Bonus Feature Slot Machines Q & A

Section 1 : Types of Bonus Features

What are Bonus Feature Slots?
As we stated above there are many, many different types of bonus feature slots and while there are variation most fit into one of the categories below.

The Second Screen Bonus Round
By far the most popular bonus feature slots have what is know as a "Second Screen Feature". In general slots with a second screen tend to be video slots although some spinning reel slots do have a screen above the reels.

As the name suggest these slots have a second screen other than the reels, this second screen can be anything from a horse race to a keno game. In order to reach the second screen you usually have to hit a specific combo on the reels which then takes you to the bonus round and on to more winnings.

Online there are more second screen slot variations than any other bonus feature style. So if you are a bonus feature fan you are in luck.

The Bonus Spins Feature
Another popular version of the bonus feature is the bonus spin round. If you hit a certain combo on the reels you receive a set amount of free spins. These free spins are occasionally also multiplied so you can really end up with some serious winnings from the bonus round.

The Hold Reels Bonus Feature
These slots are becoming more popular of late. In essence they are much like video poker. You spin the reels once, then choose what to hold. You then spin the remaining reels again to get the final outcome.

In general, slot with a hold reel feature are also feature more than one set of reels, so they are in fact like multi-hand video poker. These slots tend to increase your playing time as you get more spins for your gambling money.

Section 2 : Pros & Cons of Bonus Feature Slots

While bonus feature slot machines have the added bonus of the extra chance to win there are a few points to consider before playing.

Are the payout percentages any different on these bonus slots?
With the extra chance to win on the feature also comes a lower pay back on the regular spins. So while a bonus game may have the same payout of a classic slot it will most likely be the feature that bumps up the overall pay back.

This is good and bad. The good news is that if you do in fact hit a feature or two you will more than likely find yourself a winner. Conversely if you don't hit any features then it will probably not be a good day on the slots.

Are there any betting requirements for the bonus rounds?
More often than not, yes. This is where being an alert player can save you a lot of disappointment. Always look at the pay table to ascertain whether or not you need to play a certain way to qualify for the bonus rounds.

The Big Question - Are bonus feature slots worth playing?
The main purpose for most players is to get a good level of entertainment from their slot playing. Bonus round slots offer an additional way for you to win and therefore offer added entertainment value. All things being equal I would choose a bonus feature game over a classic slot any day.

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