What Is a Respin?

A respin is an extra spin awarded by the slot, usually with certain reels or symbols held in place. Respins can be triggered by a winning combination, by special symbols such as wilds, or as part of a bonus game.

Types of Respin Features

TypeHow it works
Hold and winCollect cash or coin symbols; each new one resets the respin counter, usually to three
Wild respinsA wild locks in place while other reels spin again
Win respinsWinning symbols stay while the rest re-spin for a bigger win
Paid respinsPay to respin a single reel (not common in regulated markets)
NudgesA reel shifts a position to complete a win

How Hold and Win Bonuses Work

  1. Land enough special symbols (often six) to trigger the feature.
  2. The special symbols lock in place and you get three respins.
  3. Every new special symbol locks and resets the respins to three.
  4. The round ends when you run out of respins or fill the screen.
  5. You win the total value of the locked symbols – sometimes plus a jackpot for filling the grid.

Respins and Volatility

Hold and win slots tend to be medium to high volatility: the feature can take a while to trigger, but it often produces the game's biggest wins. Check the RTP and maximum win in our slot reviews and try the demo before playing for real money.

Respins vs Free Spins

RespinsFree spins
TriggerSpecial symbols, wins or wildsUsually scatter symbols
ReelsSome reels or symbols lockedAll reels spin, often with enhancements
LengthShort, often resetting with new symbolsFixed number of spins
Typical goalFill the screen or improve one winBuild wins over several spins

Hold and Win Jackpots

Many hold and win slots include fixed jackpots – often called Mini, Minor, Major and Grand – that can land on the special symbols during respins. Filling the entire grid frequently awards the top jackpot. These jackpots are fixed multiples of your stake rather than progressive pools, so your stake size directly affects their value.

Tips for Respin Slots

  • Check how many special symbols trigger the feature and what jackpots are available.
  • Look at whether collected symbol values are multiplied by your total stake.
  • Expect the feature to be the main source of big wins – the base game may pay modestly.
  • Try the demo to see how often the respin feature triggers.
Posted by Joshua Mau
Gaming Mathematician

Joshua Mau's excellent knowledge of number theory and random number generators led him to an advisory role with leading slot machine providers. In his articles he explains the structure and mechanics of casino games – the maths behind RTP, house edge and odds – in a way anyone can understand.

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FAQ
What is a respin in slots?

A respin is an extra spin where some reels or symbols stay locked while others spin again, giving you another chance to win.

What is a hold and win slot?

A slot with a respin bonus where special symbols lock in place and each new one resets the respin counter until you run out of respins.

Are respins free?

In most slots, yes – respins are awarded by the game at no extra cost.

What are Mini, Minor, Major and Grand jackpots?

They are fixed jackpot prizes found in many hold and win slots, usually set as multiples of your stake, with the Grand often awarded for filling the whole grid.