What Slot Machine Prizes Can You Win Online?

If you enjoy spinning the reels while playing slots online, you've probably wondered what kinds of prizes are on offer. From smaller wins that extend your gameplay to jackpots that can turn a single spin into something thrilling, online slots offer a range of rewards - including real money cash prizes - some more surprising than others! 

At Virgin Games, we're serious about play, and that means knowing how things work behind the scenes. So, if you're curious about the different types of prizes you can win when playing online slots, here's a straightforward breakdown.

Base Game Wins: The Starting Point 

Every slot game comes with a paytable; the set of rules that explains which symbols pay what. Most of the time, landing three or more matching symbols from left to right on an active payline will class as a winning combination and trigger a payout. 

Lower-paying symbols (often letters or numbers) usually bring smaller prizes, while themed symbols or special icons tend to offer higher returns. These wins are called "base game" wins and are the most common way players see results from their spins. 

While they're often modest, these payouts keep the momentum going and can still award real money prizes, depending on the slot's volatility.

Free Spins: A Popular Bonus Feature 

Free Spins are one of the most familiar (and popular) slot bonuses. They're usually triggered by landing Scatter symbols, and when activated, they give you extra spins without using your balance. 

Here's why Free Spins are worth watching out for: 

• They're cost-free spins: You get real chances to win real money without spending your credits. 
• They often come with extras: Features like multipliers, sticky symbols, or expanding reels can be built in. 
• They can be retriggered: Some games allow you to earn more Free Spins during the round itself. 

The result? A feature that doesn't just extend your play but can sometimes lead to bigger real cash prizes than you'd find in the base game.

Multipliers: Boosting Your Winnings 

Multipliers do exactly what they say: multiply your win by a set value. A x2 multiplier turns a £5 win into £10, and so on. 

You'll often find multipliers tied to bonus rounds, cascades, or specific slot symbols. Some slots use progressive multipliers that increase with each consecutive win, especially in games with cascading reels. 

They're not always the headline feature, but when paired with Free Spins or high-paying symbols, multipliers can really lift the total prize value.

Jackpots: Fixed and Progressive 

Jackpots are what many players associate with the biggest prizes in online slots. They come in two main types: fixed and progressive. 

Fixed Jackpots 

These are set amounts that don't change and are often found in jackpot slots with multiple jackpot levels - such as Mini, Minor, Major, and Grand. You can see the potential win values upfront and sometimes trigger them via a bonus wheel or feature game. 

Take 3 Lucky Rainbows as an example. This cheerful, Irish-themed slot includes three fixed jackpots, each offering a different prize tier. Land the right symbols and you could trigger one of them. 

Progressive Jackpots 

These jackpots grow every time someone plays the game. A portion of each bet goes into a shared prize pool, which keeps rising until someone wins it. 

One example is Rainbow Riches: Jackpot O' Luck, a familiar favourite with a progressive twist. This version adds the chance to land a growing jackpot that can be triggered at random, giving each spin extra suspense. (Take Double Bubble Triple Jackpot as an example. This vibrant 5-reel slot includes the Bubble Popper Bonus - where three bonus symbols can trigger a chance at the progressive jackpot (starting at £25,000), as well as multiplied wins via its Bubble Line mechanic - offering serious real-money potential on every spin.)

Bonus Rounds and Pick-Me Features 

Many modern slots include bonus games that break up the base game action. These can include "pick-me" features, where you choose from several on-screen items to reveal a hidden prize. 

These features often lead to: 

• Instant real money cash wins 
• Entry into Free Spins 
• Jackpot wheels or bonus trails 
• Multipliers or symbol upgrades 

Not only do they add variety, but they also offer the chance to win in ways that aren't just about lining up symbols.

Cascading Wins and Expanding Symbols 

Some slots mix things up with unique mechanics that stretch what a "win" looks like. 

• Cascading wins (also called tumbling reels) remove winning symbols and drop new ones in their place, potentially triggering more wins from a single spin. 
• Expanding symbols, often seen in Free Spins, stretch to cover an entire reel, boosting the chances of a big combination. 

These aren't prizes in the traditional sense, but they can lead to long win chains and larger total real money prizes from a single spin.

Cash Prizes in Slingo and Other Variations 

While reel-based slots are the most well-known format, hybrid games like online Slingo (a mix of slots and bingo) offer their own prize paths. 

You might unlock real money cash prizes for: 

• Completing lines on a grid 
• Reaching score milestones 
• Climbing a bonus ladder 
• Competing in challenges or leaderboards 

These variations add another layer to the types of prizes available and can be a fun change of pace from standard spinning.

What You Can Win and Why It Matters

The appeal of online slots isn't just about bright lights and fun sound effects. It's the mix of prize potential - small, steady wins alongside the chance for bigger rewards - that keeps things interesting. 

To sum it up: 

• Base game wins keep your balance going with real money payouts 
• Free Spins and multipliers add excitement and prize potential 
• Bonus rounds and jackpots offer the chance for significant real cash prizes 
• Unique mechanics like cascades or expanding symbols create extra win paths 

At Virgin Games, our slots are built with fairness and entertainment in mind. The outcomes are random, the features are varied, and the prize potential is always part of the thrill. 

And remember, prizes aren't limited to what happens in the games themselves. With our red-hot rewards, you'll get access to a selection of special offers, bonuses, and promotions - all designed to bring even more excitement to your play, with chances to win Free Spins, bonuses, and real cash prizes along the way.  

Because when it comes to play, we're serious, and that includes every spin, every bonus, and every prize along the way. 

Discover exciting slot prizes, bonus features, and jackpot thrills at Virgin Games. Join today to explore top online slots and enjoy rewards that make every spin count.

All offers mentioned correct at the time of writing but may be subject to change.