How do online slots implement cascading reels?

In a traditional slot, symbols stop spinning; the game evaluates any wins and then waits for the player to spin again. With cascading reels, winning symbols disappear after the payout and are replaced by new symbols. This process continues until no new winning combinations are formed, all from a single initial spin. Added excitement is added to each spin, as players have the potential for multiple wins from a single bet. The reels constantly move during winning spins, creating a more dynamic and visually engaging experience.

Basic implementation of cascading reels

1. Initial spin – The reels spin and stop as in a traditional slot.
2. Win evaluation – The game checks for winning combinations.
3. Payout – Any wins are paid out to the player.
4. Symbol removal – Winning symbols are removed from the reels.
5. Cascade – New symbols fall from above to fill the empty spaces.
6. Re-evaluation – The game checks for new winning combinations.
7. Repeat – Steps 3-6 repeat until no new wins occur.

While this basic structure is familiar to most cascading reel slots, developers have found numerous ways to innovate and expand upon this concept.

Variations in cascading reel implementations

Symbol generation

Different slots handle the generation of new symbols in various ways:

• Top-down cascade – New symbols fall from above the visible reel area. This is the most common implementation in games like Gonzo’s Quest.
• Bottom-up cascade – New symbols are pushed up from below in some games, such as in Push Gaming’s Jammin’ Jars.
• Side-to-side cascade – Occasionally, symbols may slide in from the sides, creating a unique visual effect.

Symbol behavior

• Gravity effect – Symbols fall into empty spaces below them, creating a realistic falling effect. This is common in games like Gems Bonanza.
• Fixed positions – New symbols always appear in the same position in some server maxwin slots, usually the top row. This is seen in games like Reactoonz.
• Symbol transformation – Some games transform existing symbols rather than removing them entirely. For example, in Twin Spin Megaways, winning symbols explode and transform into two smaller symbols.

Win multipliers

Many cascading reel slots incorporate win multipliers that increase with each successive cascade:

• Fixed progression – Games like Gonzo’s Quest increase the multiplier by a set amount with each cascade.
• Variable progression – Some slots, like Big Time Gaming’s Holy Diver, use a random multiplier increase with each cascade.
• Capped multipliers – Many games cap the maximum multiplier to balance gameplay and potential payouts.

Integration with other features

Cascading reels often interact with other slot features:

• Free spins – Many games use cascades to trigger free spin rounds. For example, Moon Princess, achieving a certain number of cascades activates the free spins feature.
• Symbol collection – Some slots, like Pragmatic Play’s Sweet Bonanza, collect special symbols during cascades to trigger bonus features.
• Grid expansion – In games like Red Tiger’s Pirates’ Plenty: Battle for Gold, cascades lead to the expansion of the game grid, offering more ways to win.

Implementing cascading reels in online slots represents a significant evolution in game design. Developers have created variations and innovations from symbols disappearing and new ones falling into place. These implementations have made slots more visually engaging and introduced new levels of excitement and winning potential.