Slot Machine Symbols: Main Types of Icons

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For over 100 years, slot machine symbols have fostered entertainment for enthusiasts. Their first appearance was in the late 19th century in New York, and much has altered since then. Slots crossed borders, digitalised and moved online. Clearly, their symbols also revolutionised drastically. Software providers developed new types of icons and continue working on innovative solutions. Not only does winning or losing depend on what slot symbols appear on the screen now, but also on how much the user may hopefully receive.

This guide walks readers through the brief history: from fruit symbols to modern images. We’ve also taken the most common icons and explained the meaning behind each type.

What are Slot Machine Symbols?

Slot machine symbols are sorts of illustrations depicted on the rows and reels of online slots that might result in a win. To make this happen, specific conditions must be followed. It is them that charm and magnet us to the game, encouraging us to click ‘Spin’ over and over again. Symbols play an incredibly important part in the slot gameplay, particularly in its payout part. It is them that determine the size of the participant’s winnings.

Diversity of Online Slot Symbols

Each virtual slot machine has its own payout system and a list of victory combinations. These are patterns of how icons must land on the grid for the round to be triumphant. Symbols can be both classic, e.g. fruits, and more unique, such as spaceships, animals, etc. This diversity is associated with the desire of software manufacturers to stand out from the competition. When crafted expertly, they provide instant recognition to the title and its developer. They speak without speaking for quality.

Formerly Popular Fruit Machine Symbols

The first symbols repeated pictures of playing cards, their suits to be exact. This is because poker was the most popular entertainment at that time. So, clubs, diamonds, spades and hearts were widely recognisable. These later were diversified with fruit symbols, which remain in use up till now. The following images have become associated with classic online slots:

• Fruits. This is the most popular theme for one-armed bandits, because it has long been the only option. Fruit machine symbols - plums, grapes, watermelons and, of course, cherries - are considered vintage and can evoke a feeling of nostalgia.
• Bells. This icon is a tribute to the Liberty Bell, the same symbol of freedom from California. Usually, this symbol brings participants serious winnings, because it is one of the highest paying elements on classic reels. However, this does not apply to absolutely all entertainment. The fact is that each project has its own slot machine icons list, and it differs from title to title.
• Figures. The only kind of characters that can compete in popularity with fruits are numbers, particularly sevens. Even beginners know that 777 is the winning combination. To get them on the reels, the participant must be very lucky, because the chances that this moment occurs are low.
• Bar. These three letters are legendary because they relate the participant to the time of chewing gum as a prize. The number of bars on the grid indicated the degree of success, and still sometimes does. The more such classic slot machine symbols hit the screen, the higher the payout awaits the punter.

The mentioned characters are tributes to history, but their values vary from one product to another. At present, the choice of objects to show up on the playing field in video slots is super diverse and goes far beyond simple fruits or playing cards.

Standard Slot Symbols Explained

Every slot release, be it a classic or modern type, has a specific set of symbols to entertain the picky user. The content of standard characters depends on the theme the game is centred around and the developer’s creativity. If a gambler chooses a space-related title in a UK online casino catalogue, then, most likely, there will be spaceships, planets and some aliens in front of them. And in slots like Sweet Bonanza, participants observe candies and other sweets that can potentially bring winning combinations. Today’s variety of themes allows UK enthusiasts not to be discouraged during the gameplay. Every imaginable theme is covered and featured in casino lobbies.

However, the earlier mentioned symbols on slot machines, like playing cards from 10 to Ace, poker suits and the same old fruits, are still often used. 

The thing is, standard icons fall into three pay brackets to add dynamics to the payout system. Each picture on the reel has its own weight.

Values of Basic Slot Machine Symbols

In order for players to enjoy entertainment, software providers stick to different levels of symbols in terms of their paying potential. So, conditionally, each victory circle can be divided into:

• Small payouts. Often, these icons are associated with the poker theme or illustrate the lowest digits from the set. We advise players to first get acquainted with the list of winning sign options to know which ones are low-paying.
• Average payouts. Slot symbols with medium values usually have a relation to the main theme. If this is a farm, then specific equipment or some animals can be among them. Such images are more pleasant for the player because they may bring more money.
• High payouts. Usually these are sevens, diamonds and other jewels, movie protagonists and leading roles, etc. Everything depends on the theme and plot. To see high-paying pictures on the screen is very good luck for a gambling fan, as they bring the maximum gain.

The value of every possible set of icons is public and can be found in the area called the Paytable. It is embedded in every online slot game, and we believe that checking it is a must before every new title test.

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Where to find the slot machine icons list

To understand whether to rejoice in the outcome, a participant engaging in a slot game might want to know the price of every character. Each slot machine has its own list of combinations that bring different winnings. To find out exactly what icons can hopefully improve the condition of the wallet, one needs to do the following:

1. Choose a slot in a safe online casino catalogue and launch it.
2. Take a close look at the screen and locate a game menu.
3. Choose ‘Rules’ or the alternative to get acquainted with payout information.
4. Learn all about winning combinations in this particular game.
5. Have fun or continue looking for a more suitable slot choice.

These actions will allow the novice to better understand how winning their rounds can be. Besides slot machine symbol values, this section also reveals details on the title’s theoretical return (RTP%), jackpot availability, bonus rounds and how to trigger them. Special icons are in charge of that and of other additional opportunities for rewards.

Special Slot Machine Icons Overview

Those who are already familiar with how to play slots will recognise the special icons we’re mentioning below. While for many rookies, these might be a complete surprise. Some Individual symbols are responsible for the transition to the next round and the appearance of the jackpot. Meeting them for the participant means getting a new advantage. However, all special characters require exceptional conditions to be met. Let’s unveil the most common elements from this advanced category

Wild Symbols on Slot Machines

As a general rule, Wilds replace basic icons that the combination lacks, and thus, it cannot become winning. They substitute almost all characters on the reels, the only exception is scatters. When Wild symbols appear on the grid, this is great luck for the participant, as their arrival means new opportunities. In addition, Wilds themselves can bring individual payouts, but this is not often the case. 

We also want to draw the attention of fans of excitement to the fact that there are several types of Wild symbols, namely:

Wild symbols on a slot machine online are a godsend that can prolong one’s play. However, they are not frequent guests of the show, and nobody knows when and where they land on the grid. Sometimes their position dictates the gameplay.

Scatter Symbols

Scatters are another mystery of modern online slots. The fact is that these icons are responsible for the activation of additional bonuses. We are talking about the round called Free Spins. These are not the same as eponymous casino bonuses, but a dedicated feature inside the game. Winnings from them do not carry wagering requirements and hit the balance as real cash. At the same time, our team would like to draw attention to special conditions.

Unlike other symbols in slots, Scatters follow strict triggering conditions. A typical scenario is when a punter must collect two, three or five such icons on the screen. Also, there might be a rule of position in place. According to it, the punter can only celebrate the free spins if scatters land on specific reels. Normally, 1st, 3rd and 5th. The quantity of unpaid rounds varies by title and can be anything from 5 to 50 spins. At the same time, by themselves, they rarely bring money to players.

Multiplier Symbols

As the name suggests, these icons give the player a multiplier to their potential win, and it can be very different. The bet can be multiplied by 2, 5, 10 or even 50x. However, the size of the multiplier, as well as the presence of symbols with such a value, depends on the robotic technology (RNG).

Symbols of Bonus Games

These are real gems in the collection of special slot machine symbols. Such icons carry an exceptional mission of opening jackpots, side games or extra challenges that expand the plot. Some virtual slots have several levels of play, and bonus symbols are their activation keys. Obviously, they do not appear at one's will. Their appearance is super duper rare yet very cheering.

Summary

All sorts of reel games are based on a specific theme and matching slot symbols. 

UK enthusiasts are spoiled for choice, as the current landscape offers thousands of unique and alternative options. Visitors of remote casinos pick among different grid sizes and numerous storylines and winning mechanisms. An additional preference can now be made in terms of symbols, ranging from multipliers to jackpot icons.