Bonanza: the slot that started the Megaways era
Bonanza is the slot where it all began. Released by Big Time Gaming, it was the first title to use the Megaways engine, and it set off a wave of copies that still fills casino lobbies today. The theme is a noisy gold mine, with carts of gems tumbling across shifting reels and a free spins round built around an ever climbing multiplier. Years on it still plays well, so here is an honest look at how Bonanza actually works before you decide to play Bonanza for real money.
The mechanics
Bonanza is built on six reels, and the number of symbols on each reel changes on every spin. That shifting layout is the core of the Megaways idea, and it means the number of ways to win moves up and down each time, reaching well over a hundred thousand at the top end. A separate carriage runs along the top of the reels and adds extra symbols, which can push the ways higher still. Wins are formed by landing matching symbols on adjacent reels from the left, and there are no fixed paylines to learn. Every winning combination then triggers the reaction feature, where the symbols involved explode and new ones drop into their place, giving you a free chance at another win from the same stake. If the idea of changing reels is new to you, our slots guide walks through how Megaways games count their wins.
Free spins and the unlimited multiplier
The feature you are chasing in Bonanza is the free spins round. You trigger it by landing scatter symbols, which appear on the carriage along the top, and collecting enough of them across a spin and its reactions. Once you are inside the round, the real draw appears: an unlimited win multiplier that starts low and climbs by one every time a reaction lands a win. Because there is no cap, a long string of cascades during free spins is where the biggest pay days come from, since the multiplier keeps building on every successive tumble. You can also land more scatters during the feature to add extra spins, so a hot run can extend itself. The catch, and it is a real one, is that cold free spins rounds happen often, and a short run with a low multiplier can feel deflating after the build up.
RTP and volatility
Big Time Gaming and the operators that license its games often run Bonanza in more than one RTP version, so the figure you see can differ from one casino to another. Always check the number on the game information screen rather than trusting a single quote you read elsewhere. Our RTP guide explains why that percentage is only a long run average and never a promise for your own session. Volatility in Bonanza is high. The base game can run cold for long stretches, and most of the value is locked away in the free spins and that climbing multiplier. You should expect plenty of small wins and dry spells punctuated by the occasional big hit, rather than a steady drip of returns. Our volatility guide shows how swingy a game with this profile can be over a session.
How to play Bonanza
Since the value sits in the free spins and the multiplier, the smart approach is to treat Bonanza as a patient, small stake game. A modest bet stretches your budget across the quiet base game so you are still spinning when the feature finally arrives. Decide on a deposit limit and a loss limit before you start, and stick to them whether you are winning or chasing. The reaction feature can make a single spin feel busy, so take your time and watch how the carriage scatters build toward the bonus. Many casinos let you try a free demo first, which is a sensible way to learn the rhythm before you stake anything. Our responsible gambling tools help you set firm limits, and it is always worth comparing welcome offers on our casino bonuses pages before you deposit.
Is Bonanza worth playing?
Bonanza earns its place in history and still holds up as a game. The strengths are the original Megaways engine, the satisfying tumbling reactions, the unlimited multiplier in free spins and a bright, characterful mining theme. The weaknesses are the high volatility, a base game that can feel flat for long periods and free spins rounds that do not always deliver. If you enjoy Big Time Gaming's high risk style and the thrill of a multiplier that keeps climbing, the original is well worth a spin. If you prefer frequent wins and a calmer ride, this is not the game for you. Treat it as entertainment and never as a way to make money. For more on the studio read our Big Time Gaming review, and pick a licensed site from our casino reviews. 18+.
Bonanza FAQ
What makes Bonanza different from other Megaways slots?
Bonanza was the very first Megaways slot, so it is the original that every later game in the genre copied. It combines the shifting reels, tumbling reactions and an unlimited free spins multiplier that became the template for the format.
What is the volatility of Bonanza?
High. The base game pays modestly and most of the value is in the free spins and the climbing multiplier, so expect long quiet spells between features. Keeping your stake small helps you ride them out.
Where can I play Bonanza?
Bonanza is available at many licensed casinos that carry Big Time Gaming titles, and most offer a free demo so you can learn the Megaways reactions and the scatter triggers before staking real money. Set a budget first. 18+.