Bonus Round

Bonus rounds are an additional feature in online slots that are separate from the main game and from the standard reels on offer.

These rounds have to be triggered during regular spins, and often provide both more enticing gameplay and prizes to the player. They can comprise of free spins, mini games, multipliers, wilds, and instant wins.

What is a Bonus Round?

Bonus rounds differ to regular spinning reels as they offer an enhanced user experience with improved visuals and gameplay, as well as the possibility of winning bigger without having to increase bet size. The rounds also prolong gameplay without using credit.

Despite not guaranteeing a prize, these features do increase the probability of scoring both big wins and jackpots, with many games only offering jackpots whilst the bonus feature is active.

Nowadays, many online casinos will implement multiple bonus rounds into each game, giving players more ways to win and a wider variation of features within each slot's gameplay.

How are Bonus Rounds Triggered?

The way to trigger bonus rounds will vary between each slot. Usually, 3 scatter symbols must land, but this is not always the case.

• Scatter Symbols: These are symbols that must show up for a bonus round to be triggered. Aptly named, they do not all have to show up on the same payline, and often only 3 will be required.
• Bonus Symbols: Bonus symbols are very similar to scatters, with different icons dedicated to specific bonus games. Slots with multiple bonus games may have multiple different bonus symbols.
• Random Triggers: Some games will feature random bonus rounds, where a trigger can be completely unexpected following a seemingly ordinary spin.

Some online slots will combine multiple of these features during standard spins, meaning there are multiple ways to hit one of these features. With each slot having bonus rounds triggered differently, it is best to check what to expect in advance.

How Often are Bonus Rounds Triggered?

There is no definitive answer as to how often bonus rounds are triggered, as each slot will have its own dynamics. Despite the lack of a set frequency at which they occur, their prominence can relate to both slot volatility and RTP (Return To Player).

A slot with a higher volatility will often have longer dry spells, meaning bonus rounds will be triggered less often. That being said, these bonus rounds are more likely to produce bigger wins. On the other hand, a low volatility slot will most likely feature more bonus games, which are on average less fruitful.

The RTP of any given online slot will give an insight into what can be expected in terms of bonus rounds, also. A slot that has a lower RTP is often one that has more elaborate or more frequent bonus rounds, as a higher proportion of the wager is directed to them.

How Bonus Rounds Work

Bonus rounds are triggered through normal play, by simply spinning until one is triggered, whether it be through a certain combination of symbols, or purely random. Once a bonus is triggered, the player is then awarded free spins, a special game dynamic, or enhanced features, increasing the likelihood of a big win.

Free spins are the most common form of bonus round, which allow the player to continue the game without using credit. Sometimes these free spins will be awarded for the same slot reels as they were won on, but more often than not the player will be taken to a different game where there free spins can be used, producing bigger rewards.

Mini-games are also a common bonus round feature, which are entirely different to the regular spinning reels offered by a slot. These are more detailed than a slot's standard gameplay, and can contain multiple rounds. Many slots will combine free spins and mini-games.

Bonus Round Example

One of the biggest slot games in the world, Immortal Romance, offers bonus rounds triggered both randomly, and through scatter symbols.

Here, hitting either 3, 4, or 5, scatter symbols will trigger the Chamber of Spins bonus round, offering anywhere between 10 and 25 bonus spins, with a win multiplier of up to 6x.

There is also a random bonus trigger, which takes the player to the Wild Desire Bonus. This bonus gives up to five reels the wild Immortal Romance logo symbol.

Bonus Round Examples

Bonus Rounds vs. Bonus Buys - What's the Difference?

Bonus rounds are standard, in-game dynamics that that are naturally triggered through playing a slot. These rounds occur at the normal stake set by the player.

A Bonus Buy, however, is when a player deliberately triggers a bonus feature by staking a large amount of money up front in order to bypass the conventional route. Also known as Feature Buys or Bonus Pass options, these allow players to instantly access a bonus round by purchasing direct entry. Bonus buys are higher risk than naturally occurring bonus rounds, as the player is instantly entered into a high-volatility round.

Bonus buys are not universally available, though. The UK casino market is one major example where the feature is banned, as part of the UK Gambling Commission's (UKGC) efforts to promote safer gambling.

Bonus Rounds FAQs