Types of bonus rounds: overview of the most popular formats

Introduction

Bonus rounds are a crucial part of modern online slots that make the game more fun and profitable. Each type of bonus has its own unique mechanics and offers players additional chances to win big. In this article, we take a look at the most popular bonus round formats so you can choose the games with the greatest rewards.

1. Free Spins

Description: Freespins are free spins that are activated when a certain number of Scatter characters are dropped. These spins allow the player to win without using funds from the balance.
Features:

• Win multipliers in some slots.
• Expanding or fixed Wild-symbols that increase the probability of winning.
• Sometimes the number of freespins increases during the bonus round itself.
• Example: Pragmatic Play's Sweet Bonanza, where frispins with multipliers increase the chance of big payouts.

2. Pick-and-Click (Item Selection)

Description: In this type of bonus round, the player is asked to choose from several objects that hide prizes. These objects may contain money, freespins, multipliers, or other bonuses.
Features:

• Simple and fun format.
• Most often used in slots with themed games (for example, treasure hunting).
• Often has several levels with growing prizes.
• Example: Jammin 'Jars by Push Gaming - the player chooses jars of fruit that hide multipliers and additional freespins.

3. Respins

Description: Respins provide the player with additional spins while retaining some of the symbols on the reels. This can be a random activation or the result of a rebate condition.
Features:

• In respins, Wild symbols or key bonus elements can be fixed.
• In some slots, respins can continue until certain results are achieved (for example, when large combinations fall out).
• Give players a second chance to win.
• Example: Hold & Win from Playson - when the respins are activated, symbols are fixed on the reels and additional chances of winning are given.

4. Wheel of Fortune

Description: Wheel of Fortune is a classic bonus where the player spins a wheel with various prizes: cash bonuses, freespins or even jackpots.
Features:

• May include multipliers and additional bets.
• The bonus is activated either accidentally or when special characters appear on the reels.
• Prizes may vary depending on the game level or mode selected.
• Example: Betsoft's The Slotfather Part II - wheel spin with prizes and multipliers available in the bonus game.

5. Multipliers & Progressive Bonuses

Description: Multipliers increase winnings during bonus rounds, and progressive bonuses accumulate with each spin or throughout the game until a large jackpot is awarded.
Features:

• Multipliers increase the winning amount by a fixed value (for example, x2, x5).
• Progressive bonuses accumulate and can lead to large payouts.
• Multipliers are often combined with freespins or other bonus rounds.
• Example: Microgaming's Mega Moolah is a progressive jackpot with a bet increase and chances of big wins.

6. Multi-Level Bonuses

Description: Multi-layer bonuses provide several levels of bonus games, where each level opens up new opportunities for winning. For example, on one level, the player selects symbols, and on the next, he selects additional multipliers.
Features:

• Progression through levels where each next stage has the best prizes.
• Often accompanied by a storyline or changing gameplay.
• Example: Gates of Olympus from Pragmatic Play is a multi-layer bonus with the ability to increase multipliers and continue bonus spins.

7. Tournaments and contests

Description: Slot tournaments allow players to compete for large prizes in real time, often using bonus rounds. They can be either daily or seasonal.
Features:

• Bonuses are awarded for the number of points won or the achievement of a certain result in a limited time.
• Exclusive freespins or cash prizes for winners are often offered.
• Example: Drops & Wins from Pragmatic Play - a tournament with additional prizes for freespins.

Result

Bonus rounds in online slots are not just additional games, but important elements that increase the chances of a big win, diversify the process and make it more fun. Understanding the different types of bonuses and their features helps players choose slots that match their gaming preferences and expectations of bonus features.