Slot Machine Symbols Guide 2024

There are two types of symbols in online slots. The first ones are ordinary. They are necessary to form paid lines. That is, they have one function – to give the player winnings if the conditions for their accrual are met. The condition may be to collect identical symbols on one of the lines, to obtain a cluster or a certain number of such symbols on the field.

Slot bonus symbols don’t always take part in a paid combination. They may not be taken into account at all when forming lines. They have a different task – to make the gameplay more diverse. Bonus symbols can give an additional multiplier, activate free spins, re-spins, open new reels, play a jackpot, etc.

The first slot machine in history was developed by American engineer Charles Fey at the end of the 19th century. It was a simple mechanical slot called Liberty Bell. It had only one row and three reels. To get a win, the same symbols had to appear on two or three reels, starting from the first.

Like dozens of others in the future, this slot machine used symbols of card suits, diamonds and horseshoes. The image of a bell was considered the most valuable. These symbols have become classics, and for many years, until the mid-20th century, they could be found on most slot machines.

Later, symbols of fruits and berries were added to them. However, both these and the symbols described above were not bonus symbols. The only function they performed was the formation of paid lines.

Real bonuses slot machine symbols began to actively appear in the second half of the 20th century when gambling in Las Vegas and other resort cities experienced its heyday. The emergence of online slots casinos gave them the greatest development.

Each slot has its playing field format, that is, the number of reels and rows. This means that the total number of characters in its field may vary significantly. For example, in classic slots with 3 reels and 5 rows, 15 symbols appear on the screen in one spin. If there are 5 reels, then there are already 25. And in slots with a playing field format of 10×10, there are already 100 symbols.

But it is worth considering that we are talking about the total number of cells. If we talk about unique symbols, there are usually no more than 15 of them. Moreover, not all of them are bonus symbols. As a rule, new slot games use up to 3-5 bonus symbols in different game modes, so as not to complicate the gameplay too much.

Bonus symbols are what make slot machines unique. They add more variety to the gameplay and provide additional ways to win. There are more than 10 types of bonus symbols, and each performs its functions. Slot machine providers use them in combination with each other, which further increases the winning potential. Often, bonus symbols can perform several functions simultaneously.

But slot machines with bonus features have more complex rules of the game. Therefore, before making money bets, it is advisable to study them and understand how certain mechanics work. This will help you evaluate the slot more objectively and make a final decision on playing it.