Playing online slots is hugely popular thanks to their exciting themes, dynamic features and the chance to win enormous payouts. While luck plays a major role, there are also strategies you can use to trigger in-game bonuses more often.
Understanding how modern video slots, like those at BetOnRed Casino, work by analyzing the math behind the reels can help you make informed decisions when playing. Then it’s a matter of using proven techniques to access bonus games, score free spins, reveal Easter eggs and ultimately give yourself more opportunities to score those lucrative wins.
Here are the top methods to systematically unlock bonuses and Easter eggs in online slots for bigger payouts.
Betting Max to Unlock Bonus Rounds
One of the most direct ways to improve your chances of entering a bonus round is to simply bet the maximum. Software providers often hide bonuses, jackpots and special features behind the max bet threshold to reward higher stakes play.
For example, the popular online slot Divine Fortune has a local jackpot bonus that is only accessible when betting $6 per spin. While playing max can be riskier, the payoff for triggering bonuses can certainly make it worthwhile.
Optimizing Free Spins
Free spins are one of the most valuable bonuses in slots. Scoring a batch of 20, 30 or even 50 free spins enables you to keep playing at no additional cost to you. This directly boosts your ability to win prizes without reducing your bankroll.
Slots may award free spins during the main game or as part of second screen bonus rounds after you trigger them. To optimize free spins:
- Select games with large potential free spin rewards
- Extend spins using sticky wilds and re-spin features
- Re-trigger more spins from within the bonus round
This compounding effect lets you score the longest free spin sequences for the highest payout potential.
Finding Easter Eggs and Hidden Features
Software providers often conceal surprises known as Easter eggs inside their slots that are tricky but rewarding to uncover. Easter eggs may unlock secret bonus games, prize multipliers, jackpot wins and more.
For example, in NetEnt’s slot Space Wars, there is a hidden alien invasion feature that is triggered by getting missile symbols on specific reels. This opens a second screen level featuring free spins and multipliers up to 5x!
Other examples of Easter eggs include:
- Quick Time Events (QTEs) – sudden on-screen prompts challenging you to click/tap specific spots within games to win cash prizes or other rewards.
- Hidden mini-games – locate concealed buttons/symbols during main games to open hidden games with free spins, instant wins etc.
- Video intros/cutscenes – land scatter symbols in certain combinations to trigger unique full-motion video intros before free spin bonus rounds.
While tough to find, uncovering these Easter egg surprises can seriously amplify your payouts!
Analyzing High and Low Variance Slot Features
The math driving specific slot features influences their profitability for players. Analyzing variance helps determine which bonus types pay out most:
Low variance features:
- Locked/stacked wilds – Guarantee wins by locking multiple wild symbols on reels. Lower individual payouts but very consistent.
- Cluster pays – Landing clusters of matching symbols pays out regularly thanks to lots of winning combinations. Smaller wins.
High variance features:
- Multipliers – All wins are multiplied by fixed amounts (2x, 3x etc) or random multipliers (up to 10x). Bigger wins are possible.
- Cascading wins – Symbols explode and are replaced with new ones that also explode, allowing for chain reactions. Massive cumulative wins.
So while low-variance features hit more often, the bigger, less frequent payouts from high-variance bonuses can ultimately result in much higher potential maximum wins. Factor this into your strategy.
Increasing Bets Strategically
Varying your betting systematically at key moments can help expose games’ bonus features:
- Bet minimum first – Test new games cautiously before raising stakes.
- Slowly increase bets – Incrementally raise wagers to scout games for bonuses.
- Bet max sporadically – Occasionally place max bets to check for high-stakes bonuses.
- Lower bets after big wins – Reduce risk if you score a large payout.
This blend of high and low betting adapts to what you uncover during play. Containing risk while strategically max betting finds the optimal balance.
Bonus Tip Frequency By Provider
Not all game providers release slots with the same bonus frequencies and features. Analyzing the top providers shows notable trends:
| Provider | Estimated Bonus Frequency | Example Features |
| NetEnt | Very High | Free spins, multipliers, hidden surprises |
| Play’n GO | High | Bonus wheels, re-spins, jackpot games |
| Microgaming | Moderate | Pick me bonuses, instant wins |
| Playtech | Low | Linked progressive jackpots |
So focusing playtime on providers like NetEnt and Play’n Go will expose you to more common bonuses and better optimize results.
Maximizing Slot Bonuses Takes Skill
While slot outcomes are randomized, there are still many variables under your control. Bet sizes, specific games, risk tolerance and feature analysis all influence your ability to systematically uncover bonuses more often.
Learning to crack slot games takes a blend of casino math skills, variance knowledge, strategic betting and research to discover the special tricks and Easter eggs concealed inside modern video slots.
Combining all these approaches will empower you to release much more value and maximize your payout potential over the long run.
The keys to slots are right there in front of you. All it takes are the right strategies to turn them!
