Scatter Symbol Slots
Scatter Symbols are special slot symbols that can activate Free Spins, bonus rounds or prizes without following traditional paylines.
How Scatter Symbols Work in Slots
Scatter Symbols are special slot symbols that usually activate features or award prizes without needing to appear on a traditional payline. Depending on the game, a Scatter may pay from any position on the reels or grid, making it different from ordinary symbols tied to specific reel combinations.
One of the most common uses of Scatter Symbols is to activate Free Spins. A game may require three, four or more Scatters to appear during the same round before the bonus starts. Some slots also use additional Scatter symbols landed during the feature to award extra spins or retrigger the bonus.
Scatters can also be linked to instant prizes, Multipliers, bonus games or other special features. Their exact function varies between titles, so the symbol rules are usually one of the first things worth checking when comparing different slot mechanics.
Scatter Symbols are common in both traditional reel slots and games using mechanics such as Pay Anywhere, Cluster Pays and Cascading Reels. In Sweet Bonanza, for example, lollipop Scatters are used to start the Free Spins feature.