21 April 2025

Learn about the symbols in online slots and pick your favorite at Winshark online casino

Slots

Whether you’re spinning for fun or chasing that thrilling jackpot, there’s one thing every slot player notices first — the symbols. They’re colorful, flashy, sometimes mysterious, and always central to the game. But where did these little icons come from, what do they mean, and how many can you expect to see on the reels?

At Winshark online casino, where hundreds of diverse slot games await, we invite you to take a deeper dive into the world of slot symbols. This isn’t just about cherries and sevens — it’s a journey through history, innovation, and player psychology.

Let’s explore the fascinating world of slot symbols, from the classic designs of the past to the thrilling, feature-packed icons of today. By the end, you might just discover your personal favorite to follow you through your next big casino adventure.

The origin story

Before the glitzy animations, booming sound effects, and mega jackpots of modern online casinos, there was something far more humble spinning away in saloons and cigar shops — the one-armed bandit. No, not a Wild West outlaw, but the very first mechanical slot machines, armed with a lever on the side and the promise of small thrills.

Let’s rewind to San Francisco in 1895, where a clever mechanic named Charles Fey forever changed the course of gambling history. In his workshop, Fey built what would become the blueprint for all future slots: the Liberty Bell. It was simple, but revolutionary — three metal reels, five unique symbols (hearts, diamonds, spades, horseshoes, and of course, the Liberty Bell), and a straightforward payout system.

Line up three bells? Boom — you hit the jackpot, which back then might’ve been all of 50 cents. Not exactly life-changing, but it was enough to get players hooked. It was clean, mechanical, and gave folks a fair shot at a little extra beer money. The slots symbols were easy to understand and based on familiar icons, which made them feel both trustworthy and fun.

But here’s where it gets interesting — as gambling laws tightened in the early 1900s, traditional cash payouts were outlawed in many states. So how do you keep people spinning if you can’t give them money?

Yep, developers got cheeky with the rules and swapped out cash for chewing gum. Payouts were delivered in flavored gum, and the slots’ wild symbols changed accordingly: cherries, lemons, oranges, and plums — each representing a different flavor. That’s how the now-iconic fruit symbols were born. What started as a legal workaround became one of the most enduring themes in casino history.

Imagine hitting three lemons and walking away with sour lemon gum instead of coins. Strange? Sure. But people still loved it — and more importantly, they kept pulling that lever.

These fruity visuals stuck around even when money prizes came back. Why? Because by then, they’d become part of slot machine culture. Even now, in the world of flashy 3D online slots, you’ll still find games with classic fruit symbols. They’re a nostalgic wink to where it all began — a sweet reminder (pun absolutely intended) of the slot machine’s candy-coated past.

And don’t forget the bar symbol, another strange survivor from this era. It actually came from the logo of the Bell-Fruit Gum Company, which used slot machines to sell its gum. Players saw it so often, it became a “standard” symbol — and it’s still showing up on reels today, over a hundred years later.

So, next time you’re spinning a neon-lit reel at Winshark online casino, remember: those cherries and bells aren’t just pretty graphics — they’re living fossils from the wild early days of gaming. A simple mechanical invention, a twist of legal creativity, and a stick of gum started the entire phenomenon we now know as casino slots.

What Are the Types of Symbols in Slot Machines?

Standard Symbols

Let’s face it — not every spin is fireworks and bonus rounds. In fact, most of the action in any casino slot comes down to your everyday, down-to-earth standard symbols. They’re the unsung heroes of the reels — not as flashy as wilds or scatters, but they keep the whole engine running.

Think of them as the “worker bees” of the slots world. They show up on every spin, form your base wins, and build the tension between those bigger moments.

In many modern games — especially video slots — you’ll see the lower-value symbols styled like playing cards: 10, J, Q, K, and A. They’re the comfy jeans of the symbol wardrobe: not fancy, but always reliable.

Then come the theme-based high-value symbols — these are where things get spicy. In an ancient Egypt-themed slot, for example, your standard high-payers might be scarabs, ankhs, or pharaohs. In a vampire game? Think goblets, garlic, and glowy red eyes. They match the vibe of the game and help tell the story visually — it’s like getting a mini-movie with every spin.

At Winshark casino, you’ll find standard symbols across every type of theme imaginable — from jungle expeditions and pirate treasure hunts to futuristic sci-fi battles. Whether you’re into cute cartoon animals or Norse mythology, there’s a set of slot symbols that’ll feel like they were made just for you.

And here’s a tip from the pros: standard symbols might not always deliver huge payouts, but they’re what keep your bankroll afloat while you wait for those bonus features to kick in. In short — they’re the grind before the glory.

Wild symbols

If slot games had superheroes, the Wild symbol would wear a cape. No joke — wilds are hands-down some of the most exciting and valuable slot symbols out there. Why? Because they can substitute for almost any standard symbol to help complete a winning combo. It’s like having a joker on your deck or a best mate who steps in when things look grim.

Let’s say you’re spinning one of your favorite slots at Winshark casino, and you land two juicy oranges on a payline — then BAM! A wild drops into the third reel, and suddenly you’ve got a winning line. That’s the magic of slots wild symbols: they fill in the gaps, boost your chances, and often come with cool extra powers.

Depending on the slot, wilds come in all shapes, sizes, and moods:

Sticky Wilds stay put for multiple spins — they’re like that friend who refuses to leave your couch, but in a good way.
Expanding Wilds stretch across entire reels, giving your chances a serious glow-up.
Shifting Wilds move from reel to reel like they’re on roller skates, creating wins as they go.
Multiplying Wilds don’t just help you win — they multiply your payout. We’re talking double, triple, even x10 boosts!

And let’s be real — wilds aren’t just helpful. They’re exciting. You feel that little jolt of adrenaline every time one lands. Because you never know if it’s just a filler, or the start of something epic.

Wilds are often themed to fit the game’s vibe. In a pirate slot, it might be a treasure chest. In a jungle slot, it could be a wild animal (see what they did there?). The creativity behind slots wild symbols is part of what keeps things fresh and fun — and at Winshark, there are dozens of games with clever wild mechanics just waiting to be discovered.

So next time you hit spin, keep an eye out for that wild symbol — it might just save the day.

Scatter symbols

If wilds are the MVPs of slots, scatters are the mysterious legends — they don’t play by the rules, but they always bring something big to the party.

Here’s the deal: Scatter symbols don’t need to line up perfectly on a payline. They can land anywhere on the reels, and as long as you get enough of them — usually three or more — something cool happens.

What kind of cool, you ask?

Free spins – Most often, landing scatters triggers a round of free spins. No bet, all win — sounds like a dream, right?
Bonus games – In some slots, scatters unlock mini-games packed with multipliers, pick-and-click bonuses, or even wheel spins.
Massive payouts – Some slots award straight-up scatter pays, meaning the more you land, the more you win — regardless of position.

And here’s the wild part (no pun intended): scatter symbols are often themed to match the story of the slot. In an adventure game, the scatter might be a treasure map. In a mythological slot, it could be a magical amulet or a god’s eye.

At Winshark casino, there’s a wild world of slots with creative, high-voltage scatter features. Whether it’s unlocking a volcano of free spins or launching you into a spaceship bonus round, scatters are the gateway to the really juicy stuff — the kind of features where real money dreams start to form.

So next time you’re cruising through a new slot, keep an eye out for the scatter. It might look small, but trust us — it can launch a game-changer.

Bonus symbols

If scatter symbols are the keys to free spins, then bonus symbols are your golden ticket to the VIP lounge of the casino slots world. These guys unlock the fun stuff — the mini-games, the flashy features, the moments that feel less like gambling and more like leveling up in a video game.

Here’s the deal: land a certain number of bonus symbols — usually three — and you’re thrown into a whole different dimension. No kidding.

Imagine you’re spinning a cosmic-themed slot at Winshark casino, and you suddenly hit three neon alien helmets. Boom — the game pulls you into a bonus round where you hop between planets, uncovering multipliers, mystery prizes, and sweet little surprise wins. That’s not just a spin — that’s an adventure.

These interactive bonus features are part of what makes today’s slots so addictive — in the good way. They’re a break from the routine, a moment where you feel in control, even if it’s just picking between treasure chests or spinning a prize wheel.

And let’s be real: players don’t just come back for the base game. They come back for that rush — the “What’s behind door number three?” kind of energy. That’s what bonus slots symbols bring to the table.

At Winshark, you’ll find dozens of casino slots with bonus mechanics — from classic prize-picking rounds to full-on side quests with storylines, animations, and sound effects worthy of a Netflix series.

Bottom line? Bonus symbols = the most fun you’ll have outside the main reels. Never underestimate what a little icon can unlock.

Multipliers, mystery symbols&everything in between

Modern slots are like theme parks — bright, wild, full of surprises, and just when you think you’ve seen it all… boom! Something unexpected drops onto the reels. Welcome to the world of multiplier symbols, mystery symbols, and their wild cousins.

Let’s break it down:

Mystery Symbols

These are the shape-shifters of the slots symbols world. You’ll see a bunch of identical mystery icons land, and then — at the end of the spin — they all transform into the same random symbol. That’s a drama. That’s suspense. That’s a “please turn into wilds!” kind of moment.

Multiplier Symbols

You spin, you win — and then a multiplier symbol shows up and says: “Nice. Now let’s double that.” Or triple it. Or boost it x10 if the slot’s feeling generous. Some games even combine these with slots wild symbols, creating win chains that just keep escalating. It’s like hitting a bonus and then getting a bonus on top of your bonus. Delicious.

Collection Symbols

These are the long-game heroes. You collect them over multiple spins — maybe it’s gold coins, crystals, or funky totems — and once you’ve got enough, boom: feature unlocked. Could be a free spins round, a cash prize, or a progressive bonus that grows every time you play.

All of these extras push the gameplay to a new level. It’s not just spin and pray anymore — now its strategy, anticipation, and keeping your eye on several moving parts.

At Winshark casino, there are loads of slots that pack in these features — giving you more reasons to stick around, explore, and chase those jaw-dropping moments when slots wild symbols, mystery icons, and multipliers collide in one perfect spin.

How many symbols are there on a reel?

Ah, the age-old question — how many symbols are actually spinning on a reel when you play a slot? The short answer? It depends. The fun answer? It’s way more than you think.

Let’s rewind. In the classic era of slot machines — the ones with levers you had to yank like a stubborn lawnmower — each reel had around 10 to 20 physical slots symbols. You could literally see every symbol. It was analog, simple, and super predictable.

Now fast-forward to the age of digital magic. Modern video slots, especially the ones you’ll find at Winshark online casino, play by a different rulebook.

Here’s how it works:

Most modern games use a 5×3 layout — five reels, three symbols visible per reel.
Behind the scenes, though? Each reel could hold dozens of virtual stop positions — 50, 100, or even more. That’s where the real party’s happening.
You see 15 symbols on screen, but the system might be choosing from hundreds of possible combinations.

And if you’re thinking that’s wild, wait till you meet:

Megaways slots, where the number of slots symbols per reel changes every spin. One moment it’s 2, then 7, then 5 — chaos, in the best way possible. Up to 117,649 ways to win? Yes, please.
Grid-based slots (like 6×6 or 7×7) that ditch traditional paylines and focus on clusters. Line up matching symbols anywhere in a group and boom — win unlocked.
6×4, 7×6 layouts, and other creative setups that look more like puzzles than traditional casino slots.

All of this adds layers of unpredictability — which means every spin could be the spin. Whether you’re in it for a chill session or chasing that adrenaline spike, the reel depth keeps the tension real.

The variety of symbols at Winshark casino

At Winshark, we don’t just offer slots — we offer whole worlds inside reels. Think of each game as its own little universe, packed with personality, stunning visuals, and signature slots symbols that make every spin feel fresh.

Let’s take a quick tour through some of our fan-favorites:

Retro classics — Think lucky 7s, bars, bells, and cherries. Old-school never goes out of style.
Myth & magic slots — Greek gods, enchanted swords, glowing potions — pure legend material.
Animal kingdom reels — Lions roar, wolves howl, and eagles soar across the screen in beautifully animated wilds.
Seasonal slots — From spooky Halloween games to snow-dusted Christmas reels, festive symbols make the spins feel cozy.
Sci-fi & space slots — Aliens, lasers, and neon planets — because sometimes you want your wins with a side of warp speed.

And it’s not just the themes. It’s the details.

Each slot has its own set of slots, wild symbols, bonus triggers, and scatters — designed to match the game’s aesthetic. That means a wild symbol might be a treasure chest in a pirate game or a howling beast in a jungle-themed adventure.

Whatever your vibe, Winshark’s got a game — and a casino slot symbol — that matches your mood.

Why some players pick favorite symbols

Ask any seasoned slot fan and they’ll tell you: symbols have vibes. Some just feel lucky.

Maybe it’s that blazing slot wild symbol that’s bailed you out of a dry streak. Or maybe a purple gem once landed you your biggest win and now you’re chasing that high again. We’ve all got our thing.

It’s kind of like having a lucky jersey on game day. Do symbols actually affect your odds? Nope. But the belief? That’s half the fun.

Some players even go so far as to chase games that feature their favorite icon — a golden horseshoe, a fierce dragon, or even a smiling skull. At Winshark, the variety of slots makes that totally doable. Love wolves? We’ve got slots for that. Obsessed with fruit? There’s a citrus-splashed reel with your name on it.

So explore, experiment, and see which symbols speak to you. Because when a familiar favorite shows up on a hot spin? That’s casino poetry.

Final thoughts

Let’s not sugarcoat it: without symbols, there are no slots. They’re the beating heart of every spin, every win, and every second of excitement. Whether it’s a classic cherry or a neon-colored wild, every symbol on the reels carries the potential to flip your session from “meh” to “jackpot!” in a heartbeat.

Over the decades, symbols have gone through quite the glow-up. They’ve evolved from humble bells and fruit to 3D dragons, exploding wilds, and animated mega-jewels. But their purpose hasn’t changed — they exist to keep us hooked, hopeful, and always chasing that next perfect combo. Every spin is a chance for something unexpected to happen, and it all comes down to the symbols that land in front of you.

That’s exactly what makes Winshark online casino such a thrill to explore. From retro machines that pay homage to the golden age of gambling, to wild and weird modern creations packed with features, Winshark gives you access to every flavor of slots imaginable. There’s something for every mood, every strategy, and every superstition.

So next time you fire up a casino slot at Winshark, take a moment to really look at the symbols spinning past. Your lucky charm could be just one spin away — a wild wolf, a fiery phoenix, or even a juicy plum. The only question now is: which one’s your favorite?