Slot machine symbols are the images that appear on the reels. Some are worth more than others; lining up the right ones can lead to big wins or nothing. It all depends on the game and how the symbols land.

Slot values refer to how much each symbol or combination is worth in a game.

Therefore, every beginner knows that understanding slot symbols can simplify the gaming experience. At the same time, seasoned players can leverage their knowledge of symbol values to improve their chances of winning at slots. In this guide, we’ll break down how slot symbols work, their meanings, and their impact on payouts.

Slot Symbol Categories

Let’s break down different categories of symbols that are very popular in video slots:

1. Standard Symbols

These are the most common symbols in a slot game and payout when they match on the reel. Standard symbols often feature:

Traditional Icons

Old School Symbols

Bells and BARs are reminiscent of classic slot machines.

Fruit Symbols 

Cherries are taking the lead in terms of high-paying standards.

Playing Card Symbols and Suits: 

Aces, kings, queens, and other card values frequently appear as lower-paying symbols.

Example: Aligning three cherries may reward a smaller payout than aligning high-value thematic symbols. Plus, details on each card mean a bigger win.

2. Wild Symbols

Wilds are the “jokers” of the slots world and are the real game-changers, as they can substitute for other symbols to form winning combinations. Variants include:

Expanding Wilds 

Cover entire reels for massive payouts.

Sticky Wilds

Remain on the reels for multiple spins, increasing win potential.

Transferring Wilds

Appear on the first reels and spread to the remaining three, giving you wilds across all reels.

Shifting Wilds

They can change their position horizontally, leading to a higher payout.

Walking Wilds

“Walk” over the reels until they fall off the edge.

Stacked Wilds

Come in pairs of 2 or 3 instead of taking one spot on the reels; sometimes, they can even cover an entire reel.

Other wild symbols with special features include random wilds and colliding wilds. Random wilds appear unexpectedly during bonus rounds, boosting your chances of winning. Colliding wilds, on the other hand, line up side by side to trigger bonus features like free spins.

3. Scatter Symbols

Scatters are unique because they can trigger payouts or bonus features regardless of their position on the reels. They are popular because you can win a prize with only 2 or 3 of them. They are parts of 5-reel slots to spice things up for the players.

4. Bonus Symbols

Bonus symbols are very much like scatter symbols, but with a twist. Symbols activate bonus features such as mini-games or progressive jackpots. Bonus symbols are typically tied to the game’s theme and add an extra layer of excitement.

Check the paytable to crack the code to the bonus symbol and gain the value.

5. Multiplier Symbols

Possibly the rarest symbols to grace the slot reels, multiplier symbols increase your winnings by a specified factor (e.g., 2x, 5x, or 10x). They often appear during bonus rounds, making them highly sought after.

Imagine winning just $40, but a multiplier appears, symbolizing 10x. You are living on $400.

6. Special Theme-Based Symbols

Inspired by the game’s theme, these symbols usually have higher payouts. For example, treasure chests and ships could hold the key to the biggest treasures in a pirate-themed slot.

Understanding Slots Symbol Values

The actual value depends on the game’s paytable. Understanding the value of symbols is intertwined with reading the paytable. Every slot game paytable outlines the value of each symbol and its role in the game. Some symbols pay more than others, and hitting certain combos like three wilds or five sevens can lead to big wins. Here’s what to look for:

High-Value Symbols

As mentioned earlier, the devil’s in the details for high-value symbols. The more the charms of themes and details, the higher the payout.

Low-Value Symbols

The cash is limited if the icons are the old, boring card icons. Standard playing card icons usually represent lower payouts.

Combination Payouts

Aligning multiple symbols on a payline results in varying payouts, depending on their value and frequency.

Example Paytable:

Symbol Designs Narrate Slot Themes

Themes and symbols are essential parts of every good narration. A game without narration is no fun, and slot games need symbols and themes to create a cohesive and immersive experience. Here’s how symbols narrate themes:

Classic Slots

Feature symbols like BARs, sevens, and fruits maintain a nostalgic vibe.

Adventure Slots

Include symbols such as maps, treasures, and characters to match the storyline.

Fantasy Slots

Use mythical creatures, magical items, and enchanted landscapes to enhance the fantasy experience.

Understanding the connection between the theme and symbols can help players immerse themselves more fully in the game. Besides, it’s your adventure, and you want to get lucky in a theme that matches your storyline.

What Some Players Get Wrong About Slot Symbols

1. Wild Symbols Guarantee Wins

While wild symbols are wildly lucky, they do not guarantee wins. The game’s mechanics determine their placement and frequency.

Wild cards improve your chances of winning combinations. 

2. Scatter Symbols Are Always Better

Despite the valuable bonus rounds triggered by scatters, these free agents are not always the highest-paying symbols. It’s essential to check the payables for specific payouts.

3. The More the Symbols, the Higher the Chances of Winning

More symbols don’t mean more cash. Adding more symbols to a slot’s reels means more codes and complexity, lowering the chances of landing specific combinations.

4. Same Symbols, Same Games, Same Values 

Symbol values are not fixed from one game to another, even throughout the same game! Always consult the game’s paytable before playing. One low-value symbol in one game might be the winner of another one.

Slot Symbols Now and Forever

Slot symbols will stay our beloved Easter eggs now and forever. Demystifying symbols and winning, getting lucky and winning bigger, and returning to the game after a loss are why slot games exist and are here to stay even longer. 

The most important rule of a hero’s journey on the slot game is to ask for guides if they can. But it matters who you ask questions about your slot symbols and values.

Ready to dive deeper? Check out our FAQs for more tips and insights.

FAQs

The right questions often offer more than an answer. If you are also into finding out how luck favors some of us, here’s a little treat to help you demystify the most common questions asked about slot symbols and their values: 

1. What Do Different Slot Machine Symbols Represent?

Answer: As you sit in front of the slot machine, the reels spin, revealing a mix of symbols. Some are simple—fruits, numbers, and letters—while others are part of the game’s unique theme. You spot characters, animals, and iconic objects aligning with the story. These symbols aren’t just there for decoration; they’re the key to unlocking bonuses, free spins, and special features. You feel the anticipation with every spin, knowing that the right combination could lead to hidden rewards. Each twist of the machine offers a new chance for excitement and fortune.

2. How Are Slot Machine Symbols Valued?

Answer: The value of slot machine symbols depends on the specific game you’re playing. Common symbols like fruits or bars usually have a fixed payout, while higher-value symbols such as wilds or scatters may trigger bonus rounds or multipliers. Always check the game’s paytable to understand symbol values, which provides detailed information on how much each symbol pays based on your bet size.

3. What Is the Best Slot Symbol?

Answer: You realize the best slot symbol isn’t necessarily the most glamorous or valuable, but the one that works in your favor at the right moment. It’s all about timing, luck, and knowing that any symbol could be the key to unlocking something great.

4. Why is the number 7 on slot machines?

Answer: The number 7, often linked with luck, has become a staple in slot games. Every time it appears, a surge of hope runs through you. It’s as if the universe is aligning, reminding you that sometimes, the correct symbol at the right time could bring good fortune.

Check out Zopodabet’s blog for more information on the world of slot games: types of slots, the best online slots, and more.