Free Slots With Bonus Round Explained
It has become common for video slots to offer some type of interactive bonus round aside from the traditional Free Spins. These bonus rounds can sometimes be more enticing than the free spins themselves, and the payout has nothing to do with their popularity. There are hundreds of online slots out there and while themes have moved on from the cherry reels to Hollywood action packed themes the game basics remain the same, pull the lever and spin the reel. This process becomes repetitive and soon players fall in the realm of boredom, until they hit a Bonus Round. Every video slot bonus round is different, they become the climax of the slot game and may allow the player some skill or chance to win a big prize playing a short interactive game. All have something in common though, all offer the opportunity to win a lot of money without the risk of losing the initial bet.
Video Slots With Bonus Games
In the present most video slots offer the bonus game feature. But it has become an industry standard that 5-reel slots should have a bonus game triggered by the scatter.
How to Trigger the Bonus Game for Free Spins on a Slot Machine
To activate the bonus round a player must trigger a combination of symbols on the wheel reel. Each individual slot game has a different combination, check the "Slot Info" section to see which combination applies. But in general players need either 4 scatters, wilds or special symbol to activate the bonus round. Scatter: Scatters are symbols that pay high, usually this is the preferred symbol for the bonus round and they don´t come out that often. A full reel of 5 scatters could be the trigger for the jackpot, if the online slot offers any. Wild: The wild plays the role of the joker, it can replace any other symbol except the scatter allowing the player to win more often as it increases the chances of nailing a paying combination. Getting more than 4 wilds could trigger the free spin round, 5 wilds can double the free spins.
Strategy to Trigger the Bonus Round
As explained to trigger the bonus round 4 scatters are usually needed to trigger on a playing line. Scatters do not come out often so a player must bet as many lines as possible to increase the odds of activating the bonus. Remember, there is little in terms of strategy when it comes to playing online slots. But there are some key steps a player can take to increase the odds to his favor [link to "How To Win At Slots"].
Are Bonus Rounds Worth Pursuing?
In terms of "are bonus games key to making money on slot games" the answer is no. The reason video slot designers introduced the bonus round feature was to give a goal or incentive for players in order to keep playing. Keep those reels spinning until you reach that bonus round at least once! In terms of strategy bonus rounds shouldn´t be worth pursuing, meaning a smart player does not keep spinning the reel based on if the bonus round has been triggered or not. A money smart casino player quits the slot game when his profit goal has been reached or his bank roll limits have been exhausted for that particular round. So bonus rounds should be enjoyed if triggered, but do not think they are the key for it all.
Types of Slot Bonus Rounds
There are literally hundreds of different types of bonus rounds, this is especially true with 3D and video slots. They will always be related to the game central theme and allow the opportunity to win big based on chance or skill. Most will offer several options, like 5 piñatas each carrying a different coin amount. Usually 3 rounds are given and one of the piñatas will give out a big prize. Other games like Cleopatra showcase a pyramid and the player begins down by the base selecting the right brick route to the top. One of the bricks hides a snake while the others carry coin prizes and allow the player to continue climbing. The higher it gets the higher the chances of finding the snake, but if you make it the top a high prize will be waiting. Most recently new modern video slots are more arcade like in their gameplay without leaving out the reel aspect. These allow players to select different routes to their adventure and the gameplay is even saved when the player leaves, so when he comes back the game resumes were it left. Here are some of the themes of these interactive slot bonuses:
- Shoot down alien ships
- Steal jewels from the museum
- Travel across the universe on a space carrier
- Defend a military post
- Investigate a Murder
Bonus Games vs Free Spins
In the beginning there was only free spins. This was the bonus round offer by casino slots. They offer a great chance to increase the earning on a slot game with 15 or more free spins that just keep on and on until they are exhausted. Whatever the initial bet was and the lines selected before the free spins were activated will be the wager amount for the following bonus rounds. Free spins come with several added bonuses, and that is they tend to pay more than normal rounds, the odds of nailing more wilds and scatters increases meaning more additional free spins can be triggered and even bonus rounds can be activated. If this event were to occur it could spiral a streak of wins for the player resulting in a big profit. Bonus games on the other hand are harder to trigger and do not offer the possibility of triggering free spins or more bonus rounds. They are way more fun to play though, but free spins are most advantageous for a player.