Many online slot games include special symbols and mechanics that influence how the reels behave and how prizes are awarded. For example, cascading reels clear winning symbols so new ones appear, creating the potential for multiple prizes from a single win, while Megaways games randomly change the number of symbols that appear on the reels and affect the ways to win. Regardless of the feature, it has an effect on the game that changes the pacing, volatility, and potential payouts the player can expect.
This guide takes a closer look at one of the most popular bonus features in slots: the slot Hold and Spin feature. Players who would like to learn exactly what it is, what symbol combinations can generally trigger it, and how prizes build during the bonus, can read on for the answers, as well as a few examples of these types of online slot games.
What is the Hold and Spin Mechanic?
Hold and Spin is an online slot bonus feature that offers the player a limited number of spins that reset when a special symbol appears on the reels. There are several features that offer similar game mechanics, but go by different names, such as Hold & Win, Hold & Respin, Link & Win, or Cash Collect.
How do hold and spin slots work? There are several different elements to this gameplay feature.
How the Hold and Spin Feature is Triggered
Most games require the player to land a set number (usually six) special slot symbols in the base game to unlock the Hold and Spin bonus feature. Once the required number of symbols appear, the main reels clear, the triggering symbols become sticky, and the Hold and Spin round begins.
The Hold and Spin Gameplay Loop
The Hold and Spin has a simple gameplay loop that offers engaging gameplay with its limited number of spins, but potential for the remaining number of spins to reset each time a special symbol appears. Here’s a closer look at this slot mechanic and how it works:
- The feature activates with three respins.
- Every time one of the feature’s symbols lands on the reels, the remaining spins will reset to three.
- The cycle ends when no respins remain or the entire grid fills with special symbols, and the latter can trigger the top jackpot available in the game.
Hold and Spin Prizes and Jackpots
Special symbols that appear during this type of feature usually reveal one of these rewards:
- Fixed cash values, for example, a reward worth 10x the player’s wager.
- Multipliers that boost every value in view.
- Collect symbols that gather the current symbols on the reels and combine them into a single symbol.
- Various jackpots, like Mini, Minor, or Major jackpots, are tied to the player’s bet size.
- Filling all positions results in a large jackpot payout.
A Few Hold and Respins Online Slots
There are many different online slots with bonus rounds similar to this feature. Here are a few examples of titles that offer similar game mechanics. Please note: features, RTP, volatility, and max win can vary by region — always check the slot’s information for your jurisdiction.
Cerberus Gold Lock N Win
Guarded by the three-headed hound of Hades, Cerberus Gold Lock N Win is a darker Greek mythological slot with comic-book visuals and a soundtrack that swells as the action heats up.
The five features include wild symbols, Fireball Collect with multiplier soul orbs, split symbols that expand reels, and three Lock N Win variants: Multiply, Jackpot, and Supreme Lock N Win features that each offer a unique twist on this bonus game.
| Software Provider | DGC |
| RTP | 96.02%* |
| Volatility | Medium |
| Jackpot Type | Fixed |
| Paylines | 243 |
| Reels | 5 |
| Max Wager | $50 |
| Max Win | 5,000x |
* Please note that the return to player (RTP) rate for this slot game may differ from one jurisdiction to another.
Crabbin Crazy Hold & Win
Crabbin’ Crazy Hold & Win is a beach-style slot where a grumpy fisherman and cash-packed crustaceans are the feature symbols linked to different prizes. This slot game also includes bonuses like the random Pick A Crab feature, while the fisherman doubles as the wild to help complete combos. If five or more crab symbols land on the reels, it will trigger the Let’s Go Crabbin’ Hold & Win feature. Players start with three respins that reset with every new crab, and the fisherman can appear to collect all values. Prizes for the Hold & Win feature range from 1x to 1,000x.
| Software Provider | IGT |
| RTP | 96%* |
| Volatility | Medium to High |
| Jackpot Type | Fixed |
| Paylines | 25 |
| Reels | 5 |
| Max Wager | $25 |
| Max Win | 1,585x |
* Please note that the return to player (RTP) rate for this slot game may differ from one jurisdiction to another.
Thundering Shenlong
Thundering Shenlong has a street-festival atmosphere. This online slot features dragon scatters that can award eight, 15, or 30 free spins, while lightning scatters trigger Lightning Respins. This feature activates with 1–5 active reels and three spins that reset when players collect a lightning bolt symbol on the reels.
| Software Provider | NYX |
| RTP | 95.09%* |
| Volatility | High |
| Jackpot Type | Fixed and Progressive |
| Paylines | 243 ways |
| Reels | 5 |
| Max Wager | $60 |
| Max Win | 18,794x |
* Please note that the return to player (RTP) rate for this slot game may differ from one jurisdiction to another.
