Cascading wins – when one spin gives several wins
Cascading wins are one of the most popular mechanics in modern video slots. Game providers use different names for it – tumble, avalanche, cascading reels – but the principle is always the same. When a spin produces a win, the winning symbols are removed from the grid, the remaining symbols drop down and the empty positions fill with new symbols falling from above. If the new arrangement forms another win, the process repeats. The cascade continues until no new win is formed, so a single paid spin can produce several wins in a row.
In many cascading games the mechanic is tied to a growing multiplier. Each consecutive cascade raises the multiplier, which resets at the start of a new spin. In the bonus round, in some games the multiplier is kept for the whole round, which can noticeably affect the round's outcome. Cascades are often used together with the Megaways mechanic and cluster pays, where a win does not depend on fixed lines. All these rules are set out in the game's info menu, which is worth reading before playing.
Cascades create a strong impression that the game gives "free extra wins". In reality the frequency and size of cascades are part of the game's maths and already factored into its RTP and volatility. A cascading game is therefore no more favourable to the player than an ordinary slot. Remember too that several small cascade wins can add up to less than the stake – animations and sounds can create a feeling of winning even when the balance is actually going down. Every spin is independent and the result is determined by a certified random number generator.
In Estonia, slot games may only be offered by casinos licensed by the Estonian Tax and Customs Board (EMTA), whose games are tested and whose rules are available to the player. You can get to know the cascading mechanic in the game's demo version before playing with real money.
Slot play is entertainment, not a source of income. Casino games in Estonia are only allowed for people aged 21 and over. Watch your actual balance, set yourself time and money limits, and if gambling starts to cause concern, help is available at peaasi.ee and tai.ee.