Scatter
A scatter is a slot symbol that pays or triggers a feature wherever it lands on the reels, without needing to sit on a payline. Landing three or more scatters usually starts the free spins round.
By Mark SmithChecked On this page 4
How scatters differ from normal symbols
On a classic slot, most symbols only pay when they line up from left to right on a payline. Scatters ignore that rule. Three scatters on reels 1, 3 and 5, in any row, count the same as three in a straight line.
That makes scatters the key to most bonus features. In a typical game:
- 3 scatters trigger 10 free spins
- 4 scatters trigger 15 free spins
- 5 scatters trigger 20 free spins and a bigger cash prize
Scatters in pay-anywhere slots
In “pay anywhere” or tumble slots such as Gates of Olympus Super Scatter, scatters still trigger free spins, but you often need four of them. These games also pay regular symbols anywhere on the grid, which is a different system from both paylines and cluster pays.
What a scatter can’t do
Scatters usually can’t be replaced by a wild, and they don’t change the slot’s RTP: their frequency is already built into the maths. Check the paytable for the exact rules, or try the game in demo mode to see how often the feature lands.
Frequently asked questions
What does a scatter symbol do?
Scatters usually trigger the bonus feature, most often free spins, when enough of them land anywhere on the screen. Many also pay a prize on their own, multiplied by your total bet.
How many scatters do I need for free spins?
Most slots need three, but some need four (for example many pay-anywhere slots). The paytable for each game shows the exact number.
What is a super scatter?
Some newer slots add special scatter symbols that award bigger prizes or an enhanced bonus round. Gates of Olympus Super Scatter is a popular example in South Africa.
Related terms
Mark has been writing about online gaming since 2007, covering everything from sportsbooks to casino and slot reviews, offering insights for players of all levels.