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Wild Cards and Scatter Symbols: What’s the Difference? /

Wild Cards and Scatter Symbols: What’s the Difference?

Since their very beginnings over a century ago, slot machines have changed hugely. Though one thing that has remained pretty much untouched are some of the symbols displayed on the spinning reels. In particular, two come to mind, the Wild Cards and the Scatter Cards. Both can be equally valuable. So, what's the difference between them? And how does it effect your gameplay?

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What is a Scatter Card Symbol?

If you’re a casino slot machine regular, you’ll already know about these. For those of you that are just beginning, then the Scatter symbol is not so cut and dried. Its definition can vary from slot to slot and from casino to casino. But its actual value to you, the gambler, remains the same. The main function of the scatter symbol is to trigger another action on the slot machine. This can be either a Bonus Game or a Free Spin. Now, the scatter is what we call, “active”, in that you’ll need to land all of them on the pay-line for the extra actions to be triggered. There are scatters that need three or more symbols, whilst others may only require a couple.

How Scatter Symbols Work

If you take a look at the paytable on the slot you’re playing, you’ll be able to see the coin value of each scatter symbol. But be aware that not all scatter slots have a payout on the scatter symbols. On the whole most games with, scatters will pay-out for a minimum of two scatter symbols and up to a maximum of five. But, as we always insist, please take the time to read the pay tables before you start to play, this is how you can win the jackpot online. Also, this way you’ll avoid any disappointment.

What is Wild Card Symbols?

The Wild Card symbol is probably one of the most common symbols to be found on a slot machine. The wild card is an extremely important symbol. Its role is to act with other symbols to create a winning combination. But a wild card is not a substitute for a scatter card. On their own, wild’s can also form their own combinations and you’ll be rewarded with higher winnings. You’ll notice that the wild symbols themselves can vary from slot to slot. With each new generation of slot machines, the wild cards will have different symbols and each one will have a different set of features. We decided to make a list of the most common wild cards to look out for at different online jackpot sites. Here we go:

Shifting Wild Cards

This symbol will appear on the last reel and can move in either direction on the following spin. This can continue until the wild “falls off” the final reel on the opposite side.

Wandering Wilds

This is very similar to the above Shifting Wild. This one has a little bit more freedom in its movements. It’ll usually appear on any reel and will jump to another with the next spin.

Sticky Wild Cards

This is a great wild to land. Their primary purpose is to give you multiple chances of winning. It’s called a sticky wild, because if you get one, it’ll “stick” to the reels, thus giving you more spins. It’s the same if more sticky wilds appear, in that they will all stick to their reels and you’ll end up with many more spins. Sometimes, you’ll e faced with a screen full of sticky wilds, in which case it’s a grand opportunity to wk away with a fist full of dollars.

Trailing Wilds

More often than not, these wild card symbols are part and parcel of another bonus feature. The trailing wild is so-called because it’ll leave a trail of wilds on every spin. This way you’ll be adding more cash to your winnings.

Expanding Wild Cards

This is probably the big daddy of all the wilds available. These tend to start as a visual symbol on just one reel. But when stopping on the next will expand to fill the entire reel across the screen. Now some games will have this happen on every active reel. In other words, if you happen to land an expanding wild card on all three reels, then you’re due for a big win.

How to Find Games with Scatter Symbols

Today, most online slot machine games will feature at least one scatter symbol. They’re not hard to find and most well-known games will feature them. For example, the game Immortal Romance. But actually being able to hit five scatter or wild card symbols is not as easy as it sounds. We suggest that patience is your friend. Nothing is impossible, and players do hit them all the time. Just keep grinding! Other games which offer five scatters, along with massive pay-outs, include NetEnt’s Turn Your Fortune Slot and Quickspin’s Divine Dreams Slot.

Conclusion: Wild Cards and Scatter Symbols

Now you can see that there’s a clear difference between these two very useful symbols. Landing any one of them is going to be extremely beneficial to you. Once again we’ll reiterate the importance of checking the paytable along with the rules of each game to ensure you have a great time and a positive result. Good Luck!