Retrigger meaning in slots

Retrigger meaning in slots, defined

A trigger starts a feature. A retrigger restarts or extends it from inside. The usual case is a free spins round: if enough scatter symbols land during the free spins, more spins are added to the counter and the round runs longer. No extra stake is taken, because the whole feature belongs to the paid spin that started it.

Not every slot allows retriggers, and those that do set their own rules. That variety is why the word gets its own entry in our slot glossary, next to bonus game and its relatives.

Types of retrigger in slot machine features

Book of Dead is an example of scatters retriggering the same free spins round, keeping its special expanding symbol. Big Bass Bonanza uses the collection approach: the fisherman wilds collected during the feature add spins and raise the multiplier at set milestones, which our page on increasing multipliers in free spins explains. Gates of Olympus adds spins when scatters land during its free spins round. The exact numbers for each game are in its help screen.

How retriggers change the length of a bonus

Retriggers make features longer on average, and the maths is neat. Imagine a round of 10 free spins where each spin has a 1 in 50 chance of retriggering for another 10.

1. Each spin adds, on average, 10 × 1/50 = 0.2 extra spins.
2. So every spin you play produces 0.2 more spins, which produce 0.04 more, and so on.
3. The average total is 10 ÷ (1 − 0.2) = 12.5 spins.
4. Most rounds end at exactly 10 spins; a minority run to 20, 30 or more, which pulls the average up.
5. If the retrigger chance were 1 in 10, the average would be 10 ÷ (1 − 1) and the feature would never be expected to end, which is why designers cap retriggers or keep the chance low.

These figures are invented for illustration. The point is that retriggers add value mostly through rare, long features, which is one of the reasons feature-heavy slots are rated high volatility. The value of every possible retrigger is already included in the game's RTP.

Retriggers combined with multipliers and sticky wilds

Retriggers matter most when something builds during the feature. If a multiplier climbs with each retrigger, or sticky wilds stay in place as spins are added, later spins are worth far more than early ones. That is how a feature can turn a small stake into a large multiple. Progressive multipliers and collection designs are built around this effect. It also means that most of a game's top-end potential sits in a small fraction of features.

Max win caps and retriggers

Many slots stop a feature as soon as total winnings reach the max win, even if spins remain. So retriggers cannot push a result past the published cap. Our explainer on max win caps gives examples. Because the feature belongs to the original paid spin's game cycle, UK stake limits apply to that original stake, not to each free spin; the Gambling Commission's stake limit guidance (opens in a new tab) defines the game cycle this way.

Fruit machine equivalents of a retrigger

British fruit machines have their own versions. A repeat chance feature can replay a win or feature, and some machines run streak features that continue while a condition holds. On compensated machines, how often these appear depends partly on recent payouts. In a pub these are usually Category C machines, limited to a £1 stake and £100 prize and restricted to adults aged 18+.

Retriggers and UK game design rules

Features and retriggers on UK-licensed online slots follow the game design rules in force since 31 October 2021: no autoplay, at least 2.5 seconds per spin, and no celebration of returns equal to or smaller than the stake. The Commission's summary of the technical standards changes (opens in a new tab) sets these out. Free spins inside a feature play automatically as part of the triggering game, which is different from autoplay of paid spins.

Retriggers during Coral and Ladbrokes offer spins

If an offer spin triggers a game's free spins and that round retriggers, the extra spins play at the same 10p stake. Coral gives new players aged 18+ 100 free spins on selected games after a deposit and £10 or more bet on slots, accepted within 48 hours and valid 7 days, with no wagering on winnings. Ladbrokes gives new customers aged 18+ who deposit and play £10 on slots 50 free spins a day for 10 days, up to 500 at 10p each, claimed before 23:59 daily, no wagering. Some payment methods are excluded and terms apply; both brands share an operator. Our guide to free spins winnings explains how those winnings are credited.

18+. Gambling should be entertainment that costs money, not a way to make it. Decide a budget before you play: plan a slot budget. Free, confidential help: National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133.