What are Hold and Win slots?

Online casino games known as “Hold and Win” are based on a bonus round mechanic in which certain symbols remain locked on the grid whilst the player attempts to land new ones. Now very common in modern slot machines, this format combines progressive accumulation, countdowns, multipliers and sometimes multiple jackpot tiers. Find out how Hold and Win slots work and discover the most popular Hold and Win games at PepperMill Casino.

Hold and Win transforms your gameplay

At first glance, a slot machine using this mechanism is just like any other: reels spin, symbols appear, and certain combinations result in wins. The difference becomes apparent when a specific number of special symbols appear simultaneously.

Once this condition is met, the game changes pace. The symbols that triggered the feature remain on the grid and do not disappear for the duration of the sequence. The other positions become available to accommodate new special symbols.

It is this combination of locked symbols and new spins that forms the core principle of the system.

Why do symbols remain locked in Hold and Win games?

Locking the symbols is essential for the bonus feature to function.

At the start of the feature, the symbols that triggered the bonus remain in place. Each one may display a value, such as an amount linked to the stake, a multiplier or, in some cases, a jackpot.

With each respin, the empty spaces can be filled with new special symbols. When a new symbol appears, it too locks onto the grid and remains there until the end of the bonus.

The grid therefore fills up gradually. The more symbols it contains, the higher the accumulated values can rise.

The suspense comes from the respin counter: the player must land a new symbol before this counter reaches zero. If a new symbol appears, it is locked in place and, in most games, the counter is reset. Otherwise, the bonus round ends when all attempts have been used up. Most games start with 3 attempts, but this number may vary.

How is the final win calculated in Hold and Win bonus games?

At the end of the round, the values accumulated on the held symbols are usually added together. However, some games include additional elements.

Multiplier symbols can increase these values. Collector symbols can gather together the amounts on the grid. Other mechanisms may double certain nearby values or alter how the grid works during the round.

The exact structure depends on the rules of each game. That is why it is important to check the slot machine’s rules and try it out in free demo mode to familiarise yourself with bonus rounds such as Hold and Win.

Why is it important to fill the grid completely in Hold and Win games?

A fully filled grid is often one of the most sought-after objectives in Hold and Win games.

When every position contains a locked symbol before all attempts have been used up, some games trigger an additional reward. This may be a large jackpot or a special multiplier.

This feature plays a major part in the tension created by the system: when there are only one or two empty spaces left, each new attempt can either bring the player closer to a full grid or bring the sequence to an end.

Other names for Hold and Win

“Hold and Win” is the most commonly used name for this feature, but the following names are also used:

· Lock and Respin

· Collect and Win

· Hold and Spin

· Hold and Link

· Stick and Win

3 of the most popular Hold and Win games

Triple Hot Coins (Mr. Sloth)

Triple Hot Coins is a 3x3 slot from Mr. Sloth that centres on coins, jackpots and a dynamic Lock & Respin mechanic. By collecting Cash and Jackpot symbols, players can build up their winnings and try to trigger the bonus round with three renewable respins.

The game features silver and gold coins, four jackpot tiers, as well as Collect symbols, Wilds and multipliers. The Grand Jackpot can reach up to 1,000 times the stake!

With an RTP of 96.5 per cent, stakes ranging from €0.20 to €25 and a buy feature allowing direct access to the bonus round, Triple Hot Coins offers a simple, fast-paced experience focused on accumulating rewards.

Ultimate Golden Dragon Inferno (Betsoft)

Ultimate Golden Dragon Inferno is a Betsoft slot that combines an Asian theme, golden dragons and spectacular bonus features. The game begins on a 5-reel, 3-row grid with 243 ways to win, before expanding to an impressive 10x6 grid during the bonus round.

The Hold & Win feature is triggered by six or more bonus symbols and starts with three respins, which are reset each time a new symbol is collected. Fixed jackpots, Wild and Mystery symbols, and a bonus buy feature further enhance the game’s potential.

With an RTP of 96.58 per cent and medium to high volatility, Ultimate Golden Dragon Inferno offers a dynamic, visually stunning experience centred on respins, grid expansion and the pursuit of jackpots.

Magnetic Mills Dice (BF Games)

Magnetic Mills Dice is an exclusive slot available at PepperMill Casino, based on BF Games’ Magnetic Coins Dice. This customised version retains the game’s core mechanics whilst dressing it up in a visual style unique to PepperMill.

During the bonus round, a special magnet comes into play and collects the Cash symbols on the grid, which can help players accumulate additional winnings. Easy to understand and packed with modern features, Magnetic Mills Dice offers a dynamic experience centred on collecting and bonuses.

What are the key points of Hold and Win games?

Despite their many variations, these games are based on a relatively simple concept.

Symbols trigger a feature. They remain locked in place on a grid. Each additional symbol retains its position and resets the counter. The sequence continues until you run out of attempts or the grid is completely filled. The accumulated values are then totalled to determine the result.

Hold and Win games do, however, vary from one title to another. Before playing, read the rules for each game and try them out in free demo mode.

Discover your new favourite slot at PepperMill Casino and enjoy boosts, missions and jackpots.