We’re on a mission here at SweepstakesCasino.com, to enhance every free-to-play gaming session. In this article we’re exploring Scatter symbols, to check out their purpose and discover why they’re often referred to as ‘the slot player’s friend’.
We’ll explain all you need to know about Scatter symbols, including a few game suggestions to check out their features in more detail. We’ve got news about the top places to try them out for free too, with the possibility of redeeming real prizes.
What is a Scatter symbol?
The Scatter is a special symbol in a slot game that doesn’t work quite like any of the other icons. Whereas most symbols need to be lined up on adjacent reels on a payline, or form a winning cluster, Scatters can appear in any position.
Scatter Pays and free spins
Some Scatter symbols come with a Scatter Pays mechanic, in which a Coin payout is awarded for landing two or more on the reels. But they usually also introduce either free spins or a bonus feature when the required number are visible on the reels following a spin.
Check the paytable
All Scatters are unique to the game they appear in, which is why it’s a good idea to check out the paytable before playing. Head for the ‘i’ button, the ‘?’ logo or the three line hamburger menu to open up the paytable, which shows the value of game symbols and explains the mechanics and features.
The role of the Scatter is explained in more detail, along with any Coin payouts and information about how to trigger bonus features. Once you know what to look out for, you’ll have a better idea of how the game plays out – and at a sweepstakes casino you get to explore it without impacting your bankroll.
Look out for Scatter / Wild combination symbols
In some games – most notably ‘Book of’ slots, the Wild also serves as the game’s Scatter symbol too. ‘Book of’ slots require three Books to land on the reels, activating the free spins bonus round, as well as selecting an Expanding symbol to aid with winning potential in the game.
Our pick of Scatter symbol slots to try
The majority of online slots include a Scatter symbol, and particularly where there are five or more reels. We’ve picked out three great options for you to explore, all of which have the potential to spin up plenty of fun, along with some interesting bonus features.
- Big Bass Bonanza: The first in an engaging series of fishing-themed games from Pragmatic Play, Big Bass Bonanza includes a fish Scatter that can appear on every reel. Land at least three to activate the free spins bonus round, in which the fisherman Wild collects the values of all fish money symbols in view.
- Wolf Gold: Also from Pragmatic Play, Wolf Gold only features Monument Valley Scatters on reels 1, 3 and 5. Spin up three Scatters to trigger 5 free spins. Reels 3, 4 and 5 combine to create one mega symbol during the bonus, with 3 Scatters awarding 3 more free spins.
- Book of the Fallen: The Book symbol is both the Wild and the Scatter, so it acts as a symbol substitute and also triggers the free spins bonus round. Before any free spins commence, the Book selects one random symbol from the paytable to be the Special Expanding Symbol throughout the feature. This symbol expands to fill the reel whenever it can generate a win, paying out under a Scatter Pays mechanic, so symbols don’t need to be on adjacent reels.
Here’s where you can try out some of the best Scatter symbol slot games
The full collection of Pragmatic Play slots are available to play right now at WOW Vegas and Stake.us, along with hundreds of other games from leading providers. And since it only takes a moment to register for an account, you could be spinning up any of these fun games within minutes.
Be sure to make a note of our Stake login bonus, which offers an ongoing 5% rakeback award for even more free spins. Use them to spin up Scatters on your favorite slots and there could be even more free spins on the way!
