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How To Trigger Bonus On Slot Machines | LeoVegas

Slots Bonus Features

Summary: Triggering a slot bonus feature can be as simple as landing three matching symbols on an active payline. This can launch a bonus round with payout-boosting features like multipliers, respins, wilds, expanding wilds, and cascading reels.

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Slot Bonus Features

Slot bonus features are ‘next level’ when playing the reels and are the main draw of modern machines for most slot aficionados. Backed by video slot mechanics that came into play in the late 90s, slot machines are now well beyond levers and spinning reels. Slot games are at their peak of creativity and innovation, especially when it comes to bonus features and immersive bonus rounds.

Triggering a slot bonus feature can be as simple as landing three matching symbols on an active payline. This can launch a bonus round with payout boosting features like multipliers, respins, wilds, expanding wilds, cascading reels, and even an incredibly entertaining mini side-game.

Let’s talk about a few slot bonus features that you’ll likely come across.

  • Free Spins & Respins award spins, with no additional wagering or action required.
  • Multipliers, as their name suggests, multiply your winnings anywhere from x1 to upwards of x5,000.
  • Wilds are symbols that can substitute for other symbols on the reels to create winning combinations. Expanding wilds can overtake entire reels, making way for serious winning potential.
  • Scatters can create winning combinations from anywhere on the reels.
  • Cascading reels (Avalanche, Tumbling, Falling reels) are a feature during which symbols fall off the grid and are replaced by new ones, creating multiple winning opportunities on a single spin.
  • Player Picks are an all-time favourite mini-game bonus round during which the onus is on the player to pick and click an option to uncover a hidden bonus or prize.casinowobanner.gif

Types of Slot Bonus Features

Slot games come with a variety of bonus features, each adding a unique twist to the gameplay. Here are some of the most common types you’ll encounter:

Free Spins

Free spins are a staple bonus feature in many slot games, allowing players to spin the reels several times without touching their balance. Any winnings from these spins are credited directly to the player’s account. In some games, free spins come with multipliers that can significantly increase payouts.

How to Trigger Free Spins

Players typically need to land a specific combination of symbols on the reels to activate free spins, most commonly scatter symbols in a slot game. The number and placement of these symbols required to trigger free spins can vary by game, so it’s crucial to consult the game’s rules or paytable beforehand.

Some slots also feature re-triggering capabilities, allowing players to earn more free spins if they land additional scatter symbols during the free spins round. In these cases, the number of free spins might be increased or reset to the original amount, extending the bonus round and increasing the potential for greater winnings.

Variations of Free Spins

  • No Deposit Free Spins: Offered as part of a casino's welcome package, these do not require any initial deposit and allow new players to try slot games risk-free.
  • Deposit Free Spins: As the name suggests, these free spins are awarded upon making a deposit. They are usually part of the welcome bonus or given out as weekly bonuses to regular players.
  • In-Game Free Spins: Triggered within the slot game by landing specific symbols, these may include additional features such as multipliers or special symbols.
  • No Wagering Free Spins: Any winnings from these spins are immediately withdrawable, with no wagering requirements involved.

Respins and Bonus Rounds

First, let’s quickly discuss respins versus free spins. The latter, free spins, are awarded at no extra cost to the player. They’re usually triggered by matching symbols on the reels and can award anywhere from one to an excess of 100 free spins. That means, no additional wagering or action is required, the reels simply spin until the free spins counter runs out. During this bonus, all wins accumulate and are added to your balance as one lump sum upon completion of the bonus free spins round.

Respins on the other hand, can turn a non-winning spin into a winner. In fact, some slots award a respin on a non-winning spin, sometimes locking wilds or scatters in place. They’re basically an advantageous spin opportunity that attempts to turn non-winning spins into winners! They’re often found as a bonus feature in modern slots, but are becoming more commonplace as a buyable bonus in an effort to take another shot at winning with one spin.

Multipliers

Multipliers are exciting features in slot games that increase your payouts by multiplying the value of a winning combination by a specific factor. For example, a 2x multiplier doubles your winnings, while a 3x multiplier triples them. These multipliers can take different forms, such as base game multipliers that apply during regular spins, wild multipliers that not only substitute for other symbols but also enhance your payout, or special multipliers that are activated during bonus rounds or free spins.

Types of Multipliers: Fixed vs. Progressive

Multipliers in slot games can generally be categorized into the following:

  • Fixed Multipliers: These multipliers have a set value (like 2x or 5x) and do not change during gameplay. They can appear in the base game, free spins, or bonus rounds and apply consistently to your winnings.
  • Progressive Multipliers: These increase incrementally with each consecutive win or spin. The multiplier might start at 1x and rise with every win, reaching 5x, 10x, or more.

Strategies to Maximize Multipliers

To maximize the benefits of multipliers, consider the following strategies:

  • Study the slot’s paytable and rules to know when and how multipliers are applied.
  • Since progressive multipliers build up over time, longer gaming sessions may allow you to reach higher multipliers, especially if the game rewards consecutive wins.
  • Playing slot demos is an excellent way to understand how different multipliers work and to develop strategies to benefit from them when playing with real money.
  • Go for slots that offer features like cascading reels or progressive multipliers, as they provide more opportunities for consecutive wins and higher multipliers.

Wild Symbols

Wild symbols are special icons in slot games that can substitute for other symbols (except for scatters and other special symbols) to help create or complete winning combinations. By doing so, these symbols increase the chances of forming a winning line, which can lead to higher payouts. These symbols are usually represented by symbols that represent the theme of the slot being played. For instance, the wolf serves as the wild in the popular Wolf Gold slot.

Types of Wilds

In slot games, Wilds can be found in the following variations:

  • Expanding Wilds: These wilds expand either vertically or horizontally to cover an entire reel, enhancing the potential for multiple wins. They are often triggered by landing another wild symbol or randomly during the game.
  • Sticky Wilds: As the name suggests, sticky wilds remain on the reels for a set number of spins. They are commonly found during free spins or other special. features, where they stay in place to maximize winning opportunities over multiple spins.
  • Shifting (or Walking) Wilds: These wild symbols move across the reels in a specific direction, usually with each spin, until they disappear off the screen.
  • Stacked Wilds: These wilds appear in stacks, filling entire reels or parts of them.

Scatter Symbols

Scatter symbols are also special symbols in slot games. They usually trigger bonus features or free spins, regardless of where they land on the reels. Unlike regular symbols, which need to line up on a payline, scatter symbols can unlock bonuses even if they appear scattered across the reels. A well-known example is the "Book of Dead" slot, where the tomb symbol acts as both the scatter and the wild.

How to Trigger Scatter Bonuses

To activate the bonus features linked to scatter symbols, you need to land a specific number of these symbols during a spin. In most slots, three or more scatter symbols are required to trigger a bonus round or free spins. The exact number and the type of bonus can vary depending on the game.

The type of scatter features you activate while playing slots can vary from one title to another. In some games, scatter symbols trigger a free spin round where you can spin the reels multiple times without using your credits. In others, scatters may activate a mini-game or a bonus round where you can win additional prizes.

Tumbling and Cascading Reels

Cascading or tumbling reels are a delightful experience when playing slots as they can bring multiple wins your way from a single spin. They fall under many names including cascading reels, tumbling reels, rolling reels, falling reels, or even avalanche reels, and they all work in similar fashion. Once an active payline hits, all the symbols that contributed to the win fall out of place, making way for new symbols. These new symbols fill the gaps and hopefully, bring more wins your way. This process of winning symbols falling out and new ones filling in continues until no more wins come of it. It’s really the spin that keeps on giving!

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Other Bonus Features

Bonus Games

Bonus games in slots are unique features that offer extra rewards or interactive experiences beyond regular gameplay. These games can vary widely, including free spins, multipliers, or mini-games that allow for potentially higher payouts. Typically, you activate bonus games by landing specific combinations of symbols, such as wilds or scatters, or by accumulating certain items during play. These bonus rounds often provide a fresh and exciting way to boost your winnings and keep the action engaging.

Bonus Buy Feature

It’s all in the name; bonus buy feature. Many slot machines allow you to forgo the anticipation of triggering a bonus round and instead, buy your way directly in. While it’s not as exciting to seek a trigger, it does get you immediately playing for the biggest payouts of the game.

Be forewarned, if you’re going to bypass the triggering process, it’s going to cost you. The cost can vary of course slot machine by slot machine, but it’s usually calculated as a multiple of your stake for the spin. If you enjoy immediate gratification, and you know who you are, this direct buy-in option is a great idea and gets you playing for potential big paydays pronto!

Interactive Bonus Rounds

Interactive bonus rounds provide a game-within-a-game experience, often requiring player input or choices. These rounds might include tasks like picking objects to reveal prizes (pick-and-click games), spinning wheels for rewards, or participating in arcade-style challenges. A slot might also feature a Gamble Feature, where players have to predict the outcome of a coin flip or guess the correct card to double or quadruple their wins.

Pick-and-Click Bonus Games

Pick-and-Click or Pick Me games are a popular type of bonus round in slots. In these rounds, players are presented with several items on the screen and asked to pick one or more. Each item hides a prize, such as cash rewards, multipliers, or additional free spins. Pick-and-Click Bonus Games often feature a themed background that matches the slot’s overall design.

Jackpot Features

Jackpot slots are a popular type of slot that offers players the chance to win large sums of money. They are known as jackpots. There are two main types of jackpots:

Progressive Jackpots

These jackpots grow with every bet placed on the game across multiple casinos or machines. A small percentage of each wager is added to the jackpot pool, allowing it to grow continuously until someone wins it.

These jackpots can reach millions, as seen with games like Microgaming’s Mega Moolah, which holds the record for the highest slot win ever recorded. However, the odds of winning a progressive jackpot are relatively low due to the large number of participants and the vast network of connected machines.

Fixed Jackpots

On the other hand, Fixed Jackpots offer a constant prize that does not change regardless of how many bets are placed. These are typically easier to win compared to progressives but have smaller payouts.

Many slot games offer unique and exciting bonus features that set them apart from the rest. Let's dive into some of the most popular slots known for their captivating bonus rounds and standout gameplay elements.

Classic Slots with Timeless Bonuses

Classic slots are inspired by the early slot machines found in land-based casinos. They usually feature a simpler, more traditional design with symbols like fruits, sevens, bars, and bells. While these games may lack the flashy animations and multiple bonus rounds found in modern video slots, they retain a nostalgic appeal for many players. Today, some classic slots have been modernized with added features to appeal to a broader audience while still maintaining their traditional charm.

Examples of Classic Slots with Bonus Features

Break da Bank: Break da Bank, developed by Microgaming, is a classic slot that centers around a bank heist. The game features a wild symbol represented by the Break da Bank logo, which multiplies any win it is part of by 4x. Although it lacks modern-day bonus rounds, its high volatility and potential for large payouts keep it in the spotlight among classic slot enthusiasts​.

Video Slots with Innovative Features

Video slots are digital versions of traditional slot machines. They feature advanced graphics, unique gameplay mechanics, and a variety of bonuses. Unlike classic slots, video slots often include thematic elements, intricate storylines, and soundtracks.

Examples of Video Slots with Cutting-Edge Bonuses

Jammin’ Jars: Jammin' Jars is a vibrant slot with an 8x8 grid format that uses a cluster pay mechanic. The game features high volatility, maximum wins up to 20,000x the bet​, and wild jars that carry growing multipliers, which stick and randomly move to adjacent positions after each win. Players can trigger the Rainbow Feature randomly, adding giant fruit symbols for extra wins.

Branded Slots with Unique Bonuses

Branded slots are online casino games based on popular movies, TV shows, music bands, or other well-known franchises. These slots are developed through licensing agreements, allowing game providers to use the brand’s visuals, music, characters, and other elements. Branded slots often attract players who are fans of the original content and often come with exciting bonus features that can potentially boost the experience and gameplay.

Jurassic World: Based on the iconic Jurassic Park movie, this Microgaming slot brings dinosaurs to life with high-quality graphics and authentic sound effects from the film. Based on a 5-reel, 243-ways-to-win structure, the game includes various free spin features, each themed around different dinosaurs. Additionally, a T-Rex Alert Mode randomly adds up to 35 extra wild symbols to the reels.

Slot Bonus Features FAQ

What are the most common slot bonus features?

Free Spins, Multipliers, Expanding Wilds, Re-Spins, and Bonus Games are some of the most popular bonus features found in slots.

How do I trigger bonus features in slot games?

Bonus features are typically triggered by landing specific combinations of symbols on the reels. For example, landing a certain number of scatter symbols anywhere on the reels often activates Free Spins or a bonus game. Bonus symbols usually need to appear in a particular sequence to unlock bonuses. In some cases, wild symbols can trigger additional features when they appear in certain patterns. Some slots also have random bonus rounds that can activate spontaneously during gameplay without needing any specific symbol combination.

Can slot bonus features really increase my winnings?

Yes, bonus features like free spins, multipliers, jackpots, and wilds can significantly boost your winnings by increasing the payout or providing extra opportunities to win.

What is the difference between fixed and progressive jackpots?

A fixed jackpot has a set payout amount that does not change, regardless of how many times it is won. In contrast, a progressive jackpot grows with every bet placed on the game. A portion of each wager is added to the jackpot pool, allowing it to build up until someone wins. After a progressive jackpot is hit, it resets to a base amount and begins accumulating again.

How do I choose a slot game with the best bonus features?

To select a slot game with the best bonus features, look for games offering a variety of bonuses like Free Spins, Multipliers, and Bonus Games. Choose games with features you enjoy, such as cascading reels or pick-me games, and check the game’s Return to Player (RTP) rate. Generally, a higher RTP suggests a better chance of winning over time.

How do you trigger free spins on a slot machine?

This really depends on the specific slot machine you’re playing, but in many cases, it’s as easy as landing three matching “Free Spins” symbols on the reels. Exact combinations, active paylines, and symbol graphics vary of course, but you get the just of it.

Once a free spins bonus round is triggered, the free spins begin rolling immediately and automatically. Whatever number you’ve been awarded is displayed on the game matrix and will count down with every spin. Note, that all wins are accumulated and will be added to your balance once the free spins round completes.

More good news ~ many slot machines’ free spin bonus rounds can be re-triggered. Meaning, you can trigger free spins while enjoying them, and these additional awarded spins will be added to the counter for more chances of winning big.

What triggers a jackpot on a slot machine?

It really comes down to what game you’re playing. The millions dollar+ jackpot of Mega Moolah is awarded when the jackpot wheel bonus feature is triggered, which can happen randomly on any spin. When the bonus feature pops up, you’re one spin away from landing one of its four progressive jackpots. Other jackpot slot machines, like Book of Atem WowPot! give players a chance to spin the jackpot wheel only after a certain amount of specific symbols have been collected through play on the reels.

Always remember that each slot machine works and awards prizes and jackpots differently. Be sure to check the paytable for each game or pay close attention to its intro upon launching the slot. For many slot games, you’re going to need to bet the max in order to win the life-changing multi-million dollar big ones.

Read more about slot mechanics in our guides: