Before we dig deep into the mine, here are the essential facts about the Bonanza Megaways slot.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Return to Player (RTP) | 96% |
| Volatility | High |
| Game Provider | Big Time Gaming |
| Maximum Win | 26,000x Bet |
| Reels | 6 + 1 Horizontal Cart Reel |
| Paylines | Up to 117,649 Megaways |
| Bonus Features | Reactions, Free Spins, Unlimited Win Multiplier |
| Minimum Bet | $0.20 |
| Maximum Bet | $20 |
Every legendary slot has its strengths and potential drawbacks. Bonanza Megaways is no different. Here’s a quick breakdown of what we love about the game and what players should keep in mind.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Revolutionary Megaways gameplay is highly engaging. | High volatility may not suit all bankrolls. |
| Unlimited Win Multiplier in Free Spins offers huge potential. | The bonus round can be difficult to trigger. |
| Up to 117,649 ways to win on any spin. | The banjo music can be repetitive for some. |
| Cascading “Reaction” feature creates chain wins. |
It is no exaggeration to say that Bonanza Megaways is one of the most influential online slots ever created. Launched by Big Time Gaming in 2016, it was the game that catapulted the Megaways engine into global stardom, forever changing the landscape of slot mechanics. Set against the backdrop of a vibrant gold mine, this game invites players on an explosive adventure filled with cascading gems, dynamic reels, and the thrilling prospect of unearthing untold treasures. Its combination of up to 117,649 ways to win and a legendary free spins round with an unlimited multiplier has cemented its status as a timeless classic that players return to year after year. This guide will cover every facet of the game, from its core mechanics to its deepest secrets.
Despite its dynamic appearance, getting started with Bonanza Megaways is straightforward. Follow these simple steps to begin your mining expedition.
Before your first spin, you need to set your stake. Look for the “Stake” or “Bet” controls, typically represented by green arrows. You can adjust your total bet per spin, which generally ranges from a minimum of $0.20 to a maximum of $20. Choose a bet size that is comfortable for your bankroll, especially considering the game’s high volatility.
Bonanza features six vertical reels and a special horizontal reel at the top, known as the Carts. The core of the game is the groundbreaking Megaways mechanic. On every spin, the number of symbols on each vertical reel changes, varying from two to seven. This dynamic layout alters the number of potential winning ways, which can reach a maximum of 117,649 when all reels are fully expanded. A win is awarded for matching symbols on adjacent reels from left to right, regardless of their position on the reel.
The “Reaction” feature, also known as cascading reels, is central to the action. Whenever you land a winning combination, the winning symbols will explode and disappear from the reels. New symbols will then drop down from above (on the vertical reels) or roll in from the right (in the carts) to fill the empty spaces. This creates an opportunity for new winning combinations to form from a single spin. This chain reaction continues until no new wins are created.
For players who prefer a more hands-off approach, Bonanza includes an autoplay function. You can typically set a predetermined number of spins (e.g., 10, 25, 50, or 100) to run automatically. It is highly recommended to use the responsible gaming settings within this feature, such as setting a loss limit to protect your bankroll and a single win limit to secure significant payouts.
Bonanza Megaways transports players to a rustic, sun-drenched mine carved into a hillside. A charming wooden cabin sits to the left, and a functioning water wheel to the right adds life to the scene. The graphics, while not brand new, have a timeless quality with sharp, colorful symbols that pop against the stone-block reels, ensuring clarity even when the screen is full of possibilities. The soundtrack is a lively, banjo-driven tune that perfectly captures the gold-rush, hillbilly atmosphere, though it can be muted if it’s not to your taste.
The symbols in Bonanza are a mix of lower-paying royals and higher-paying precious gems. The carts above reels 2, 3, 4, and 5 bring extra symbols into play, including the Wild.
| Symbol | Payout for 6 on a Payline |
|---|---|
| Diamond | 50x Bet |
| Red Gem | 7.5x Bet |
| Blue Gem | 2x Bet |
| Green Gem | 2x Bet |
| A, K | 1.75x Bet |
| Q, J | 1x Bet |
| 10 | 0.9x Bet |
| 9 | 0.8x Bet |
Wild Symbol: Represented by sticks of dynamite, the Wild appears only in the carts above the main reels. It substitutes for all other symbols except the Scatter to help form winning combinations.
Scatter Symbol: These are the four golden letters: G, O, L, and D. They are your ticket to the main bonus feature.
Big Time Gaming truly nailed the atmosphere here. While the graphics aren’t cutting-edge by 2025 standards, they have a rustic charm that has aged remarkably well. The real success is the clarity of the symbols, which is essential when up to 117,649 winning ways are firing off at once.
The true treasure of Bonanza lies in its explosive bonus round. This is where the game’s full potential is unleashed, combining Reactions with a powerful multiplier.
To activate the main bonus, you need to land four Scatter symbols that spell out the word “G.O.L.D.” anywhere on the reels during a single spin. This combination immediately awards you 12 free spins. If you land more than four Scatters, each additional Scatter will add an extra 5 free spins to your starting total.
Once the free spins round begins, the Unlimited Win Multiplier comes into play. The round starts with a 1x multiplier. After every single Reaction (a winning cascade), this multiplier increases by +1. Crucially, the multiplier does not reset between spins; it only grows. There is no upper limit to how high it can go, which is why this feature is legendary for creating massive payouts.
During the free spins round, a new Scatter symbol can appear in the horizontal cart reel: the Carts of Gold. These symbols are your key to extending the bonus round.
This is where Bonanza’s magic truly lies. The combination of Reactions and an ever-increasing multiplier is a masterclass in building tension and excitement. While it can take a while to trigger, the free spins round remains one of the most thrilling bonus features in any slot game.
Understanding the math behind a slot is crucial for managing expectations and your bankroll. Bonanza is a game of significant potential, but it demands patience.
The Return to Player (RTP) for Bonanza Megaways is a solid 96%. This figure represents the theoretical percentage of all wagered money that the slot will pay back to players over a very long period of play. It’s a standard and fair rate for the industry, indicating that the game is not designed to unduly favor the house.
Bonanza is a high-volatility slot. This means that wins may be less frequent compared to low-volatility games, but they have the potential to be much larger. Players should be prepared for periods of smaller returns while waiting for the significant payouts that typically come from the bonus feature. This risk-reward profile makes it incredibly exciting but requires sensible bankroll management.
The maximum potential win in Bonanza Megaways is a staggering 26,000 times your stake. This monumental payout is most realistically achieved during the Free Spins round, where the combination of cascading Reactions and the Unlimited Win Multiplier can create an avalanche of value from a single spin.
Now that you know how the game works, you might be wondering where to try your luck for real. We’veselected some of the top online casinos that feature Bonanza Megaways, each offering a unique welcome bonus for new players.
| Casino | Welcome Bonus | Key Feature | Play Here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neospin | 100% up to $10,000 + 100 Free Spins | Excellent Cashback Program | Play Now! |
| Gunsbet | 100% up to $450 + 100 Free Spins | Unique Western Theme & VIP Program | Play Now! |
| 1Red | 100% up to $9,000 + 100 Free Spins | Fast Payouts & Crypto-Friendly | Play Now! |
| Rakoo Casino | $350 Welcome Package + 150 Free Spins | Huge Library of 8,000+ Games | Play Now! |
| CrazyFox | 20% Daily Cashback | Simple and Rewarding Cashback Model | Play Now! |
Choosing the right casino can be as important as choosing the right game. The welcome bonuses listed above offer a great starting point, but always prioritize sites with a strong reputation and responsible gaming tools. A good bonus can extend your playtime and give you more chances to hit that legendary free spins round.
To provide a genuine feel for the game, we ran a 150-spin test session. We set our stake at a moderate $1 per spin. The initial phase was a classic high-volatility experience; a series of small wins from the lower-paying royal symbols kept the balance ticking over, with the Reaction feature often turning a single win into two or three minor cascades. We saw the Megaways counter dance with every spin, from a few thousand to over 80,000 ways, which kept the anticipation high. Around the 70th spin, we landed our first significant base game win of about 45x our stake, thanks to a multi-cascade reaction involving the red and blue gems. We finally triggered the bonus round on our 132nd spin by landing the four G-O-L-D scatters. The free spins round started slow, but after a few spins, a series of reactions pushed our multiplier to 8x. A lucky cascade with the high-paying diamond symbol at this stage resulted in a win of over 350x our stake, proving just how powerful the feature is. The session ended with a healthy profit, reinforcing that Bonanza is all about patience and the immense potential of its bonus round.
While the thrill of chasing a big win on Bonanza Megaways is exciting, it’s crucial to always approach gaming responsibly. Remember that slots are a form of entertainment, and the outcomes are determined by chance. Never bet more than you can afford to lose, and avoid chasing your losses. We encourage all players to set personal limits on their deposits, wagers, and session time. If you ever feel that your gambling habits are becoming a problem, please seek help from professional organizations. Play for fun, and always stay in control.
Years after its release, Bonanza Megaways remains an absolute titan of the slot world, and for good reason. Its blend of the revolutionary Megaways engine, the satisfying Reaction feature, and a truly epic free spins round creates a gameplay loop that is endlessly engaging. While the high volatility and the sometimes-elusive bonus round require a degree of patience, the potential rewards make the wait worthwhile. It’s a beautifully designed game that has inspired countless imitators but has rarely been surpassed. Whether you are a newcomer seeking to understand the Megaways phenomenon or a seasoned player looking for high-potential gameplay, Bonanza is a must-play title. We highly recommend it to anyone looking for one of the most exciting other top slots available online.