What Are Scatter Symbols in Online Slots?
Every game is unique and has different slot symbols, but many share similar features. For example, most games have a wild symbol, which substitutes other symbols to help create winning combinations. Scatter symbols are also common, but what exactly do they do? Let’s take a closer look at them in this article.
What Is a Scatter Symbol?
A scatter symbol is a special symbol in a slot game that usually pays out regardless of where it lands on the reels. While most regular symbols need to appear on a specific payline to win, scatter symbols can trigger a payout or unlock a bonus feature even if they’re scattered across different reels.
They are often tied to the most rewarding features in a game, including free spins, bonus rounds, or multipliers. In many games, scatters also have a fixed payout that increases with the number you land.
How Scatter Symbols Work
Here’s what makes scatter symbols different from standard symbols:
- No Payline Requirement – They can pay from any position.
- Bonus Feature Access – Landing the required number (often three or more) usually triggers a special feature such as free spins or a pick-and-click bonus.
- Payout Potential – Some games award a fixed payout for scatters, while others combine the payout with bonus triggers.
Example: In Dead or Alive 2, hitting five scatter symbols pays 2,500× your stake and awards 12 free spins. The free spins are the same whether you land three, four, or five scatters—the extra symbols simply increase the payout.
How to Spot a Scatter Symbol
Scatter symbols are usually highlighted in the game’s paytable. They might be marked with the word “SCATTER” or linked to the game’s theme, such as a book, coin, or emblem.
They often have distinctive artwork or animations when they appear. Checking the paytable before playing ensures you know what the scatter looks like, what it pays, and how many you need to trigger bonuses.
Variations in Scatter Rules
While many online slots follow the “3+ scatters = bonus” rule, there are important variations players should be aware of:
- Extra Rewards for More Scatters: Some games give higher multipliers or more spins for landing 4 or 5 scatters.
- Multiple Scatters in One Game: Certain modern slots have more than one type of scatter, each unlocking a different bonus.
- No Scatter Slots: Some popular titles like Starburst don’t use scatters at all, focusing instead on expanding wilds or re-spins.
- Payline + Scatter Hybrid: In rare cases, scatters may only pay if they land on consecutive reels.
Scatter Symbols and Betting Strategy
Scatter features can influence your betting approach. In most games, scatter payouts and bonus wins scale with your bet size, so playing at the minimum bet still triggers bonuses but with smaller returns. Games with large scatter rewards often have higher volatility, meaning bonuses may be infrequent.
Some online casinos also offer a bonus buy option, letting you purchase immediate access to scatter-triggered features — this can be costly, so always check the game’s RTP first.
Popular Slots With Scatter Symbols
Here are examples of well-known slots you’ll find at many licensed Canadian online casinos, all of which use scatter symbols:
- Book of Dead (Play’n GO) – Scatter is the “Book” symbol. Three or more award 10 free spins plus a payout starting at 2× your bet.
- Deadwood (Nolimit City) – Three scatters unlock free spins; extra symbols and sheriff badges can trigger enhanced “Shoot Out” spins.
- Immortal Romance (Microgaming) – Scatter is a lion-shaped door knocker. Two scatters pay, while three or more trigger the “Chamber of Spins” with up to 25 free spins.
- Big Bass Bonanza (Pragmatic Play) – Fish scatter symbols trigger a fishing-themed free spins round with extra multiplier opportunities.
- Gates of Olympus (Pragmatic Play) – Four Zeus scatters trigger a multiplier-rich free spins bonus.
Final Thoughts
Scatter symbols are among the most influential features in modern online slots, giving players access to free spins, multipliers, and other special rounds without needing to land symbols in order. For Canadian players, knowing how scatters work—and when to adjust your strategy—can make your slot sessions more informed and balanced.
While they can lead to significant payouts, scatters are just one part of the game. Some of the most popular titles in Canada don’t use them at all, proving that great gameplay can take many forms.
