Cleopatra: the old classic that still fills lobbies
Cleopatra is one of the most played slots ever made. IGT built it for land-based floors, then brought it online, and it still pulls players decades later. It is simple, the bonus is generous, and the RTP is below modern standards. Here is the honest version of why it works and where it falls short.
The mechanics
Cleopatra is a five-reel, twenty-payline slot with classic Egyptian symbols and a clean, uncomplicated layout. There are no cascades, no grids and no ways-to-win twist, just spinning reels and a paytable, which is exactly why so many players find it easy. The Cleopatra symbol is the wild: it substitutes for everything except the scatter and doubles any win it joins, in both the base game and the bonus. If you are newer to reel slots, our slots guide walks through the basics first.
The tripled free spins
The feature everyone remembers is the free spins round. Land three or more Sphinx scatters and you trigger 15 free spins where every win is tripled. The round can retrigger inside itself, and in theory the chain can reach as many as 180 free spins, though that is rare. The 3x multiplier stacking with the doubling wild is what produces the bigger results. It is a straightforward, proven bonus, and its simplicity is a large part of the game's lasting appeal.
RTP, volatility and the ceiling
This is where you need clear eyes. The RTP is commonly listed around 95.02%, which is below the modern 96% benchmark, so on average it returns less than newer titles. Check the figure in the game info screen anyway, as our RTP guide recommends, because versions vary. Volatility is medium, so wins come at a steadier pace than the extreme slots and the bankroll lasts longer between bonuses. The maximum win is around 10,000x your stake. Our volatility guide explains the trade between steadier play and a lower return.
The verdict
Strengths: dead-simple gameplay, a generous tripled free spins round, doubling wilds, and genuine staying power. Weaknesses: a below-average RTP, dated visuals, and nothing mechanically new for players raised on modern slots. Cleopatra is a comfortable classic, best understood as a lower-return slot you play for the familiar bonus, not the maths. It is entertainment, not a plan. Try the demo or a free spins offer first, and play at a licensed casino from our reviews. For the studio, see our IGT review. 18+, gamble responsibly.
Cleopatra FAQ
What is the rtp of the cleopatra slot?
It is commonly listed around 95.02%, below the modern 96% benchmark, so it returns less on average than newer slots. Operators can run different builds, so confirm the figure in the game info screen before playing.
How does the cleopatra free spins round work?
Three or more Sphinx scatters award 15 free spins with every win tripled. The round can retrigger, in theory up to 180 free spins, and the 3x multiplier stacks with the doubling Cleopatra wild for the bigger results.
Is cleopatra a good slot in 2026?
It is fun and easy, but its RTP is below average and the visuals are dated. Treat it as a nostalgic, lower-return classic rather than a value pick. Set a budget and start in demo mode. 18+.