If you’re new to playing online slot games in the UK, you might have noticed that each different slot game has different symbols and features to offer.
The symbols on the reels are designed to reflect the theme of the game – for example, an animal-themed slot is likely to feature different members of the animal kingdom as symbols, whereas one with an Irish folklore theme might feature leprechauns, four leaf clovers and pots of gold.
In terms of features, you’re likely to find slot games that offer free spins, picking games, multipliers and more. These bonus rounds offer a fun way to try to boost your wins.
Read on to find out more about the different types of slot machine symbols and what they do, as well as some info about the various slot game features you’ll come across.
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Symbols
Here we explain some of the most common types of symbols:
Standard Reel Symbols
Standard symbols are those which usually award a cash prize for landing a certain combination of them on the reels. The symbols will be relevant to the design of the game – for example, a TV show-themed slot might feature different characters from the show, while a Christmas-themed slot could feature different festive symbols.
Many slot games use the traditional card values A, K, Q, J, 10 to represent the lower-paying symbols, while the higher-paying symbols are likely to have a more unique design.
However, this can vary according to the game, so always check the paytable of the game you’re going to be playing.
Scatter Symbols
Most slot games (but not all of them) feature Scatter symbols. They can usually activate some kind of bonus round if a certain number of them appear on the reels, but again this will depend on the specific game.
Scatters get their name because they can be ‘scattered’ across the reels. Unlike standard symbols, which usually have to appear on adjacent reels from left to right, Scatters do not need to be next to each other to trigger the bonus feature.
Scatters are sometimes easy to identify because they may have the word ‘Scatter’ written on them. Otherwise, check the paytable to find out what the Scatter symbol is in your chosen slot game (and if there is one).
Bonus Symbols
Bonus symbols are very similar to Scatter symbols, but they always trigger a bonus round. You might need to land a certain number of Bonus symbols on the reels to get access to the bonus round, or the symbols may need to land on certain reels.
Bonus symbols often have the word ‘Bonus’ written across them to make identifying them easier, but this isn’t always the case. Check before you play to see what the rules are for your chosen game.
Wild Symbols
If you’re familiar with card games, a Wild symbol in online slots is similar to a wild card. In slots it can replace any other standard symbol, hopefully helping you to land a winning combination.
Usually Wilds can’t replace ‘special’ symbols such as bonus or Scatter symbols, but this will depend on the specific game you’re playing.
In some slot games Wilds might have other special powers, such as doubling any win they form a part of, but this varies so you’ll need to check the rules for your game.
Sometimes Wilds will be easy to recognise as a symbol that reads ‘Wild’, but in other games it may be less obvious.
Check the paytable to find out what the Wild is in the slot you’re playing, and remember that not all slot games feature Wild symbols.
Mystery Symbols
Mystery symbols have the power to transform into another random symbol to give you a chance to win a cash prize. They can often transform other positions on the reels too.
Features
Slot games often come with special features to make the game more exciting, and give you more chances to win a prize. Take a look at some common slot features below:
Free Spins
One of the most common features in slots is a free spins round. Free spins are additional spins that a player may receive for achieving a certain combination on the reels – for example, for landing three Scatters on the reels. The free spins may be played out on the same set of reels as the base game, or you could be taken to a new screen.
Our favourite thing about free spins is that they’re free! Unlike standard spins, which have a cost, free spins give you an extra chance to win a prize without betting any additional money.
The number of free spins you’ll receive will vary according to the game you’re playing, and in some games it’s possible to win more free spins during the free spins round.
Picking Game
At the start of a picking game, or picking bonus, you’ll be taken to a new screen with a number of symbols in view. Your task is simply to click on symbols at random to reveal a prize, a multiplier, or possibly the end of the bonus.
Multipliers
In some slot games multipliers can be applied to wins to increase your prize pot. Multipliers can be triggered in various ways, and may be part of a bonus game. Some games have increasing multipliers, and there are even a few with potentially infinite multipliers.
Tips for Playing Slots
Now that you’re clued up on symbols and bonus features, you might be wondering whether we have any tips for playing slots. The truth is that although there is no magic formula for how to win at slots, there are a few things you can do to make the most of your gaming experience.
Here are our top tips:
Learn about Slots
If you’re reading this page, you’re already doing a great job of this one! There is lots of information online about slots (some of it more reliable than others, of course). It’s a good idea to read about different types of slots on the websites of licensed casinos like Spin Genie, or even to check out what players are saying about particular slots on online forums like Reddit.
Play Demo Games First
Many casinos (including Spin Genie) offer demo versions of their games for registered players. This means that you can experience what it’s like to play the game but without betting any money on it. Of course, you’re not able to win any real money prizes until you make real money bets, but trying games out first is a great way to familiarise yourself with them and understand how they work.
This way you can try lots of different slot games without spending any of your money, and you can find one with a theme, RTP, and volatility level that suits you.
Always Play Responsibly
Responsible gambling is key to having a great gaming experience. That means spending within your means, and setting limits you can stick to. Decide on a budget before you start playing, and make sure you don’t exceed it. Many players also like to set a time limit too, to help them stay in control.
Never spend more than you can afford to lose, and regularly check your activity and spending in your account. If you’re ever concerned that your gambling is becoming a problem, there are lots of resources and player limitation tools that are designed to help.
Disclaimer: The house will always have the edge. Players should never try to recover losses by gambling more. The outcome of the games is always entirely based on luck.
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