The Most Popular Slot Symbols Explained

Slot games come in all shapes and themes, but one thing they all share is symbols. From Cherries and Sevens to expanding Wilds and bonus icons, symbols are the visual language of online slots, and understanding them is a great way to get more out of your gameplay. 

In this guide, we're looking at the most popular slot symbols you'll come across, what they do, and how they shape your casino experience. Whether you're new to slots or just want to brush up, here's what's happening behind the reels.

Standard Slot Symbols: The Basics 

These are the most common symbols you'll see on the reels. They're usually divided into low-paying and high-paying symbols, depending on their value in a winning combination. 

• Low-paying symbols are often represented by playing card values: 10, J, Q, K, and A. They appear frequently and typically offer smaller wins. 
• High-paying symbols are usually tied to the game’s theme; think golden pharaohs in an Egyptian slot, or gemstones in a fantasy setting. These are the symbols that tend to deliver the bigger wins when matched across paylines. 

Landing three or more matching symbols, starting from the leftmost reel, is usually how you secure a win with standard symbols during the base game of a video slot. And if you're new to online slots or want a quick refresher, our guide on how to play online slots breaks it down step by step.

Wild Symbols: Filling in the Gaps 

The Wild is a symbol you'll want to keep an eye out for. It acts as a substitute for most other symbols in the game, helping to complete or extend winning combinations. 

Let's say you've got two matching symbols and a Wild on the same payline - the Wild can step in and count as the third, creating a win. 

Wilds can also come in different forms, depending on the casino slot: 

• Expanding Wilds stretch to cover an entire reel. 
• Sticky Wilds stay in place for a set number of spins. 
• Walking Wilds move across the reels one spin at a time. 
• Stacked Wilds appear in blocks, often covering multiple positions. 

Each variation adds a different dynamic, often tied to bonus features or free spins rounds.

Scatter Symbols: Unlocking Bonus Features

Unlike most symbols, Scatter symbols don't need to land on a payline to have an impact. Instead, they typically trigger bonus features or free spins rounds when you land a set number of them anywhere on the reels. 

For example, three or more Scatters might unlock a set number of free spins, sometimes with added multipliers or special Wild mechanics. 

Scatters are often designed to stand out visually, and they usually carry some animation or sound effect when they land. They're an essential part of the game flow and can significantly increase your chances of hitting a bigger win through bonus gameplay. 

Curious how features like these get triggered? Take a look at what triggers a slot machine to win for a closer look at the mechanics behind each spin.

Bonus Symbols: Entering the Extra Games

Sometimes games include separate Bonus symbols that trigger fiery interactive features, like pick-and-click games, spinning wheels, or progressive jackpot slot trails. These features are often where the biggest potential wins are found. 

Bonus symbols usually need to appear in specific winning symbol combinations; for example, three Bonus symbols appearing across designated reels could launch the feature. While not every slot includes them, they're a staple in many of today’s more immersive titles. 

In some games, the Bonus and Scatter symbols are the same, but not always. It depends on the game's design and mechanics.

Multiplier Symbols: Boosting Your Win

As the name suggests, Multiplier symbols multiply your winnings. These can appear during base gameplay, but they're often tied to free spins or bonus rounds. 

A multiplier might double your win (2x), triple it (3x), or go much higher. Some games include progressive multipliers that increase the more you win during a bonus feature. 

While less common than Wilds and Scatters, multipliers can be a thrilling game-changer when they do appear - especially when they stack or combine - so keep an eye out for these on the reels.

Stacked and Colossal Symbols: Taking Up Space

Some slots take standard symbols and go big - literally. Stacked symbols appear in vertical rows, potentially covering an entire reel. When several reels land stacked symbols at once, it can lead to multiple payline wins. 

Colossal symbols (sometimes called Mega or Super symbols) go even further, taking up a 2x2 or 3x3 space across the reels. These are usually part of bonus features or special rounds and are designed to boost winning potential. 

These formats help mix up the gameplay and keep things visually engaging, especially in slots with fewer traditional paylines. 

Classic Symbols: A Nod to the Old-School 

For fans of traditional slot machines, you'll still find classic symbols popping up in many modern games. These include: 

• Cherries 
• Lemons 
• BARs 
• Bells 
• Lucky 7s 

These symbols are a throwback to the early days of fruit machines and remain popular today, particularly in slot machine games with a retro or arcade-style theme. 

While the payouts might be simpler, the nostalgic feel adds a different kind of entertainment to the gameplay. 

Want to explore more? You can start playing five of our best online slots, packed with both classic and modern symbols.

Why Symbols Matter 

Every symbol in a slot game has a job to do. Some are about forming the wins you see on the paytable, while others unlock hidden slot features or ramp up the excitement during bonus rounds. 

Knowing what each symbol means - and what it can do - gives you a clearer view of how the game works, especially when features start stacking up. You don't need to memorise every payline or mechanic, but understanding the main symbols goes a long way toward making the experience more enjoyable. 

Slot symbols are more than just visuals; they're the engine behind every spin. From basic line wins to bonus rounds, they shape how each game plays and how wins are triggered. 

Whether it's a Wild turning the tide, a Scatter unlocking a round of free spins, or a Bonus symbol launching something more elaborate, every symbol has a role to play. 

At Virgin Games, we believe understanding the details makes play even more enjoyable, and knowing your symbols is a great place to start.

Take Your New Knowledge for a Test Spin

Now that you know your Wilds from your Scatters, why not put that knowledge into action? At Virgin Games, you'll find a huge lineup of online slots, from feature-packed favourites to fresh new releases. 

Every game is designed for secure, seamless play, so you can focus on the fun and enjoy the thrill of the spin. Whether you're enjoying bonus rounds, exploring themed adventures, or keeping it classic with fruit machine-style reels, there's something here for every player. 

It's all in one place, built for people who take fun seriously.

Spin the reels on top online slots at Virgin Games. Discover feature-packed games, secure gameplay, and real chances to win - all in one place, built for players who take fun seriously.

All offers mentioned correct at the time of writing but may be subject to change.