Slot Machines – Features
Online slots have evolved significantly from traditional fruit machines to innovative video slots that come with various innovative features that enhance the gaming experience and provide players with the chance to boost their winnings. Below are popular slot features in modern titles.
Wilds
Wilds are among the common slot machine features, usually represented in various forms ranging from simple logos to characters that align with the slot's theme. Most times, they replace all paying symbols except the scatter and jackpot icons to form a winning combination.
Besides being a substitute, wild symbols often come with a multiplier that enhances the value of any winning combinations they complete. Some of them even duplicate, spread or expand to increase the number of wild symbols on the reels. Another variation is the sticky wild which remains locked in place while reels continue spinning, maximizing the chances for consecutive wins.
Scatters
Scatters activate special features regardless of where they appear on the reels. Some of the benefits of landing the symbol include:
- Free spins
- Multipliers
- Bonus Rounds
- Jackpot triggers
- Instant payouts
- Mini-games
The number of scatters that a gamer should land to trigger the benefits depends on the rules of the game, but it’s normally three or more.
Multipliers
This slot feature increases the value of winnings by multiplying the payout of a winning combination. For example, a 2x multiplier doubles a payout, while a 5x multiplier offers a fivefold. This feature normally appears during bonus rounds and it can be applied to all winnings or specific combinations. Some slots even include multipliers as part of wild symbols to enhance their value further.
Free Spins
Free spins are usually triggered when players land specific symbols such as scatters in the base game, giving them a chance to spin reels multiple times without spending their own money. More bonus rounds can be awarded when triggering symbols appear again during free gameplay to extend playtime.
Some games even introduce special features like higher multipliers or expanding wilds during these extra rounds to increase the chances of winning big. The number of free spins awarded to players typically varies depending on the game’s rules, but most of them award three and above.
Gamble Feature
The gamble feature is normally accessible after winning. Here, players are presented with a mini-game that involves simple predictions like choosing if the color of a card is red or black. Stating the value of a card is also another common guess in some games.
Slots normally double the winnings of players who guess correctly, while an incorrect guess results in losing the amount wagered on the gamble feature. Some slots allow gamers to gamble only a portion of their winnings rather than the full amount, providing a balance between risk and reward.
Conclusion
Slot machines have various features that are designed to offer an exciting gaming experience and increase winnings without placing extra bets. Some games normally come with a single feature while others have multiple. Bettors gain from understanding how each of the features work.