Wilds and scatters explained
Two special symbols appear in nearly every slot. Wilds complete wins; scatters start features.
By Ryan Jessop. Last checked .
Key takeaways
- Wilds substitute for other symbols.
- Scatters count wherever they land.
- Some symbols are both.
- Each slot uses them differently.
Wilds
A wild stands in for ordinary symbols to complete a win. It usually cannot replace a scatter.
| Slot | Wild | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Starburst | Starburst wild | Expands and re-spins |
| Big Bass Bonanza | Fisherman | Collects fish values in free spins |
| Fishin' Frenzy | Fisherman | Collects fish values in free games |
| Book of Dead | Book | Substitutes, and is also the scatter |
| Fluffy Favourites | Pink elephant | Doubles line wins; also the scatter |
| Gates of Olympus, Sweet Bonanza | None | Pays-anywhere grids do not use wilds |
Scatters
A scatter pays or triggers from any position, ignoring paylines. Three is the usual trigger on five-reel slots and four on the six-reel grids.
Symbols that are both
In Book of Dead the Book is wild and scatter at once, which is how three of them can both complete lines and start the feature.
Kinds of wild
- Expanding: fills its reel.
- Sticky: stays for several spins.
- Walking: moves each spin.
- Multiplier: multiplies wins.
- Collecting: gathers values.
More: expanding wilds.
More guides: Paylines and ways to win, Online slot myths and How to win at online slots.
Scatter pays
On some slots, scatters also pay a prize by themselves as a multiple of the total bet, in addition to triggering the feature. The paytable lists it.
Spotting them
Wilds are usually labelled "WILD" or shown as the game's logo. Scatters often carry the word "SCATTER" or "BONUS", or are the one symbol unlike the rest: a book, a boat, a lollipop. The first page of the paytable shows both.
In the base game and in features
A wild may behave differently in free spins. The fisherman in both fishing slots is an ordinary wild in the base game and a collector in the feature.
Slot figures are developers' published defaults, each confirmed against two sources; a casino may run a lower RTP. Offer terms dated 5 October 2026. How we check. 18+. Free help: 0808 8020 133 or safer gambling.
Frequently asked questions
What is a wild symbol?
A symbol that substitutes for others.
What is a scatter?
A symbol that triggers or pays from any position.
Can a symbol be both?
Yes, as in Book of Dead.
Do all slots have wilds?
No; the two grid slots here do not.