Best Online Slot Features UK 2026: Megaways, Cluster Pays, and More
Modern slots have evolved beyond simple spinning reels. We explain the most important slot features, how they work, and recommend the best slots for each.
Best Online Slot Features UK 2026: Megaways, Cluster Pays, and More
Modern slots have evolved beyond simple spinning reels. New mechanics and features have transformed the slot playing experience.
This guide explains the most important slot features, how they work, and recommends the best slots for each.
Megaways
Megaways is a slot mechanic invented by Big Time Gaming in 2016:
How it works
• 6 reels with 2-7 symbols each
• Number of symbols changes per spin
• Up to 117,649 ways to win (7×7×7×7×7×7)
• Usually combined with cascading reels
Best Megaways slots
• Bonanza Megaways (96.00% RTP)
• White Rabbit Megaways (97.72% RTP)
• Extra Chilli Megaways (96.82% RTP)
• Gonzo's Quest Megaways (96.00% RTP)
Why it's popular
• Variable gameplay
• Massive win potential
• Cascading reels
• Exciting bonus rounds
Megaways is one of the most popular slot mechanics.
Cluster Pays
Cluster Pays is a mechanic where matching symbols form clusters:
How it works
• No traditional paylines
• 5+ matching symbols adjacent to each other wins
• Usually with cascading reels
• Symbols disappear when winning
Best Cluster Pays slots
• Jammin' Jars (96.83% RTP)
• Reactoonz (96.51% RTP)
• Sweet Bonanza (96.48% RTP)
• Aloha! Cluster Pays (96.42% RTP)
Why it's popular
• Different from traditional slots
• Multiple wins per spin
• Cascading reels
• Big win potential
Cluster Pays offers a different style of slot play.
Cascading/Tumbling Reels
Cascading reels remove winning symbols and add new ones:
How it works
• Winning symbols disappear
• New symbols fall from above
• Multiple wins per spin possible
• Multipliers often increase with each cascade
Best Cascading Reels slots
• Gonzo's Quest (95.97% RTP)
• Bonanza Megaways (96.00% RTP)
• Extra Chilli (96.82% RTP)
• Jammin' Jars (96.83% RTP)
Why it's popular
• Multiple wins per spin
• Increasing multipliers
• More engaging gameplay
• Higher win potential
Cascading reels add excitement to every spin.
Expanding Wilds
Expanding wilds grow to cover entire reels:
How it works
• Wild symbol appears
• Expands to cover whole reel
• Stays for re-spin
• Multiple reels can expand
Best Expanding Wilds slots
• Starburst (96.09% RTP)
• Wild Wild West (96.74% RTP)
• Dead or Alive 2 (96.82% RTP)
• Wolf Gold (96.01% RTP)
Why it's popular
• Big win potential
• Re-spin feature
• Visual excitement
• Common in popular slots
Expanding wilds are among the most popular slot features.
Sticky Wilds
Sticky wilds remain in place for multiple spins:
How it works
• Wild appears during free spins
• Stays for remaining free spins
• Multiple sticky wilds can accumulate
• Big win potential
Best Sticky Wilds slots
• Dead or Alive 2 (96.82% RTP)
• The Dog House Megaways (96.55% RTP)
• Jack Hammer 2 (97.07% RTP)
• Immortal Romance (96.86% RTP)
Why it's popular
• Big win potential in free spins
• Multiple wilds accumulate
• Visually exciting
• Iconic feature
Sticky wilds are particularly exciting in free spin rounds.
Multiplier Wilds
Multiplier wilds multiply wins when they substitute:
How it works
• Wild symbol has a multiplier
• Multiplier applies to win
• Multiple multiplier wilds multiply together
• Common in free spins
Best Multiplier Wilds slots
• Immortal Romance (96.86% RTP)
• Twin Spin (96.55% RTP)
• Dead or Alive 2 (96.82% RTP)
• Starburst XXXtreme (96.26% RTP)
Why it's popular
• Increased win potential
• Combined with other features
• Exciting in free spins
• Common in popular slots
Multiplier wilds significantly boost win potential.
Walking Wilds
Walking wilds move across the reels each spin:
How it works
• Wild appears on one reel
• Moves to adjacent reel each spin
• Continues for several spins
• Re-spins often granted
Best Walking Wilds slots
• Jack and the Beanstalk (96.30% RTP)
• Wild Wild West (96.74% RTP)
• Narcos (96.23% RTP)
• The Invisible Man (96.40% RTP)
Why it's popular
• Long-lasting wilds
• Big win potential
• Engaging visual
• Free spin integration
Walking wilds are unique and engaging.
Free Spins with Multipliers
Free spins with increasing multipliers:
How it works
• Free spins triggered
• Multiplier increases with each cascade or win
• Doesn't reset until free spins end
• Big win potential
Best slots with free spin multipliers
• Gonzo's Quest (up to 15× multiplier)
• Bonanza Megaways (unlimited multiplier)
• Extra Chilli (unlimited multiplier)
• Reactoonz (various multipliers)
Why it's popular
• Big win potential
• Increasing excitement
• Replay value
• Common in popular slots
Free spin multipliers are the most popular bonus feature.
Pick and Click Bonus Games
Interactive bonus games where you pick items:
How it works
• Bonus game triggered
• Pick from multiple items
• Each item reveals a prize
• Multiple picks usually allowed
Best Pick and Click slots
• Immortal Romance (Chamber of Spins)
• The Wish Master (various features)
• Vikings (4 free spin modes)
• Twin Spin (no pick bonus)
Why it's popular
• Interactive element
• Choice of prizes
• Variety within game
• Engagement
Pick and click bonuses add interactive engagement.
Wheel of Fortune Bonus
Spin a wheel for prizes:
How it works
• Bonus game triggered
• Wheel spins with prize segments
• Where the wheel stops determines prize
• Often with multipliers
Best Wheel of Fortune slots
• Wheel of Fortune (various)
• Dr Reactive (various)
• Monopoly Big Event (Barcrest)
• Various game shows (live casino)
Why it's popular
• Visual excitement
• Big win potential
• Simple mechanics
• Familiar format
Wheel of fortune bonuses are familiar and exciting.
Progressive Jackpots
Progressive jackpots that grow over time:
How it works
• Small percentage of each bet contributes to jackpot
• Jackpot grows until won
• Network-wide or local
• Triggered by specific combinations or randomly
Best Progressive Jackpot slots
• Mega Moolah (£19M+ record)
• Mega Fortune (€17.8M record)
• Hall of Gods (€7.9M record)
• Age of the Gods (4-tier jackpot)
Why it's popular
• Life-changing wins
• Small stake eligibility
• Excitement
• Wide availability
Progressive jackpots are the most exciting slot feature.
Bonus Buy (Feature Buy)
Buy the bonus round directly:
How it works
• Pay a multiple of bet to trigger bonus
• Usually 50×-100× bet
• Instant bonus round
• No waiting for scatter symbols
Best Bonus Buy slots
• Most high volatility slots
• Sweet Bonanza
• Gates of Olympus
• Money Train 3
Note on UK
Feature buy is restricted in the UK:
• Not available at all UKGC-licensed casinos
• Available at some
• Check the casino's offering
Feature buy is less common in the UK than in other markets.
Gamble Feature
Risk your winnings for a chance to double or quadruple:
How it works
• After a win, choose to gamble
• Guess card colour (red/black) for 2× payout
• Guess card suit for 4× payout
• Can gamble multiple times
Best Gamble Feature slots
• Book of Dead
• Various Novomatic slots
• Some classic slots
Why it's popular (for some)
• High risk, high reward
• Can multiply wins quickly
• Adds risk element
Why to avoid
• High house edge (typically 5-10%)
• Can lose everything quickly
• Not for disciplined players
The gamble feature is fun for some, but high risk.
How to choose slots with the best features
Identify your preferences
• Variable gameplay: Megaways
• Different from traditional: Cluster Pays
• Big win potential: Multiplier wilds, Sticky wilds
• Free spin excitement: Free spin multipliers
• Life-changing wins: Progressive jackpots
Match features to volatility
• High volatility: Sticky wilds, Free spin multipliers
• Medium volatility: Expanding wilds, Multiplier wilds
• Low volatility: Walking wilds, Pick bonuses
Match features to bankroll
• Larger bankroll: High volatility features
• Smaller bankroll: Low volatility features
Recommended:
Try Bet365 with feature-rich slots: Megaways, Cluster Pays, expanding wilds, and more.
Responsible gambling with feature-rich slots
Feature-rich slots can be more engaging and immersive. To manage:
• Set deposit limits
• Track session time
• Don't chase feature triggers
• Self-exclude via GAMSTOP if needed
Feature-rich slots should be played for entertainment.
Free confidential help is available 24/7 from GamCare (gamcare.org.uk) and the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133).