Hold&Spin(Link)SlotMachines
Hold-and-spin Link slot machines feature the bonus mechanic that defines the Lightning Link, Dragon Link, and Mighty Cash product families. Locked prize symbols stay on screen while the rest of the reels respin for a fixed number of additional spins, with linked progressive jackpots layered on top. Even though the hold-and-spin trigger itself is random, the surrounding multi-tier progressives and counter sub-features create reliable advantage play angles on these cabinets — and the install base means there are usually several to scout per floor.
Mechanics
How hold & spin (link) machines work
Special prize symbols (often gold coins with credit values) land on the reels during base play. When 6+ land on a single spin, the hold-and-spin bonus triggers: the prize symbols lock and the remaining positions respin three times, with each new prize symbol resetting the counter. Filling the entire screen typically awards a Grand jackpot. Linked progressive tiers attach to specific symbol values: a 'GRAND' symbol awards the top progressive, a 'MAJOR' awards the second tier, and so on. Because progressives are linked across multiple cabinets, meter rates are fast and breakeven thresholds are crossed regularly. Aristocrat is the dominant manufacturer of the Link product family.
Advantage Play
Advantage play tactics for hold & spin (link)
Treat hold-and-spin Link cabinets primarily as multi-tier progressive plays — the bonus itself is random, but the linked jackpots are not. Read the Grand and Major meters on every Link bank during a floor walk. When either tier crosses its breakeven threshold, sit on any cabinet on that bank that shows clean state (no abandoned partial features). Bet at the qualifying level — minimum bet on these games typically excludes the top progressive. Walk if a competing player triggers the bonus before you do.
Multi-Tier EV Calculator