Online slots have changed immensely since the days of simple fruit machines. Whereas players once were limited to spinning reels in the hope of landing paying combinations, they now stand chances to trigger exciting special features.
There are three main types of slots players can encounter online. These include classic slots, which resemble traditional fruit machines with a limited number of reels and paylines; video slots, which come loaded with animations, themes, and bonus features; and progressive slots which link to massive jackpots that increase in size as players play the game.
While some online slots don’t have any bonus features, special features have become increasingly common, so players can find them in what appear to be the simplest of classic slots. These features are designed to add variety, entertainment, and incredible winning chances to every spin.
Guide to Online Slot Special Features
From Wilds and Scatters to Free Spins, Multipliers, Bonus Minigames, and Progressive Jackpots, there’s no shortage of creative mechanics in online slots available at casinos like Black Lotus.
Wild Symbols
Taking their name from Wild cards in Poker games, Wild symbols are one of the most basic but essential special features in online slots. Like Jokers in card games, they can substitute for high- and low-paying symbols to help form winning combinations.
Wilds have come a long way since the introduction of basic substituting Wilds. Game developers have created several different types of Wilds, the most popular of which include:
Walking Wilds: These Wilds move across the reels (usually from right to left) with each consecutive spin, staying active for multiple rounds.
Sticky Wilds: After landing on a reel, Sticky Wilds remain in place for a set number of spins, increasing players’ chances of landing a big payout.
Expanding Wilds: These Wilds expand vertically or horizontally to fill the reel or row they land on.
Stacked Wilds: A stack of Wilds lands on a reel, sometimes covering it entirely for additional chances to win.
Random Wilds: These Wilds appear at random and can land anywhere, creating unexpected opportunities to win.
Scatter Symbols
Scatter symbols are another feature included in video online slots. Unlike most symbols, Scatters don’t need to land next to each other on a payline to form a winning combination. Instead, landing a certain number of Scatters anywhere on the reels wins a payout or triggers a special feature.
These symbols usually trigger a Free Spins round or a bonus minigame. The more Scatters players land, the bigger the rewards tend to be. For example, a player might win 10 Free Spins by landing three Scatters, while they might win 20 Free Spins if they land five of these symbols.
Free Spins
The Free Spins round is a favorite feature among online slots players. At the name suggests, players receive a set number of spins that don’t cost anything but can still pay out real winnings.
These rounds often come with added features, such as extra Wilds on the reels, higher Multipliers, locked reels, or sticky symbols. Free Spins are usually triggered by landing multiple Scatter symbols, and the round can sometimes be retriggered if more Scatters land during it.
Bonus Minigames
Many online video slots include Bonus Minigames, which add an extra layer of fun and variety to the gameplay. These minigames are often triggered by landing specific symbols or combinations of symbols.
The most common online slot Bonus Minigames include:
Pick-a-Prize: Players choose from several hidden items, each revealing a cash prize, Multiplier, or entry into another feature such as Free Spins.
Arcade-style games: Inspired by classic video games, these feature gameplay such as spinning bonus wheels or shooting targets.
These bonus rounds are usually separate from the base game and offer additional chances to win.
Cascading Reels
Also known as Avalanche or Tumbling Reels, Cascading Reels replace traditional spinning reels with a different system. When the player lands a winning combination, that combination disappears and new symbols fall in their place. If the new symbols form another winning combination, the process repeats.
This online slot special feature allows players to land multiple wins from a single spin. In many slots, each consecutive cascade increases the win multiplier, leading to potentially big payouts during a single round.
Progressive Jackpots
Progressive online slots are linked to a network where each spin contributes a small amount to a growing jackpot. These jackpots can climb into the millions and are one of the biggest draws for slots fans. The concept of Progressive Jackpots was introduced in land-based gambling venues in 1986, when electronic systems were used to link slot machines in different locations in Las Vegas.
To win a Progressive Jackpot, players usually need to trigger a special bonus round. Some slots online feature a multi-tier jackpot system, often called Mini, Minor, Major, and Mega Jackpots, each offering different prize levels.
Optional Gamble Game
Some online slots offer an optional Gamble feature that lets players bet their recent win for a chance to increase it. After a standard win, players may be offered the chance to double or quadruple their payout.
This usually involves a simple minigame, such as guessing the color of a hidden card to double their win or guessing the suit of the card to quadruple it. This feature is entirely optional.
Multipliers
Multipliers in online slots do exactly what they say. They multiplier players’ winnings by a specific amount. For example, a 2x Multiplier will double a player’s win, while a 5x Multiplier will quintuple it.
Some slots include Multiplier Trails, where the multiplier increases with each consecutive win or spin. This feature is particularly common Free Spins rounds or Cascading Reel games, and it adds extra excitement by boosting the value of ongoing wins. Players can also find increasing Multipliers in crash games online. These games are similar to slots and are just as easy to play.
Special Features For Next-Level Online Slots
Special features in online slots are what separate them from the traditional one-armed bandits of the past. From Wilds and Free Spins to Bonus Minigames and massive jackpots, online video slots and other slots offer a more engaging and potentially more rewarding experience. Whether you’re in it for fun or the chance to land a life-changing win, understanding these features can help you make the most of every spin.
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