Explained: Slot Machine Symbols
By
Dan Holmes
Casinos.US Writer Updated: 10/31/2024
Dan Holmes is our ultimate go-to expert when it comes to table games, slots, casino regulations, and legalization. He’s been in the industry for over 30 years, and his skillful insights have built him a strong following on the Internet. Dan’s favorite game is blackjack and loves to analyze and track revenue trends, as well as the tactics of players.
Slot Machine Symbols
Slot machines are as synonymous with casinos as neon lights and blackjack tables. Whether you’re spinning the reels in a brick-and-mortar casino or on an online app, the allure of the flashing lights and quirky symbols keeps people coming back for more. But have you ever stopped to think about the slot machine symbols themselves?
Why are there so many cherries, bars, and bells? What’s the deal with all those wilds, scatters, and bonus icons? As you delve into the world of slot machines, understanding the symbols on the reels becomes crucial. They aren’t just random images thrown onto the screen for decoration—they play a major role in how these games operate.
From classic icons like fruits and diamonds to modern-day scatters and wilds, every symbol has a purpose. Let’s break down the world of slot machine symbols and see how they work their magic across traditional and online casino games. We’ll also spell out the best online slots.
- Evolution of slot symbols
- Classic slot symbols
- Modern slot symbols
- Common slot symbols
- Online slot symbols
- Responsible gaming
- Bonus symbols
The Evolution of Slot Machine Symbols
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of modern slot symbols, let’s start with a little history. The first slot machines, invented in the late 19th century, were mechanical marvels designed to take coins and spit out winnings in the form of tokens or tickets. These early machines used a limited number of classic slot machine symbols—hearts, diamonds, spades, and horseshoes.
As the machines evolved, so did the symbols. In the early 1900s, the classic “BAR” symbol made its appearance, inspired by the Bell-Fruit Gum Company, which awarded chewing gum as prizes rather than cash. Soon after, cherries, lemons, and other fruit symbols became common. This gave rise to the iconic “fruit machine” nickname still used today, especially in the UK.
Classic Slot Machine Symbols
If you’ve ever played a slot machine—whether in person or online—you’ve undoubtedly come across some of these classic slot machine symbols. They’ve been around for decades and continue to make appearances on modern machines, adding a nostalgic charm to even the most high-tech gaming experiences.
| Cherries | Ah, the humble cherry. One of the most recognizable and basic symbols on slot machines. In many older machines, a single cherry meant a small payout, even if you didn’t hit a full line of matching symbols. |
| Bars | These iconic symbols, usually labeled “BAR” or a series of them (single, double, triple), were inspired by the Bell-Fruit company. They’re typically tied to mid-range payouts on classic machines. |
| Bells | Once a symbol of winning (and perhaps freedom), the bell was a staple on early machines. Slot enthusiasts will recognize the bell from machines like the “Liberty Bell,” one of the first-ever slot machines. |
| Sevens | Often called the lucky number in gambling, 7s are a beloved feature in traditional and modern slots. Land three of these in a row, and you’re usually looking at a big payout. |
| Fruits | These symbols were a playful nod to early slots that awarded fruit-flavored gum. Nowadays, these fruity icons are more about nostalgia than chewing gum. |
From the iconic cherries and lucky sevens to the golden bells, these symbols have become synonymous with the excitement of slot play. Their simplicity and timeless appeal keep players coming back, bridging the gap between traditional slots and the evolving digital era. It’s a connection to the roots of the game that never gets old.
Modern Slot Machine Symbols
As slot machines evolved from mechanical to electronic and, eventually, to digital formats, the variety of slot symbols increased. Modern slots have added new types of symbols to keep the games fresh and exciting. With the introduction of bonus features and special payouts, understanding the newer types of symbols can help you maximize your chances of winning.
| Wilds | The wild symbol is like the joker in a deck of cards—it can substitute for almost any other symbol to create a winning combination. Wilds come in all shapes and forms, from expanding wilds that cover an entire reel to sticky wilds that remain in place for multiple spins. |
| Scatters | Scatters are your ticket to free spins or bonus rounds. Unlike other symbols on slot machines, scatters don’t need to land on a specific payline to trigger a win. Typically, landing three or more scatter symbols unlocks a bonus game or a series of free spins, which can lead to some of the game’s biggest payouts. |
| Bonus Symbols | In many modern slots, landing a certain number of bonus symbols will trigger special features like mini-games, progressive jackpots, or additional multipliers. These symbols often vary depending on the theme of the slot, adding an extra layer of excitement to the gameplay. |
| Multipliers | These symbols multiply your winnings by a certain amount, which can range from 2x to 100x, depending on the game. Some multipliers are built into wilds or bonus features, giving you even more chances to hit it big. |
Common Slot Machine Symbols in Action
To illustrate how these slot machine symbols come into play, let’s look at some real-life examples from popular slot games. Each title has its unique take on how symbols interact with gameplay, often offering exciting features like expanding wilds, cascading wins, or bonus-triggering scatters.
- Starburst – In NetEnt’s iconic Starburst slot, the star symbol acts as a wild that expands to cover an entire reel. When the star lands, you get a re-spin, which can lead to some seriously rewarding combinations.
- Gonzo’s Quest – This beloved slot introduces cascading symbols, where winning combinations disappear and are replaced by new ones. This game features wilds, scatters, and bonus symbols that lead players on an adventurous quest for treasure.
- Buffalo – One of the most well-known slots in both land-based and online casinos, Buffalo features wild symbols that multiply winnings and scatters that trigger free spins. Land three scatter symbols (buffalo coins) anywhere on the reels, and you’re in for a stampede of free spins.
Online Casino Games and Slot Symbols
With the rise of online casino gaming, the variety of slot machines has exploded. Online casino apps like BetMGM, Caesars, FanDuel, and DraftKings feature a huge selection of slots, many with unique symbols and themes designed to keep players entertained.
- BetMGM – Known for its wide range of slot titles, BetMGM offers classic slot themes alongside modern, feature-rich games. You’ll find the standard wilds and scatters alongside innovative bonus symbols and themed symbols based on movies, TV shows, and pop culture.
- Caesars – Caesars leans into the luxury of the Las Vegas brand, featuring slots that showcase themes of royalty, ancient Rome, and famous landmarks. Expect to see traditional slot machine symbols like bars, sevens, and cherries mingling with more elaborate scatter and bonus symbols.
- FanDuel – While FanDuel is widely known for its sports betting platform, its online casino features some excellent slot games. Here, slot symbols vary from sports-themed icons to classic fruits and bells.
- DraftKings – Much like FanDuel, DraftKings has expanded into online casino games, with plenty of slots to choose from. The themes range from fantasy worlds to classic Vegas slots, complete with familiar wilds, scatters, and bonus icons.
Online casinos also give players the benefit of checking game info easily, including the function of specific symbols on slot machines. Many games include detailed breakdowns of what each symbol does, the paytable, and how bonus features are triggered.
Responsible Gaming and Slot Play
Slot machines are designed to be fun, but it’s important to play them with a sense of balance and awareness. While the prospect of big wins can be tempting, it’s crucial to remember that they are purely games of chance. The outcome is random, and no amount of effort or strategy will influence the symbols that land. With that in mind, here are some responsible play guidelines from our gambling experts:
- Set a Budget – Before you start playing, decide how much money you’re willing to spend. Stick to that budget, even if you’re tempted to chase a win.
- Take Breaks – Slot machines are fast-paced, and it’s easy to lose track of time. Take regular breaks to keep your play in check and avoid falling into the trap of “just one more spin.”
- Know When to Walk Away – Whether you’re on a winning streak or experiencing a losing session, it’s important to walk away when you’ve reached your pre-set limits.
- Use Casino Tools – Most online casinos, including BetMGM, Caesars, FanDuel, and DraftKings, offer tools to help you manage your play. These can include setting deposit limits, loss limits, or even taking a self-imposed break from gaming.
Bonus Symbols and Slot Play Fun
The magic of slot machines lies in their unpredictability. With the right combination of symbols—whether it’s classic fruit, bars, or cutting-edge scatter and wild symbols – the possibilities are endless. From three-reel vintage machines to modern, five-reel video slots, the world of slot symbols keeps evolving.
And as slot machines move increasingly online, with casino apps offering unique variations, the fun of chasing down those symbols grows even more accessible. Whether you’re looking to score with classic slot machine symbols or hoping for a modern wild to tip the balance in your favor, the key is to play smart, have fun, and enjoy the ride. It’s the symbols that keep the game interesting, but it’s your approach to playing that ensures a good time.
