the bonus round, although the developer can set the number to four, five, or more for the trigger. In most cases, scatters pave the way for free spins, and usually pay a nice cash prize for combinations of 3 or more.

In scatter pays slots, players get instant cash prizes for landing scatters on the reels, regardless if they trigger a bonus round or not. These slots have become incredibly popular in the past few years, offering jackpot-like prizes when a player fills a screen with them. There’s usually a separate paytable with scatter cash prizes on the left of the slot that tells you what to expect.

Do All Online Slots Feature Scatters?

There’s a growing number of slots that doesn’t feature scatters, instead opting for special bonus symbols. But the majority of online slots feature them, especially those with free spins bonus rounds.

Types of Slot Scatters

While the scatter hasn’t evolved as much as the wild, there are still a few different types of scatters you need to know about.

• Free spins scatters: this is the typical slot scatter – land 3 or more to get to the bonus round.
• Scattered wilds: wilds can sometimes play a dual role doubling as a scatter, like in the famed Book of… slots.
• Cash prize scatters: land a certain number of scatters – win a prize. It’s that simple.
• Bonus game scatters: while scatters mostly trigger free spins rounds, they can also land to trigger another bonus game.
• Jackpot scatters: fill the screen with scatters to hit a jackpot.