Scatter symbols occupy a unique space in the iconography of slot machine games. Unlike regular elements that must line up on enabled paylines to trigger wins, scatter symbols operate under their own special rules and unlock gameplay features most other symbols cannot.
Understanding how scatter works at Wazamba and what makes them different is key to getting the most out of many slot games. Below we’ll explore common scatter symbol behaviors and reveal what makes them such a popular special feature.
Scatter Symbols Ignore Paylines
The defining trait of a scatter symbol is that it results in payouts regardless of its position on the reels. As long as a designated number of scatters show up after a spin, they will pay out based on the game’s paytable.
This means scatter wins are possible even when symbols land all over the reels instead of in a clear line. It’s an exciting exception to the usual slot rule that symbols must align along enabled paylines to win.
Bigger Wins
Not only is it easier to form winning combinations with scatter, the wins they deliver also tend to be more lucrative compared to regular symbol payouts.
For example, 3 or more scatters appearing can result in a payout worth 25 to over 100 times the total bet amount. When playing at higher stakes, scatter pays can quickly accumulate into sizable winnings.
Bonus Features
In many slots, scatter symbols serve as the key to unlocking bonus features like free spins, wheel spins with cash prizes, or access to second-screen bonus rounds.
Typically a minimum of 3 scatters are required to open up these special features. Bonus rounds then give players additional chances to win big through gameplay mechanics unique to click here that slot.
The following table shows some top slots along with the scatter symbol bonus feature they offer:
| Slot Game | Scatter Symbol | Bonus Feature Triggered |
| Book of Dead | Golden Book | 10 Free Spins |
| Starburst | Rainbow Star | Up to 50 Free Spins |
| Gonzo’s Quest | Mayan Temple | 10 Free Falls |
As you can see, scatter symbols provide convenient access to potentially very lucrative bonus events that can dramatically increase winnings.
Variable RTP
One interesting quality of scatter symbols is that their payout rate, referred to as Return to Player (RTP) percentage, often differs from the overall game’s RTP.
For example, the popular slot Book of Dead has an overall RTP of 96%. But its golden book scatter bonus feature has a higher RTP of 97.5%. This means the free spins from scatters pay out winnings more frequently than the base game.
Variable RTP percentages among features is common since it helps incentivize players to keep spinning for those lucrative scatters.
Scatter Symbols Distinguish Slot Games
While all slots share certain common traits, scatters introduce distinctive personality into each game. The visual design of the scatter symbol along with the special features its unlocks gives each slot its own identifiable flair.
For instance, in the famous Starburst slot, the colorful star scatter standing out against the jewel-toned background captures the intergalactic theme. Landing multiple star scatters triggers the coveted Starburst Wilds bonus.
The Book of Dead slot uses an intricately decorated golden book scatter to kickoff 10 free spins featuring special expanding icons. This aligns neatly with its Egyptian adventure premise.
Other slots incorporate scatter symbols that reference their unique themes, like magic wands, Chinese lanterns, Mayan temples, and more. The possibilities are endless when it comes to scatter creativity.
Scatter Symbols Contribute to Slot Volatility
Besides being thematically important, scatters also influence a slot game’s volatility index. Slots with higher volatility produce bigger wins less often compared to low volatility slots delivering smaller wins more frequently.
Scatter symbols contribute to volatility because their payout amounts tend to be larger and the bonus features they activate introduce more variability into the gameplay.
For instance, a slot could normally pay out small amounts consistently. But if its scatter symbol triggers free spins with expanding wild symbols, volatility rises significantly during that round as players suddenly have more chances at oversized payouts.
Bottom Line
In the end, scatter symbols occupy a powerful position in slot machines. They break gameplay conventions by paying out regardless of payline positions. The wins they deliver also tend to be larger, made even more lucrative by the access scatters provide to potentially very generous bonus features.
Visually, scatter symbols allow slots to express unique personalities and themes. And from a mathematical perspective, scatter symbols shake up slots with variable RTP percentages and heightened volatility during bonus rounds.
For all these reasons, scatter symbols hold an alluring allure for slot fans. Decoding how scatters work reveals why they’re one of the most anticipated special features across so many great slot games.