The feature trail
A ladder of lights leading to the machine's main prizes.
By Ryan Jessop. Last checked .
Key takeaways
- Numbers on the reels advance you.
- The top opens a feature board.
- Much of the return is paid there.
- Unique to British machines.
In shortThe feature trail is a row of lights you climb by landing numbered symbols. Reaching the end opens a board of prizes, which is where a fruit machine pays much of its return.
Climbing it
Some reel symbols carry small numbers. Landing them on the line moves you that many steps. The trail usually resets each spin unless a hold or bonus keeps it.
The board
| Square | What it gives |
|---|---|
| Cash | A fixed amount |
| Nudges | Extra nudges to use at once |
| Repeat chance | Another go at the board |
| Cash ladder | A hi-lo climb up a prize ladder |
| Jackpot | The top prize, typically £100 in a pub |
Playing the board
A light skips around the board and you stop it, or you choose. On most machines the stop is not truly timed: the outcome is decided by the machine.
Why it exists
With a £100 ceiling, the trail gives a pub machine a sense of progress that reels alone cannot.
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Slot figures are developers' published defaults, each confirmed against two sources; the version at your casino can differ. UK land-based stake and prize limits and online rule dates were checked against Gambling Commission and licensing authority sources on 6 October 2026. History follows commonly cited accounts. Offer terms dated 5 October 2026. How we check. 18+. Free help: 0808 8020 133 or safer gambling.
Frequently asked questions
What is a feature trail?
A ladder leading to a prize board.
How do I climb it?
By landing numbered symbols.
Can I time the stop?
Usually not.
What is the top prize?
Typically £100 in a pub.