Hold and Spin Feature Explained: How They Work and The Top 5 Games
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 these games on fire? 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 Hold and Spin?
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 to Activate Hold and Spin
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.
Explore Game Variations
Hold and win bonus features are unique to each game. Some games instantly introduce Cash on Reels, while others add them after triggering, offering diverse gameplay experiences. Variations like Ultimate Fire Link or Cash Xtreme Rising may unlock additional reel spaces, intensifying the thrill. Prizes can be paid once or multiplied, ensuring dynamic and engaging gameplay. While these variations add intrigue, the core mechanics of Hold and Spin remain familiar, providing an accessible and thrilling experience for players.
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.
1. Wolf Treasure
Wolf Treasure by IGTech is a timeless favourite among pokie enthusiasts, blending straightforward gameplay with thrilling payouts. The Hold and Spin feature is its centerpiece, offering jackpot potential and edge-of-your-seat action. Its glowing Moon Symbols and jackpot-driven suspense make it a standout for players chasing big wins.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Feature Trigger | Land 6 or more Moon Symbols anywhere on the reels. |
| Payout Potential | Up to 1,000x your stake via the Mega Jackpot. |
| Odds/Frequency | Medium volatility; feature triggers approximately once every 90 spins. |
Feature Mechanics
The Hold and Spin feature is triggered by landing 6 or more Moon Symbols anywhere on the reels. These symbols lock in place, and players receive 3 respins, which reset each time a new Moon Symbol lands. The feature focuses on collecting cash values or triggering Mini, Major, or Mega jackpots, creating a progressive build-up of tension.
Visuals and Sounds
When the feature activates, reels darken, and the locked Moon Symbols light up with a glowing effect. The accompanying suspenseful music and dramatic sound effects amplify the intensity, drawing players into the action with each respin.
Payout Potential and Frequency
The feature delivers up to 1,000x your stake via the Mega Jackpot, with cash values adding consistent rewards throughout. It triggers approximately once every 90 spins in this medium-volatility game, striking a solid balance between risk and reward.
Why It Stands Out
Wolf Treasure’s simplicity and jackpot integration make it a top choice for players who enjoy accessible mechanics with high-reward potential. The anticipation of filling all reel positions for the Mega Jackpot creates an unmatched adrenaline rush.
2. Big Bass Hold & Spinner Megaways
Pragmatic Play’s Big Bass Hold & Spinner Megaways reimagines the popular fishing series with a Megaways twist. This version builds on the Hold and Spin feature with cascading reels and multiplier-packed coins, delivering even more thrilling gameplay for fans of the series.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Feature Trigger | Land 3 or more Coin Money symbols during the base game. |
| Payout Potential | Up to 10,000x your stake with cascading reels and multipliers. |
| Odds/Frequency | High volatility; feature triggers approximately once every 100 spins. |
Feature Mechanics
The Hold and Spin feature triggers when 3 or more Coin Money symbols land during the base game. These symbols lock in place as cascading reels clear away non-winning symbols. Players start with 3 respins, resetting with every new Coin symbol. Special Golden Coins bring multipliers of up to 50x, significantly boosting payouts.
Visuals and Sounds
Golden Coins sparkle with animated multipliers when they land, while cascading reels create a dynamic, fast-paced atmosphere. The upbeat fishing-themed music and celebratory sound effects during big wins keep the energy high throughout the feature.
Payout Potential and Frequency
This high-volatility game offers a maximum payout of 10,000x your stake, with the feature triggering approximately once every 100 spins. The addition of cascading reels adds unpredictability, making each feature unique.
Why It Stands Out
The combination of cascading reels, high multipliers, and the Megaways mechanic elevates the Hold and Spin feature to new heights. It’s a must-play for fans of dynamic, high-stakes pokies.
3. Ultra Hold & Spin
Ultra Hold & Spin by Pragmatic Play strips back the complexity, focusing entirely on the Hold and Spin mechanic. Its retro-style graphics and fast-paced gameplay make it an ideal choice for players who love straightforward action with high payout potential.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Feature Trigger | Land 3 Money Symbols on the middle reel. |
| Payout Potential | Up to 2,460x your stake with symbol upgrades. |
| Odds/Frequency | Medium volatility; feature triggers approximately once every 100 spins. |
Feature Mechanics
Landing 3 Money Symbols on the middle reel triggers the Hold and Spin feature. These symbols lock, and players are awarded 4 respins, instead of the standard 3, offering more chances to land additional coins. Symbol values range up to 500x your stake, and locked symbols automatically upgrade during respins.
Visuals and Sounds
The game’s neon-styled coins pulse with a bright glow when they lock, creating a satisfying visual effect. A sharp, retro-inspired audio track complements the fast-paced action, with escalating sound effects that mirror the excitement of each respin.
Payout Potential and Frequency
With payouts reaching up to 2,460x your stake, this medium-volatility game offers reliable win opportunities. The feature triggers approximately once every 100 spins, keeping the action steady without overextending the suspense.
Why It Stands Out
Its focus on the Hold and Spin feature, combined with a unique upgrade mechanic and a generous respin system, makes Ultra Hold & Spin a streamlined yet rewarding experience for pokie enthusiasts.
4. Thunder Shields
Thunder Shields by iSoftBet brings the excitement of the Hold and Spin feature to a Norse-inspired battlefield. Packed with multipliers, Colossal Symbols, and jackpots, it offers players an action-packed ride with significant win potential.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Feature Trigger | Land 6 or more Shield Symbols anywhere on the reels. |
| Payout Potential | Up to 4,000x your stake with multipliers and Colossal Symbols. |
| Odds/Frequency | High volatility; feature triggers approximately once every 140 spins. |
Feature Mechanics
The feature activates when 6 or more Shield Symbols land anywhere on the reels. Each symbol locks in place, awarding 3 respins. Colossal Symbols can cover multiple reel positions, while Boost Shields multiply values by 2x, 3x, or 5x, adding layers of excitement.
Visuals and Sounds
Thunder Shields delivers an epic experience with glowing shields, dramatic lightning effects, and immersive Viking-themed soundtracks. Each multiplier or jackpot win is celebrated with booming sound effects, adding to the game’s cinematic appeal.
Payout Potential and Frequency
The feature can pay up to 4,000x your stake, with high volatility meaning triggers are less frequent—approximately once every 140 spins. However, the inclusion of multipliers keeps payouts lucrative when the feature hits.
Why It Stands Out
The combination of Colossal Symbols and Boost Shields sets Thunder Shields apart, offering players a visually and mechanically unique version of the Hold and Spin feature.
5. Sphinx Fortune
Booming Games’ Sphinx Fortune takes players to ancient Egypt, combining the Hold and Spin feature with Pyramid Symbols and reel completion bonuses. Its atmospheric design and high payout potential make it a standout for fans of big-risk pokies.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Feature Trigger | Land 3 or more Coin Money symbols during the base game. |
| Payout Potential | Up to 10,000x your stake with cascading reels and multipliers. |
| Odds/Frequency | High volatility; feature triggers approximately once every 100 spins. |
Feature Mechanics
Triggered by 6 or more Pyramid Symbols, the Hold and Spin feature locks symbols in place, awarding 3 respins. Each Pyramid Symbol carries a cash value or multiplier, and completing all reel positions unlocks an additional full-grid bonus, pushing payouts closer to the 8,000x maximum win potential.
Visuals and Sounds
Pyramids glow gold when locked, while suspenseful Egyptian-themed music and glowing reel effects enhance the immersive experience. The visuals shift dramatically as the reels fill, creating an intense, cinematic atmosphere.
Payout Potential and Frequency
With payouts of up to 8,000x your stake, this high-volatility game delivers massive rewards, though the feature only triggers approximately once every 150 spins.
Why It Stands Out
Sphinx Fortune’s full-grid bonus adds an extra layer of suspense and reward to the Hold and Spin feature, making it a thrilling choice for players chasing massive wins.
Types of Hold and Spin Features
Hold and Spin with Multipliers
Hold and Spin with Fixed Jackpots
Hold and Spin with Colossal Symbols
Hold and Spin with Reel Completion Bonuses
Hold and Spin with Symbol Upgrades
Hold and Spin with Bonus Integration
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, consider the allure of triggering a re-spin round for a truly engaging and potentially rewarding gaming experience. Join the excitement and spin towards thrilling wins.
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 the suspenseful re-spins of Hold and Spin and the liberating spins of Free Spin bonus game within the same game? 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
The Hold and Spin feature adds 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 enhances your winning potential massively.
With our comprehensive list of the Best Online Casinos available to Aussie players, we are confident you will find your perfect gaming match.
Explore More Pokie Features
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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