Sticky wild: what it means in slots

A sticky wild stays in place for a number of spins, or for the rest of a feature, instead of disappearing after one spin, so it can contribute to several wins.

Key takeaways

  • Stays on the reels for several spins.
  • Common in free spins rounds.
  • Can stack with expanding or multiplier wilds.
  • Raises the value of a feature.
In short: A sticky wild stays in place for a number of spins, or for the rest of a feature, instead of disappearing after one spin, so it can contribute to several wins.

How sticky wilds work

Once a sticky wild lands, it holds its position while the other reels spin. Some last for a set number of spins; others stay until the feature ends.

Sticky vs expanding

An expanding wild grows to fill a reel; a sticky one stays put over time. Some games combine both, as Starburst’s expanding wilds hold for respins.

Read the rules

The help screen explains how long sticky wilds last and whether they carry multipliers.

Back to: the full slot and spins glossary.

Slot figures are developers' published defaults, each confirmed against two sources; your casino may run a lower RTP. Offer terms dated 9 October 2026. How we check. 18+. Free help: 0808 8020 133 or safer gambling.

Frequently asked questions

How long do sticky wilds last?

It varies: a set number of spins or the whole feature.

Are sticky wilds only in free spins?

Mostly, but some base games use them.

Do sticky wilds improve RTP?

No. The RTP already accounts for them.

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