Cascading reels
What is Cascading reels?
Cascading reels are a mechanic in which symbols forming a winning combination disappear from the grid, allowing the symbols above to fall into the empty spaces. New symbols then fill the vacated positions from the top. The process repeats as long as the new configuration produces another winning combination, all within a single paid spin.
How the cycle works
After a winning combination is confirmed, the contributing symbols burst or vanish. Symbols above them drop down to fill the gaps, and new symbols fall in from the top to complete the grid. If this new arrangement contains another winning combination, a second win is calculated and the cascade begins again.
Cascade multipliers
Many titles apply a rising multiplier to each successive cascade within the same spin. The first cascade pays at x1, the next at x2, then x3, and so on. This escalating multiplier can produce substantial wins when multiple cascades chain together.
Naming variations
The same mechanic is called avalanche (used by NetEnt), tumble (Pragmatic Play), or rolling reels depending on the studio. The underlying principle is identical regardless of the marketing name.