The present invention provides a method and apparatus of utilizing symbol markers that, when included in a winning outcome, present an additional award to the player during operation of a slot machine. A symbol marker may be varied in type, frequency, associated award, and quantity. A symbol marker may trigger different award types based on its visual appearance or frequency within a winning combination. Awards can be credits, multipliers, bonus game triggers, and free spins, among others. The order of placement of a symbol marker can be random or defined. The winning outcome that includes a symbol marker can be based on the game's winning outcome definition or on a predetermined location or locations.