Hold and Spin Feature Explained: What It Is and How it Works
Hold and Spin, Spin and Win, Hold and Win – the online pokies world is buzzing with excitement over this thrilling feature. Ever wondered what sets pokies with hold and spin features apart? Not every pokie flaunts this feature, but when they do, players can't resist the spin.
In this guide, discover where to find it, explore the biggest titles offering this bonus feature, and learn the secrets of triggering it. Explore our top picks for the hottest Hold and Spin pokies that promise an electrifying gaming realm.
Ready to spin and win? Let's dive in!
What is a Hold and Spin Feature?
Pragmatic Play introduces the Hold and Spin feature—a popular bonus round activated by landing a specific set of symbols on the reels, usually scatters or bonuses. Once triggered, these symbols lock in place, initiating a set of re-spins. During these re-spins, the goal is to accumulate more special symbols, each securing its spot.
The feature continues until all re-spins are utilised or the screen is filled with special symbols, potentially resulting in a maximum payout. Some slot games may present variations of the Hold and Spin feature, incorporating extras like multipliers or prizes. This game mechanic shares similarities with Microgaming's 'Link & Win' but stands out with Pragmatic Play's unique spin, offering an engaging and distinct player experience.
How Does Hold and Spin Work?
Hold and Spin is extremely popular, and each pokie has its spin on how this feature is triggered. Check your game's details before spinning.
Generally, you will always begin by spinning, to secure the specified symbol on reels – it could be a special icon or cash.
You'll then receive a predetermined number of spins, usually starting at three, to achieve your goal. The count resets with each additional symbol. Games like Mighty Cash offer a fixed number of spins based on triggering hold and win symbols, while Lock it Link variations may have a set spin count, such as 5 on titles like Piggy Bankin' and Eureka Reel Blast.
Top 5 Pokies With Hold and Spin
Dive into our top 5 Hold and Win pokies – cherry-picked by our savvy crew!
We're all about the good stuff: RTP, casino reputation, game availability, user-friendly interfaces, volatility levels, and flexible betting limits. To ensure an easy and enjoyable gaming experience, we scrutinise features for seamless navigation and optimal play.
Wolf Treasure
Meet the undisputed alpha of online pokies: Wolf Treasure by IGTech, a howling success since its 2017 release. Imagine a wild frontier filled with majestic horses, thundering buffalo, and, of course, cunning wolves, all dancing across your screen.
The base game offers a 5x3 slot sensation offers 25 paylines, ensuring every spin is a wild ride. The star of the show? The Hold and Win feature is triggered by six or more Money Symbols. It's like wrangling the pack for untold riches. Picture this: symbols locking in place, respins galore, and the chance to snag Mini, Major, or the elusive Mega Jackpot, a jaw-dropping 1,000x your stake.
Now, let's talk turkey. With an industry-standard RTP of 96% and low volatility, Wolf Treasure caters to the savvy gambler. This hold and spin feature makes the game perfect for those who prefer a smoother ride with smaller bankrolls, yet hunger for that big win. Whether you're a lone wolf or part of the pack, Wolf Treasure awaits, promising a thrilling journey through the untamed wilderness of online pokies.
Big Bass Hold & Spinner Megaways
While Big Bass Hold & Spinner Megaways by Pragmatic Play can be found at most online casinos these days, our experts prefer the tranquil waters at My Empire Casino. Imagine a sunny day by the lake, where the cheerful soundtrack and vibrant colours set the stage for a friendly angling adventure. This isn't your deep-sea expedition; it's a laid-back fishing fiesta with frogs, dragonflies, and aquatic wonders.
The layout is a breeze – 5 reels, 3 rows, and 10 paylines, creating a perfect harmony for your gaming pleasure. Casting off with high volatility and an impressive 96.07% RTP, this slot caters to the bold-hearted seeking big thrills.
With bets ranging from a mere 0.10 to a whopping 250, it's accessible to all, from cautious minnows to high-rolling sharks. The real catch, though, is the hold and win feature. Picture this: Money symbols trigger a serene fishing spree. Three of these symbols and bam! You're awarded 4 re-spins on a reel where only blanks and Money symbols swim. The Money symbols stick around, paying out their values and locking them in place until the final splash. When new Money symbols surface, their values join the party, and the respin countdown resets, creating a tidal wave of potential winnings.
So, whether you're a seasoned angler or just dipping your toes, Big Bass Hold & Spinner Megaways promises a reel-y good time.
Ultra Hold & Spin
Embark on a retro adventure with Ultra Hold and Spin from Pragmatic Play, a fruit-themed classic from Reel Kingdom featuring an '80s aesthetic. Despite its dated visuals, the Respins Money Collect feature injects a modern twist into the gameplay. Our experts loved playing this at QuickWin Online Casino, one of our best online pokies in Australia.
With a 3x3 layout, 5 paylines, and bets ranging from 5 cents to AUD 250, the game provides a nostalgic yet daring experience. The Hold and Win feature is triggered by landing three money symbols (silver or gold coin) on the middle reel, initiating four respins. During this bonus round, only blank spaces or new money symbols can land, with a special diamond symbol on reels 1 and 3 offering values between 100x and 500x.
With an RTP of 96.7% and high volatility, Ultra Hold and Spin cater to fans of classic 3-reelers, offering a potential exceeding 500x in its captivating Respins feature—a unique blend of old-school vibes and big win potential.
Thunder Shields
Released in late 2020 by iSoftBet, Thunder Shields is one of the most recent pokies out of the provider's doors and featured in the most popular online casinos available in Australia.
The game offers a Nordic theme, set inside a Viking longship with a set of modern graphics offering a super high-quality gaming experience. The mechanics work well and the game looks fantastic, it's an overall joy to play.
Triggered by landing 6+ Cash Shield symbols, the Hold & Win Respins feature offers 3 respins. Special Shields provide modifiers like 2x Multiplier, Collector, Reel Boost, Cash Boost, and Respins Boost, enhancing gameplay.
The maximum win per spin of the game is low at just 250x the original stake. However, when utilising the hold and win feature, there's the chance to win as much as 4,035x the original stake.
The RTP of Thunder Shields sits around the industry average at 96% with medium to high volatility catering to those players that enjoy a little more risk in their pokies.
Sphinx Fortune
Released in 2018 by Booming Games, Sphinx Fortune is an exciting innovative game, focusing on player control.
The theme of the game follows the classic Ancient Egyptian feel with a modern twist. It has incredible graphics and great game mechanics. Symbols range from single-sized hieroglyphics to reel-height Pharoh wilds in the Sphinx-surrounded play area.
The video slot is played in a unique configuration with the reels following a 3-4-4-4-3 reel pattern offering a huge 576 different ways to win. There's utmost control with the features offered in the pokie including the hold and Win feature, ultimately offering a maximum win of 8,500x the original stake.
To trigger the hold and win bonus feature in Sphinx Fortune, land the Pyramid Bonus Symbol on reels 1 or 5. You begin with 3 respins, and each new symbol resets the count. Only coins and blanks appear, and after, a Wheel of Fortune may multiply your winnings.
The RTP sits just below the industry average of 95.32% with high variance catering to those players looking for a little more risk in their pokie. Ultimately, the game is one that all high-variance fans should try, it's one of the best recent releases available.
Why Play Pokies With Hold and Win?
Hold and Win' games bring an extra layer of excitement. While regular slots hinge on matching symbols, the Hold and Win feature adds suspense and more winning opportunities.
It's the thrilling anticipation of landing symbols for the bonus round that sets these games apart. Essentially, in the base game, they play like regular slots, but the Hold and Win feature injects strategy and excitement.
If you're choosing between slots, pokies with the hold and spin feature offer re-spins galore. This means you can stretch your buck and enjoy the game even longer.
Hold and Spin Bonus Feature Vs Free Spin Bonus Rounds
Most Hold and Spin games offer a delightful combo of Free Spins and Hold and Win Bonus games. Although the hold and spin are more highly sought after, the classic free spins are always appreciated.
Why choose when you can enjoy pokies with both hold and spin and free spin features? Players can relish the best of both worlds, experiencing the locked symbols of excitement and the free-spinning freedom in a single gameplay session.
Conclusion
Pokies with hold and spin feature add an exciting dimension to casino gameplay, offering thrilling bonuses in some of the hottest titles out.
Whether you're chasing jackpots, playing free slots, or just getting started with pokies, this dynamic feature can enhance your winning potential massively.
With our comprehensive list of the best online casinos Australia has available, we are confident you will find your perfect gaming match.
Good luck, and happy spinning!
Ryan is our resident pokies expert. Not only does he provide readers with the latest insights, innovations and technology news related to pokies, but he also knows all there is to know about pokies game developers.
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