Modern online slots contain far more features than traditional three-reel machines.
Open almost any video slot today and you may see terms such as:
- Wild
- Scatter
- Free Spins
- Multiplier
- Respin
- Bonus Game
If you are new to slots, these terms can quickly become confusing. Here is what the most common slot bonus features actually mean.
What Is a Wild Symbol?
A Wild is a special slot symbol that can usually substitute for certain regular symbols.
Imagine a slot where three matching symbols are required to create a qualifying combination. If the reels show:
Diamond + Wild + Diamond
the Wild may substitute for the missing Diamond.
The exact rules depend on the game. In many slots, Wild symbols cannot substitute for Scatter or Bonus symbols. That is why checking the Paytable is important.
Different Types of Wild Symbols
Modern slot developers frequently add additional mechanics to the standard Wild.
- Expanding Wild: Can grow after appearing, sometimes covering an entire reel.
- Sticky Wild: Remains in position for additional spins or for part of a bonus feature.
- Walking Wild: Moves across the reels from one spin to another.
- Stacked Wild: Several Wild symbols can appear together in a stack on the same reel.
- Multiplier Wild: Can apply an additional multiplier when it contributes to a qualifying combination. For example, a 2x Wild may double the value of an eligible result, depending on the game rules.
What Is a Scatter Symbol?
A Scatter is another special symbol, but its role is usually different from that of a Wild.
Scatter symbols frequently trigger special features. In many games, Scatters do not need to appear on a traditional payline.
For example, a game may require three Scatter symbols anywhere on the reels to activate a Free Spins feature. Another game might require four. The rules are different for every slot.
Wild vs. Scatter: What Is the Difference?
The simplest distinction is:
- Wilds usually help form symbol combinations.
- Scatters usually help trigger special features.
However, slot developers can create their own rules. A Scatter may also award a direct payout in some games, while a Wild may have additional bonus functions.
Always check the individual game's Paytable.
What Are Free Spins?
Free Spins are additional spins awarded through a game feature.
A common structure might look like this:
- 3 Scatters = 8 Free Spins
- 4 Scatters = 12 Free Spins
- 5 Scatters = 20 Free Spins
This is only an example. Every game has its own configuration.
Free Spins may also introduce mechanics that do not appear in the base game, including:
- Additional Wilds
- Increasing multipliers
- Expanding reels
- Sticky symbols
- Special collectors
- Retriggers
- Enhanced symbol values
This often makes the Free Spins round one of the most feature-rich parts of a slot.
What Is a Free Spins Retrigger?
Some slots allow players to earn additional Free Spins while already inside the Free Spins feature. This is commonly known as a retrigger.
For example, landing another set of Scatter symbols during the feature might add five more Free Spins.
Retrigger rules vary considerably, so they should not be assumed to work the same way in every game.
What Is a Multiplier?
A multiplier increases the value of an eligible game result.
Common multiplier values include:
- 2x
- 3x
- 5x
- 10x
Some slots use fixed multipliers. Others use progressive multipliers that can increase during a bonus round.
For example: 1x -> 2x -> 3x -> 5x
Whether the multiplier resets after each spin or continues increasing depends on the game rules.
What Is a Respin?
A Respin allows some or all reels to spin again.
Depending on the slot, certain symbols may remain locked in position while the remaining reels respin.
Respins are often combined with Wilds, bonus symbols, or jackpot mechanics.
What Is a Bonus Game?
"Bonus Game" is a broad term. It can refer to almost any additional feature outside the standard base game.
Examples include:
- Free Spins
- Pick-and-win bonuses
- Bonus wheels
- Hold-and-win mechanics
- Respins
- Jackpot features
- Special mini-games
Modern slots often combine several of these mechanics in one game.
How Do You Know What Each Symbol Does?
The fastest way is to check the game's Paytable or Help section.
Do not assume that a Wild or Scatter behaves the same way across every slot. A game's information screen should explain:
- Which symbols are Wild
- Which symbols are Scatter
- How Free Spins are triggered
- Whether multipliers apply
- Whether bonus rounds can retrigger
- How paylines or Ways to Win work
If you are still learning the basics, read our full Beginner's Guide to Online Slots.
Final Thoughts
Slot terminology becomes much easier once you understand the basic roles of each feature.
As a quick reference:
- Wild: usually substitutes for regular symbols.
- Scatter: commonly triggers bonus features.
- Free Spins: provides additional feature spins.
- Multiplier: increases an eligible result by a specified factor.
- Respin: spins some or all reels again.
- Bonus Game: a general term for additional game features.
Because every slot can implement these mechanics differently, the Paytable remains the best source for the rules of a specific game.