Slot Machine Symbols & Their Meaning Explained
Slot games have been around for decades, evolving from the traditional fruit machines, to the advanced digital versions you can find online at platforms like Ivy Casino.
If you’ve never played one before, it can all seem a bit confusing—flashing reels, unfamiliar terms, and symbols you might not recognise. This blog is here to make sense of it all.
You’ll learn what the symbols mean, how they work within the game, and why it can be useful to understand them before you start playing. Whether you’re exploring slot games for the first time, or just want a better idea of what’s happening on screen, this guide will help you get to grips with the basics in a clear, straightforward way.
How Many Symbols Are On a Slot Machine Reel?
When you look at a slot machine, it might seem simple. But there’s a bit of maths behind how the reels work. The number of symbols on a reel can vary depending on the game you’re playing.
In classic slot machines, each reel might have around 20 to 24 physical symbols. These could include fruits, bars, sevens or other images, depending on the theme. If there are 3 reels with 20 symbols each, that’s 20 x 20 x 20. That gives you 8,000 possible combinations.
Modern online slots are a bit different. Many of them use virtual reels. That means a Random Number Generator (RNG) decides where the reels stop. These virtual reels can include far more positions than the physical ones—sometimes 100 or more for each reel.
For example, if a game has 5 reels and each virtual reel has 100 positions, you’d have 100 x 100 x 100 x 100 x 100. That’s 10 billion possible combinations.
However, not every combination will appear in the same way or with the same frequency. Some symbols might show up more often than others. This is called symbol weighting. It’s all part of how the RNG works in licensed UK slots.
UK-regulated online casinos follow strict rules set by the Gambling Commission. All outcomes must be fair and completely random. This helps make sure the games work as they should.
Understanding how many symbols are on a reel can help you get a better idea of how slot machines are set up. It doesn’t affect the outcome of a spin, but it can show you how varied the possibilities really are.
Slot Machine Symbols List and Meanings
Slots use a range of symbols, and while every game is unique, most follow a similar structure. Recognising these symbols can help make playing easier to understand.
Below is a breakdown of some of the most common types of symbols you might come across while playing online slots.
Wild
A wild symbol can replace any standard symbol in the game to help complete a potentially winning combination. It doesn’t usually substitute for other special symbols, but some games may include extra features like wild multipliers or expanding wilds, which should be explained in the game’s paytable.
Scatter
Scatter symbols can trigger features without needing to land on a specific line. If a slot requires three or more scatters to trigger free spins, they can land anywhere on the reels. Scatters are often tied to bonus features, depending on the slot.
Bonus
Bonus symbols are used to trigger special rounds. You may need to land a certain number of them in one spin to access a separate bonus game. These could include pick-me games, wheel spins, or interactive rounds with their own potential prize structure.
Free Spins
Some slots include a specific symbol for free spins. These can start a sequence of spins that don’t cost you anything from your balance. During free spins, the game may introduce new features like added wilds, bigger multipliers, or extra reels, depending on the game.
Multiplier
A multiplier increases the payout of a winning combination by a certain amount—such as 2x, 3x, or higher. Multipliers can potentially apply to a single win, to a round, or to every win within a free spins session, depending on how the slot is designed.
Expanding Symbol
Expanding symbols can grow to cover an entire reel when they appear. These are often part of bonus rounds or free spins, and may help create additional winning combinations by filling more reel positions with the same symbol.
Sticky Wild
Sticky wilds remain in their position for a set number of spins. This can be helpful during bonus rounds or respins, where they stay on the screen while other reels continue to spin.
Walking Wild
This type of wild shifts across the reels with each spin. For example, a walking wild that lands on reel 5 might move one reel to the left each spin until it leaves the screen.
Stacked Symbol
Stacked symbols appear in vertical groups. They might cover part of a reel or fill it entirely. Stacked versions of high-paying symbols can help create potential wins across multiple lines at once.
Mystery Symbol
When mystery symbols land, they appear the same. After the reels stop, they all transform into the same random symbol.
Re-spin Symbol
Some slot games feature symbols that trigger a re-spin. When they appear, it gives you another spin without using your balance again. These symbols might also lock certain symbols in place during the re-spin, depending on the game.
Jack (J)
The Jack symbol is one of the low-paying card values found in most slots.
Queen (Q)
Similar to the Jack, the Queen symbol is a lower-value card symbol. It’s used to create potentially frequent, smaller combinations.
King (K)
The King symbol offers slightly higher payouts than the Jack or Queen. It still appears often and may help form lower-tier wins.
Ace (A)
The Ace is the highest of the playing card symbols. It tends to be more valuable than the others in this group, but still sits below themed symbols.
10
Ten is a common low-paying symbol. It appears in most slot games and is usually paired with other card values.
9
Nine is another standard playing card symbol. Like the Ten, it’s among the lowest in value and may appear frequently.
Bar
A single bar symbol is one of the most recognisable icons from classic fruit machines. It’s typically worth less than the double or triple bar.
Double Bar
A step up from the single bar, the double bar symbol usually offers a slightly higher payout and is used in more traditional slots.
Triple Bar
The triple bar is generally the highest-paying version of the bar symbols. It’s often seen in older-style games and sometimes used in themed retro slots.
Bell
This symbol dates back to early mechanical machines and often appears in classic-style slots. It usually carries mid to high payout potential.
Horseshoe
The horseshoe is found in vintage slot designs and themed games. While not common in modern slots, it still appears occasionally for stylistic reasons.
Diamond
Diamond symbols are often high-paying. In some games, they may also tie into features like possible jackpots or multipliers.
Seven (7)
The number seven is traditionally associated with bigger potential wins in classic slots. It tends to appear as one of the top symbols in older-style games.
Cherry
Cherry symbols are low-value icons from classic fruit machines. They’re commonly used in vintage-themed slots and can usually pay smaller amounts.
Lemon
Lemons are another low-paying fruit symbol. They’re typically used in traditional slot themes and pair with other fruits.
Orange
The orange symbol may offer slightly higher payouts than cherries or lemons, but still sits in the lower range.
Plum
Plums are used in similar ways to other fruit icons. They’re often grouped with oranges and watermelons in terms of value.
Watermelon
A mid-value fruit symbol, the watermelon appears in many classic and modern slot games. It often pays more than the smaller fruit icons.
Star
Star symbols can serve different functions depending on the game. They might act as high-paying symbols, trigger bonus rounds, or appear as part of a special feature.
Treasure Chest
This symbol is common in themed games, especially those based on adventure or treasure hunting. It may unlock a feature or act as a high-value icon.
Coin
Coins may appear as part of a feature mechanic. In some games, each coin might hold a value or contribute to a feature like a potential cash prize or collection bonus.
Book
In certain slots, particularly those based on adventure or historical themes, the book symbol may act as both a wild and a scatter. It usually triggers free spins and may substitute for other symbols, depending on the game.
Fish
Found in fishing-themed slots, fish symbols often represent instant cash values. They may be collected during a bonus feature, with each fish holding a potential prize shown on screen.
All of these symbols can appear in different styles and combinations depending on the game. Each slot at Ivy Casino includes a detailed paytable, which explains exactly how that game’s symbols behave and what they offer.
Play Classic Slot Machines Online
You’ll find a broad choice of slot machines at Ivy Casino, including both traditional UK fruit-style slots and modern games with advanced features. Ivy Casino follows all requirements set out by the UK Gambling Commission, so you always play in a secure, regulated environment.
Whether you sign up for a new account or log in, you’ll be able to browse Ivy Casino’s range of slots featuring different themes, symbols, and reel setups. Each game displays its paytable and rules, so you can choose one that suits your style and preferences.
If you decide to play, remember that all slot games are based entirely on chance, using RNGs. Play at your own pace, make the most of the tools we provide to play responsibly, and enjoy exploring everything Ivy Casino has to offer.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these slot games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.