Free Scatter Pay Demo Play Slots
Unlike regular symbols, scatter symbols don't need to appear in a specific sequence or on a particular payline to be effective.
Their primary function is to trigger bonus rounds and special features, such as free spins, bonus games, and multipliers.
They differ significantly from other symbols like wilds and multipliers. Wild symbols typically substitute for other symbols to help form winning combinations. Multipliers, on the other hand, increase the payout of a winning combination by a specific factor.
How Do They Work?
Unlike other symbols that need to align in a specific pattern on active paylines, scatter symbols can land anywhere on the reels and still activate their features. When you see scatter symbols appearing on your screen, it’s often a sign that a rewarding feature is about to be activated.
Requirements for Activating Scatter Features
Typically, landing at least three scatter symbols anywhere on the reels is necessary to unlock a special feature. The exact number can vary from game to game, but three is a common threshold.
For instance:
- Three scatter symbols might trigger a round of free spins.
- Four scatter symbols could activate a bonus game with higher potential rewards.
- Five scatter symbols might offer an even more substantial bonus, such as a larger number of free spins or a special multiplier feature.
Types of Scatter-Triggered Bonuses
Here’s a closer look at the different types of bonuses that scatter symbols can trigger.
Free Spins
Free spins are one of the most common bonuses triggered by scatter symbols. Typically you need to land a minimum number of scatter symbols anywhere on the reels which can vary depending on the game, but it’s often three or more.
Variation in Free Spins
The way free spins are awarded and their features can vary widely between games:
- Basic Free Spins: In many slots, landing three scatter symbols might award you 10 free spins. In the popular game Book of Dead, landing three scatter symbols grants you 10 free spins.
- Enhanced Free Spins: Some games offer additional perks such as multipliers, expanding wilds, or additional free spins if you land more scatters during the bonus round. In Gonzo’s Quest, free spins come with increasing multipliers for consecutive wins.
- Variable Free Spins: The number of free spins can also increase with the number of scatter symbols landed. In Mega Fortune, three scatters will give you 10 free spins, while five scatters will award you up to 25.
Bonus Games
Scatter symbols can also trigger engaging bonus games, which are often more interactive and rewarding than the base game:
- Pick-and-Click Games: Some slots feature bonus rounds where you pick items on the screen to reveal cash prizes, multipliers, or additional free spins. In Starlight Kiss you choose items in a romantic garden to win bonuses.
- Wheel of Fortune: In games like Mega Fortune landing scatter symbols can activate a wheel of fortune that offers various prizes, including progressive jackpots.
Multipliers
Multipliers enhance your winnings by multiplying the payout of your wins by a specified factor. When triggered by scatter symbols, multipliers can apply to the entire bonus round or specific wins within it. For example, if you win $10 and have a 3x multiplier, your total payout would be $30.
Impact on Potential Winnings
In some slots, the multiplier increases with each successive win, offering the chance for exponential growth in your payouts. For instance, in Gonzo’s Quest free spins start with a 3x multiplier, which can increase up to 15x for consecutive wins during the free spins round.
Identifying Scatter Symbols in Slot Games
Scatter symbols are usually distinctive and often designed to stand out from other symbols in the game. They are typically labeled with the word “Scatter” or designed in a way that reflects the theme of the slot.
Importance of the Paytable
One of the first steps you should take when playing a new slot game is to check the paytable. The paytable provides detailed information about all the symbols in the game:
- Identifies Scatter Symbols: Highlighting their special features and benefits.
- Explains Bonus Features: It details how many scatter symbols are needed to activate bonus features.
- Outlines Payouts: The paytable lists the potential payouts for landing scatter symbols.
Popular Slots Featuring Scatter Symbols
- Starburst by NetEnt is famous for its simplicity and dazzling visuals. The scatter symbol, often depicted as a star, can trigger re-spins and multipliers.
- Gonzo's Quest is another NetEnt classic. In this game, scatter symbols, known as Free Fall symbols, unlock free spins and bonus rounds.
- Book of Dead by Play'n GO is highly popular with players. The book symbol acts as both a wild and a scatter, unlocking free spins when three or more appear.
- Thunderstruck II by Microgaming also features prominent scatter symbols. Landing three or more Hammer icons triggers the Great Hall of Spins, offering multiple bonuses.
- Immortal Romance, another Microgaming hit, uses scatter symbols to unlock the Chamber of Spins. Each character in the game offers different rewards.
- In Cleopatra by IGT, scatter symbols often come in the form of Sphinx icons. These activate free spins and can multiply your winnings significantly.
Strategies for Playing Scatter Symbol Slots
Managing your bankroll effectively is crucial. Set a budget before you start playing and stick to it. This helps you control your spending and prolong your gameplay.
Optimal bet sizes can also impact your success. Adjust your stake to balance risk and potential reward. Betting too high may exhaust your funds quickly, while betting too low might not maximise returns.
Pay attention to the slot's volatility. High volatility slots may offer bigger payouts but less frequently. Lower volatility slots provide smaller, more consistent wins. Choose based on your risk tolerance.
Take advantage of bonuses and promotions offered by online casinos. These can provide extra funds or free spins, increasing your chances of hitting scatter wins.
Free spins triggered by scatter symbols often come with multipliers. Use these spins wisely to potentially multiply your winnings.
Always keep an eye out for the RTP. A higher RTP (Return To Player) usually means better long-term returns.
Monitor your play and take breaks. This helps you stay focused and avoid making hasty decisions.
