When playing slots, you have surely noticed the big number of symbols which land on the reels. You have also surely noticed that some symbols have lower payouts than others, while some trigger a bonus round. This is because the game symbols are divided in several categories and each one has its own function and payouts. Let’s take a look at what they are.
Low payout symbols
Low payout symbols are just what it says they are. These symbols form the lowest payouts on the reels and at the same time they land most frequently on the screen. Usually in most slots the low payout symbols are the card symbols, ranging from 9 to A.
Medium payout symbols
The medium payout symbols are responsible for forming medium payouts on the reels. Depending on the slot theme they can come in many forms.
High payout symbols
The high payout symbols form the biggest payouts in the game, but unfortunately they land rarely on the reels. At the same time these are the symbols you want to see the most while you play the game.
Special symbols
The special symbols in the slot have extra functions attached and they are responsible for triggering the bonus features. The most common special symbols you can come across at online slots are:
Wild Symbol
The Wild symbol is also referred to as the Joker symbol by many players. This symbol will substitute for all other symbols in the slot, in most cases without the Special symbols. The Wild can contribute to forming more wins across the reels and bigger payouts. In many slots the Wild comes with extra functions attached, so it’s no wonder why you want to see as many Wilds on the screen as possible. In many slots landing 5 Wilds on a winning pay line is considered to be the top payout in the game.
Scatter Symbol
The Scatter symbol is a special symbol which is responsible for triggering the bonus round. In most slots you need to land 3 or more Scatters in order to trigger the feature, while landing another 3 or more awards a feature re-trigger. In some slots the Scatter has a hefty maximum payout attached, ranging in 500 times the total stake or even more.
Bonus Symbol
The Bonus symbol has a similar function as the Scatter symbol. But in most cases the Bonus symbol is responsible for triggering the cash pick and win feature, when more than one bonus round is available in the game. In some online slots, like Mega Fortune, the Bonus symbol triggers a mini game where you can win the jackpot.
Bonus features
The main reason why slots are so fun to play is the bonus features. The bonus rounds on many slots can produce massive payouts, so when a feature is triggered the adrenaline starts pumping. You always expect and hope that a big payout will land once you trigger the feature. When it does you can easily be overwhelmed by emotions, as you see the coins pouring on the screen. Here are some of the most popular bonus features you can come across at online slots.
Free spins bonus
The free spins bonus is the most common bonus feature found on most slots. Once the feature is triggered you are awarded with a number of free spins, which come at no cost. The free spins usually come with extra features attached, like a win multiplier, stacked symbols, rolling reels, etc, leading to bigger payouts.
Cash pick and win bonus
The cash pick and win bonus is usually the weaker feature in the game. This is an interactive bonus where the player clicks on certain items on the screen. They are revealed awarding cash prizes in return, which are summed up and added to your account.
Win multipliers
The win multiplier is a feature usually associated with the free spins bonus or the Wild symbol. If the free spins bonus has a x3 win multiplier attached it means that all payouts during the feature will be tripled in size. On the other hand, the Wild usually comes with a x2 multiplier attached, essentially doubling all payouts it contributes in. So, if a free spins bonus has a x3 multiplier attached, with a doubling Wild function, it means that all payouts during the bonus with a Wild symbol involved will have a x6 multiplier attached.
Sticky Wilds
The Sticky Wild feature is also common in many slots. With this feature active all Wilds which land during the free spins bonus will stay in position for the remainder of the feature. This way you can hit big payouts, thanks to the big number of Wilds on the screen. In some slots you can get 5 Wilds on a winning pay line, which is called a Wild Line, and in most cases this is the highest payout the slot can produce.
Wild Reels and Expanding Wild
The Wild Reels and Expanding Wild feature can produce massive payouts in many online slots. The Wild Reel is simply a reel full with Wilds, while the Expanding Wild feature will expand the Wild when it lands on a reel. On some games you have a chance to land 5 Wild reels, which again is the top payout the slot can produce.
Progressive jackpots
A Progressive Jackpot is a very attractive feature which is attached to a number of slots across the industry. Progressive jackpots are known to pay out millions of dollars in one lucky spin. The reason for this is that the top jackpot prize is pooled over an entire network of slots or casinos. This means that every bet made on the game at every casino which offers it, contributes to the top jackpot prize.
