Bonanza Slot Review

Intro

Bonanza is one of Big Time Gaming’s first experiments with the Megaways payline structure, giving players 117,649 ways to win and turning this slot into an instant classic. The game has a light-hearted mining theme and a wide range of bonus features, including wilds, multipliers, free spins, and a unique reactions feature, where winning combinations are removed from the reels to form further wins.  

Are you ready to try and mine some cash prizes? If you’re looking for a high variance slot with a fun theme and a wide range of bonus features, then this could be the one for you. Carry on reading if you want to learn more about Bonanza and the best online casino to play it at.

What we like

  • Uses the popular Megaways structure
  • Great graphics and soundtrack
  • Great range of features
  • Potential maximum wins of up to 26,000x your stake

What we don't like

  • High variance won’t be suitable for all players

Screenshots

Gameplay, RTP and Variance

8/10

Bonanza is a 6×3 reel game following the fabled Megaways payline structure. It offers players the standard 117,649 ways to win that come with this format, and players can spin its reels from €0.20 to €20 per spin.

Bonanza has a return to player (RTP) rate of 96%, which is roundabout the average of online slot. The game has a high variance, meaning it will usually pay out large but infrequent prizes, and there’s a max jackpot worth 26,000x the stake. The game’s highest paying symbol is the diamond, which will award players 50x their stake when six of them form a winning combination. 

Paytable

Symbol Number of symbols Win (x stake)
9 6 0.8
5 0.4
4 0.2
3 0.1
10 6 0.9
5 0.5
4 0.25
3 0.15
J 6 1
5 0.5
4 0.25
3 0.15
Q 6 1
5 0.6
4 0.25
3 0.2
K, A 6 1.75
5 0.6
4 0.4
3 0.2
Green Gem 6 2
5 0.75
4 0.5
3 0.25
Blue Gem 6 2
5 1.5
4 1
3 0.25
Red Gem 6 7.5
5 2.5
4 2
3 1
Diamond Gem 6 50
5 25
4 10
3 5
2 2

Licence and Audit

Bonanza is a perfectly safe and regulated slot game. Its developer, Big Time Gaming, holds licences from the UK Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority, the Alderney Gambling Control Commission and the Gibraltar Gaming Commissioner; all of its games are regularly tested for their fairness by eCOGRA and other independent auditors.

Bonus Features

9/10

Bonanza has four special features: wilds, multipliers, a free spins bonus round, and the unique reactions feature, which is similar to the cascading reels found in popular games such as Gonzo’s Quest. The sticks of dynamite are this game’s wilds, replacing other symbols on the reels to help create winning combos. 

Bonanza’s reactions feature means that every time a winning combo is formed on the reels, the symbols involved will be removed to make way for new symbols that fall in the same spot. In theory, this feature could go on forever, as it only ends when no new winning combinations have been formed.

Watch out for the symbols with the letters ‘G’, ‘O’, ‘L’ and ‘D’. When all four symbols appear to spell out the word GOLD, the bonus round will be triggered and players will be awarded 12 free spins. There are a few different ways in which players can receive additional spins in this round: five will be given when an additional letter lands on the reels; five more will be added if three minecarts appear; and players can receive an extra ten spins if four of these carts land. During this round, there’s also a multiplier feature in play that increases wins.

Mobile and Tablet Experience

9/10

Bonanza is a mobile-optimised slot developed using HTML5 technology. This framework allows the game to adjust to smaller iOS and Android screens, so players can enjoy the same high-quality graphics when playing on the go.

How Does it Compare to Other Big Time Gaming Titles?

There’s no doubt that Bonanza is one of Big Time Gaming’s most popular titles, but since its release in 2016, there have been many other games worth writing home about, including Extra Chilli Megaways.

Extra Chilli Megaways offers a slightly higher RTP at 96.19%. This is also a high variance slot game and uses the same Megaways payline structure to offer up to 117,649 different ways to win across its six reels. Colourful chillies make up the most vibrant symbols on the grid, while a Mariachi band plays on in the background. There are lots of great bonus features here, including a firework wild, a reactions feature and a free spins round where players can win up to 20,000x their stake.

How Does it Compare to Other Slots on the Market?

If you like the Bonanza theme, there are a few other titles that might take your fancy. One of which is Blueprint Gaming’s Diamond Mind ‒ another Megaways slot with six reels and an RTP of 96.4%. The graphics and soundtrack are similar to Bonanza, but appearing on the reels here are prospectors, shovels, dynamite, and pots of gold. Wilds, multipliers, free spins and cascading reels all feature in this game’s bonus options, and there’s a max jackpot of 10,000x the stake.

Design, Graphics and Sound

7/10

Big Time Gaming has done a terrific job with the design and graphics of Bonanza. The game takes place in a hollowed out mine, where lots of sparkling treasures await ‒ these treasures make up the game’s highest paying symbols in the form of brightly coloured gemstones in a variety of different colours. The reels are framed by a wooden hut and a cascading waterfall that add to the scene, and there’s a frantic country-style soundtrack that brings a sense of urgency to the action.

Questions and answers

  • If I enjoyed playing Bonanza, what other slots will I like?

    Other mining themed slot games you may want to check out include Dynamite Digger, Bonanza 2 and Dynamite Riches.

  • What other Big Time Gaming slots will I enjoy?

    Other great Big Time Gaming slots you may want to spin include Spicy Meatballs Megaways, Pirate Pays, Danger High Voltage and Star Quest.

  • Can I use free spins to play Bonanza?

    This game has a free spins feature where you are initially awarded 12 free spins with the potential to get up to 22 free spins. Players may also be able to use free spins bonuses on Bonanza, provided its not excluded from the bonus’s terms.

Similar Games to Try Out

Who Wants To Be A Millionaire Megaways – Who Wants To Be A Millionaire Megaways is a five-reel slot game developed by Big Time Gaming. Based on the iconic television quiz show, this game transports players to the studio set, and even has the original theme tune adding pressure in the background. This game has a wild symbol, a reaction feature, and an exciting free spins bonus round where players have the option to take up the hot seat free. This slot has an RTP of 96.2% and players have a chance to win 70,000x their stake.

White Rabbit Megaways – White Rabbit Megaways is another popular Megaways slot game from Big Time Gaming, with a whacky theme based on Alice in Wonderland. There are five reels to spin here and a potential Megaways payline structure of up to 248,832 ways to win. The game takes place in Wonderland itself, where players will find wilds, multipliers and free spins down the rabbit hole. Maximum wins in this game can reach 17,420x the stake, and it has an RTP of 97.2%. 

Monopoly Megaways – Monopoly Megaways is another Big Time Gaming product, based on the classic board game. Players can spin its six reels in a bid to scoop up properties around the board. There are wilds, cascading reels, and a reel adventure feature that moves Mr Monopoly around the board to award players extra prizes. There’s also a free spins bonus round worth eight spins that comes with unlimited multiplier potential. With an RTP of 96.5%, this game has a max payout of 14,700x the stake.

Summary

8.3/10

Bonanza is one of the industry’s most popular slots and has been ever since it was launched in 2016. The mining graphics and country soundtrack in this game are fantastic, and the Megaways payline structure ensures that every spin of the reels is unique. There are great bonus features too, the highlight of which is the free spins bonus round that comes with multiplier wins. 

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