Pokie machines have remained one of the most popular gambling games in casinos worldwide for many decades. These devices, presented in numerous variations, attract gamblers with their simplicity, colorful design, and the possibility of large winnings at relatively small stakes.
Modern video pokies are complex electronic systems with bright displays, unique gameplay features, animation, and sound effects. The principle of their work is based on the rotation of virtual drums with different symbols. Winning is determined by combinations of these symbols falling out on active paylines or lining up according to other rules.
Bonus bets are a key element that makes pokie machines even more attractive to users.
What Are Bonus Bets in Pokies?
Many developers of online gambling games offer the opportunity to make both basic and side bets that activate various bonus features in their pokie machines.
This option usually allows gamers to increase the RTPs of video pokies significantly, so it makes sense to use it always.
But sometimes, it is just an advertising gimmick designed to attract users and force them to wager larger amounts.
Observers of the Casinoz have prepared a review of the different kinds of bonus bets in games by well-known manufacturers. It will help you to select the most worthy offer.
Online Pokie Bonus Bet Types
It is important to note that some side bets are brand names and are available in several models simultaneously. The others are in individual video pokies and do not have unique names. First, we will consider the developments of the first category and then briefly discuss the most interesting games of the second group.
So, let's start with the bonus bets available in the pokie machine series.
Xtra Win by Playtech
This feature is available in the following models: Wings of Gold or Dolphin's Cash, which was released by Playtech. Activating the Xtra Win bonus bet, you'll have to wager half as much as the initial bet. The payouts for standard combinations will remain unchanged.
However, the wild symbol will expand. Whenever they appear anywhere on the screen, they will cover up the entire column from top to bottom. Then, they will perform their usual functions. In addition, when Xtra Win is activated, winnings for scatter symbols are calculated based on the new total bet.
This is one of the novelties of PlayTech, so it will surely be implemented in the other video pokies of this brand.
SuperBet by NextGen Gaming
This kind of side bet has been found in pokie machines released by NextGen Gaming for a long time. For example, there are such popular names as Foxin' Wins Again or A While on the Nile. I
t is usually associated with a wild symbol. Having activated the bet, you receive more expanding wild images and additional multipliers that will take part in forming combinations.
It is worth noting that the features of rules for this option are slightly different in various models, so carefully study the section Help before you start playing. For example, some pokies allow participation in free spins.
It is especially worth noting that the pokie machine Spin Sorceress also has this feature. Here, the SuperBet rate must be chosen from several available options on the other panel on the right. They activate additional multipliers, considered in the formation of combinations involving Wild, and can also cause the appearance of entire reels occupied by this symbol.
Note that the maximum bonus bet sizes significantly increase the RTP.
Also, we can not forget about A Dragon's Story, dedicated to the funny dragon who went to war with a hapless knight. The SuperBet bonus bet is also implemented and presented at two levels. It activates additional dragons that appear under the reels. On each spin, they can set fire to randomly selected symbols on the screen, turning them into Wilds. There is only one dragon in the base mode.
When the SuperBet of the first (fifteen more coins) or second level (twenty-five more coins) is activated, his brothers appear under two or four more columns.
Another game from NextGen with SuperBet is the Robin Hood: Prince of Tweets pokie. It is dedicated to the legends of the famous robber, who appears here as a funny bird. Super Bet has two levels: bet an additional thirty or seventy coins. They expand the scope of the function "Robin Hood's Arrow," which turns adjacent to Wild symbols into additional Wilds.
For more details, check out the review.
Big Bet by Barcrest
This bet is available in Monopoly - Big Event pokie machine and other games from Barcrest. It is available in two versions that differ from each other by amounts.
In the first case, the bonus bet activates an additional multiplier considered while calculating the payout. The second type includes prize features: free spins, special symbols, and bonus payouts.
Bonus Bet by Cryptologic
This feature has been implemented by developers of a famous company in several pokie machines based on comics (for example, Batman or Flash: Velocity) and in some other pokies.
Only it allows participating in bonus games provided by these models. They are designed by the plot of a pokie and allow competing for money prizes in various ways.
AllWays by Playtech
This bonus bet can be made on one of several reels, activating them from left to right. Interestingly, it is valid after activating from one to five reels using side bets. If you make it on all five columns, the symbols on all reels will form combinations regardless of location. The main thing is that they should be located in adjacent columns, starting with the first one.
If AlWays is invalid for some last reels, only two central positions will be considered when forming the winning chains. Depending on the number of activated columns, the quantity of possible combinations varies: 64, 128, 256, 512, or 1024.
The feature available in Lucky Panda pokie machine is also provided in other video pokies released by Playtech.
Other Bonus Bets
Now, look back at a few more video pokies with side bets.
This pokie machine has three levels of bets: XXL1, XXL2, and XXL3. The first is considered basic and corresponds to the number of lines involved. When active XXL2, the total amount at stake increases by 50%. An additional Wild symbol appears on the reels.
If you turn on XXL3, you will have to bet twice as much, but Wilds with multipliers from x2 to x6 may land on the screen. They will be taken into account when calculating payouts on combinations.
In this online gambling game from Playtech, dedicated to the fairy tale story of Aladdin and his lamp with a genie, the bonus bet increases the likelihood of participation in free spins. These are triggered on the fourth consecutive respin when any combination is formed.
If an additional bet equal to ten coins is active, the prize spins and becomes one step closer. Check out the details in the review of the Wild Wishes video pokie on Casinoz.
Sizzling Hot 6 Extra Gold by Novomatic
Meet the new game in the series Sizzling Hot from Novomatic. The machine can be played on five or six reels. To activate the sixth column, you need to make a bonus bet. It is equal to the main one.
An additional reel starts forming combinations on both sides of the screen, allowing you to fight for sequences formed with six symbols. The payouts are calculated by very large multipliers.
Beauty and the Beast by Yggdrasil
Simply an incredible pokie machine released by the company Yggdrasil. Beauty and the Beast is dedicated to the fairy tale story of the same name. In addition to the main bet, you can do the so-called Golden Bet, which is presented in three varieties.
They engage in additional opportunities associated with free spins. For example, bonus bets increase the likelihood of participating in the prize draw or make more favorable conditions.
This video pokie is dedicated to gems. In addition to the base bet on ten active lines, additional amounts of several levels are accepted here. Each of them removes one to five low-paying symbols from the reels. In addition, they increase the probability of appearing on the screen as "giant" diamonds, occupying nine cells at once.
Another pro of the pokie machine is a method of forming winning combinations. Chains are constructed with three or more pictures that can appear anywhere on active lines.
Where and How to Play Pokies with Bonus Bets
The above branded extra bet pokie machines and other games of this type are available at the best online casinos, including the trusted sites listed below.
Pros of Pokies with Bonus Bets
Pokies with bonus bets offer several advantages that make them particularly attractive to players and casino operators.
Remember that some of the features listed below are pluses for gambling club owners but not for gamblers.
- Increased appeal to players: Bonus features add an element of novelty and surprise to the gaming experience. They create extra excitement and excitement, keeping players' attention. The variety of bonuses allows you to cater to the preferences of different types of players.
- Opportunity for big winnings: Bonus bets often offer higher payout odds. Multipliers can significantly increase the size of the winnings. Progressive jackpots offer a chance to win a large sum of money.
- Variety of gameplay: Bonus games often have unique mechanics different from the main games. They may include skill or strategy elements, making the game more interactive. Different types of bonuses allow players to experience different play styles on the same machine.
- Extended playtime: Free spins extend the play session at no additional cost. This gives players the feeling of a better return on their initial bet.
- Marketing opportunities for casinos: Unique bonus features can become the hallmark of certain machines or casinos, allowing operators to stand out in a competitive market.
- Potentially higher RTP: Many machines with bonus bets have a higher RTP, theoretically increasing a player's chances of winning in the long run. Usually, the bonus bet increases the return, so always scrutinize the pokie rules.
It is important to note that despite these advantages, pokie machines remain gambling games with an element of chance, and winning is never guaranteed. Players should approach the game responsibly and be mindful of the risks associated with gambling.
Potential Cons of Pokies with Bonus Bets
Despite the appeal of pokie machines with extra bets, they also come with certain risks and disadvantages that players should be aware of.
- The possibility of increased player spending: Bonus features can encourage players to wager more. Some bonuses are only activated at maximum bets, which can quickly deplete the bankroll. Waiting for a bonus to activate can force players to play longer than they had planned.
- Difficulty understanding the rules of some bonuses: The activation terms and rules of bonus games can be confusing. Due to the complex mechanics, players may misjudge their chances of winning, and a lack of understanding of the rules may lead to suboptimal decisions during play.
- Potential impact on the development of gambling addiction: Frequent small wins and bonuses can create an illusion of control. Vivid visuals and sounds when bonuses are activated can elicit strong emotional reactions. The unpredictability of bonuses may encourage continued play in hopes of activating them.
- Possible reduction in base payouts: Some machines may compensate for bonuses by reducing the payouts in the base game. This can lead to higher volatility and less stable game results.
- Distortion of the perception of the probability of winning: Bonus features can give players a false impression of increased chances of winning. This can lead to riskier decisions.
- Potential disappointment: Infrequent bonus activation or low winnings in bonus rounds can cause frustration. This can negatively affect the game's overall experience and lead to impulsive decisions.
- Time cost: Bonus games and animations can significantly increase the time spent playing the game. This can distract from other important activities or responsibilities.
- Difficulty in assessing the real value of the game: The presence of bonuses can make it difficult for players to realize how much they are spending and winning.
It is essential to remember that despite the entertaining nature of side bet pokie machines, they remain a form of gambling. Gamblers should approach them cautiously, set time and money limits, and play responsibly.
Tips for Playing Online Pokies with Bonus Bets
To maximize enjoyment and minimize risks, follow these tips when playing pokies with bonus bets.
- Learn the terms and conditions of the bonuses: Carefully read the information about each machine's bonus features. Pay attention to the conditions of bonus activation and their potential payouts. Don't hesitate to ask the casino staff for clarification if something is unclear.
- Bankroll Management: Set a clear budget for the game and stick to it strictly. Split your budget into multiple sessions to extend your playing time. Don't try to win back by increasing your bets after a loss. Remember that bonuses do not guarantee a win and should not affect your budget.
- Choose games with high RTP: Look for information about the RTP of the machines - the higher it is, the better the theoretical chances of winning. Remember that machines with attractive bonuses may have a lower base RTP.
- Judicious use of maximum bets: Don't place maximum bets just for activating bonuses unless it fits your budget. Evaluate whether the potential bonus is worth the increased risk.
- Game time control: Set a time limit for a gaming session and stick to it. Use a timer or alarm clock so you don't get carried away and lose track of time.
- Understanding volatility: Machines with large bonuses often have high volatility. Be prepared for longer winless periods between large payouts.
- Emotional control: Don't let the excitement of waiting for a bonus influence your decisions. Think of bonuses as additional entertainment, not a guarantee of winning.
- Use of demos: If possible, try free versions of machines to understand the mechanics of bonuses without risking real money.
- Payout Attention: Keep an eye on the frequency and size of payouts in the main game, not just the bonus rounds. Remember that frequent small wins may be preferable to infrequent large bonuses.
- Realize when to stop: Set limits on your winnings; when reached, you end the game. Be prepared to quit even if you feel "a bonus is about to drop".
Remember that pokie machines are primarily for entertainment. Treat possible winnings as a nice bonus, not a way to make money. Play responsibly and enjoy the process, not from the expectation of a big win.
What Else?
Finally, it should be noted that we deliberately did not discuss the pokie machines with the obligatory bonus bets. Such models are offered by Quickspin, WMS Gaming, and IGT. The user can not cancel the bonus bet that should be wagered. There are many exciting pokies among such developments. Read the reviews on Casinoz.
We have surely discussed not all interesting variations of bonus bets. Firstly, it is impossible to keep all of them in mind, and secondly, even the mere enumeration of them would take far more than one page. But if you think we have forgotten to mention some cool games, feel free to write about them in the comments.
Conclusion
Pokie machines with bonus bets represent modern casinos' exciting and dynamic element. They combine the simplicity of classic pokies with innovative game mechanics, creating an exciting experience for players.
Despite all the benefits and appeal of bonus features, it is important to remember that pokies remain gambling games. The probability of winning is always random, and in the long run, the advantage remains on the casino's side.
When playing on machines with bonus bets, follow common sense and the principles of responsible gambling. Set clear limits, play within your financial means, and consider the game a form of entertainment, not a way to make money.
Remember that the most important bonus is the enjoyment of the game itself.
If you feel that gambling is beginning to affect your life negatively, do not hesitate to seek professional help or take advantage of the self-exclusion programs offered by many casinos.
Play sensibly, enjoy the process, and always remember to prioritize your financial and emotional well-being over any potential winnings.