The sights and sounds of a busy casino floor can be an assault on the senses, with slot machines constantly vying for attention through bright colors, catchy music and the thrill of a possible jackpot win. Modern slot machines in both land-based and online casinos have come a long way from the simple three-reel slots of old, with game developers packing in more features and bonus rounds to attract and retain players in an increasingly competitive market.
Far from just pulling a lever and hoping for three-in-a-row cherries, contemporary slot games provide an immersive, interactive experience with a variety of bonus games and features designed to keep players engaged. These range from picking games, free spins, multipliers, wheel spins and more, adding extra opportunities to win big.
Rise of the Bonus Round
In their most basic form, slot machine bonus rounds on such sites as dream-jackpot.com provide an additional way for players to win prizes, activated by a specific combination of symbols on the reels. As slots have evolved from mechanical to digital, innovative game developers have devised more types of bonuses to surprise and delight.
The precursor to the interactive bonus round came in 1984 when the first second-screen bonus feature was introduced with the Fortune Coin slot machine. This added a dot matrix display atop the reels that came to life when triggered, where players chose from icons to win prizes.
| Year | Key Bonus Innovations |
| 1984 | Second-screen bonuses introduced (Fortune Coin) |
| 1996 | Pick’em bonuses launched (Wheel of Fortune) |
| 2002 | Integration of skill-based bonuses (Yahtzee) |
| 2008 | Cinematic interactive bonuses premiered (Gladiator) |
Bonus games continued along this vein with the hugely popular Wheel of Fortune slot in 1996, which allowed players to spin a wheel to win jackpots and prizes. The addition of skill-based bonuses arrived in the 2000s, requiring players to test their skill in a video game-style round, such as the Yahtzee slot machine.
Perhaps the biggest leap came in 2008 when WMS Gaming launched new slots with cinematic interactive bonuses displayed in stunning video quality. Games like Lord of the Rings transported players to Middle Earth through immersive visuals and gameplay.
Common Types of Bonus Features
Modern video slots employ a range of bonus features to surprise and excite, often combining multiple types into one game. Some of the most popular include:
Free Spins
One of the most common types of bonuses, free spins provide a number of spins on the reels at no cost, using the same bet level and paylines selected prior to the bonus triggering. Any winnings are usually subject to a multiplier, such as 3x or 5x wins.
Pick’em Bonuses
This style of bonus presents players with a selection of hidden prizes, testing their luck in picking the most lucrative one. The number of picks often depends on the trigger, i.e., 3 scatter symbols awards 5 picks. Prizes include multipliers, instant wins, additional picks, free spins, entry to another bonus.
Wheel Spins
Incorporating the classic Wheel of Fortune game show, a spin of a wheel determines the player’s bonus prize. The wheel may contain multiples, credit prizes, jackpots or progress to another bonus round.
Click Me Games
Similar to pick’em bonuses, players click on objects on screen to reveal instant prizes underneath. Clicking faster increases their chances of revealing the progressive jackpot.
Cascading Reels
Rather than spinning, symbols fall into place for multiple wins per spin. Each consecutive win sees symbols disappear and new ones cascade down to fill the gaps and potentially trigger more wins.
Multi-level Bonuses
These complex bonuses incorporate multiple stages for a more interactive experience. Completing each stage unlocks the next, through free spins, pick’ems and skill-based games.
Why Have Bonuses Become So Important?
In their perpetual quest to create an irresistible player experience, slot developers have made bonus features a pivotal part of success. Their increased frequency and payout potential provide more reasons to play.
Some key advantages for operators include:
- Extended gameplay – Bonus features prolong the game by providing free spins, wheel spins or pick’ems. This increases a player’s time on the device.
- Stand out – Unique and complex bonuses help games stand out in a sea of competition. Players are naturally drawn to the most entertaining games.
- Volatility – Bonus payouts add volatility, meaning larger wins are possible. This creates excitement and lures players to bet higher.
- Rewards loyalty – Frequent bonus triggers reward loyal players who stick with a game through dry spells.
For players, bonuses add layers of entertainment, anticipation and opportunities for larger wins. Combined with rich media and interactive elements, they bring slots to life as an immersive experience rather than simply watching reels spin.
Slot developers continue to push boundaries, integrating bonuses more seamlessly into base gameplay. The lines are blurring between main games and bonus rounds to provide a unified interactive experience. This interplay serves to amplify excitement and rewards.
Future of Bonus Games and Features
Innovation in modern slot machine bonuses continues at a rapid pace, harnessing emerging technologies to attract today’s players weaned on video games and mobile apps. Slots are essentially virtual video games focused on gambling entertainment.
Developers are exploring how new technologies like augmented and virtual reality can transport players into bonus rounds for a more immersive experience. Motion sensor tech may also enable players to use natural gestures and movements to interact with bonuses.
Further convergence with video game-style elements is on the cards, as evidenced by skill-based slots with bonuses requiring some level of dexterity or ability to win prizes. Gamification is also being incorporated into bonuses with quests, missions and achievements for players to pursue.
Regulation permitting, skill-based bonuses may become more competitive between players in tournament-style formats, leveraging the social dynamics that modern gamers expect. They may even support multiplayer gameplay with community chat features.
For now, slot players can enjoy the latest generation of multi-featured titles packed with inventive bonus rounds and features designed to thrill. The evolution continues with developers cooking up ever more creative ways to wow players and keep them entertained for longer.