Bonus rounds and freespins in IGT slots

Bonus rounds and freespins in IGT slots

Introduction

One factor in the popularity of IGT slots has always been bonus rounds and freespins. The company skillfully introduced additional features into its machines, creating a balance between classic gameplay and the ability to get big wins. These mechanics made IGT slots not only gambling, but also more exciting, adding dynamics and an element of surprise.

How Friespins Work in IGT Slots

Freespins are free spins of reels that are activated when certain characters appear (usually Scatter). In IGT slots, they have several characteristic features:
  • Win multipliers: Often all wins in a round of free spins are multiplied × 2 or × 3. An example is Cleopatra, where each win in freespins is tripled.
  • Additional spins: when Scatter falls out again, the freespins are extended.
  • Increased chance of a big win: During free games, rare combinations are usually more likely to fall out.

IGT Bonus Rounds

Unlike simple free spins, bonus rounds in IGT slots are often turned into mini-games:
  • Object Selection: The player selects from several items behind which credits or multipliers are hidden (such as in Lucky Larry's Lobstermania).
  • Wheel of Fortune: An iconic element in the Wheel of Fortune series, where spinning the bonus wheel can bring big prizes or a progressive jackpot.
  • Advanced bonuses: In some slots, such as Pixies of the Forest, bonus games are combined with Tumbling Reels mechanics, allowing you to win in chains.

Examples of slots with bright bonuses

Cleopatra

Freespins: 15 spins with three or more Sphinx symbols.
Multiplier: × 3 for all wins in the round.
Effect: The slot has become iconic thanks to a generous bonus.

Pharaoh’s Fortune

Bonus game: the player opens panels, receiving additional spins and multipliers.
Freespins: Run after bonus activation, often with expanded rewards.

Da Vinci Diamonds

Tumbling Reels function: works in both the main round and freespins, enhancing the effect of long chains of wins.

Wheel of Fortune

The main bonus: the rotation of the famous wheel with a chance of large payments.
Progressive networks: In some versions, the wheel is tied to the cumulative jackpot.

Pixies of the Forest

99 paylines.
Freespins with cascading winnings that allow you to accumulate prizes in one round.

Australian context

In Australia, IGT slots are heavily featured in land-based casinos and clubs, where it is the freespins and bonus rounds that make the machines a favorite among gamblers. Since online playing for real money is prohibited, Australians are most often introduced to IGT bonuses through offline pokies. Cleopatra, Pharaoh's Fortune and Wheel of Fortune are consistent favourites in the market.

Result

Bonus rounds and freespins are a key part of IGT's success. They provide:
  • 1. Variety of gameplay - mini-games, selection of objects, wheel rotation.
  • 2. The chance of large winnings is due to multipliers and cascade combinations.
  • 3. Unique style - each game has its own bonus features, which makes IGT stand out from the competition.

It is thanks to the ability to combine classics with bright bonus mechanics that IGT slots have become legendary and remain in demand in markets around the world, including Australia.