Hold & Win online slots have quickly become a standout choice for many newcomers to online casino games here in the UK. Their unique features and easy-to-understand gameplay set them apart from the slots players might have seen in the past.
Whether you've never played a slot game before or are just curious about what makes Hold & Win titles unique, this blog post touches on everything you may want to know.
You'll also discover how these games work, what features to look out for, and how they're regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) to keep things fair and safe. Read on to learn more.
What Are Hold & Win Slots?
Hold & Win slots are a type of online game you might find at UK casinos, featuring a bonus round built around special symbols and a series of respins. The main aim is to collect these symbols, which are often coins or similar icons, during a locked, or “hold”, stage.
In the base game, you’ll usually need to land a certain number of bonus symbols to trigger the Hold & Win feature. Once it starts, those symbols that triggered the round stay fixed on the screen while the rest of the reels spin a set number of times, often three. Every time another bonus symbol lands, it also locks in place and the respin count resets. This continues until no new symbols land, or all spaces are filled.
This format is relatively straightforward and easy to follow, especially for those new to online slots. Hold & Win slots may also include extras like fixed jackpots or multipliers, but these will depend on the game.
If you do decide to try your hand at Hold & Win slot games, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
How Do Hold & Win Slots Differ from Regular Slots?
Hold & Win slots stand out from regular slots because of their bonus mechanic. Instead of only relying on base game spins, they offer a special round where you can land and collect certain symbols, which remain “held” on the screen during a set of respins. Regular slots often use free spins or pick-and-click features, which play differently.
In regular slots, payouts usually come from matching symbols along pay lines. Hold & Win slots, on the other hand, add a feature triggered by a specific number of bonus symbols. During this feature, every new bonus symbol stays fixed while the rest of the reels spin again. The result is a bonus round that feels distinct from standard free spin formats.
Before playing, it might be worth looking at the game’s rules and paytable, as features and bet sizes can vary between titles.
What Features Can You Find in Hold & Win Slots?
Hold & Win slots combine features designed to keep gameplay clear and engaging on both laptop and mobile. The centrepiece is the Hold & Win bonus, usually triggered by landing a set number of special symbols.
Many titles offer jackpots labelled Mini, Minor, Major, or Grand. These are displayed on-screen as fixed amounts or as multiples of your stake, sometimes with values in pounds (for example, a Mini fixed at £10).
You’ll also see bonus symbols such as coins, stars, or gems. These can carry cash values or other rewards, and if you land enough of them, they lock on the screen during the bonus round. Each extra symbol that appears can add a new value or, occasionally, a small perk like extra respins.
Beyond the bonus feature, many Hold & Win slots include wilds that substitute for other symbols to help form winning lines. Some games also add free spins, multipliers, or expanding symbols that change reel behaviour during certain spins.
If theme matters to you, there’s plenty of choice, from classic fruit machines to ancient history or pop culture. You might also find it helpful to check the paytable for each game to see how its features work, the Return to Player (RTP), and the volatility band. These figures are theoretical: they describe the game’s design rather than the outcome of any single session.
How Do Hold & Win Bonus Rounds Work?
Hold & Win bonus rounds begin if you land a set number of bonus symbols on the reels during the main game. The exact number varies by slot, but three or more is common. The slot then shifts into a special round where those triggering symbols are locked in place.
You’ll usually see a separate set of spins, often three, known as respins. During this bonus, only specific symbols appear, typically coins or unique icons. Each time one of these symbols lands, it stays fixed and the respin count resets. If new symbols keep arriving, the round continues.
The feature ends when you either fill all spaces with bonus symbols or run out of respins. At the end, the slot adds up the values on all held symbols and pays them at once. Some games include extra jackpots or multipliers within this round, but that depends on the slot’s design.
Why Are Hold & Win Slots Popular?
Many people enjoy the clear objective. During the feature, progress is visible with every symbol that lands, and the possibility of filling the grid adds a bit of tension to each respin.
Variety also helps. Between fixed jackpots, multipliers, and simple symbol collection, these games offer different ways for a bonus to play out from one session to the next. Themes cover everything from retro fruit to wildlife and high-gloss cityscapes, so it is easy to find a style that suits.
The rules are usually straightforward and well signposted in the info panel, which makes Hold & Win a comfortable pick for beginners, while the layered extras keep more experienced players interested.
Hold & Win Slot Games to Try
There are plenty of Hold & Win slots featured on UKGC-licensed online casinos, each offering its own theme and features. Some have straightforward gameplay, while others add extra twists.
Fishin’ Frenzy: Big Catch Hold & Win keeps things simple and easy to follow. With its fishing theme, bold symbols, and a popular Hold & Win bonus round, it is a common choice for those new to slots. RTP varies by version.
Diamond Link: Mighty Elephant combines classic slot reels with a Hold & Win feature and several jackpots. The bonus round locks special diamond symbols as you collect more, adding a sense of progress from spin to spin.
Cash Bonanza Hold & Win is another option for those who enjoy a classic fruit machine feel with a brighter look. Its bonus round can expand the grid, which sets it apart from more traditional Hold & Win games.
If you prefer colourful graphics and extra twists, games like Hot Hot 777 Crown or Fortune Llama Hold & Win add surprise modifiers and different wild behaviours.
Are Hold & Win Slots Fair and Regulated?
Yes. Online slots in the UK, including Hold & Win titles, must meet strict standards set by the UKGC. Games use certified Random Number Generators (RNGs), which keep each spin independent and unpredictable. Approved test labs check that the software performs as intended, and developers must publish key information such as RTP and game rules.
RTP figures are calculated over millions of test spins and are best used for comparison, not as a guarantee of a specific outcome. Many games also publish volatility, giving a sense of how prize patterns might vary.
UKGC-licensed casinos provide safer gambling tools, including deposit limits, time reminders, and self-exclusion options, so you can manage play in a way that suits you.
Explore Online Slots at Free Spins No Deposit Casino
If you want a simple way to explore online slots, take a look around Free Spins No Deposit Casino. You will find a wide selection that includes new Hold & Win titles alongside classics with features like cascading reels or Megaways.
Every game displays clear rules, RTP, and feature summaries, so comparing themes and mechanics is straightforward. Our library makes it easy to filter by what matters to you, whether that is a fixed-jackpot Hold & Win, a particular theme, or a certain volatility range.
Outcomes are random and results cannot be predicted, so the best approach is to choose games that match your preferences and pace. If Hold & Win mechanics appeal, explore our handpicked titles and see which ones feel right for you. Always keep responsible gambling practises in mind.
**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.
*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.