Go Back

What Are Hold and Spin Slots & How Do You Play Them?

What Are Hold and Spin Slots & How Do You Play Them?

Welcome to the entertaining world of Hold and Spin slots, a fun variation on traditional slot machine gameplay that has been capturing the attention of players around the globe. If you've wandered through the digital aisles of online casinos or brushed past the gleaming machines at your local casino, chances are you've encountered these slot games. But what exactly are Hold and Spin slots, and how do you play them? Let's dive in and unravel the mystery together.

What Are Hold and Spin Slots?

Hold and Spin slots have become a favourite among many players. These slot games can offer a unique feature that sets them apart from classic slots: the Hold and Spin mechanic. This special gameplay element allows you to 'hold' certain reels in place while 'spinning' the others, potentially increasing your chances of hitting a winning combination.

The Hold and Spin feature is usually triggered by landing a specific set of symbols on the reels according to the slot game’s paytable. If activated, the game will lock the triggering symbols in place and give you a set number of spins to try and land more of these symbols. The more you land, the greater your potential prize. This mechanic can add an extra layer of entertainment to the game, as you can decide when to hold and when to spin.

But the innovation doesn't stop there. Many Hold and Spin slots may come with additional bonuses and potential jackpots that can be won during the Hold and Spin round. These might include mini-games, multipliers, or even progressive jackpots that grow larger with every spin. 

To learn more about a particular slot game, you can refer to the game rules and paytable.

How Do You Play Hold and Spin Slots?

Now that you're familiar with what Hold and Spin slots are, you're probably eager to learn how to play them. The good news is that they can be just as easy to play as traditional slots, with a few added twists. Here's a step-by-step guide to help get you started:

  • Choose Your Slot Game: First, select a Hold and Spin slot that appeals to you. 
  • Set Your Bet: Before you spin, you'll need to decide how much to wager. Most Hold and Spin slots allow you to adjust your bet size to suit your budget.
  • Spin the Reels: Hit the spin button to start the game. Like any slot game, the goal is to try and land matching symbols on paylines to win possible prizes according to the paytable.
  • Trigger the Hold and Spin Feature: Keep an eye out for the special symbols that can trigger the Hold and Spin feature. 
  • Play the Hold and Spin Round: If activated, the feature will lock the triggering symbols and award you a number of spins to try and land more. 
  • Collect Any Potential Winnings: At the end of the Hold and Spin round, any potential winnings will be calculated based on the number of special symbols you've collected. 

The key to playing Hold and Spin slots is understanding the specific rules and features of each game. While the basic mechanics are similar, each game will have its own set of symbols, paylines, and possible bonus features. So, you may want to read the game's rules and paytable before you start playing.

Hold and Spin vs Hold and Win Slots

While Hold and Spin slots can offer a dynamic gameplay experience, you might also come across games labelled as 'Hold and Win' slots. While similar in name, there are subtle differences between the two.

Hold and Spin slots focus on the mechanism of holding certain reels while re-spinning others. The goal is to try and collect as many special symbols as possible during the feature to potentially win prizes. 

On the other hand, Hold and Win slots often incorporate a 'collect' feature that requires you to gather symbols or coins that may translate into possible cash prizes or jackpots, depending on the slot game.

In essence, Hold and Win slots are a subset of Hold and Spin slots. They both offer the chance to hold symbols and aim for bigger potential wins, but Hold and Win games typically have a more straightforward approach. Instead of just collecting symbols, you're often collecting values associated with those symbols, which may lead to possible fixed or progressive jackpots.

When comparing the two, consider your personal preference. If you enjoy the challenge of strategising which reels to hold and which to spin, Hold and Spin slots might be more your style. If, however, you prefer a more direct route to potential jackpots, Hold and Win slots could be more appealing.

Best Hold and Spin Games

With so many Hold and Spin games available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best ones to play. However, there are a few standout titles that consistently rank high among many players for their entertaining gameplay and possible features. Here are some of the top Hold and Spin slot games:

  • Lightning Link: This popular series of slots offers an array of themes and a shared Hold and Spin feature.
  • Dragon Link: Similar to Lightning Link, Dragon Link slot games can provide a variety of Asian-inspired themes and a Hold and Spin feature with big jackpot potential.
  • Buffalo Link: Combining the classic Buffalo game with the Hold and Spin mechanic, Buffalo Link offers a fun slot gaming experience with the chance to potentially win grand jackpots.

Each of these slot games can bring something unique to the table, so take your time to explore and find the ones that resonate with you. Whether it's the theme, the graphics, the bonus features, or the size of the potential jackpots, there's sure to be a Hold and Spin game out there that suits your style of play.

Play Hold and Spin Slots at Online Slots UK

Online Slots UK is an excellent platform to start your Hold and Spin slot journey, offering a wide selection of games from top developers in the industry.

Playing at Online Slots UK can be relatively straightforward. Simply sign up for an account, deposit funds, and browse the extensive library of slot games. You may find some Hold and Spin slots, along with new titles being added regularly.

Remember, while Hold and Spin slots can offer a lot of fun and entertainment, it's important to play responsibly. Set a budget for your slot gaming sessions and stick to it.


*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these slot games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.