Symbol In Slot Machines
- Taking a look back in time, some of the first symbols on the slot machines in the U.S. All had fruit on them, such as (cherries, grapes, oranges, melons and lemons). These were called Fruit Slot Machines. The first one to come out in the States was from the 20th century. The original payouts back in the day were in the forms of fruit gum.
- When it comes to the oldest slot machine symbols, these very often include card symbols in 3 suits - diamonds, spades and hearts - mainly from 10-card through the Ace: ten (10), Jack (J), Queen (Q), King (K), and Ace (A).
The history of the slot machine is quite fascinating. What started as a mechanical one-armed bandit has turned into online slots that can be played from anywhere in the world. However, there are many changes in between that should not be discarded as they all helped to shape the slot as we know it today – klikk her.
Just like slot machines in general, slot symbols also have a rich and eventful history. If you are interested in knowing slots have changed over time, keep on reading. Introducing the First Slot Symbols. If you are familiar with the evolution of the slot machine, then you probably know that it is Charles Fey, an engineer from California, who. The history of the slot symbol began when a mechanic named Charles Fey invented the first-ever slot machine back in 1895. This early effort had three spinning reels that contained 5 symbols that included horseshoes, diamonds, spades, hearts and a Liberty Bell. The bar symbols on slot machines represent sticks of chewing gum — specifically, BAR chewing gum. (It was a popular brand of the Bell-Fruit Gum Company at the time.) They were in color in those days, and different colors meant different flavors of gum.
One thing that we don’t often consider though, is how slot machine symbols have evolved. Just like slot machines in general, slot symbols also have a rich and eventful history. If you are interested in knowing slots have changed over time, keep on reading.
Introducing the First Slot Symbols
If you are familiar with the evolution of the slot machine, then you probably know that it is Charles Fey, an engineer from California, who invented the slot machine as we know it. It was called the Liberty Bell slot and featured the simplest of symbols. They were also much less than what you find at modern slots.
One of the symbols was, of course, the Liberty Bell, which also happened to be the highest paying symbol in the slot. Other symbols were inspired by casino games like poker and blackjack. Hence, the playing card symbols that is popular to this day.
During the 20th century, slots became immensely popular. Since Fey did not own the rights for his slot machine, similar slots started popping up everywhere. This meant that slot developers now had a problem. All the slots created were identical. What could they do to set their slots apart from the rest? One of the best ways that slot developers could think of was to introduce new slot symbols. In the slots that followed, card symbols remained popular. However, they were combined with BAR and 7 symbols.
Vegas Video Slots
The first-ever video slot game was created specifically for the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas. Video slots brought with them the potential to customise, and this is exactly what slot developers did. The fact that symbols were no longer painted on reels, but projected on a screen meant that slot developers could create any symbol they wanted. It gave them the freedom to experiment with symbols.
This was also where the first bonus symbols were introduced. In no time developers started experimenting with bonus games, and they needed bonus symbols to trigger the bonus games. These bonus symbols are what set the tone for wilds and scatters that we have grown used to.
Modern Online Slots
With the internet boom, the casino industry started moving to an online platform. However, it was not until the end of the 20th century that the first online slot was released. Online slots offered slot developers even more freedom to create slot masterpieces. In the space of a few years, online slots evolved to include multiple bonus games, special features and elaborate game symbols. These include wilds (stacked, expanded, etc.), scatters, bonus symbols and so much more.
It is thus safe to say that technology has taken slot symbols to the next level.
You may also enjoy:
On this page, we take a look at the main types of slot machine symbols and features you can expect to find in slots machines. If you're new to slots, our handy guide below will provide you with all the information you need to know.
Wild Symbol
A Wild symbol is one of the most common types of slot machine symbols. It can be found in the vast majority of modern 5 reel video slots machines. A Wild symbol simply substitutes for any other symbol. Rules vary depending on the game so you may find a Wild does not substitute for certain symbols, such as the Scatter symbol.
Exactly what happens when you get a winning line with the help of a Wild will also depend upon the rules of the game you are playing. For example, landing a winning line with the help of one or more Wilds may trigger bonus games, free spins, jackpots or other rewards.
As well as the standard Wilds, in some of the latest video slots machines, you can find Expanding Wilds. Which expand vertically or horizontally to helpfully cover more spaces on the reels. There's also Sticky Wilds which will stay in their position when you next spins the reels.
Scatter Symbol
The Scatter symbol is another very common symbol in slots machines. Scatters are really useful slot machine symbols. They can help you create wins regardless of where they land on the reels.
Depending on the game you are playing. Scatter symbols wins may trigger special features such as free spins, or bonus games. In which case they may also be known as Bonus Scatters.
Pictured is a Scatter symbol from our Merlin's Cave slot machine. Getting 3 or more anywhere on the reels will trigger the free spins feature.
Bonus Symbol
Bonus Symbols are symbols with the specific task of triggering bonus features. When they are part of a winning payline. The look of Bonus Symbols varies from game to game.
Please note that many slots machines do not have a specific Bonus Symbol. Offering instead Wild and or Scatter symbols which may trigger bonus features when they are part of a winning payline. These can be thought of as Bonus Wilds and Bonus Scatters. They will often be described as such in a game's paytable.
Pictured is a bonus symbol from our brilliant Robin Hood slot machine. Getting 3 or more anywhere on a payline triggers the Archery bonus game feature.
Free Spins Symbol
Free Spins Symbols are found in many 5 reel and video slots machines. Offering as they do the chance to spin the reels without spending any of your credits. Slots with Free Spins symbols are well worth keeping an eye out for. The nature of Free Spins symbols and Free Spins rules vary from game to game. You can find slot machines in which the Free Spins symbol only appears in a bonus game.
Typically a Free Spins feature has predefined limits such as rewarding you with 3 free spins. Before normal play resumes. However, you can find slots in which Free Spins can be re-triggered during your Free Spins feature. Which means that, in theory, and if you're lucky, you can spin for free many times, repeatedly winning more free spins rounds!
The majority of our slots machines have a free spins feature. The screenshot shows the free spins symbol in our Slots of Vegas slot machine.
Multiplier Symbol
Multiplier symbols appear in many video slots machines and are well worth looking out for. A multiplier symbol, as they imply, will multiply a win. So for example, if you win 300 credits with an x2 Multiplier symbol on your winning payline. Then you will win 600 credits. Multipliers can appear in the base game and/or bonus games or sometimes during special modes. Such as during Free Spins rounds. You can find slots where your multiplier increases with the idea being you try to build up your multiplier to the maximum amount.
Symbol In Slot Machines Machine
Gamble Feature
Many slots machines have what is known as a Gamble feature. Typically this is triggered after a win and is a game of chance in which you can opt to gamble on the outcome of a random event. Such as the value or suite of the next playing card to be dealt, or the result of a dice throw (eg if it will be Odd or Even.)
Usually, the gamble feature odds are 50/50. If you guess correctly you'll double your winnings. Beware though - guess incorrectly and you'll lose your win. If you gamble and win. Some gamble features may give you further chances to win even more with subsequent gambles. Continuing until you opt to quit and return to the main game. Or predict incorrectly and so lose any accumulated gamble game winnings.
The gamble feature screenshot is from our Halloween Party slot machine. Which gives you the option of gambling on the playing card color or playing card suite.
Symbol In Slot Machines For Sale
Slot Themes
Symbol In Slot Machines Games
All slots machines have their own individual theme. Themes are varied and cover things such as sports, holiday seasons, adventure and exploration, Halloween, animals and wildlife, Science Fiction, ancient history, and legends etc. Such themes will determine the overall look of the game, of course. Be it a game that's set in the Wild West or a game with a glamorous and girly look set in a shopping mall or city location.
One of the most popular themes with slots players both online and in real-world casinos is the Cleopatra. We even have our very own Cleopatra themed slot with many of the features described on this page. Including a Pyramid bonus game, scatter symbol, wild symbol, and free spins feature.
Some of the big slots developers have attractive big budget slots machines with themes based on popular franchises. Such as famous Superhero and comic book characters. Including Spider Man & Judge Dredd. TV shows such as the X Factor, Hollywood stars and even video game characters. Playtech, for example, have a famous selection of DC Comics Superheroes slots machines. While developer Microgaming has video slots themed around Game of Thrones, Tomb Raider, Hitman, Batman, Hell Boy, Terminator and more.
If you take a look at our main slots page you can see we have plenty of themes to choose from. Including sports, shopping, Halloween, Christmas, Valentines and many more.
Now you're an expert on slot machine symbols and features you might also like to read our guide to the different slots types you can play. Or read up on the history of slots machines and check out our handy guide on how to play slots