What Are Scatter Symbols in Online Slots?

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A green flag on a gold emblem with the word โ€œscatterโ€ on the green flag.
BetMGM Jul 29, 2024, 6:28 AM

Slot games are easy to play, which is a huge reason behind their popularity. The basic premise is quite simple; land the right combination of symbols to trigger a payout.

Over time, the producers of online slots have built on that simple premise in disparate ways. Scatter symbols are an example of that innovation.

Again, while the basic premise behind scatter symbols is uniform across all online casino games, their function and meaning can differ from one game to the next. Thatโ€™s why slot players must be able to identify scatter symbols and understand how they can change the gameplay to maximize their bankrolls.

Scatter Symbol Slots Keep Games Interesting

Scatter symbols have become some of the most iconic slot symbols in many BetMGM games because they expand the possible results of each play. Their function is more dynamic and specific than that basic result, however.

These symbols are called scatters because they can appear anywhere on the reels and potentially trigger a bonus or other mechanic. Regular symbols must land on a gameโ€™s payline to result in a win.

Additionally, scatter symbols are not eligible for replacement with wilds. In most cases, such replacement would not be in the playerโ€™s best interest, anyway.

The basics of scatter symbols are universal across all slots that include them. Exactly what they do for players in each game can be different, though.

All the Nuances of Scatter Symbol Slots

If youโ€™re learning about online slot bonus symbols, scatters are among the symbols you should familiarize yourself with. That applies when you try each new game.

For example, BetMGM Gold uses a scatter symbol to offer free spins to players. Meanwhile, in BetMGM Wheel of Fortune Triple Extreme, scatter symbols activate the Mini Wheel Bonus.

The best way to learn about all the nuances of how scatter symbols work in each game is to check out BetMGMโ€™s information about the slot title before you start playing. Those details will tell you not only how the scatter acts in the game but how many of them you need to trigger those features.

Not all BetMGM slots use scatter symbols, though. If that symbol is important to you, itโ€™s good to know how to find slots with scatters and make the most of them.

Locating the Best BetMGM Slots With Scatter Symbols

When you consider a new slot game on BetMGM, the gameโ€™s information page is your best friend. Among all the details there is whether the game uses scatters and what that symbol looks like in the game.

Once you know those details, you can consider whether a certain game fits into your slot strategy. There are other considerations like the gameโ€™s volatility, the availability of jackpots, and the bet options.

For example, if a game has high volatility and its biggest payouts are tied to its scatter symbols, that means you might go through a significant portion of your bankroll to secure those scatters. In turn, you will have to decide if thatโ€™s how you want to spend your budget.

There are some ways to mitigate your risk while exploring scatter symbols on BetMGM. One of them is to play games with lower volatility where scatters are more likely to come more frequently.

Another is to use the promotions that BetMGM offers regularly when itโ€™s a fit. Examples include Casino Bonus play on specific slot games or deposit matches that you can apply to your bankroll. BetMGMโ€™s best-in-the-business casino welcome bonus for new players can be a great play here, too.

While reading about scatter symbols can help in your learning, experience is the best teacher. Registering for BetMGM and picking out a few scatter slots gets you into that class right away.

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Our BetMGM editors and authors are casino experts with a wealth of knowledge of the online casino industry at all levels. Their coverage includes company news, game reviews, how-to instructional articles, strategy guides, and editorials showcasing BetMGMโ€™s superior product and game library.

Our BetMGM editors and authors are casino experts with a wealth of knowledge of the online casino industry at all levels. Their coverage includes company news, game reviews, how-to instructional articles, strategy guides, and editorials showcasing BetMGMโ€™s superior product and game library.