How does the Scatter work in online casinos?

News | 15/05/2025

The Scatter symbol is the key to slot bonus features: free spins, multipliers, special games... Learn how it works, why it's so important, and how to take advantage of it to maximise your winnings!

The Scatter symbol is one of the most important elements in modern slot machines. It plays a key role in triggering bonus features, such as free spins or special games, and can greatly increase your winning chances. Unlike other symbols, the Scatter works according to unique rules. In this article, we explain in detail how the Scatter works in online casinos.

What is a Scatter symbol?

The Scatter symbol is a special symbol found in many slots games. What makes it special? It doesn't have to appear on a specific payline to be active. Three or more Scatters anywhere on the screen is usually enough to trigger a bonus feature.

This symbol is therefore an excellent way of accessing extra features without having to form a traditional winning combination.

How the Scatter works step by step

Here's how the Scatter usually works at a slot:

1. Random appearance on the reels

The Scatter can appear anywhere on the reels, in any order or position. It is not constrained by standard paylines.

2. Trigger threshold

In most games, you need to get at least 3 Scatters on the same spin to activate a special feature.

3. Triggering a bonus

As soon as 3 or more Scatters appear anywhere on the screen, they usually trigger a bonus feature:

Free spins
An interactive bonus game
Fixed winnings independent of your stake
A win multiplier

4. Retriggering during the bonus

Some slots allow the bonus to be re-triggered if Scatters appear again during free spins or the bonus game. This extends the playing session at no extra cost.

Why is the Scatter important to players?

Scatter represents a valuable opportunity to unlock high-potential bonuses. It allows you to:

Maximise your chances of winning
Access bonus features without the need for a specific combination
Make the game more rhythmic and unpredictable

It's also a symbol that makes wagering worthwhile, as the bonuses it triggers are often proportional to the initial wager.

Example of a Scatter in a casino game

Let's take the Book of Ra Deluxe game as an example. In this slot, the Scatter symbol is represented by the Book of Ra. If you get three or more books on a single spin, you trigger 10 free spins with a special symbol that expands during the bonus session. This mechanism can generate very large wins, even without a classic line-up.

What's the difference between a Scatter and a Wild?

Scatter and Wild are two special symbols with very distinct roles. The Wild acts like a wild card: it substitutes for other symbols (except special symbols) to form or complete a winning combination on a payline. For example, if a symbol is missing to create a winning line, the Wild can automatically substitute it.

Depending on the slot, there are different variations of the Wild symbol:

Expanding Wild (stretches across the entire reel)
Sticky Wild (stays in place for several spins)
Walking Wild (moves from reel to reel)
Multiplier Wild (multiplies the associated winnings)

The Scatter, on the other hand, is not dependent on any payline. It often only needs to appear anywhere on the reels (usually three or more times) to trigger a bonus feature.

Summarised:

Function	Wild Symbol	Scatter Symbol
Replaces other symbols	✅	❌
Needs to be on a payline	✅	❌
Triggers a special bonus	❌ (except in rare cases)	✅
Can multiply winnings	✅	✅ (via the bonus)
Often appears in free spins mode	✅	✅

Unlock your first free spins with our welcome bonus!

Up to CHF 500 doubled + 350 free spins to explore Switzerland's most popular slots. Ideal for discovering bonus mechanics like Scatter and Wild!