Have you ever tried playing a slot machine? If the answer is yes, you must have seen figures and icons whizzing across the reels. These are not just decorations! Icons are important in the slot mechanism and the amount you may win. Of course, many symbols exist, but each has its idea. Having this clue helps you derive a lot of fun from the game. So, let's analyze what slot machine symbols are and their purpose.
What Are Slot Machine Symbols and Icons?
Slot symbols are the pictures you see on the reels of a slot machine. They are associated with different values or bonuses. We can then see that icons are more about the theme and general look and feel of the game and its branding. Think of symbols as the essentials of the game and the key elements one requires to triumph. Icons are like that bright sign that catches your attention and makes you look at the machine in the first place.
The History Behind Slot Symbols
History time, folks! Early symbols were quite simple due to specific gambling requirements. The first slot game was designed by Charles Fey in 1887, and it had symbols such as a card deck, horseshoes, and the Liberty Bell. These were clear and uncomplicated. However, as laws related to gambling began to evolve, so did the icons. At first, the one-handed bandits were disguised as "Fruit Slot Machines" with chewing gum. Currently, fruit themes are a passage to the past and only a stylish background.
The Meaning of Symbols
Beginners often mistake symbols for mere decoration, although this is fundamentally wrong. Each icon has its meaning and impact on gameplay. Each icon has its price and purpose in each slot. Here's what you should know about key icons:
- Fruits: Originating from gum payouts, they are still seen in many slots.
- Bells: These are from the original Liberty Bell machine, which is often high-paying.
- Bars: Linked to early gum packets, now a classic slot symbol.
- Sevens: Considered lucky, usually offer large payouts.
- Playing Cards: Often low-paying, but still common in slots.
- Wild Symbols: Substitute for other symbols to create winning combinations.
- Scatter Symbols: Trigger bonus games or free spins.
Remember that images and their values can vary greatly in modern online slots. In one game, sevens can be the top symbol that triggers jackpots, while in another, they are just icons with minimal payouts. That's why learning game layouts will help you avoid disappointment.
How Many Symbols Are in the Slot Machine?
The number of slot machine icons may vary depending on the slot type and theme. Classic three-reel slots have 5-10 icons, while multi-reel variants have more than 10. In some exclusive slots, the number of symbols is in the dozens due to their specific functions. A particularly large number of symbols in slots with a complex plot claim to go beyond classic gambling titles. In the overall story context, the number of characters can reach 30 or more!
Most Common Symbols in Slot Machine
Regarding slots, some symbols are normally associated with these games. For example, the cherries, bells, bars, and sevens are some of the most common symbols that you will find in many of the games. These symbols have been part of slots for many years due to the history of slots and the emotions that they bring with them. They are not very hard to understand and are thus preferred by both the new and experienced players.
Different Types of Symbols
Modern slot machines contain numerous symbols that play different roles within the game. They are divided by profitability, functions, and categories. Let's look at what images you can expect in most modern games.
Standard Symbols
The basic building blocks of the game are standard symbols in slot machines. These symbols will appear frequently in motion as the reels are spinning. For example, in classic slots, the regular symbols could be fruits such as cherries, lemons, and grapes, or card symbols could be aces, kings, queens, jacks, or tens. These symbols usually pay out the lowest prices, and the paytable will vary depending on the symbols lined up.
Wild Symbol
Wild symbols are very much like the jokers of a deck of cards! They can replace most other icons and match a winning line. This makes them among the most valuable symbols you can get. If a wild symbol is part of the spin, there is a high chance to win big or trigger free spins. So, check all possible features of wild symbols:
- Substitute Power: Can replace most other symbols.
- Expanding Wilds: Stretch to cover entire reels.
- Sticky Wilds: Stay in place for multiple spins.
- Stacked Wilds: Appear in stacks on the reels.
- Walking Wilds: Move across the reels with each spin.
Whenever the wild symbol appears, the game provides an animation to show that it is important. Each kind of wild, such as an expanding or sticky one, adds a new element to the game. But you don't have to memorize all types of such slots symbols. They will appear randomly, rewarding you with certain gifts.
Scatter Symbol
Scatter symbols are special because they do not have to be aligned on any pay line to win. They can appear in any position on the reels and still trigger bonus features or extra rounds. Usually, hitting three or more icons triggers free spins or a bonus game.
Bonus Symbol
Bonus symbols trigger special features. The only difference between them and scatters is that bonus symbols must be aligned in specific positions on the reels or lines to trigger a bonus round. These rounds can be as simple as free spins or include mini-games with prizes or multipliers.
Multiplier Symbol
These symbols do exactly what their name says: they multiply. When the multiplier icons appear on your payline, you can count on a boost to your winnings. This is usually 2x, 3x, or even 100x, depending on the slot, so be careful.
Progressive Symbol
These symbols are your pass to the higher level in slot games. They relate to progressive jackpot games, which accrue with every bet made on all the machines connected to a network. The progressive symbols are activated once you gather the right combination of symbols.
Expanding Symbol
Increasing symbols increases your chances of winning by covering more of the reel. When these symbols appear, they can cover an entire reel or multiple reels, giving you more opportunities to get more pay-line winning combinations.
Sticky Symbols
Sticky symbols remain in the game for a specific number of rounds, increasing the odds of a winning combination. When these symbols appear on the reels, they remain 'sticky' for the next spin or more, depending on the set provisions in the game.
Importance of Icons in Slot Machines
Icons are the key elements of any slot. They signal certain bonuses, combinations, and extra rounds. Here is why they are important for gamblers:
- Icons help establish the game's unique identity.
- Attractive icons draw players in and keep them engaged.
- Icons reinforce the game's theme, making it more immersive.
- Well-designed icons make it easy to make a list of favorite games.
- Icons are essential for promoting the game.
As you can see, it's not just about the general ideas of the slot and aesthetics but also about specific solid nuances. In other words, icons are something like a ship's sails, but in the gambling world. Without them, the slot would not have the advantages that make it interesting for the audience.
Conclusion
Now you know more about symbols, their purpose, and their value for online slots. The gambling industry exists largely due to the variety and uniqueness of slots. These games have similar mechanics, and only icons help to uniqueize the gameplay. Keep this in mind when you choose your next slot.