A sticky wild is a wild symbol that stays locked in its position for more than one spin. It keeps substituting for other symbols on each following spin, for a set number of spins or until the feature ends.
What sticky wilds are
On most slots, every spin starts from a blank grid. A sticky wild breaks that rule for one symbol: once it lands, it holds while the other positions spin. Sticky wilds are most common inside free spins, where each wild that lands may stay for the rest of the round, but they also appear in the base game with a respin.
How it works, step by step
- A wild lands, during the base game or a bonus round.
- The game marks it as sticky, often with a frame or a lock icon.
- On the next spin, the sticky wild stays in place and every other position spins.
- Wins are evaluated with the sticky wild in its fixed spot.
- Further wilds that land may also become sticky, so the number of fixed wilds can grow.
- When the rule ends, after a set number of spins, at the end of a respin chain or when free spins finish, the wilds are cleared.
Common variations
- Round-long sticky wilds: in free spins, every wild that lands stays for the rest of the round.
- Countdown wilds: each sticky wild shows a number of spins remaining.
- Sticky multiplier wilds: the wild carries a multiplier that may grow each spin it stays.
- Sticky expanding wilds: an expanding wild that holds its whole reel.
- Respin until no new wild: the respins continue as long as each one adds a new sticky wild.
- Other sticky symbols: cash or coin symbols that stay in place are the basis of hold and win.
What it does to the maths and the feel
Sticky wilds create momentum within a feature: each one that lands improves every remaining spin of that feature. A round that picks up several early tends to pay well, while one where they arrive late, or not at all, pays little. That makes results inside the bonus very uneven, which is a form of volatility.
The game's designer balances sticky wilds against how often the feature triggers and how much the symbols pay, so the overall return still comes out at the game's RTP. A round with no sticky wilds is not a "bad" outcome the game owes you back later. Each feature is independent.
Rules in Great Britain
Sticky wild games are available on GB-licensed sites. The usual stake limits and game design rules apply. Free spins with sticky wilds are played as part of the triggering game and do not need further stakes. Because autoplay is banned on GB-licensed online slots, base-game spins are started one at a time.
Questions people ask
How long does a sticky wild stay?
That depends on the game. Common rules are for a set number of spins, until a respin sequence ends, or for the whole of a free spins round.
Do sticky wilds appear in the base game?
Sometimes, usually with a respin. More often they are a free spins feature, where wilds lock for the rest of the round.
Are sticky wilds the same as walking wilds?
No. A sticky wild stays in the same position. A walking wild moves one position each spin until it leaves the grid.