Guide to Slot Machine Symbols and Values

At online casinos, one of the most popular attractions is the slot machines. However, to play them effectively, you need to know more about the various symbols and their values. 

When you press a button on an online slot machine, the reels spin. Each reel contains a variety of symbols. These symbols serve a purpose beyond mere decoration; they can affect your chances of winning. Many modern slots feature symbols that align closely with the theme of the game.

Symbols on paylines

Today, many players use gambling apps on mobile devices to play slot games. A payline in a slot game determines where you need to line up symbols to win. These lines can be straight, diagonal, or even zigzag. When the reels stop spinning, you will see a combination of symbols. If you see a winning combination on a payline, you will win a prize.

Winning combinations

Every player should have an equal chance of winning when playing slot machines. This is why slot machines use random number generators (RNGs). They ensure that the outcomes of spins are unpredictable. The RNG determines where the reel stops and the combination of symbols that appear.

Knowing that the outcomes are fair can give you peace of mind when playing slots. You can usually find all the rules for winning combinations of symbols in a game’s paytable. Each game usually has its own set of rules, and it’s important to know them.

Symbols align with themes

The symbols in modern slot games align with themes. You may find jewels and gems in games with treasure hunts. In pirate-themed games, you may see swords, pirate hats, and treasure chests. In a slot game about an ancient civilization like Egypt, you may find mummies, ankhs, scarabs, and lotuses. There are millions of different themes, and the symbols that align with them make the games more immersive.

Low and high-paying symbols

Each slot machine has low-paying symbols and high-paying symbols. Some common symbols you will find on classic slots are cherries, bars, bells, and sevens. Bells are the oldest type of symbol and date back to the very first slot machine.

Symbols such as cherries or bars are low-paying symbols. Playing card symbols are also popular in digital slot machines and are usually low-paying symbols. These low-paying symbols may appear frequently, but they only offer small payouts.

Sevens are an example of high-paying slot symbols that appear less often but pay more. Landing on a combination of sevens can give you a high payout.

Wild symbols and scatter symbols

Slot machines can have special symbols that increase your chances of winning and trigger bonus features.

Wild symbols can substitute for other symbols, except special symbols, to make winning combinations. Expanding, stacked, or sticky wilds all have their own functionalities and rewards. Expanding wilds can cover more spaces on the grid. Stacked wilds can drop in bulk and cover the entire reel. They can be one of the most rewarding of all types of wilds. Sticky wilds stay in place on the grid for several spins.

Scatter symbols can trigger free spins or bonus rounds. It doesn’t matter where they appear on the reels. They don’t have to land on an active payline. If you are lucky enough to land three or more scatter symbols, you can get free spins. With this feature, you can spin the reels a certain number of times without using your own money. Scatter symbols can also take you to a different game feature or screen. 

Bonus symbols and multiplier symbols

Bonus symbols can trigger bonus games where you can win more prizes. These rounds may include mini-games or additional spins. You may unlock interactive bonus games where you can make choices that increase your winnings.

Multiplier symbols can increase your winnings by a specific amount. For example, a 2x multiplier doubles your win amount. If you have a combination with a 3x multiplier, it can triple your winning amount. Multipliers can appear in base games and bonus rounds, while other symbols only appear in bonus rounds.