Lightning Link-style pokies are land-based games built around Hold and Spin: special symbols lock onto the reels, you get a handful of respins, and the values on those locked symbols, including possible jackpots, are paid at the end. Lightning Link itself is an Aristocrat series, and its format has been widely imitated. This guide covers how the feature works, how the jackpot tiers fit in, and what changes between a casino and a pub.
Background
Aristocrat, the Australian gaming machine manufacturer, introduced Lightning Link to casino floors about a decade ago. In a 2025 interview with CDC Gaming, Aristocrat’s chief product officer said the company created the Hold and Spin mechanic for Lightning Link. The same article said there were 16 varieties of Lightning Link at the time, with themes such as Magic Pearl, Bengal Treasures and Moon Race. Aristocrat’s own product page describes the family as combining Hold and Spin, cash-on-reels and free games, with some titles using a “big reel” during free games.
How Hold and Spin works
- Trigger. In the base game, landing enough special “bonus” symbols (often shown as coins or orbs carrying values) starts the feature. The required number varies by title and is shown in the paytable.
- Lock. The triggering symbols stay fixed, and the rest of the reels clear.
- Respins. You receive a set number of respins, commonly three. Each time a new special symbol lands it locks too and the count resets.
- Finish. The feature ends when you run out of respins or fill every position. The values on the locked symbols are added up.
- Jackpots. Some special symbols show a jackpot name instead of a credit value. Filling the screen can also award the top prize on some titles.
The jackpot tiers
CDC Gaming describes the Lightning Link jackpot system as including mini, minor, major and grand jackpots. The Grand is the headline prize and is rare. Progressive amounts may be linked across a bank of machines, which is why the meter above a group of cabinets can rise while you watch.
| Term on screen | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Cash-on-reels | Credit values shown on bonus symbols |
| Hold and Spin | Lock-and-respin bonus feature |
| Mini / Minor | Smaller, more frequent jackpot tiers |
| Major / Grand | Larger, much rarer tiers |
| Multi-denomination | You choose the credit value before playing |
Casino floor or pub: different rules
Under current Class 4 rules, pokies in New Zealand pubs and clubs have a maximum stake of $2.50 per play, a maximum prize of $500 per play and a maximum linked jackpot of $1,000. Hold-and-spin games designed for that market have to fit within those limits. Casino machines aren’t bound by the Class 4 limits, so stakes and jackpot sizes can be higher there. Age limits differ too: 20+ to enter a casino, 18+ for pub and club pokies. Our pokies rules New Zealand page explains this further, and gaming machines in New Zealand covers the different classes.
We haven’t verified which Lightning Link titles, if any, are currently at SkyCity Auckland. Casino game mixes change, so look around the floor or ask staff. Our SkyCity Auckland pokies guide covers the practical side of a visit.
Online games that borrow the hold-and-spin idea are common, but they’re separate products with their own maths. Online casino gambling in New Zealand is also moving to a licensing regime under the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026. See land-based vs online pokies for how the two compare.
Reading the machine before you play
- Check the denomination and the total bet per spin. Multi-denomination machines let you change both.
- Read the help screens for how many bonus symbols trigger the feature and how jackpots are awarded. Some prizes may depend on your bet level.
- Look for the stated RTP on the help screens where it’s shown, and remember it’s a long-run average that can differ between configurations.
- Don’t read anything into a high jackpot meter or a machine that “hasn’t paid in a while”. Spins are independent.
Staying in control
Hold and Spin is exciting to watch, with a lot of build-up, and that can make sessions run longer than planned. Set a time and money limit before you sit down, and use the clock rather than the bonus count to decide when to stop. SkyCity runs host responsibility programmes, and free help is available 24/7 from Gambling Helpline Aotearoa on 0800 654 655. More options are on our responsible gambling resources page.