Wild and Scatter Symbols
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Wilds and scatter symbols are two of the most common special features in slot machines, but they have different roles. Wilds help form winning combinations by substituting for other symbols, while scatters can pay or trigger features regardless of where they land on the reels.
Wilds: the Substitute Symbol
A standard wild symbol can substitute for any regular paying symbol on a slot machine to complete a winning combination. This means that if you land a wild symbol on the reels alongside other symbols, you may unlock a win even if you only match some of the required symbols along an enabled payline.
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Most wild symbols cannot substitute for scatter symbols or bonus icons. Instead, wilds can come in special variants:
- Expanding wilds
- Sticky wilds
- Walking wilds
- Multiplier wilds
The paytable for each game should show whether the wild can substitute for scatters or bonus icons. Some can, but it's not guaranteed.
Scatters: the Anywhere Symbol
Scatter symbols, on the other hand, are designed to pay out or trigger features based on how many appear on the reels, not on payline position. This means that if you land a scatter symbol anywhere, it counts toward the criteria needed to unlock a payout or bonus.
How to Read the Paytable
Because wilds and scatters can behave differently in every slot, you must read the paytable for the game you are about to play. It is the definitive authority for that specific slot. The paytable should clearly show which symbols the game's wild can substitute for, and which it cannot. Scatters and bonus features will have their own section indicating:
- how many scatters are needed for a payout
- which special features the scatters can trigger
- bonus icons and how they work
Some symbols, such as special free-spins icons, will only appear during the free-spins feature. The paytable is also the place to learn this. If this information is unclear or missing, you may wish to try another slot where the rules are more clearly set out.
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