Are there cascading machines with Hold & Win

Cascade machines and Hold & Win are considered one of the most sought-after innovations of recent years. The first mechanic makes the game dynamic due to "falling" symbols and consecutive wins, and the second adds a chance for jackpots or large payments through fixed respins. The question that Australian players are increasingly asking is: are there slots where these two solutions are combined?

How mechanics work separately

Cascades. The winning symbols disappear, new ones fall in their place, forming a chain of consecutive payments in one rotation.
Hold & Win. When special characters are dropped, a bonus with respins is launched: the dropped values ​ ​ are fixed, and new ones are added before the end of the round. Usually it is in this phase that jackpots (Mini, Major, Grand) are drawn.

Is a combination possible

Yes, some modern providers have begun to combine cascading mechanics with Hold & Win. In such slots:
  • 1. The main game is built on cascades - the player receives a series of wins in a row.
  • 2. An additional bonus round is implemented in Hold & Win format, where special characters (coins, crystals, balls) are fixed.
  • 3. Combining makes the slot universal: the dynamics of the cascades works in the main phase, and Hold & Win gives a chance for a big prize.

Examples of games with both mechanics

Power of Gods: Hades Hold & Win (Wazdan). Cascading elements in the main game and the classic Hold & Win jackpot bonus.
Sun of Egypt 3 (Booongo). Although the emphasis is on Hold & Win, cascading character substitutions are implemented in the main phase.
Diamond Fortunator: Hold & Win (Playson). Visually closer to the classics, but in the updated versions of Playson slots there are cascading chains.
Series from iSoftBet. Some new releases combine cascades in the main game and Hold & Win respins as a bonus.

Benefits for players

1. Variety of gameplay. The player gets two different types of excitement: quick cascades and strategic respins.
2. Balance of winnings. Frequent small combinations due to cascades and a chance to hit the jackpot through Hold & Win.
3. Suits different styles. Mechanics are interesting for both beginners and high rollers.
4. Engagement effect. The slot does not give monotony: the player switches between dynamics and a bonus game.

Popularity in Australia

For Australian players, such machines are especially attractive, as they combine the familiar cascade mechanics (Sweet Bonanza, Bonanza Megaways) with the more recent Hold & Win trend, which is perceived as a "jackpot function." AU casinos actively add similar games to catalogs, as they cover several audiences at once.

Result

Cascade machines with Hold & Win exist, although so far there are fewer of them than the classic representatives of each genre individually. Providers are actively experimenting with combinations of mechanics, offering players the maximum variety. For the Australian audience, such games are becoming especially interesting: they combine the usual cascades and the demanded jackpot bonuses. In 2025, we can expect an increase in the number of releases combining both systems.