Comparison of slots with Hold & Win and classic jackpot

There are several popular formats for drawing large winnings in the gambling industry. The most popular are slots with a classic jackpot and slot machines with Hold & Win mechanics. Both options catch the attention of players in Australia, but differ in the structure, dynamics and strategies of the game.

1. How the classic jackpot works

The jackpot is formed either in a fixed way (a given amount), or progressively (grows due to the bets of the players).
Winnings are activated randomly or when a certain combination matches.
In most cases, the jackpot is a one-time major prize that rarely comes up.
Players make standard spins and wait for the random number generator (RNG) to fire.

2. How Hold & Win works

The player needs to collect a certain number of bonus symbols (usually coins or balls).
A series of respins is launched, where characters are fixed on the screen.
With each new drop, the respin counter is updated.
When the field fills up or the respins run out, the player wins.
As part of the bonus round, Mini, Minor, Major or Grand jackpots may fall out.

3. Similarities

Both mechanics give a chance for a very large win.
Both types of slots use the RNG system for fair distribution of results.
Players can participate in both local and global draws.

4. Differences

ParameterHold & WinClassic Jackpot
Winning frequencyMore frequent average winningsRare but large winnings
MechanicsCharacter-fixed RespinsRandom Drop or Combinations
Prize poolMultiple levels (Mini, Minor, Major, Grand)One or more, often one large
Game dynamicsActive, with constant engagementMore passive, depends on chance
Popularity in AustraliaHigh, especially Lightning Link and Dragon LinkClassic, but inferior in dynamics

5. Sample slots

Hold & Win: Lightning Link, Dragon Link, Buffalo Link (Aristocrat), серия Playson Hold & Win.
Classic jackpots: Mega Moolah (Microgaming), Divine Fortune (NetEnt), Major Millions (Microgaming)

6. Choice for players

High rollers often choose classic progressive jackpots for the opportunity to hit a multi-million dollar jackpot.
Regular players lean towards Hold & Win, as bonus rounds with respins happen more often and give more intermediate wins.

Result

Hold & Win is a fast-paced format with regular bonus rounds and tiered jackpots, and the classic jackpot is a rare but potentially huge win. In Australia, both formats are popular, but Hold & Win has become the leader in player engagement in recent years due to its activity and entertainment.