Most modern slot machines have a Scatter feature, a special element that plays a vital role in boosting a player’s chances of winning. SlotoCash online casino has created a Scatter Guide that shows you how to make the best possible use of the scatter symbol so that you can enjoy a high-action, interactive gaming adventure of high payouts and fun-filled gameplay.
About Scatters
A scatter symbol is a unique symbol that appears randomly on the reels in a slot game. Whenever it lands on the reels, it can trigger specific bonus features. The Scatter Symbol is different from a slot machine’s standard symbols because the Scatter doesn't need to follow any paylines or landing patterns. The Scatter symbols can trigger the Scatter Combination Payout and other rewards when enough Scatters appear on the reels in any position.
The Scatter is a valued symbol because it often unlocks special game features, including:
- Free Spins – Free Spins are one of the most common bonus prizes tied to scatter symbols. If you land the requisite number of scatter symbols you’ll receive a series of free spins. During those free spins you can achieve real money prizes without placing additional bets.
- Multipliers – Multipliers can be triggered by a Scatter win to multiply the value of your winnings.
- Bonus Rounds – Bonus rounds can be activated when scatter symbols land in some games. In these bonus rounds, players enter a different gameplay mode where they can enjoy higher winning opportunities, and opportunities for jackpot wins or multipliers.
Activating Scatters
Scatter symbols are easy to identify but if you have any doubts, check the game review to find out which game graphic is the scatter. In most slots games you’ll need to land at least 3 Scatter symbols on a regular game spin to activate the associated bonus feature.
There are some games where you only need two Scatters so be sure that you read the game overview before you start playing (or simply play the game in the Free Mode to see the gameplay before you place a bet to play in the Real Mode). The Scatters can appear anywhere on the gameboard, with no limitations on which paylines they occur.
The Scatter Combination Payout is determined based on the total wager, as opposed to other payouts that are determined by a line bet. That makes these payouts more lucrative than regular game wins. Also, the more Scatter symbols that you get on a spin, the higher your potential payout
For example, if the machine triggers 12 free spins for three scatter symbols, if you achieve four or five Scatters on a regular game spin you’re likely to collect additional free spins, higher multipliers or other lucrative give-aways.
Types of Scatters
Different slot machines use scatter symbols in varying ways. The unpredictability adds to the fun and winning payouts.
- Progressive Scatters – In some games, the more scatter symbols you land, the more lucrative your bonus. There may be a small prize for three scatters and a massive bonus for five.
- Themed Scatters – many slot machines have scatters that are connected to the game’s theme (gold coins, crowns, treasure chests, mystical symbols, etc) to make the gameplay more immersive.
- Jackpot Scatters – Some progressive slots feature Scatter symbols that are linked to a jackpot which offers gamers the chance to achieve a massive jackpot win.
- Scattered Wilds – Certain slot games have scatters that convert into wilds. These scattered Wilds then act as substitutes for other symbols in a game while, at the same time, reducing the number of other symbols to make it more likely that players will land a winning combination.
Optimizing the Scatters
Scatter symbols are valued because they offer added excitement without additional wagers. Thanks to the possibility of triggering bonus rounds or free spins, players experience extra excitement along with increased chances of winning payouts without additional costs. Scatters break up the normal pattern of regular game wins through layers of potential rewards beyond the simple matching of standard symbols.
Casino advisors offer strategies for maximizing the value that Scatter Symbols can bring to a game:
- Read the game review so you know, from the first spin, what symbol is the Scatter.
- Check the slot game’s RTP (Return to Player percentage) and volatility ( level of payout). Since bonus give-aways can trigger significant scatter payouts, these high payout games typically offer lower RTPs and higher volatility, meaning that the wins are bigger but not as frequent.
- Identify slot machines with higher payout rates since such machines raise your chances of earning more during bonus games.
- The more paylines/pay ways that a slot machine offers, the better. Scatter symbols signal a win when the required number of scatters appears in any pattern on the reels. You’ll be able to increase your chances of winning when you play a machine with a high number of paylines or pay ways.
Most slot machines feature Scatter symbols today but the more you understand about Scatters and about the specific machine that you want to play, the better you’ll perform.
