Top Hold and Spin Slots: Best Hold and Spin Games to Play
Hold and Spin slots have become a familiar sight on many UK casino sites. Their standout bonus feature—where symbols remain locked on the reels—offers something visually different from standard gameplay.
This blog explains how Hold and Spin features tend to work, what makes them stand out from other slot types, and what to consider when choosing a game.
If you’re curious about how these features operate, or want a clearer picture before trying them, you’ll find practical explanations throughout.
What Is the Hold and Spin Feature in Slots?
The Hold and Spin feature is a bonus round in certain online slots. It’s usually triggered when a specific number of symbols land during a single spin. These symbols can often appear as coins, gems, or anything clearly marked as a bonus symbol.
Here’s how it usually works:
- You land a set number of bonus symbols—often six or more—anywhere on the reels.
- These symbols then lock into place.
- You’re given a fixed number of re-spins, typically three.
- If more bonus symbols land, they lock too, and your re-spin count resets to three.
The round ends when no more new symbols land within your re-spin limit, or if the reels fill completely with locked symbols. At the end, the values attached to all locked symbols are added together. These values might be shown in cash amounts, multipliers, or jackpot labels, depending on the slot.
This mechanic is purely based on chance. Each spin is independent, and the result is determined by a Random Number Generator (RNG). This is a system used in all UK-licensed slots to ensure the game outcomes are fair and cannot be predicted.
Why Are Hold and Spin Games So Popular?
Many players choose Hold and Spin slots because the bonus round is easy to follow. The visual aspect—where symbols visibly stay locked while you try to land more—makes the process straightforward, especially for beginners.
Another appeal is flexibility. Most Hold and Spin slots allow you to choose from a range of stake options, so you can select an amount that suits your budget. Keep in mind that increasing your stake means you’ll be spending more money on each spin. It doesn’t change how the game plays or how the feature is triggered.
Best Hold and Spin Slots
There’s no definitive “best” Hold and Spin slot. Different players are drawn to different features. Some may prefer games with larger possible prizes, while others might choose based on visual themes.
A useful figure to look at is the Return to Player (RTP) rate. This is a theoretical percentage that shows how much of the total amount wagered on a slot is expected to be paid back over time. For example, a slot with a 96% RTP means that, on average, £96 may be paid back for every £100 wagered. This does not mean you’ll get £96 back each time you play—it’s a long-term calculation over millions of spins and not a prediction of individual outcomes.
Popular examples of Hold and Spin slots include:
- Big Bass Bonanza Hold & Spinner
- 9 Coins
- Diamond Riches Hold and Win
- Money Train 2
Casino sites differ in the game libraries they offer. Some might stock a wide selection of Hold and Spin slots, while others may only carry only a few.
Hold and Spin Slot Mechanics: How Do They Work?
The mechanics follow a consistent structure. You start with a regular spin. If you land enough bonus symbols, the Hold and Spin feature begins. The triggering symbols lock in place, and you’re given a limited number of re-spins to try to land more. Every time a new bonus symbol appears, the number of re-spins resets.
The locked symbols stay fixed while the rest of the reels continue spinning. This continues until no new bonus symbols land, or the reels are full.
Some slots may expand this format. You might find that the grid grows—extra rows or columns are added—as more symbols land. Others may introduce additional features like:
- Mini jackpots (with names like Mini, Major or Grand)
- Potential prize boosters or multipliers
- Symbols that unlock other parts of the board
You can find out how these additions work by reading the rules or paytable for that specific slot.
Classic Hold and Spin
A classic Hold and Spin format sticks to the basics. You’ll typically need six or more special symbols to start the round. These symbols—often shown as coins, gems or marked bonus icons—lock in place. You’re then given three re-spins.
Each time another qualifying symbol lands, it locks and resets your spin count. The goal is to try and fill as many positions as possible before the spins run out.
At the end, the values shown on the locked symbols are added up to form your potential payout. These values are usually affected by your initial stake. If the stake is higher, the cash amounts shown on each symbol may also be higher.
Rules can vary between games, so it may be worth checking the paytable to better understand how a particular slot works.
Lock-and-Spin Variants
Some slot games modify the classic approach. Instead of locking single symbols, the slot may lock full rows, columns or clusters, depending on the game. This changes the shape of the bonus round and can affect how new symbols appear.
In some cases, additional reels may be revealed as more symbols land. These hidden sections may sometimes contain bonus symbols or multipliers. Other variants may introduce expanding symbols that can take up more than one reel space.
Every variation changes the way the round unfolds. These differences should be shown in the game’s instructions, which you can usually access from the main screen or by selecting the information button.
Re-Spin Bonuses with Hold Features
In certain Hold and Spin slots, the re-spin element may be used in a different way. You might find that only certain reels spin again, while others stay fixed. The goal stays the same—try to land more bonus symbols to increase your potential prize—but the method of doing so can change, depending on the game.
For example, a game might keep the middle reel fixed while only the outer reels re-spin. Or it might include locked cash symbols that stay visible while other reels rotate. This format changes the tempo and can add variation to how possible prizes might appear.
Always check the rules section of the game to see how the re-spins are structured.
Hold and Spin Slots vs Regular Bonus Features
Not every slot has a Hold and Spin mechanic. Other types of bonus rounds could include:
- Free spins, where you get a set number of extra spins at no additional cost
- Pick-a-box games, where you choose symbols to reveal potential prizes
- Wild features, where certain symbols substitute for others
Unlike Hold and Spin features, which rely on a locking and re-spinning format, these alternatives usually follow a different pace and layout. Some may feel faster or more animated, depending on the game design.
If you’re comparing slot games, look at how the bonuses are structured and decide which format you understand best or find most entertaining. The best game is often the one that fits your preferences.
Can You Trigger the Hold and Spin Feature More Than Once?
In most slots that offer a Hold and Spin feature, it is possible for the bonus to be triggered more than once during a playing session. After one round ends, the base game continues as normal, and the feature may be triggered again if the right symbols land.
Each game has its own set of rules and probabilities. Some may statistically trigger the feature more frequently than others—for example, once every 120 or 200 spins on average. These figures are based on long-term simulations and are not guarantees. Because slots are random games of chance, some players may trigger the feature several times, while others might not trigger it at all.
Every spin is determined independently by an RNG. This means outcomes can’t be predicted, and past spins do not affect future results.
Play Hold and Spin Slots at Ivy Casino
If you’re interested in playing Hold and Spin slots, Ivy Casino provides a wide range of options to explore.
Registered with the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), Ivy Casino follows all required safety and fairness standards for UK players. Once logged in, you can browse Hold and Spin slots, along with plenty of other games.
You can check full game details, paytables and rules within the game’s main screen. Remember, all games use random outcomes, so no win is ever certain.
To help keep things enjoyable, please use the tools provided to set your limits and only play for fun with money you can afford. If you want extra support, GambleAware and GamCare are there to help in the UK.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these slot games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.