A gaming system is disclosed that comprises a symbol selector configured to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display in a respective plurality of display positions in a display area, the set of symbols including a plurality of defined special symbols, and a special symbol determiner configured to determine whether at least two special symbols are displayed adjacent each other. The gaming system is configured to hold special symbols determined to be displayed adjacent each other at respective display positions for at least one subsequent selection of symbols. The gaming system further comprises an outcome evaluator configured to determine a game outcome based on the displayed symbols including the displayed held special symbols.