Slots are games of chance. Every outcome is determined by a built-in random number generator (RNG) that gives every player a fair (and completely random) online gambling experience. Modern online slot games are designed with features like cascading reels, wild symbols, extra spins, and mini-games that change the visual experience, gameplay, and how wins are formed on the reels. Some bonus features even change the prize amount for certain wins. One of these slot bonus features is the multiplier. Players who are new to online slots may not be familiar with these special symbols. What are multipliers in slot machines, and how do they work? Read on to learn more.
What Is a Slot Multiplier?
A slot multiplier is a mechanic, often attached to specific symbols or features, that increases the payout of a winning spin by a specified value. For example, if a $10 line win is paired with a 5x multiplier, the payout becomes $50.
Slot multipliers can appear at different times, depending on the slot game and how it’s designed. In some multiplier slots, these symbols might appear randomly throughout the base game or be tied to specific slot features, while in others, multipliers may only be available in bonus rounds.
Here’s a closer look at some of the conditions under which a slot multiplier may appear:
- During the base game: Some slots have dedicated multiplier symbols or attach multipliers to wilds or other symbols that can land on the reels during regular spins.
- During cascading or avalanche wins: In games with tumbling reels, a win may trigger a cascade and nudge a stacking multiplier higher until the online slot symbols stop cascading.
- During extra spins or bonus features: Many games increase the odds of multipliers appearing during extra spins or bonus rounds, or make the appearance of slot multipliers exclusive to these game features entirely.
The exact trigger or conditions under which multipliers may appear change from title to title, so the player should check the paytable or rules before spinning the reels.
The Different Types of Slot Multipliers
There are many types of slot multipliers that can appear on the reels of online slots, depending on the game. Here are a few examples of the types of multipliers that can appear and how they work:
- Line multipliers: A special bonus symbol in a slot can boost the connected win. These special symbols include dedicated multiplier symbols, paying symbols with multipliers, or wilds with multipliers. It only has an effect on the triggering payout..
- Total win multipliers: A single multiplier value is applied to the total for spins or during a particular slot feature. For example, a multiplier could be applied to multiple wins during cascading reels or at the end of an extra spins feature.
Do Slot Multipliers Stack?
Some players might be wondering if more than one multiplier can appear, and what happens if they do?
Firstly, the rules of a game will define whether more than one multiplier can appear.
Secondly, if the rules do allow for numerous multipliers, how they interact will also depend on the conditions the game developer sets. In some titles, multipliers will be added together before being applied to a win. For example, a 2x and 3x multiplier end up boosting a win by a total of 5x. In other titles, multipliers will combine multiplicatively to increase a payout. For example, a 2x and 3x will raise a player’s prize by a total of 6x.
The rules of each slot, often outlined in the paytable, will define how multiple multipliers interact, so players should remember to check the game’s guidelines for more information on these situations.
A Few Examples of Online Slots With Multipliers
Now that players have a better understanding of slot multipliers, here are a few examples of online slot games with multiplier features to understand how these features might appear in a real slot game.
Aloha! Christmas
| Software Provider | Evolution Group |
| RTP | 96%* |
| Volatility | Low to Medium |
| Jackpot Type | N/A |
| Paylines | Cluster Pays |
| Reels | 6 |
| Max Wager | $200 |
| Max Win | 1,750x |
* Please note that the return to player (RTP) rate for this slot game may differ from one jurisdiction to another.
Aloha! Christmas is a Christmas-themed cluster-pays slot that has multiplier wilds worth 2x–7x that increase the value of a single win, as well as Sticky Win Re-Spins that can fill the grid and multiply the total win of the feature up to 7x.
Deadliest Catch
| Software Provider | Playtech |
| RTP | 93.60%* |
| Volatility | High |
| Jackpot Type | N/A |
| Paylines | 40 |
| Reels | 5 |
| Max Wager | $450 |
| Max Win | 2,500x |
* Please note that the return to player (RTP) rate for this slot or casino game may differ from one jurisdiction to another.
Deadliest Catch is based on the popular Discovery show of the same name. To experience a chance of a multiplier win, players must land a Collect symbol to trigger King Crab Spins. During this feature, respins cause Collect symbols across the reels to expand and scoop up all visible crab cash values and jackpot prizes. Every respin also raises a prize multiplier that starts at 2x and climbs to 5x. This boost applies to both crab prizes and fixed compass jackpots, helping players reach the title’s 2,500x max win.
Magnificent Power Apollo
| Software Provider | Microgaming |
| RTP | 94.20%* |
| Volatility | High |
| Paylines | 30 |
| Reels | 5 |
| Max Wager | $100 |
| Max Win | 1,952x |
* Note that the return to player (RTP) rate for this slot may differ from one jurisdiction to another.
Magnificent Power Apollo is a Greek-themed online slot with multiplier wilds worth 2x, 3x, or 5x. If the player is lucky and a wild is part of a winning combination, it may gain one of these multipliers to boost the player’s reward.
