One of the most popular online slot features in modern online slot games is extra-spin rounds. Extra spins come in different forms, but the common element is that the player doesn’t have to place an additional bet for any of the spins rewarded by these features. Learn more about this feature set and how it works in online slots.
What Are Extra Spins?
Extra spins are one of the many different online slot features available in online slot games. This feature lets the player keep the reels spinning without placing additional bets, while often keeping all the paylines and win potential active. Ultimately, these are extra rounds that stretch playing time and add excitement, and in some cases even introduce new ways to win or increase your win potential, making them a great gameplay feature for those taking advantage of slot budget management tips.
There are two broad categories of extra spins that players need to be aware of:
- In-game extra spins: These are triggered from inside the slot, usually by landing scatter symbols, unlocking a bonus game, or buying the feature.
- Promotional extra spins: These are extra spins that the online casino offers as part of a promotional offer. Separate wagering rules and expiry dates govern them.
In-game extra spins are the focus of this guide.
The Different Types of Extra Spins
Not every type of extra spin mechanic is the same. Slot developers are always looking for unique ways to adapt existing features or introduce new elements to keep slot gameplay fresh. This is why there are many ways for players to experience extra spins, including:
- Regular extra spins: These are extra rounds with the same set of rules as the base game.
- Multiplier extra spins: These are extra rounds with multipliers that boost payouts while this feature is active. In some cases, these may be progressive multipliers that grow as the player lands wins during the extra spins.
- Hold and spin extra spins: These are extra spins that are a twist on the cascading reels formula. Where cascading reels cause winning symbols to be replaced, the hold and spin locks the winning symbols in place and spins all the non-winning symbols.
- Retriggers: A range of conditions may result in the player receiving extra spins, such as receiving less than a certain amount during extra spins or other features.
These variations are just a few examples of the ways developers can offer players extra spins without having to place a bet.
How to Trigger Extra Spins
Most online slot games rely on scatter slot symbols to activate extra spins. The player will typically need to land three or more anywhere on the reels to trigger the bonus. Some titles go even further with this game mechanic and offer more spins when the player lands more scatter symbols. For example, three scatters might grant 10 extra spins, while five scatters could reward the player with 20.
A few examples of other trigger methods include:
- Bonus games: Wheel-spin or pick-and-click rounds can provide the player with extra spins.
- Random events: There are many “random” triggers for extra spins. For example, at the end of a losing base spin, a surprise “second-chance” may trigger, or when a player almost completes a special set of symbols but needs one more symbol to do so, the game may offer an extra spin. These events vary from game to game.
- Feature buy: Many modern slots let the player purchase direct entry to the extra spin round for a fixed fee.
Games With Extra Spin Features
Here are a few examples of games with different types of extra spin features:
CherryPoP
| Software Provider | NYX |
| RTP | 96.2%* |
| Volatility | High |
| Jackpot Type | N/A |
| Paylines | 243-59,049 |
| Reels | 5 |
| Max Wager | 40 credits |
| Max Win | 99,846x |
* Please note that the Return to Player (RTP) rate for this slot game may differ from one jurisdiction to another.
CherryPop is a neon-soaked, fruit-themed slot from NYX that uses the PopWins mechanic. The PopWins mechanic causes reels to expand from 3 up to 6 rows in base play (and up to 9 in the bonus) whenever the player lands a win, boosting Win Ways from 243 to 59,049. Unlock the maximum height of all the reels to trigger extra spins (with the opportunity to gamble for up to 12). The additional spins feature starts with a 2x multiplier that grows by 1x with each PopWins sequence, with 3x multipliers added once the player unlocks all 9 rows in the extra spins feature.
Cloud Princess
| Software Provider | NYX |
| RTP | 96.24%* |
| Volatility | Medium |
| Jackpot Type | N/A |
| Paylines | Scatter Pays |
| Reels | 6×5 |
| Max Wager | $100 |
| Max Win | 10,000x |
* Please note that the Return to Player (RTP) rate for this slot game may differ from one jurisdiction to another.
Cloud Princess is an anime-styled, sky-themed NYX slot with cascading wins and three progressive multiplier symbols (Normal, Super, and Epic) that grow through consecutive cascades. Two extra spin features mix things up: Cloud Surge, which is triggered by three scatters and has 10 spins with multipliers applied to individual wins, and Divine Boost, which is triggered by four scatters, 10 spins with a persistent Divine Multiplier that is active during the entire feature.
Break Bones
| Software Provider | NYX |
| RTP | 96.34%* |
| Volatility | Medium |
| Jackpot Type | N/A |
| Paylines | 17 |
| Reels | 3×3 |
| Max Wager | $100 |
| Max Win | 3,333x |
* Please note that the Return to Player (RTP) rate for this slot game may differ from one jurisdiction to another.
Break Bones is a gritty, graffiti-themed slot from NYX, featuring a concrete-wall backdrop, neon skulls in a street-art style, and an edgy, hip-hop-tinged soundtrack. The game has wild multipliers up to 100x that feed a spin-wide global multiplier, and also offers two extra spin features: EchoSpins and Bones Game. EchoSpins activate up to five extra spins when the player lands a special symbol during a win, and the Bones Game provides 10 extra spins that can trigger EchoSpins more often.
