Top Slot Features Explained: Megaways, Hold & Spin, and More

The world of slots never stands still. New embellishments are added at a rapid clip, affecting gameplay, win frequency, top payouts, game flow and more. In this post we look at the most widely found features, explained in layman's term. We'll also discuss what makes this features so appealing to players, what you should keep in mind before parting with your cash. We'll mention where you can safely explore them and how to play responsibly.

• Megaways: A reel system that changes the number of symbols on each reel every spin. This can give thousands of “ways to win.” See the official explainer from Big Time Gaming: Megaways.
• Hold & Spin (also called Hold & Win): Special coins or symbols lock in place. You get a few re-spins to add more. The bonus ends when you run out of re-spins or fill the grid.

• How slot features change your play
• Megaways explained
• Hold & Spin explained
• Other popular features (cascades, clusters, wilds, more)
• Which features fit your play style?
• Standout slots by feature
• How to evaluate a slot before you play
• Where to try these features safely (and how we review)
• Responsible gambling and legal notes
• FAQs
• Conclusion

How slot features change your play

Features aren’t “rigged” to cheat. The randomness always remains. However, features do affect the flow of the winnings. The pattern of the wins and losses are called the variance. It’s sometimes called volatility as well. Important things to learn:

• RTP (Return to Player): A long-term average of how much a slot pays back. Example: 96% RTP means that, over a very long time, the game pays back about 96% of all bets. Learn more from the UK Gambling Commission: RTP explained.
• Volatility: How “swingy” a game feels. High volatility can mean long dry spells but big peaks. Low volatility can mean more small wins. A simple intro to fairness and testing: eCOGRA (independent testing).
• Hit rate (hit frequency): How often any win lands. Features can raise or lower this feeling.
• Max win: The top possible payout. Some features raise the ceiling.

Pick features that best connect with your personality and pocket book. If you prefer lots of action, then opt for the feature that leans more towards frequent but smaller wins. If you love the adrenaline rush and are OK with heart-stopping swings, then opt for features with higher volatility and bigger multipliers in play.

Megaways explained

What it is: Megaways is a casino platform

reel-changing mechanic casino platform

by Big Time Gaming. Each reel may appear with a different symbol height on any spin. This can create anywhere from yon

hundreds

to yoten-hundred-thousands

• Bonanza Megaways (BTG) — a classic with cascades and free spins multipliers.
• The Dog House Megaways (Pragmatic Play) — sticky wilds in bonus can hit very hard.
• Divine Fortune Megaways (NetEnt) — blends famous brand with the Megaways engine.

Why players like it: It feels dynamic. Cascades can chain. Multipliers can climb. The top win can be very high.

• Check if free spins add a growing multiplier. That often drives the big wins.
• Check RTP variants. Many slots ship at more than one RTP (for example ~96% vs ~94%).
• Try the demo first. See how fast your balance moves in the base game before you bet real money.

Hold & Spin explained

What it is: This feature locks coin symbols (or similar) on the reels. You get a set number of re-spins, often 3. Each time you land a new coin, the counter resets. The round ends when no spins remain or you fill the grid.

Why players like it: It is very clear. You can see coin values on the screen. You can also see jackpot symbols. The goal is simple: add more symbols before the re-spins run out.

Trade-offs: Big wins are rare. Many bonuses pay small or medium wins. Chasing top jackpots can be very high risk.

What: Coin (or similar) symbols lock to the reels. Typically have 3 re-spins. Land another coin resets the counter. No spins left OR fill the grid ends the bonus. Why players like : Transparent. Can see coin values on the reels Jackpot symbols also visible. Concept and goal easy. Fill the screen before the respins end. Drawbacks: Win frequency on the large bonus low. Lots of small to medium wins. Going for the highest jackpot can be extremely volatile.Â

• Big Bass Hold & Spinner (Pragmatic Play) — adds cash values and re-spin thrills.
• Wolf Gold (Pragmatic Play) — popular money re-spin style bonus round.
• Playson and Booongo also make many “Hold and Win” titles (see their official pages: Playson, Booongo).

A) “With this new job I’m definitely going to lose more weight because I’ll have so much more time to learn new habits and eat healthy by planning my meals when I get home

• Look at how often the bonus triggers in the demo. If it feels rare, plan your budget.
• Check if there are Mini/Major/Grand jackpots and how often they drop, per the game info screen.

Other popular features (cascades, clusters, wilds, more)

Cascading reels

E) "I can't lose weight because I'm too old and my metabolism is too slow."

Examples: Gonzo’s Quest (NetEnt) helped make cascades famous. Many Megaways games use cascades too.

Cluster pays

There are no paylines. You win with a group (cluster) of the same symbol that touch each other. Many cluster games also tumble and chain wins.

Examples:

• Jammin’ Jars (Push Gaming) — cluster wins with moving wild jars and multipliers.
• Reactoonz (Play’n GO) — grid play with charge meters and wilds.

Ways to win vs paylines

Paylines: Wins must line up on set lines. You often pick how many lines to play.

Paylines don’t exist. You get paid for a cluster (group) of the same symbol that’s joined together. A lot of cluster games also tumble and have chained wins. Examples:

Wild variants

• Expanding wilds: Wild grows to fill a reel.
• Sticky wilds: Wild stays for a few spins or for the bonus.
• Walking wilds: Wild moves one step each spin.
• Stacked wilds: Several wilds on top of each other on a reel.

Paylines: In order to win, you have to match symbols on predetermined lines. You usually get to choose the number of lines. Ways to win: You can match left-to-right symbols on any spot. This can sometimes feel nicer and award more frequent low value wins (this will depend on the slot).

Multipliers

Multipliers increase your win by x2, x3, x5, or more. Some games use a ladder that grows with each cascade or each free spin.

A “wild” can make it easier to hit a combination. So, if a bonus mode has either “sticky” wilds or “expanding” waves, it can create a huge payout.

Bonus Buy and Gamble features

Multipliers (boost your win by x2, x3, x5 or whatever it is. Some slots have a ladder that goes up with every cascade combo, or with every free spin.

Examples: Sweet Bonanza (Pragmatic Play) and Gates of Olympus (Pragmatic Play) are both tumbling win slots with high multipliers in free spins.

Cash on reels, Link & Win, Cash Collect

Bonus Buy: You spend additional for an immediate entry into a bonus round. RTP and risk can be affected. Bonus Buy is prohibited in some jurisdictions (including the UK). You should always comply with the regulation on your territory. Please refer to your licensing authority such as UK Gambling Commission (UK). Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), BMM Testlabs (BM). Gamble feature: Some games may allow you to risk a win in a Gamble round. You can also risk an upgrade on free spins. Player’s risk is added in these features. Act responsibly.

Learn more: See regulator guidance on fair games and testing labs: GLI (Gaming Laboratories International), eCOGRA.

Which features fit your play style?

• I want calm play and many small wins: Look for ways-to-win games, cluster pays, or slots with frequent wilds and small multipliers. Low to medium volatility fits you.
• I want big thrills and can handle swings: Try Megaways with multipliers, or Hold & Spin with jackpots. High volatility fits you.
• I have a small bankroll: Pick games with lower bet options and steady hit rates. Avoid Bonus Buy. Try demos first.
• I like bonus hunting: Look for games where the bonus triggers often in demo. Note the time to bonus and the average bonus size.

Standout slots by feature

• Megaways: Bonanza Megaways (BTG) — famous Megaways feel; The Dog House Megaways — sticky wilds in bonus; Divine Fortune Megaways — brand plus ways-to-win engine.
• Hold & Spin / Hold & Win: Big Bass Hold & Spinner; Wolf Gold.
• Cluster pays: Jammin’ Jars; Reactoonz.
• Cascades + multipliers: Sweet Bonanza; Gates of Olympus.

Note: Always check the info screen in each game. Look for RTP, volatility, and rules. The same title can have different RTP at different sites.

How to evaluate a slot before you play

• Check RTP: Look in the help or info menu. You can also read more about RTP from the UKGC: official RTP info.
• Check volatility: The game info screen often shows a guide (low/medium/high). If it does not, try 100–200 spins in demo to feel the swings.
• Test the feature: Try demo mode to see how often the feature hits and what wins look like. Take notes.
• Check the license: Play only on legal, licensed sites. You can search licenses on the UKGC public register or the MGA licence register.
• Read trusted reviews: Look for clear testing methods, real screenshots, and straight talk on pros and cons.

Where to try these features safely (and how we review)

You should play only on legal, licensed sites with clear terms and fast payouts. We test sites by checking:

• License and regulator (UKGC, MGA, or your local regulator)
• Game library and the exact RTP versions on offer
• Payment options, fees, and payout times
• Bonus rules that are fair and easy to understand
• Support quality and responsible tools (deposit limits, time-outs, self-exclusion)

For side-by-side checks, see this independent gambling websites review. It compares sites, notes RTP ranges for top slots, and highlights safe options in licensed markets.

Responsible gambling and legal notes

Gambling is for adults only. Play only if it is legal where you live. Results are random. You cannot control outcomes. Set a budget. Use deposit limits. Take breaks. If gambling stops being fun, stop and get help.

• UK help and tips: BeGambleAware, GamCare
• US help: National Council on Problem Gambling
• Know your rights and how games work: UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority

Note on Bonus Buy: Some places ban Bonus Buy features. Many UK slots do not offer it. Always check local rules and the game info screen.

FAQs

What is the difference between Hold & Spin and Hold & Win?

These terms often mean the same thing. Both lock special symbols and give re-spins. The round ends when you fill the grid or run out of re-spins.

Are Megaways slots better than classic paylines?

Not “better,” just different. Megaways can feel more swingy and exciting. Paylines can feel steadier. Pick what fits your taste and budget.

Do Bonus Buys change RTP?

Sometimes. The info screen will say if the Bonus Buy has a different RTP. Even if RTP is the same, the risk is higher because you pay more up front.

Which features are good for small bankrolls?

Look for lower bet sizes, frequent small wins, and simple features like wilds and ways-to-win. Try demo first to judge the pace.

Does volatility matter more than RTP?

Both matter. RTP is the long-term average. Volatility is how the ride feels in the short term. Many players feel volatility more in day-to-day play.

Are these features fair and regulated?

Licensed games are tested by labs like eCOGRA and GLI. Regulators like the UKGC and MGA set rules and audit operators.

Can I play these features in demo mode?

Yes, most providers offer demo play. This is a great way to learn how a feature feels before you risk money.

What is the safest way to try new mechanics?

Use demo mode first. When ready, play on a licensed site, set strict limits, and avoid chasing losses.

Conclusion

Slot features shape your whole session. Megaways brings big ways and big swings. Hold & Spin makes simple, clear bonus goals. Cascades, clusters, wilds, and multipliers add fresh paths to wins. Pick what fits your budget and mood. Check RTP, volatility, and rules before you play. Try demos, set limits, and use licensed sites only. Stay safe and have fun.