Hold & Spin is a pokie feature where qualifying symbols lock into place while empty positions respin for a limited count. A new qualifying symbol commonly resets the counter. The feature ends when the grid fills or no respins remain, and awards are resolved under the exact game’s paytable. It is a feature structure, not a method for predicting a win.
The feature in one table
| Stage | What usually happens | What not to assume |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger | A stated number of qualifying symbols lands | A near miss makes the trigger due |
| Lock | Triggering symbols remain in positions | Every locked value is a jackpot |
| Respin | Empty positions spin again | Press timing changes the result |
| Reset | A new qualifying symbol may restore the counter | The counter predicts the final value |
| End | Grid fills or spins reach zero | A nearly full grid must complete next time |
| Award | Credits and eligible jackpots are resolved | Displayed totals equal cash before denom rules |
“Usually” matters. Manufacturers use Hold & Spin as a family of mechanics, and individual titles can add expanding grids, mystery symbols, collections, repeat wins or multiple feature levels.
A simple example without fake winnings
Imagine a 5-by-3 grid. Six value symbols trigger a feature and lock. Three respins appear on the counter.
- Respin one lands one new value symbol. It locks and the counter returns to three.
- Respin two lands nothing. The counter moves to two.
- Respin three lands two symbols. Both lock and the counter resets.
- Later spins land nothing until the counter reaches zero.
- The game adds the locked values and resolves any special labels under the rules.
This example explains state changes only. It deliberately uses no currency, jackpot amount or “demo balance” because those could look like a real result.
The planned interactive version should let a user step through fixed educational states, not simulate gambling outcomes or invite repeated play.
Cash-on-reels and jackpot labels
A cash-on-reels symbol shows a credit or prize value directly on the reel. The displayed number may relate to denomination, bet or another rule. It is not safe to call every number a dollar amount without reading the machine.
Jackpot labels such as Mini, Minor, Major or Grand can appear in Hold & Spin families. Check:
- whether the label is fixed or progressive;
- the eligible bet;
- whether a full grid is required;
- whether multiple copies can be awarded;
- how denomination affects credit values;
- whether the link is local to a bank of machines or wider.
Use the linked progressive jackpot guide for link structures and payouts explained for credit conversion.
Hold & Spin compared with free spins
| Point | Hold & Spin | Free spins |
|---|---|---|
| Main state | Symbols lock while gaps respin | Additional spins run with modified rules |
| Counter | Often resets when a new symbol lands | Usually counts awarded spins, with possible retriggers |
| Common visual focus | Filling positions and cash values | Wilds, multipliers, symbol changes or extra reels |
| Prediction value | None | None |
| Key user check | Trigger, reset, value and jackpot rules | Trigger, retrigger, wild and multiplier rules |
One game can contain both features. The right comparison is not which one “pays better”, but whether the exact rules and cost are understandable.
Myths and cognitive traps
Reset equals progress. A reset extends the current feature but does not guarantee another symbol.
A nearly full grid is almost a jackpot. It is a near-complete visual state, not evidence about the next random result.
Empty positions have different personalities. Position animations do not imply a hot spot.
A previous feature was poor, so the next one should compensate. Independent outcomes do not balance one player’s short session.
Stopping a reel at the right time helps. A stop button generally changes presentation speed, not the generated result.
See RNG explained and pokies myths and facts.
Hold & Spin near Angaston
The public South Australian register cannot be filtered by machine mechanic. It lists licensed venues and entitlements, not Lightning Link, Dragon Link or Hold & Spin counts.
A local feature finder should rely on:
- current official venue title lists;
- direct written confirmation;
- dated venue-supplied photographs with permission;
- community reports marked unverified until checked.
The page must never claim “25 Hold & Spin machines” from Angaston Hotel’s 25 entitlements. Entitlements are not a title inventory.
Use Barossa Valley pokies and South Australian gaming rooms to check venues, then call for the exact title.
FAQ
Does every new symbol reset Hold & Spin?
Often, but not always. Read the exact game rules.
Is Hold & Spin a jackpot feature?
It can award jackpots in some families, but it can also award credit values only. The paytable controls.
Can I predict when it will trigger?
No. Past spins and near misses do not provide a reliable countdown.
Which South Australian games use Hold & Spin?
Official manufacturers document it across multiple families. Venue availability changes, so confirm the exact title locally.
Sources
- Aristocrat Gaming, Lightning Link
- Aristocrat Gaming, Dragon Link
- Ainsworth annual report
- SA.GOV.AU, Operating gaming machines