One area that has seen remarkable innovation is bonus rounds and features. These supplemental games and prize opportunities have evolved from simple free spins to immersive, interactive experiences with intricate rules, stories, challenges, and unique ways to win.
In the 1990s, slots were still relatively straightforward. The concept of bonus rounds as we know them today was just emerging. One of the first was the “Pick ’em” bonus in Bally Gaming’s Cash Spin slot. This presented players with 12 briefcases to choose from, each revealing a multiplier for their bet.
Rise of Free Spins
As slots gained more digital flexibility, free spins became a popular early bonus feature available on such sites as Slotino Casino. These would award players a set number of spins to play through at no cost, with any winnings theirs to keep. Often, the spins came with multipliers attached to raise the stakes and thrills.
Notable Early Slot Games With Free Spin Bonuses
| Game | Year | Details |
| Wheel of Fortune | 1996 | Included wheel bonus with prize wedge that awarded free spins |
| Lobstermania | 1997 | Free spins triggered by lobster scatter symbols |
| Megabucks | 1998 | Free spins won by hitting three symbols |
Free spin bonuses still feature prominently today. However, additional requirements have been added to enhance the experience. It may be necessary to land spins on specific reels or get a designated symbol. The number of spins can also be a mystery, with special reels determining the amount.
Interactive Bonus Rounds Take Over
By the 2000s, bonus games were becoming more central and involved. Digital technology gave developers the flexibility to experiment with creative, interactive features. Symbols or events would trigger these mini-games, whisking players to new screens with unique gameplay and prizes.
Popular examples included:
- Map-based bonuses like those in IGT’s Pirates Gold had players progress along a path to win instant credits.
- Skill-based games like shooting targets in arcade bonus rounds.
- Thematic games like battling a monster or going fishing for credit prizes.
These offered exciting variations from normal slot play and opportunities for big payouts. Though initially simple in design, bonus game graphics, sounds, animations, and rules grew more sophisticated. This allowed creators to build backstories, characters, and a sense of progression.
Cinematic Adventures Emerge
In the 2010s, cinematic adventures with serial chapters came into vogue. These bonus features would play out over multiple stages, unraveling a story arc or journey as players advanced. Some notable cases included:
- Betsoft’s Slotfather slots strung together mobster crime capers.
- NetEnt created an ongoing mystery in their Lost Island slot.
- IGT took the Megaways mechanic to new levels with the famous Bonanza slot, which had players mining for big wins.
By integrating rewards systems, collectibles, and character progression, some bonus events took on RPG and video game qualities to immerse players in their world.
Examples of Multi-Stage Bonus Features in Slots
| Game | Stages/Levels | Format |
| Gonzo’s Quest | 3 | Cinematic adventures through the rainforest with expanding reels |
| Jack and the Beanstalk | 5 | Climb beanstalk-themed levels slaying giants |
| Book of Dead | Infinite | Explore ancient tombs with special expanding symbol |
Rise of Megaways
The 2010s also saw a revolution in bonus potential through the game mechanic known as Megaways. Proprietary to Big Time Gaming, this system gave slots an incredible number of symbol positions and pay lines.
The most common count was 117,649 ways!
Megaways slots created immense anticipation because any spin could unlock bonuses and have huge payout potential. By scrolling symbols vertically after each spin too, Megaways made every round feel different. Best-selling titles included:
- Bonanza
- Extra Chilli
- Starquest
Developers have now created their own Megaways alternatives, like Betsoft’s Maxways or Relax Gaming’s GigaWays, with even bigger payout possibilities.
Bonus rounds and features in slot machines have transformed remarkably in 25 years. What began as basic free spins have become cinematic, RPG-like adventures that last across sessions. With VR and AR technology improving, some predict fully 3D bonus levels could be the next frontier. Studios like Gamblit Gaming already crafts rich interactive worlds bridging video games and slots.
One certainty is that bonus games will continue to get more creative. They let developers build excitement between spins, sustaining player interest. More possibilities also mean more big win chances, which feeds player dreams.
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