Hold and Win is an innovative pokie mechanic that offers players the chance to trigger bonus rounds with locked symbols and progressive jackpots. This feature has become one of the most popular mechanics in modern online pokies, rivaling Megaways in player engagement.
Hold and Win pokies have transformed the Australian online casino landscape by introducing a mechanic that combines simplicity with high win potential. Unlike traditional pokies that rely solely on payline combinations, Hold and Win games offer a distinct bonus feature that keeps players engaged through locked symbols and respin mechanics. This guide examines everything Australian players need to know about Hold and Win pokies, from how the mechanic functions to where you can play these games safely and legally.
The Hold and Win feature represents a significant evolution in pokie design. At its core, the mechanic is straightforward: land a predetermined number of special bonus symbols to trigger a bonus round where those symbols lock in place. You then receive a set number of respins, usually three, and each time a new bonus symbol lands, it locks and the respin counter resets.
What makes this mechanic particularly engaging is the escalating tension as the bonus round progresses. Each new symbol that lands not only adds to your potential winnings but also extends the round by resetting the respins. The round concludes when you run out of respins or fill all positions with symbols, often resulting in the maximum jackpot payout.
Most Hold and Win pokies share several common elements. The bonus symbols typically display cash values that are collected at the end of the round. Many games include special symbols that can multiply values, collect all visible prizes, or upgrade jackpot levels. The grid size varies, with popular configurations including 3x3, 5x3, and 5x4 layouts.
Jackpot tiers are another defining feature. The majority of Hold and Win pokies offer four progressive jackpots: Mini, Minor, Major, and Grand. These are won by landing specific jackpot symbols during the bonus round or by filling certain positions on the grid. Some games also include a Coin Strike or similar feature that allows special symbols to collect values from other symbols, adding another layer of win potential.
Several Hold and Win titles have gained significant popularity among Australian players. These games demonstrate the versatility of the mechanic and how different providers have adapted it to create unique gaming experiences.
Developed by Playson, Royal Coins 2 is one of the most recognized Hold and Win pokies. It features a 3x3 grid with 5 paylines and incorporates classic fruit symbols alongside the Hold and Win bonus. The game includes four in-game jackpots and a Pile of Gold feature that can trigger additional bonus rounds when coins land during base gameplay. The RTP typically ranges from 95.5% to 96.5%, depending on the casino configuration.
Also from Playson, Coin Strike enhances the formula established by Royal Coins 2. It introduces a Strike Bonus symbol that collects values from other bonus and jackpot symbols, both in the main game and during the Hold and Win feature. This addition creates more frequent win opportunities and adds strategic depth to the bonus rounds. The game maintains the 3x3 grid format and includes the same four-tier jackpot structure.
Another Playson title, Hot Coins follows the established Hold and Win template while incorporating a fiery theme. The game features similar mechanics to its siblings but with adjusted volatility and payout structures. Players can trigger the bonus round by landing six or more bonus symbols, and the feature includes multiplier symbols that can significantly boost final payouts.
The Hold and Win mechanic activates when a specific number of bonus symbols land on the reels during base gameplay. Once triggered, players enter a special bonus round where the triggering symbols lock in place and a set number of respins begins, typically three. Each time a new bonus symbol lands, it locks in position and the respin counter resets to three.
The bonus round continues until no respins remain or all positions are filled with symbols. Bonus symbols often display cash values, multipliers, or jackpot indicators. At the end of the round, all values are collected and added to the player's winnings. Many Hold and Win pokies feature four progressive jackpots: Mini, Minor, Major, and Grand, which can be won by landing special jackpot symbols during the bonus round.
Australian players have access to Hold and Win pokies through licensed offshore online casinos. Since the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001 prohibits Australian-based online casino operations, players typically use international platforms that accept Australian customers and operate under jurisdictions like Malta, Curacao, or Gibraltar.
When choosing where to play Hold and Win pokies, prioritize casinos with valid licenses from recognized gambling authorities. Look for platforms that offer secure payment methods popular in Australia, such as PayID, POLi, bank transfers, and cryptocurrency options. The casino should display clear terms and conditions, particularly regarding bonuses and withdrawal limits.
Customer support quality is another critical factor. Reputable casinos offer multiple contact channels, including live chat, email, and sometimes phone support. Response times should be reasonable, and support staff should be knowledgeable about the games and platform features.
Australian players should verify that their chosen casino supports convenient deposit and withdrawal methods. PayID has become increasingly popular for instant bank transfers, while traditional bank transfers remain reliable for larger transactions. E-wallets like Skrill and Neteller offer fast processing times, though not all Australian banks support them directly.
Withdrawal processing times vary significantly between casinos. Some platforms advertise instant or same-day withdrawals, while others may take 24 to 72 hours to process requests. Always check the maximum monthly withdrawal limits, as these can impact high-volume players or those who hit significant jackpots.
While Hold and Win pokies are games of chance governed by random number generators, understanding the mechanics can help you make informed decisions about bankroll management and game selection.
Hold and Win pokies typically feature medium to high volatility, meaning wins may be less frequent but potentially larger when they occur. The RTP for most Hold and Win games ranges from 95% to 96.5%, which is standard for modern video pokies. Higher RTP percentages indicate better long-term return to players, though individual sessions can vary dramatically from this theoretical average.
Choose games with volatility levels that match your playing style and bankroll. High volatility games suit players with larger budgets who can withstand longer dry spells in pursuit of substantial wins. Medium volatility games offer a more balanced experience with moderate win frequency and size.
Effective bankroll management is essential when playing Hold and Win pokies. Set a session budget before you start playing and divide it into smaller bet units. A common approach is to ensure your bankroll can cover at least 100 to 200 spins at your chosen bet level, giving you sufficient opportunity to trigger the Hold and Win feature.
Avoid chasing losses by increasing bet sizes beyond your predetermined limits. The Hold and Win feature triggers randomly based on symbol combinations, and no betting pattern can influence when it activates. Stick to consistent bet sizes that align with your overall budget and gaming goals.
Many Hold and Win pokies incorporate additional features that complement the main mechanic. Understanding these can enhance your gameplay experience and help you identify games that offer the most entertainment value.
Some Hold and Win pokies include traditional free spins rounds that operate independently of the Hold and Win feature. These may trigger through scatter symbols and offer multipliers or enhanced symbol values during the free games. When both features are present, they create multiple paths to significant wins.
Certain Hold and Win games include gamble features that allow you to risk your winnings for a chance to double or quadruple them. These typically involve guessing card colors or suits. While these features add excitement, they also introduce additional risk and should be used cautiously, as incorrect guesses result in losing the entire win amount.
Modern Hold and Win pokies are developed using HTML5 technology, ensuring full compatibility with mobile devices. Whether you use an iPhone, iPad, Android smartphone, or tablet, you can access these games through mobile browsers without downloading dedicated apps.
Mobile versions maintain all features of desktop counterparts, including graphics quality, bonus rounds, and jackpot functionality. Touch controls are optimized for smaller screens, making it easy to adjust bet sizes, spin the reels, and navigate game menus. Internet connection stability is important for uninterrupted gameplay, particularly during bonus rounds where disconnections could affect your experience.
The engaging nature of Hold and Win mechanics makes responsible gambling practices particularly important. Set time limits for your gaming sessions in addition to financial limits. Many online casinos offer tools such as deposit limits, loss limits, and session time reminders that can help you maintain control.
Recognize the signs of problem gambling, which include spending more than you can afford, neglecting responsibilities, or feeling anxious about gambling activities. Australian players can access support through organizations like Gambling Help Online, which offers free counseling and resources. If gambling stops being entertainment and becomes a source of stress, seek help immediately.
Hold and Win pokies represent one of the most successful innovations in modern online casino gaming. The mechanic's combination of simple rules and engaging gameplay has made it a favorite among Australian players. By understanding how the feature works, selecting reputable casinos, and practicing responsible bankroll management, you can enjoy these games while maximizing your entertainment value. Whether you prefer classic fruit themes or more elaborate designs, the Hold and Win mechanic offers something for every type of pokie player.
Hold and Win is a bonus mechanic where special symbols lock in place and award respins. Each new symbol that lands resets the respin counter, and the round continues until respins are exhausted or all positions are filled with symbols.
Yes, many online casinos offer demo versions of Hold and Win pokies that allow you to play without wagering real money. This is an excellent way to learn the mechanics and features before playing with real funds.
Most Hold and Win pokies have an RTP between 95% and 96.5%. This percentage represents the theoretical return to players over millions of spins and does not guarantee results in individual sessions.
The bonus round typically triggers when you land a specific number of bonus symbols on the reels during base gameplay. The exact number varies by game but is commonly six or more symbols.
Yes, all modern Hold and Win pokies are built with HTML5 technology and work seamlessly on smartphones and tablets through mobile browsers without requiring app downloads.
Most Hold and Win pokies feature four jackpot tiers: Mini, Minor, Major, and Grand. These are won by landing special jackpot symbols during the bonus round or by filling specific grid positions.
These licensed online casinos offer extensive selections of Hold and Win pokies with secure payment options for Australian players.
The classic Hold and Win pokie from Playson featuring a 3x3 grid, four-tier jackpots, and the innovative Pile of Gold feature that can trigger bonus rounds during base gameplay.
An enhanced version of the Hold and Win mechanic featuring Strike Bonus symbols that collect values from other coins, creating additional win opportunities in both base and bonus games.
Playson continues to dominate the Hold and Win category with three new titles scheduled for Q1 2026 release.
Industry data shows Hold and Win pokies now account for 23% of all online pokie gameplay in Australia.
Over 65% of Hold and Win pokie sessions now occur on mobile devices, reflecting broader industry trends.