There are now literally thousands of online slots to choose from, so it’s all too easy to get a bit overwhelmed when deciding which ones to try out first. Although it’s often the themes and visuals that catch your eye, generally it’s the bonus features that determine whether or not a slot is actually worth your time… and potentially your money.

It’s the bonus features that make a slot exciting, fun – and capable of serving up a lot more than just standard base game payouts. From free spins and wilds to multipliers and interactive rounds, let’s take a look at the best bonus features to go for.

Free Spins Rounds

Free spins have to be the most common – and the most well-loved bonus feature in any online slot game. When you manage to trigger them—usually by landing three or more scatter symbols on the reels—you’ll be awarded a certain number of spins, where you can try for even more wins without depleting your balance.

Why we love them:

• They give you more playing time with no additional risk.
• They usually come with other benefits like more wilds or win multipliers for even bigger win potential.
• Sometimes you can retrigger the rounds, so you can get even more free spins during the bonus.

Look out for the games where free spins come with goodies like expanding symbols (Book of Dead) or tumbling reels (Gonzo’s Quest), which can really boost the potential.

Wilds and Expanding Wilds

Wild symbols can substitute for other symbols (apart from special symbols like scatters), to help create winning combinations. And that’s just a basic wild – some go even further by expanding over the whole reel, turning sticky for several spins, walking across the grid, exploding and adding more – the opportunities are endless.

Why we love them:

• Expanding wilds can cover the whole reel – leading to massive win potential.
• Sticky wilds stay in place across lots of spins, giving you more chances of landing a win.
• Some wilds come with multipliers, boosting the wins even more.

Slots like Starburst and Dead or Alive 2 are famous for how they use wilds to add lots of action and excitement to the game.

Multipliers

Multipliers take those wins… and make them even bigger—2x, 3x, 10x, or even more. These usually come during special bonus rounds – but they can sometimes appear randomly in the base game.

Why we love them:

• They can massively increase your payout potential, especially when combined with features like wilds and free spins.
• Some slots come with progressive multipliers that get bigger every time you win, especially in cascading or avalanche-style games.

If you’re looking for big win potential, multipliers are a must-have. Games like Bonanza and Extra Chilli are perfect if that’s what you’re going for.

Cascading Reels / Avalanche Feature

Instead of the traditional spins, some slots use cascading reels where winning symbols are removed from the reels and new ones fall into place.

Why we love them:

• You can score lots of wins with one single spin.
• Lots of cascading slots increase your multiplier with every successive win.
• It adds a dynamic, flowing feel to the game that keeps players engaged.

Slots like Gonzo’s Quest and Temple Tumble have made this feature as popular as they are, and are worth a look if you want to see what it’s all about.

Interactive Bonus Games

Some of the best online casino slots offer mini-games or pick-me bonus rounds that take you away from the reels for a moment and give you something else completely. These generally involve either choosing items and uncovering prizes, working your way through different levels, or trying to complete challenges.

Why we love them:

• They add a bit of variety – beyond simple spinning.
• They can come with decent payout potential.
• Because some come with progressive features, they can add an element of achievement.

Some of the best examples include Jack and the Beanstalk or Vikings Go Berzerk, which come with cool, integrated, story-driven bonuses.

Features Aplenty

When you’re looking at casino slots online and trying to decide which one to go for, don’t just be swayed by great graphics or popular themes. Open up the game’s information panel and look to see what the game’s bonus features are – as the very best slot experiences come from games that have the right mix of immersive features with high winning potential.

Whether you’re playing casually or trying for that big win, the right mix of bonus features can turn a good slot into a fantastic one.