Hold and Win slots have become one of the most popular slot machine features in online and social casinos. Known for their exciting bonus rounds and jackpot potential, these games offer a simple mechanic that keeps players engaged while providing the chance for big wins.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what Hold and Win slots are, how the feature works, and provide a curated list of best titles with this game mechanic.
What are Hold and Win Slots?
Hold and Win slots are slot games that feature a bonus mechanic where special symbols symbols lock in place and trigger respins, giving players multiple chances to increase their winnings.
These slots are built around a “lock-and-respin” mechanic, where landing a set number of bonus symbols such as coins, orbs, or gems (usually 6 or more) activates the bonus round. Once triggered, the symbols stay fixed on the reels while the remaining positions respin, allowing players to collect additional symbols, values, or jackpots.
These games are especially popular because:
- They’re easy to play
- They offer jackpot prizes (Mini, Minor, Major, Grand)
- The bonus round builds anticipation with each spin
Depending on the software provider, you may also see this feature labeled as:
- Hold and Spin
- Link & Win
- Hold and Link
- Coin Respins
This mechanic is commonly used by developers like 3 Oaks, Playson, Fantasma Games, Betsoft and more.
How the Hold and Win Feature Works
The Hold and Win feature begins when enough bonus symbols land on the reels. These stay in place while the remaining spaces respin, giving players multiple chances to add more and increase the total win.
1. Triggering the Feature
Land the required number of bonus symbols (typically 6 or more, though some games require fewer) anywhere on the reels.
Once triggered:
- The base game pauses
- The reels transform into a bonus grid
- All triggering symbols stay locked in place
2. Locked Symbols and Respins
At the start of the feature:
- You’re given a set number of respins (typically 3)
- Locked symbols remain on the screen
Each respin works like this:
- If new special symbols land, they also lock in place
- The respin counter resets back to 3
- If no new symbols land, the counter decreases by 1
3. Filling the Grid
The main goal is to collect as many symbols as possible.
Each symbol may contain:
- A fixed prize value
- A multiplier
- Or a jackpot label (Mini, Minor, Major, Grand)
If you manage to fill the entire grid, you usually unlock:
- The highest jackpot (often called the Grand Jackpot)
4. Ending the Bonus
The feature ends when:
- You run out of respins without landing new symbols
At that point:
- All collected values are added together
Top Hold and Spin Slots to Play
If you want to experience this mechanic firsthand, these titles from Playson and 3 Oaks are some of the best in the genre:
Royal Coins: Hold and Win Slot
The Hold and Win feature is triggered by landing 3 or more bonus or Royal Bonus symbols anywhere on the reels. Initially, players receive three respins upon entering the bonus game. Throughout this phase, only bonus symbols and Royal Bonus symbols will appear on the reels. Every time a new symbol appears, it resets the respin count to three, allowing the bonus game to persist until all respins are used up.
Additionally, players can look forward to the presence of three distinct in-game jackpots, which seamlessly integrate with the Royal Bonus feature for added excitement.
Aztec Fire: Hold and Win Slot
Six or more fire meteors trigger the exciting Hold and Win Re-Spins feature, expanding the game board to a generous 5×8 size. The top four rows are initially locked, but you can ascend to the summit by gathering additional Meteors. As you climb, you’ll unveil concealed treasures, such as mini, minor, major, or grand jackpots, each offering prizes of 20x, 50x, 100x, and an astounding 1000x!
Dragon Pearls: Hold and Win
Land a minimum of 6 orange pearls to trigger an enhanced respins series for even more pearls. In this game, 3 Oaks has introduced an innovative respin mechanism that promises bigger rewards.
A +1 respin, along with green and blue pearls, grace the board. The +1 respin symbol grants an extra spin, green pearls absorb values from orange ones, and the eagerly-awaited blue pearls collect values from EVERY pearl on the board. That’s not all – if you secure all 15 pearls you can claim the staggering 5,000x grand jackpot.
Why Play Hold and Spin Games?
The surge in Hold and Win slots popularity stems from the mechanic’s transparency and reward structure. Unlike traditional free spins where wins depend on complex winline hits, Hold and Win rounds offer a visible, cumulative path to the game’s top prizes.
Key advantages include:
- Sticky Symbol Logic: Every bonus symbol that lands stays on the grid, increasing the probability of hitting higher-tier rewards as the round progresses.
- Extended Gameplay: The resetting respin counter (3-2-1-Reset) ensures that the bonus round continues as long as you are winning, providing significantly more “time on device” than a standard spin.
- Jackpot Access: These slots bridge the gap between base gameplay and life-changing multipliers, often housing four or more fixed jackpots within a single feature.
Play the Best Hold and Win Slots at McLuck!
Beyond the suggestions, McLuck offers an extensive library of top Hold and Win slots from leading providers including RubyPlay, Booming Games, Playtech, Betsoft and more. Whether you are looking for classic 3×3 layouts or modern 5×8 expanding grids with 20,000x potential or more, you’ll find the latest releases and fan-favorites.
Sign up at McLuck to experience top-tier Hold and Win titles today. New players can claim GC 7,500 + FREE SC 2.5 to get started, while returning players can login to enjoy the latest game releases and ongoing social casino promotions.
