When exploring Magician slots on Slingo, one of the first things new players notice is the generous bonus system. Unlike some other UK online slots, Magician’s Secrets gives players a clear choice once they trigger the Free Spins feature: stick with the Expanding Wilds option or go for Sticky Wilds. Each path has its own rhythm, rewards, and volatility, which makes understanding them important before committing to a style of play.
This guide breaks down exactly how those bonuses work, what scatters do to unlock them, and the key differences between Expanding and Sticky Wilds. It’s written as a practical, beginner-friendly resource, designed to remove confusion and give UK players clarity. Wins are never guaranteed and outcomes are entirely based on chance, but knowing what each bonus does can help you enjoy the experience more fully.
Getting Into the Bonus Round: Scatter Symbols Explained
Every bonus in Magician’s Secrets starts with scatter symbols. The scatter is the game’s gateway into Free Spins and shows up across the reels at random. Land three or more scatters on a single spin, and you’ll unlock the special round where the Expanding vs Sticky Wilds decision comes into play.
The scatter mechanic is worth remembering because it adds anticipation to every spin. While the base game delivers payouts through paylines and symbols, scatters operate outside those rules. They don’t need to line up; they simply need to appear. Once triggered, the game moves into a new stage of play, giving players the sense of entering a second act.
Expanding Wilds Bonus: How It Works
In this option, Free Spins begin with a dynamic twist. Here’s the flow:
- The bonus round provides 10 free spins to start.
- On each spin, one reel is randomly chosen to be “special.”
- If a Wild lands on that reel, it expands to cover the entire reel.
- When expanded, the Wild reel carries a multiplier, often starting at 2x but capable of going higher as the round continues.
This setup means that one spin can suddenly transform into a high-impact event if the right reel is chosen and the Wild lands there. Because the expanding Wild covers an entire reel, it has the potential to connect multiple paylines at once, multiplying winnings across the board.
It’s important to stress that while multipliers look enticing, they are not guarantees of a payout. Expanding Wilds bring volatility: long stretches of nothing punctuated by exciting bursts when the feature lines up correctly. For UK players who prefer dramatic highs and are comfortable with the unpredictability.
Sticky Wilds Bonus: What’s Different
The Sticky Wilds option provides a more gradual, accumulating style of gameplay:
- This feature begins with 8 free spins rather than 10.
- Wilds that land during the round remain “stuck” in place for the rest of the spins.
- If you fill certain reels or clusters with Wilds, they dramatically increase payout chances across multiple paylines.
- Retriggers can add extra spins, keeping the Sticky Wilds in play longer.
Sticky Wilds often appeal to players who prefer seeing progress build across their session. Each new Wild feels like a stepping stone toward a stronger position, and by the later spins, the board may be heavily reinforced with Wilds.
The trade-off is pacing: early spins can feel slow if Wilds don’t appear, and the potential is capped compared with the explosive multipliers of the Expanding option. Still, for players who like consistency and enjoy watching their screen fill with sticky markers, this choice can be highly engaging.
Bonus Comparison at a Glance
To make the differences clearer, here’s a simple contrast:
|
Feature |
Expanding Wilds Bonus |
Sticky Wilds Bonus |
|
Starting Spins |
10 |
8 |
|
Wild Behaviour |
Expands full reel |
Stays fixed in place |
|
Multipliers |
Reel multipliers possible |
No multipliers, focus on coverage |
|
Volatility |
High – big swings |
Medium – steady build |
|
Appeal |
Burst potential |
Progressive setup |
Both are based on luck, and neither is superior in every situation. The choice really comes down to whether you prefer volatility with bursts or a steady ramp-up of Wild coverage.
Retriggers and Mechanics
One element that applies to both modes is the chance to retrigger Free Spins. If additional scatter symbols appear during the bonus, the game can award extra spins. In Sticky Wilds, that means more chances to stack Wilds on top of existing ones. In Expanding Wilds, retriggers extend the window for multiplier reels to hit.
Again, retriggers are never certain. They are coded into the random nature of the slot. UK players should always treat them as lucky bonuses rather than something to expect in every session.
Bonus Buy Option (and UK Restrictions)
Internationally, Magician’s Secrets includes a Bonus Buy feature, where players can pay a set amount to trigger Free Spins instantly rather than waiting for scatters. However, this feature is not available to UK players due to regulatory requirements. For UK audiences, Free Spins can only be accessed through scatter symbols in standard play.
This restriction is important to note, especially for players reading international reviews or watching streaming content where Bonus Buy is showcased. While it’s part of the design, UKGC compliance means the feature is locked out for local players.
Choosing Between Expanding vs Sticky Wilds
So, which option should you choose when Free Spins appear? The answer depends on your playing style:
- Pick Expanding Wilds if you enjoy unpredictability, higher volatility, and the excitement of multiplier reels that can deliver big results in a single spin.
- Pick Sticky Wilds if you prefer visible progress, like building advantages gradually, and want to see Wilds stack up for steady payouts across multiple lines.
Remember, there is no “best” choice in a mathematical sense. Both options are built around chance, and outcomes vary. Your decision should be guided by what feels more entertaining to you as a player.
Where to Read More
If you’re new, start with the How to Play Magician’s Secrets: UK Beginner Guide to get the full basics on paylines, bet sizes, and features. For players curious about returns and long-term performance, the RTP review is another useful reference.
For those who want to dig deeper into game features beyond this title, you can also explore how bonus rounds are explained in blogs such as understanding bonus attraction, the role of hold & spin in hybrid designs, or even guides to top slots with engaging features that appear across Slingo’s collection.
Final Thoughts
Magician’s Secrets sets itself apart by offering choice. Many slots simply hand players one type of Free Spins feature, but here, the design acknowledges different playstyles. Expanding Wilds bring intensity and unpredictability, while Sticky Wilds emphasise structure and accumulation. Both are fun, both rely on luck, and both create a fresh feel depending on your selection.
If you’re curious to see which one resonates with you most, the best approach is simply to try them in real sessions. Wins are not guaranteed, and all outcomes are random, but understanding the mechanics gives you confidence in what you’re experiencing.
Pick your favourite bonus style and spin on Slingo to find out which suits your style. 18+ | Play Responsibly
