Slot machines with Cluster Pay payout in clusters rather than individually. Cluster Pays disqualifies the more common left-to-right payline system. NetEnt’s Aloha! Engineering was the first of its kind.
Therefore, slot symbols can be matched vertically and horizontally, from left to right and right to left. Regardless of reels, position, or lines, the existence of matching symbols is what defines a winning combination. To win a cluster payout, symbols must land in a cluster and touch at least one of the four corners – view more at Wizard Slot – Top Slot Games.
Payouts are based on the value of the various symbols—the greater the size of the Cluster, the greater the payout.
Cluster payout slots have received a lot of praise from gamblers due to their element of surprise. The players’ uncertainty about the size of the clusters of symbols will make the games more exciting.
Evaluating the Benefits and Drawbacks of Cluster Pays Slots:
How do cluster payments improve the slot-playing experience?
- The biggest perk is the element of surprise, as you never know where or when a winning combination will occur.
- Since they are not limited to appearing in any particular pattern of lines, your chances of winning increase.
- If you play a slot machine that offers cluster payouts, you might win quite large amounts.
- The larger the Cluster, the greater your rewards will be.
- Some of the most popular slot machines with cluster payouts include additional bonuses.
The disadvantages of cluster payouts in slot machines.
- Slot machines with cluster payouts are very different from standard machines. In many cases, cluster pay slots do not contribute to a progressive jackpot.
- Learning how to play Cluster pays slots may take some practice for some players.
How Cluster Pays Work?
When multiple similar symbols come together, clusters form. In some cases, a winning combination consists of 4 or more of the same symbol.
One of the best examples of a slot machine that uses a cluster pay structure is NetEnt’s Aloha Cluster Pays game.
Unlike Aloha Cluster Pays, most other online slot machines don’t rely on paylines to create winning combinations. All winning clusters in this game must be produced simultaneously. You win if you acquire 9 or more of the same symbol in a row. For a set of nine, you’ll receive the following payouts: $5 for the pink flowers, $5 for the teal seashell, $5 for the coconut, $5 for the pineapple, $20 for the blue Tiki pole, $20 for the green Tiki pole, $30 for the red Tiki pole.
They have a significant payout structure, with clusters of 30 paying out as much as they do.
Interesting information on Cluster bonuses:
When playing some games (such as Reactoonz), a win is guaranteed whenever four symbols make a square (instead of 5-7, which are required normally). Furthermore, the value of such a win has increased.
- The cluster pays for games. As far as we know, Netent is the only major developer offering Cluster Pays slots. Other industry giants such as Yggdrasil, Pragmatic, and Playngo make.
- Netent also pioneered the Cluster payouts feature on their Aloha slot. Therefore, Netent is an early adopter.
- In essence, slot machines with cluster payouts are the same as Megaways machines in that they pay in any possible way. It’s not common practice to refer to these as “Megaways,” though.
- A Cluster pays slot machine does not exist that also features a progressive network jackpot.
