This bonus hunt glossary defines every term used in the bonus hunting format — from the core concepts like break-even multiplier and collection phase, to provider-specific mechanics like xWays and xNudge, to streamer tools like OBS overlays and shareable results links. Whether you are running your first hunt or building a long-term results tracking habit, this bonus hunt glossary is the single reference you need. Every term links to its full guide where one exists. For broader casino and slot terminology, see the iGaming Glossary (120+ terms).
Bonus Hunt Glossary — 55+ Terms From A to X
A
- Average Multiplier
- The mean multiplier across all opened bonuses in a hunt. Calculated as total return ÷ (number of bonuses × bet size). If your average multiplier exceeds the break-even multiplier, the hunt is profitable. The Bonus Hunt Tracker calculates this automatically.
- Autoplay
- An automated spin feature that keeps the reels spinning without manual clicks. Useful during the natural trigger collection phase with a “stop on feature” setting enabled. Use with loss limits set.
B
- Balance Delta Method
- The technique for calculating the true cost of a naturally triggered bonus: note your balance before spinning, spin until the bonus triggers, note your balance at trigger. The difference is your net cost after base game returns. Essential for natural trigger hunting on Bet365/Unibet where costs are variable.
- Bankroll
- The total amount of money set aside specifically for bonus hunting — separate from living expenses. Not the same as session budget (which is a portion of it). The 20% rule: never risk more than 20% of your bankroll on a single hunt. Full guide: Bonus Hunt Bankroll Guide.
- Bet Size
- The amount wagered per spin, which determines the cost of each bonus buy (typically 100× bet) and the value of each win. Budget should buy at least 10 bonuses. See How to Plan a Bonus Hunt for the sizing formula.
- Bonus Buy
- Paying a fixed cost (typically 100× bet) to trigger the bonus feature instantly — the fastest way to build a hunt list. Banned for UK players on UKGC-licensed casinos since October 2021. Full guide: Bonus Buy Slots.
- Bonus Hunt
- The format of collecting multiple saved bonus rounds across different slots, then opening them all in a single session while tracking total cost, return, and ROI. The defining format of casino slot streaming. Full guide: What Is a Bonus Hunt.
- Bonus Hunt Tracker
- A purpose-built tool for recording bonuses, calculating break-even and required multiplier live, tracking running P&L, and generating shareable results links. The SlotDecoded Bonus Hunt Tracker is free, requires no signup, and includes an OBS overlay. See Tracker vs Spreadsheet for why it beats manual tracking.
- Bonus RTP
- The return to player percentage specific to the bonus feature — distinct from the base game RTP. A slot can have 95% base RTP but 97% bonus RTP. Higher bonus RTP means lower structural disadvantage per bonus opened. See How Slot Features Affect RTP.
- Break-Even Multiplier
- The average multiplier every bonus in a hunt must return for total payout to equal total cost. Formula: total cost ÷ (bonuses × bet size). The key metric before opening. The Bonus Hunt Calculator computes it instantly.
- Bust Probability
- The likelihood of losing your entire session budget (or a defined percentage of it) during a hunt. Depends on volatility, bonus count, and bet sizing. The Session Risk Analyzer models bust probability via Monte Carlo simulation.
C
- Cascading Reels
- A mechanic where winning symbols are removed and replaced by new ones falling from above, allowing multiple wins from a single spin. Also called tumble, avalanche, or gravity mechanics. Common in Pragmatic Play and Nolimit City bonus features.
- Collection Phase
- The first phase of a bonus hunt — when bonuses are bought or triggered and saved across multiple slots. Takes 15–30 minutes via bonus buys, 2–4 hours via natural triggers. Budget is set with the Responsible Gambling Planner before starting.
- Cluster Pays
- A win mechanic where matching symbols touching horizontally or vertically form a winning cluster — no traditional paylines required. See Cluster Pays Guide.
D
- Dead Bonus
- A bonus that returns less than the cost of triggering it — often returning less than 10× bet on a 100× buy. The majority of Nolimit City bonuses are dead bonuses. This is the mathematical cost of extreme max win potential.
- Deposit Limit
- A casino-enforced cap on how much you can deposit within a set period (daily, weekly, monthly). Required by UKGC-licensed operators. The most practical bankroll protection tool available. See Bankroll Guide.
E
- Expected Value (EV)
- The mathematically predicted outcome of a bet or session over an infinite sample. For bonus hunts, EV converges toward the bonus RTP of the selected slots — which is below 100%. Individual sessions vary widely due to variance, but long-term EV is always determined by the house edge.
F
- Feature Buy
- Synonym for bonus buy — the button in the slot interface that lets you purchase instant access to the bonus feature. Labelled “Feature Buy”, “Bonus Buy”, or a lightning bolt icon depending on the provider.
- Floor Game
- In the 3-layer framework, a medium-volatility slot (2,000–5,000× max win) that provides consistent 20–80× returns to prevent total collapse. Examples: Gates of Olympus, Fruit Party. Represents ~40% of a well-built hunt list.
- Free Spins
- The most common bonus feature type — a set of spins played at no additional cost, often with enhanced mechanics (multipliers, expanded wilds, extra scatters). The feature that is “saved” and “opened” during a bonus hunt.
G
- GAMSTOP
- A free self-exclusion service that blocks you from all UKGC-licensed online casinos simultaneously. Available at gamstop.co.uk. See Take a Break From Gambling.
H
- High Volatility
- A slot math model that produces infrequent but large wins — long dry spells punctuated by big moments. Most Nolimit City and Hacksaw Gaming slots used in bonus hunts are high or extreme volatility. See What Is Slot Volatility.
- Hit Frequency
- How often a slot produces any winning spin, expressed as a percentage or ratio (e.g., 1 in 4 spins). For bonus hunting, the bonus hit frequency (how often the feature triggers naturally) matters most for natural trigger hunts. See Slot Hit Rate.
- Hunt List
- The complete set of saved bonuses for a single bonus hunt session. A well-built hunt list uses the 3-layer framework: floor (40%), backbone (35%), moonshot (25%). Typically 10–20 bonuses for recreational players.
L
- Loss Stop
- A pre-set limit that triggers the end of a session when a defined loss amount is reached. Should be set before every collection phase as part of responsible gambling planning. See Bankroll Guide.
M
- Max Win
- The maximum a single bonus can pay, expressed as a multiplier of bet size (e.g., 50,000×). Moonshot slots have 25,000×+ max win — the upside tail that can rescue an entire hunt. See Highest Max Win Slots and Max Win Explained.
- Megaways
- A variable ways-to-win mechanic (licensed from Big Time Gaming) that changes the number of symbols per reel on every spin — up to 117,649 ways on a 6-reel game. See Megaways vs Classic Slots.
- Moonshot
- In the 3-layer framework, an extreme-volatility slot (25,000×+ max win) with low probability of hitting big but session-transforming potential when it does. Nolimit City and Hacksaw Gaming titles fill this role. Represents ~25% of a hunt list.
- Multiplier
- A factor applied to a win that increases its value (e.g., 5× multiplier on a €10 win = €50). Can be persistent (carries through the bonus) or per-spin. xBomb and xNudge mechanics in NLC slots create the most extreme multiplier accumulation.
N
- Natural Trigger
- Spinning in the base game until the bonus lands organically — as opposed to using a bonus buy. Required for UK players where bonus buys are banned. Takes significantly longer but base game returns partially offset the cost. See Bonus Hunt on Bet365.
- “Now Opening” Panel
- A feature of the Bonus Hunt Tracker OBS overlay that displays the name of the slot currently being opened on stream — updating automatically as the player enters results.
O
- OBS Overlay
- A browser source in OBS Studio that displays live bonus hunt statistics on stream — running P&L, required multiplier, bonuses remaining, and current slot. The Bonus Hunt Tracker includes one. Setup guide: OBS Overlay Setup.
- Opening Order
- The sequence in which saved bonuses are opened during the opening phase. Does not change the mathematics (each bonus is an independent RNG event), but changes the experience. 4 strategies: worst-to-best, best-to-worst, random/viewer vote, provider grouping. See Opening Order Strategy.
- Opening Phase
- The second phase of a bonus hunt — when all saved bonuses are played out in sequence. Results are entered into the tracker, which updates running P&L, ROI, and required multiplier live. Takes 30–90 minutes depending on hunt size.
P
- Pending Bonus
- A triggered bonus that has been saved (game closed before the feature plays out) and is waiting to be opened. Stored server-side by the casino. Some casinos expire pending bonuses after 24–72 hours — always check terms before collecting a large hunt list.
- Provider Breakdown
- The automatic categorisation of bonus hunt results by slot provider — showing which studios contributed most and least to the session total. Generated by the Bonus Hunt Tracker after every session. Used for long-term slot selection refinement.
- Provably Fair
- A cryptographic verification system (used mainly on Stake and other crypto casinos) that lets players verify each spin’s outcome was predetermined fairly. Does not affect bonus saving mechanics or hunt structure.
R
- Required Multiplier
- The average multiplier the remaining bonuses need to return for the hunt to break even — updated live after every result. The key decision-making metric during the opening phase. Calculated automatically by the Bonus Hunt Tracker.
- ROI (Return on Investment)
- Total return ÷ total cost × 100. An ROI of 100% = break-even. Above 100% = profit. Below 100% = loss. The Bonus Hunt Tracker calculates this live and in the shareable results link.
- RTP (Return to Player)
- The percentage of wagered money a slot returns to players over a theoretically infinite sample. A 96% RTP means 4% house edge. For bonus hunting, bonus RTP (the RTP of the feature specifically) is the relevant metric. See RTP Guide.
S
- Scatter Symbol
- The symbol that triggers the bonus feature — typically 3 or more scatters required. In natural trigger hunts, landing scatters is how you build your hunt list without bonus buys. See Scatter Symbols Guide.
- Session Budget
- The maximum you will spend collecting bonuses in a single hunt — your hard ceiling. Should be ≤20% of your total bankroll. Set before the session starts using the Responsible Gambling Planner.
- Shareable Hunt Link
- A permanent URL generated by the Bonus Hunt Tracker containing full session results — every bonus, every result, ROI, and provider breakdown. Viewable by anyone without an account. See Bonus Hunt Results for sharing best practices.
- Sticky Wilds
- Wild symbols that remain in place for multiple spins during a bonus feature, increasing win potential on subsequent spins. A common bonus mechanic across many providers. See Slot Symbols Guide and Sticky vs Non-Sticky Bonuses (different concept — casino bonuses, not wild symbols).
T
- Three-Layer Framework
- The recommended slot selection structure for a bonus hunt: 40% floor (medium vol, prevent collapse), 35% backbone (high vol, core ROI), 25% moonshot (extreme vol, upside tail). See Best Slots for Bonus Hunting.
- Total Cost
- The sum of all bonus buy costs or natural trigger costs across the entire collection phase. This is the amount already spent — the break-even multiplier is calculated from this figure.
- Total Return
- The sum of all bonus payouts across the opening phase. Total return minus total cost = net profit or loss. Total return ÷ total cost × 100 = ROI.
V
- Variance
- The statistical measure of how far actual results can deviate from the expected value. High variance = wide swings between sessions. More bonuses per hunt = more variance spread (results trend closer to the mean). See How Many Bonuses for a Bonus Hunt for the variance analysis.
- Volatility
- A slot’s risk profile — how frequently it pays and how large the wins are. Low vol = frequent small wins. High vol = rare big wins. Extreme vol = very rare, potentially enormous wins. The Volatility & RTP Calculator shows how volatility distributes across 200 simulated sessions. See What Is Slot Volatility.
W
- Ways to Win
- A win mechanic where matching symbols on adjacent reels (left to right) form wins regardless of row position — replacing traditional paylines. Common configurations: 243 ways, 1,024 ways, or variable via Megaways. See Ways to Win Guide.
- Wild Symbol
- A symbol that substitutes for other symbols to complete winning combinations. Variants include sticky wilds, expanding wilds, xNudge wilds, and multiplier wilds. See Slot Symbols Guide.
- Win Stop
- A pre-set limit that triggers withdrawal or session end when a defined profit target is reached. Helps protect winnings from being gambled back. The opposite of a loss stop. Part of the Responsible Gambling Planner output.
X
- xBet
- A Nolimit City pre-spin option that increases total bet (usually 2×) in exchange for improved bonus conditions. Doubles effective buy cost. Only use if bankroll supports the doubled cost without reducing bonus count below 10. See NLC Bonus Hunt Guide.
- xBomb
- A Nolimit City mechanic where wild symbols explode on landing, removing surrounding symbols and adding +1 to a persistent multiplier that carries through the entire bonus. Used in Fire in the Hole xBomb and Infectious 5 xWays. See NLC Bonus Hunt Guide.
- xNudge
- A Nolimit City oversized wild that nudges into full view, adding +1 multiplier per row nudged. Multiple xNudge wilds multiply together (two 4× = 16×, three = 64×). Used in Tombstone RIP, Deadwood, Mental. See NLC Bonus Hunt Guide.
- xSplit
- A Nolimit City mechanic that duplicates adjacent symbols, doubling symbol count in a grid position. Combined with xWays, creates massive symbol multiplication. Used in Mental and Tombstone RIP.
- xWays
- A Nolimit City mechanic where landing symbols reveal 2–5 matching symbols, multiplying ways-to-win for that spin. Multiple xWays can generate millions of way combinations. Responsible for the extreme ceiling potential of San Quentin xWays (150,000×). See NLC Bonus Hunt Guide.
Bonus Hunt Glossary — Further Reading
iGaming Glossary — 120+ broader casino and slot terms. What Is a Bonus Hunt — the complete beginner’s guide. How to Plan a Bonus Hunt — 7-step session planning. Bonus Hunt Bankroll Guide — the 20% rule. Best Slots for Bonus Hunting — the 3-layer framework. Bonus Hunt Calculator — model break-even before your session. Opening Order Strategy — 4 approaches. Bonus Hunt Results — sharing and comparing sessions. Bonus Hunt Tracker — free tool with live calculations and OBS overlay. NLC Bonus Hunt Guide — xMechanics and best NLC picks. Bonus Hunt on Bet365 — natural triggers on regulated platforms.
Every term in this bonus hunt glossary — tracked live in the free Bonus Hunt Tracker
Open the Bonus Hunt Tracker →Frequently Asked Questions — Bonus Hunt Glossary
What is the most important term in the bonus hunt glossary?
Break-even multiplier — the average multiplier every bonus needs to return for the hunt to not lose money. It is the single metric that turns a bonus hunt from guesswork into a structured, trackable session. The Bonus Hunt Calculator computes it before your session starts.
What is the difference between the bonus hunt glossary and the iGaming glossary?
This bonus hunt glossary focuses specifically on terms used in the bonus hunting format — collection phase, opening order, required multiplier, hunt list, etc. The iGaming Glossary covers 120+ broader casino and slot terms including wagering requirements, licensing, casino bonuses, and more.
What does “dead bonus” mean in bonus hunting?
A dead bonus returns less than the cost of triggering it — often below 10× on a 100× buy. Most Nolimit City bonuses are dead bonuses. This is the mathematical cost of extreme max win potential — the wide result distribution concentrates many outcomes at the low end.
What is the 3-layer framework mentioned in this bonus hunt glossary?
A slot selection structure: 40% floor games (medium vol, prevent collapse), 35% backbone games (high vol, core ROI), 25% moonshots (extreme vol, upside tail). It balances risk and reward across the hunt list. Full guide: Best Slots for Bonus Hunting.
Where can I look up a term not in this bonus hunt glossary?
The iGaming Glossary covers 120+ broader terms. If a term relates to casino bonuses, wagering requirements, licensing, or slot math models, you will find it there.
Responsible Gambling: Understanding the terms in this bonus hunt glossary does not change the house edge. Set limits with the Responsible Gambling Planner before every session. Take a break if gambling stops feeling like entertainment. Help at BeGambleAware.org and GamCare.org.uk.