Introduction: Navigating the World of Online Pokies
For those new to the exciting world of online gambling, the sheer variety of options can feel overwhelming. In New Zealand, online pokies (or slots, as they are known elsewhere) are a hugely popular pastime. One of the most enticing features of many pokies is the bonus round. These special features offer players the chance to significantly boost their winnings, often with free spins, multipliers, or interactive mini-games. This guide is designed specifically for beginners, demystifying bonus rounds and highlighting some excellent options available at online casinos like Wazamba NZ, where you can explore a wide selection of pokies with these thrilling features.
Understanding Bonus Rounds: Your Key to Bigger Wins
Bonus rounds are essentially extra features within a pokie game that are triggered by specific combinations of symbols, often scatter symbols or bonus symbols. These rounds vary greatly from game to game, but they all share the potential to increase your winnings. They provide a break from the standard spinning and matching of symbols, injecting excitement and the chance for substantial payouts. Before diving in, it’s crucial to understand the different types of bonus rounds you might encounter.
Types of Bonus Rounds
- Free Spins: This is perhaps the most common type. Triggering a free spins bonus awards you a set number of spins without having to wager any of your own money. Often, these free spins come with added benefits like multipliers or special symbols.
- Pick-and-Click Games: These bonus rounds present you with a selection of hidden prizes. You might be asked to choose from chests, doors, or other objects, each hiding a cash prize or multiplier.
- Wheel of Fortune: These bonus rounds involve spinning a wheel to determine your prize. The wheel can offer various rewards, including cash prizes, multipliers, or entry into other bonus features.
- Interactive Mini-Games: Some pokies feature complex bonus rounds that involve skill or strategy. These can range from simple puzzles to more elaborate games that mirror the theme of the pokie.
Key Symbols to Watch Out For
Understanding the symbols that trigger bonus rounds is essential. While the specific symbols vary depending on the pokie, here are some common ones:
- Scatter Symbols: These symbols often trigger free spins or other bonus features, and they don’t necessarily need to appear on a payline to activate the bonus.
- Bonus Symbols: These symbols are specifically designed to trigger bonus rounds. They often need to appear in a specific combination or on certain reels to activate the feature.
- Wild Symbols: While not directly triggering bonus rounds, wild symbols can substitute for other symbols (except scatter or bonus symbols) to help you create winning combinations, potentially leading to bonus round triggers.
Top Pokies with Exciting Bonus Rounds at Wazamba NZ
Now, let’s explore some popular pokies at Wazamba NZ known for their engaging bonus rounds. Remember, the best pokie for you depends on your personal preferences and playing style. Always check the paytable of a pokie before playing to understand how the bonus round is triggered and what rewards are on offer.
Starburst
While not heavily reliant on a complex bonus round, Starburst, a NetEnt classic, offers a unique re-spin feature triggered by the Starburst Wilds. These expanding wilds can cover an entire reel and trigger a re-spin, leading to potentially massive wins. It’s a simple yet highly engaging feature that keeps players entertained.
Gonzo’s Quest
Gonzo’s Quest, another NetEnt favourite, features the Avalanche feature. Winning symbols disappear and are replaced by new ones, potentially leading to multiple wins from a single spin. Furthermore, each consecutive win increases the multiplier, offering the chance for significant payouts. The Free Falls bonus round (triggered by three or more Free Fall symbols) adds an extra layer of excitement with even higher multipliers.
Book of Dead
This Play’n GO pokie is a staple in many online casinos. The bonus round is triggered by landing three or more scatter symbols, which also act as wilds. The bonus round awards free spins with a special expanding symbol that can cover entire reels, leading to potentially huge wins. The simplicity of the bonus round, combined with its high payout potential, makes it a popular choice.
Legacy of Dead
A sequel to Book of Dead, Legacy of Dead takes the bonus round one step further. It also uses free spins with expanding symbols, but if you re-trigger the bonus round, an additional expanding symbol is added, increasing your chances of winning even more. This adds a layer of depth and excitement to the gameplay.
Wolf Gold
This Pragmatic Play pokie features a Money Respin feature, triggered by landing six or more moon symbols. The symbols lock in place, and you are awarded three respins. If you land more moon symbols during the respins, the counter resets to three. This continues until you fill all the positions with moons or run out of respins, offering the chance to win massive prizes, including the jackpot.
Tips for Beginners: Maximizing Your Bonus Round Experience
Playing pokies with bonus rounds can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s important to approach it strategically. Here are some tips for beginners:
- Read the Paytable: Before you start playing any pokie, carefully review the paytable. This will explain how the bonus round is triggered, what symbols to look for, and the potential payouts.
- Set a Budget: Gambling should always be done responsibly. Set a budget before you start playing and stick to it. Don’t chase losses.
- Start with Smaller Bets: When you’re new to a game, it’s wise to start with smaller bets. This allows you to get a feel for the game and understand how the bonus round works without risking too much of your bankroll.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Divide your bankroll into smaller sessions. If you’re having a losing streak, take a break and come back later.
- Choose Pokies with a High RTP: Return to Player (RTP) is the percentage of all wagered money that a pokie is expected to pay back to players over time. Look for pokies with a high RTP to increase your chances of winning.
- Enjoy the Experience: Online pokies are meant to be fun. Don’t get too caught up in winning or losing. Enjoy the excitement of the bonus rounds and the overall gameplay.
Conclusion: Spin Your Way to Success
Bonus rounds are a fantastic feature of online pokies, offering the potential for significant wins and adding an extra layer of excitement to your gaming experience. By understanding the different types of bonus rounds, knowing what symbols to look for, and following some simple tips, you can increase your chances of success. Explore the wide selection of pokies with exciting bonus rounds available at Wazamba NZ and start spinning your way to potential riches. Remember to gamble responsibly and enjoy the thrill of the game!
