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 - Pick a Box Style
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 but in general they have a Pick a Box style. 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.
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. The free spins often have a multiplier so really big jackpots can be won during the feature.
The Wheel of Fortune Bonus
This bonus is based on the hit TV show Wheel of Fortune. You have probably seen the IGT Wheel of Fortune games in land-based casinos as they are very popular. If not, these games have a spinning wheel bonus where you win a set amount of credits based on where the wheel stops.
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 machines.
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| The Pros & Cons of Bonus Game Slots |
While bonus 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?
This depends on the game. 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. |
