Explained: Scatter symbols in online slots

Michael Parfenov, Media Manager at Mascot Gaming, gives you the lowdown on Scatter symbols in online slots 

Scatter symbols can be found in the vast majority of online slots and are used to trigger bonus features such as free spins, mini-games and other special rewards. 

Unlike regular symbols, Scatters do not need to appear on a specific payline to contribute to a win. They can land anywhere on the reels and still count toward triggering bonuses – although in some games, they do have to land on specific reels to trigger certain bonuses.

Scatters really are a player’s best friend and can have a huge impact on the game and the potential you have to win big from a single spin. Why? Because they are the key to unlocking those all-important slot bonus features. 

This is what Scatters can look like.

When a certain number of Scatter symbols appear (usually three or more), they can trigger free spins, bonus rounds or other special features. These bonuses provide players with additional opportunities to win without placing extra bets. Scatters can also pay out on their own, often providing a Multiplier on the total bet amount.

So far, so good. But when do Scatters actually land? 

Scatters can appear randomly on any spin and on any reel, depending on the game’s design. It is possible to have multiple Scatter symbols land in a single spin, and, typically, more Scatters lead to more substantial bonuses or higher rewards. 

For example, three Scatters might trigger 10 free spins, while five Scatters could trigger 20 free spins or a higher-tier bonus game. 

As well as landing in the base game, Scatters can also appear during the bonus features they have helped to unlock. 

That said, Scatter symbols often have different impacts depending on whether they appear in the base game or during a bonus round. 

In the base game, Scatters usually serve to trigger bonus features. Once in the bonus round, additional Scatters might provide extra free spins, multipliers, or other enhancements, increasing the potential for larger wins. 

The presence and role of Scatters in bonus rounds add layers of excitement and opportunity for players.

Not all Scatter symbols are the same, though.

While the primary function of Scatters is to trigger bonuses and special features, there can be variations. Some games feature multiple types of Scatter symbols, each associated with different bonuses. For example:

• Free Spin Scatters: Specifically trigger free spin rounds.
• Bonus Game Scatters: Unlock interactive mini-games or additional bonus features.
• Multiplying Scatters: Apply a multiplier to the total win or the win in the bonus round.
• Collectable Scatters: Accumulate over multiple spins to unlock a bonus feature once a certain number is collected.

Each type of Scatter adds a unique twist to the gameplay, making slot games more engaging and rewarding.

Of course, Scatters are just one type of special symbol found in online slot games. Another common symbol is the Wild, which substitutes for other symbols to create win combos. 

Learn more about Wild symbols in online slots.

Check out Mascot Gaming’s full suite of slots here.