Cascading Reels

Cascading Reels is a reel mechanic in slots, also known as Avalanche, Tumbling, or Rolling Reels, where symbols do not spin in the usual way. Instead, they drop down from the top of the screen. When a player gets a winning combination, the symbols in that win disappear. New symbols then fall into the empty spaces. If these new symbols create another win, the process repeats. This can happen many times during one spin. Each time new symbols fall, it is called a cascade.

This mechanic gives players more than one chance to win from a single bet. Some games also increase the win multiplier with each cascade. For example, the first win pays normally, but the second win in the same spin pays more, and so on. Cascading Reels is often used to make the game feel more dynamic. It also helps players win more from one spin without placing extra bets.

The mechanic became popular after the release of Gonzo’s Quest by NetEnt in 2011, where it was used for the first time. Other providers use different names for this mechanic, like Avalanche Reels, Tumbling Reels, and Rolling Reels. All these names refer to the same type of reel mechanic, where symbols fall down and disappear after wins.

Games with Cascading Reels usually have higher volatility. This means that wins may happen in streaks, but not all the time. A player may get many cascades in one spin and then many spins with no wins.

Wins from slots with cascading reels do not change the RTP, but they spread one spin's payout over several steps. You still place one bet, but the game may pay out in parts if multiple wins happen in a row.

Many slots also add multipliers or bonus features during free spins that work with cascades. A simple strategy is to play with small bets to keep your balance safe and wait for good cascade rounds. Since all outcomes are still random, each new symbol drop is decided by chance.

Cascading Reels is different from normal spinning reels. It adds extra steps to one spin, making the game feel faster and more engaging. But it also comes with risk. Users should understand that more action does not always mean more wins.

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