Slot Symbols Meaning: Classic Slot Machine Symbols Explained
Slot machines can look busy at first glance, with colourful icons spinning across multiple reels. But, those symbols are far more than decoration.
Each symbol has a specific role, whether that’s unlocking a bonus or adding variety to the gameplay. Some designs have roots in machines from over a century ago, while others were created for the digital age.
At O’Reels, knowing what these symbols mean can help you understand how each slot game works, what might trigger features, and how combinations are read. This guide breaks down their history, purpose, and the ways they still shape modern slot play.
What Are Slot Symbols?
Slot symbols are the images or graphics that appear on each reel when you spin a slot machine. A reel is the vertical column of symbols that moves when you press spin. The aim is for certain symbols to align according to the game’s rules.
In many slots, wins can be formed across paylines. A payline is a set pattern running through the reels, such as a straight line across the middle or a zig-zag. Other games may use a ways-to-win format, which counts matching symbols in consecutive reels, from left to right, regardless of their exact position.
In physical slot machines, each reel had a fixed set of symbols. In online slots, the reels are virtual, giving developers more freedom to vary how often each symbol may appear. This can mean you might see some symbols more frequently than others.
All the specific combinations, their payout potential, and any special rules are listed in the game’s paytable, which you can open before playing.
Different Types of Slot Symbols
Slot games use several categories of symbols, each with its own purpose. While the general concept is similar between titles, the exact rules can vary. Checking the paytable will confirm how they work in the game you are playing at O’Reels online casino.
Standard Symbols
These make up most of the symbols you tend to see on the reels. They can be themed, like swords in a medieval game, or more traditional, such as fruit or playing-card ranks (10, J, Q, K, A).
To form a win, you usually need a set number of matching standard symbols to land on a payline or in sequence, depending on the game’s format. Higher-value standard symbols often fit the game’s theme, while lower-value ones are frequently based on card ranks. The payout for each combination is set out in the paytable.
Wild Symbols
A Wild can act as a stand-in for most standard symbols to help complete a potentially winning combination. For example, if two matching symbols land with a Wild in the right place, the Wild fills in as the third match.
There are several variations:
- Expanding Wilds fill an entire reel when they land.
- Sticky Wilds remain in position for a set number of spins.
- Walking Wilds move to a new position with each spin.
- Multiplier Wilds apply a multiplier to any win they form part of.
Some slot games may combine these effects during special features. The paytable explains exactly which version appears in the game you are playing.
Scatter Symbols
A Scatter is different from a standard or Wild symbol because it usually does not need to land on a payline to trigger a feature. Instead, a certain number of Scatters anywhere on the reels can start free spins or another bonus.
For example, three Scatters might award a set number of free spins. These spins are often played with special rules, such as extra Wilds or higher multipliers. The game’s rules will confirm how many Scatters are needed and what feature they unlock.
Bonus Symbols
Bonus symbols trigger a specific bonus game, often separate from free spins. This could be a prize wheel, a pick-and-click game, or another mini-game with its own possible prizes.
The number of Bonus symbols required and their position on the reels will depend on the game. Unlike Scatters, which often trigger features regardless of position, Bonus symbols sometimes need to land in a specific place.
Meanings Behind Classic Slot Machine Symbols
Many symbols in modern online slots are inspired by those on the earliest machines. These designs were created long before digital play, and they often have unusual origins.
- Cherry: Early machines sometimes paid out small prizes if a cherry appeared, even if it was not part of a full winning line.
- Lemon, Orange, Plum: These fruit images reflected flavours of gum that could be given as prizes when cash payouts were restricted.
- BAR: This symbol came from the Bell-Fruit Gum Company’s logo, which resembled a bar of gum.
- Bell (Liberty Bell): Named after one of the first mechanical slots created in the 1890s, where lining up three bells awarded the top payout.
- Number 7: Over time, the number 7 became a high-paying icon in many games, largely because of its cultural associations.
Modern slots at O’Reels may include some of these classic images, but give them new values or features. You can refer to the game’s paytable to learn more.
Why Are Wild and Scatter Symbols Important?
Wilds and Scatters can change how a slot game plays over time. Wilds help to complete possible wins by replacing missing standard symbols, while Scatters may lead to bonus features.
For example, in a slot with expanding Wilds in the base game, you might see more wins formed from regular spins. In a slot where the main feature is triggered by Scatters, much of the excitement may come from landing enough Scatters to start that feature. However, as slot games are random, nothing can ever be guaranteed.
Designers often add extra rules, such as making Wilds apply multipliers during free spins, or turning Scatters into symbols that collect potential prizes in a bonus round.
How Many Symbols Are on Each Reel?
The number of symbols on each reel depends on whether the game uses physical or virtual reels.
A traditional three-reel mechanical slot might have around 10–20 symbols per reel. This limited the number of possible combinations and made some symbols appear more often than others.
Online slots use virtual reels, which can have far more positions—sometimes around 50 or more per reel. This allows developers to include more symbols and vary how frequently each one might appear, known as weighting. The Random Number Generator (RNG) assigns an outcome the moment you press spin, meaning the visible reel movement is simply a display.
Some online games also use cluster pays or Megaways systems, where the number of symbols per reel can change with each spin.
Play Slots Online at O’Reels Casino
Discover a wide selection of online slot games at O’Reels Casino, licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission.
Log in or join O’Reels to browse our slot library, from classic fruit machines to feature-rich video titles, and see which themes and mechanics might appeal to you.
Every game includes a paytable that explains its symbols, rules, and features, so you can understand how it works before you play.
Please set limits that suit you and take breaks when you need them. Gambling outcomes are based on chance, and help is available in the UK if you need it.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these slot games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.