Key Bonanza Mechanics That Are Still Being Copied Today
Thanks to Big Time Gaming’s patented Megaways mechanic, the Bonanza grid changes its structure on every spin. Each of the six reels can display anywhere from 2 to 7 symbols, giving the slot game up to 117,649 ways to win. To land a winning combination, you need to match identical symbols on adjacent reels from left to right—symbol height and vertical position don’t matter.
This core setup is enhanced by the upgraded cascading reels system known as Duel Reaction. Symbols cascade away not only on the main reels but also on the top horizontal row featuring mine carts. The gameplay revolves around chains of wins, with a single spin often delivering multiple payouts in a row.
While Megaways is no longer a rarity today, Bonanza remains the benchmark of the genre. The developers increased the maximum win to x26,000 and added the option to buy Free Spins. During the bonus round, a growing multiplier comes into play, increasing with each cascading reaction.
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Carts | On the horizontal row above reels 2–5, you’ll see mine carts moving across the screen. Each cart delivers an additional symbol to its corresponding reel. This increases the chance of forming larger combinations, and this is also the only place where Wild symbols can appear. |
Reactions | After a win, the matching symbols react and disappear. New symbols drop from above or arrive on carts from the right. If a new winning combination forms, the reaction repeats. A single spin can result in multiple payouts. |
Wild | The Wild symbol is represented by dynamite and substitutes for all symbols except Scatter. It can only be found on the carts on the top reel. |
Scatter | The Scatter is shown as four golden letters. Spell the word GOLD to trigger 12 Free Spins. Each additional Scatter symbol awards +5 spins. |
Free Spins | During the bonus round, an unlimited win multiplier is active. It starts at x1 and increases by 1 after each symbol reaction. Special Free Spin Scatter symbols can appear on the carts, awarding extra spins: +5 and +10 Free Spins for landing 3 and 4 symbols respectively. |
Bonus Buy | For instant access to the bonus, you can purchase 12 Free Spins for x90 your bet. This option is subject to regional restrictions. |
How to Play Bonanza
The best way to get started is to try the demo version of Bonanza on our site. This lets you learn the basics of the game and test the payout potential in real conditions. There’s no download required, no registration needed, and you can play for an unlimited time completely free.
Find Out Symbol Payouts and How Bonus Features Work
The hamburger menu to the right of the reels opens a panel that immediately displays the paytable. You’ll also find the Help button there. Alternatively, you can click the “i” icon in the top-left corner of the screen—this opens detailed game rules and RTP information in a separate window.
Choose the Bet Amount You’re Willing to Spend per Spin
Use the left and right arrows just above the main menu to adjust your stake until you reach the desired bet size. Most casino sites allow you to play this slot with bets ranging from €0.20 to €20 per spin.
Spin the Reels and Track Your Wins
Press the green button with the triangle icon in the bottom-right corner to start a spin. Once the reels stop, an indicator appears at the top showing the number of ways to win for that spin.
Enable Autoplay to Let the Reels Spin Automatically
The button with the small circular arrow opens the Autoplay panel. Here, you can set the number of auto spins and define stop conditions such as a loss limit or a maximum win. After setting your preferences, click Start, and the slot will run automatically.
How to Buy Free Spins
Open the Free Spins purchase menu by clicking the purple ticket-shaped button. Set the bet you want to use for each bonus spin. The system will multiply it by 90×, and all that’s left is to confirm the purchase by clicking on the displayed price.
My Opinion about Bonanza Slot
Honestly, I never thought an online slot that’s almost a decade old could be this engaging, even when playing purely for fun. Yes, visually Bonanza no longer feels cutting-edge, but despite that, I still find myself coming back to it.
Visuals and Overall Vibe
The energetic country-style soundtrack instantly brings to mind loud, rough-around-the-edges villagers from the Gold Rush era. The graphics are simple and, in places, clearly dated, but the strong contrast and abundance of thematic details still appeal to me, just as they did years ago when I first played this slot.
When Solid Mechanics Carry the Entire Game
Cascading reactions in this slot don’t always turn into long winning streaks for me, which is expected given the high volatility. But when I do manage to trigger a solid chain of cascades, the pace and excitement feel genuinely intense. The Free Spins with a growing multiplier proved to be truly valuable, although buying the bonus didn’t always meet my expectations from a strategic standpoint.
What to Play Instead of Bonanza
Gonzo’s Quest may not use Megaways, but it’s also built around cascading wins. What I’ve always liked about that game is how the multiplier increases with every new Avalanche in any spin. In Bonanza, the multiplier only applies during the bonus round, which makes the base game feel different in terms of momentum.
If we’re talking specifically about the signature BTG engine, I’d recommend The Dog House Megaways. It features a double bonus round where you can choose between free spins with Sticky Wilds or Raining Wilds. When I want a bit more control compared to Bonanza, this is the slot I go with.
