Due to their simple rules and the pleasure they provide, online slot games are a favourite among new and experienced gamblers. However, one aspect that sets modern online slots apart from their traditional, mechanical counterparts is the variety of bonus features they present. Understanding these features can not only enhance your gameplay and increase your chances of scoring higher payouts in slot games.
Free Spins
One of the most desired bonus features in online slots are free spins. Usually triggered by landing a specific number of scatter symbols on the reels, free spins give you extra chances to win without wagering any more of your money. Some slots also come with multipliers during free spin rounds, increasing your potential winnings.
Wild Symbols
Wild symbols act as the jokers in the pack, substituting for other logos to create winning combinations. There are different kinds of wild things, including:
Stacked Wilds: Cover an entire reel, potentially leading to multiple winning combinations.
Expanding Wilds: Expand to cover other positions on the reels.
Sticky Wilds: Remain in place for a few spins, increasing chances of forming winning combinations.
Multipliers
As the name suggests, multipliers increase your winnings by a few factors (e.g., 2x, 3x, 10x, etc.). They often appear during free spins or bonus rounds, although some slot games feature multipliers in the base game. They can apply to payline wins, total wins, or future bets.
Scatter Symbols
Scatter symbols are unique because they do not have to appear on a specific payline to be effective. They can trigger various features, most commonly free spins and other bonus games. Some slots offer payouts based purely on the number of scatters that appear, regardless of their position on the reels.
Bonus Games
These get slot machine mini-games that begin when a few symbol combinations fall into place. Players may take a break from the spinning reels during bonus games and can win credits or extra spins. They can range from simple pick-an-item games to more complex, skill-based challenges.
Gamble Feature
Many online slots offer a Gamble or Double Up feature, usually after a winning spin. This feature allows you to bet your winnings on a simple proposition, like the flip of a coin or the colour of a playing card. A correct guess will double your winnings, but an incorrect guess will forfeit them.
Cascading Reels
In slots with cascading reels, winning symbols disappear to make way for new logos falling from above. It can create new winning combinations, giving you multiple chances to win on a single spin. Some games even combine cascading reels with multipliers that increase with each consecutive win.
Respins
Respins are similar to free spins but are often triggered differently. They usually occur after a non-winning spin and allow one or more reels to spin again at no additional cost, providing another chance to land a winning combination.
Progressive Jackpots
While not strictly a ‘bonus feature,’ progressive jackpots are worth mentioning. These jackpots accumulate over time and can offer massive payouts. They can be triggered randomly or through specific bonus games.
