Bonanza — Slot by Big Time Gaming
Bonanza by Big Time Gaming is a legendary Megaways slot that changed the way we experience online slots. Packed with explosive features, cascading reels, and up to 117,649 ways to win, Bonanza combines wild west mining adventure with innovative gameplay. Whether you’re chasing free spins or testing high-volatility mechanics, this game promises thrilling rewards. Let’s explore how to play Bonanza and win big!

How to Play Bonanza
Bonanza is a dynamic Megaways slot developed by Big Time Gaming, offering a fast-paced experience filled with surprises. To get the most out of this thrilling slot, it’s important to understand how it works—from basic mechanics to interface and betting rules.
Details | Value |
Launched | 2016-12-06 |
RTP | 96.1% |
Maximum Profit | x26,000 |
Volatility | High |
Paylines (Megaways) | 117,649 |
Maximum Stake | $20 |
Minimum Stake | $0.20 |
Basic Game Rules
Bonanza follows the Megaways™ mechanic, meaning that each spin can have a varying number of symbols per reel, giving you up to 117,649 ways to win. Here’s how it works:
- The game has 6 reels with a changing number of rows on each spin.
- Winning combinations occur when matching symbols land on adjacent reels from left to right.
- Cascading reels: Winning symbols explode and new symbols fall into place, allowing multiple wins from a single spin.
- There’s also a horizontal reel above reels 2 to 5, which adds extra symbols to boost your chances.
Controls and Game Interface
Bonanza’s interface is user-friendly and designed to work seamlessly across devices:
- Spin button: Located at the bottom right, initiates a single spin.
- Autoplay: Set up a predetermined number of spins with adjustable loss/win limits.
- Bet adjuster: Modify your stake using the plus and minus buttons.
- Menu button (☰): Opens paytable, game rules, and sound settings.
- Balance and winnings are clearly displayed at the bottom of the screen.
These intuitive controls ensure a smooth gaming experience for both beginners and seasoned players.
Bets and Minimum/Maximum Limits
Bonanza offers flexible betting options suitable for casual players and high rollers:
- Minimum bet: $0.20 per spin
- Maximum bet: $20 per spin
- The wide bet range accommodates various strategies, from low-stakes fun to high-risk, high-reward sessions.
With each spin, you’re in control of your budget while still having access to the full excitement of Bonanza’s bonus-packed gameplay.
Graphics and Sound in Bonanza
Bonanza doesn’t just deliver in terms of gameplay—it also creates a deeply immersive world through detailed visuals and a rich soundscape. From rugged mountain backdrops to sparkling gem explosions, every aspect of the game is crafted to pull players into its mining adventure.
Visual Features of the Game
The graphics in Bonanza reflect its gold rush theme, placing you in a wild mountain canyon with:
- A rustic wooden mine entrance as the game’s central focus.
- Cartoony gem symbols that shine brightly with high contrast and vibrant colors.
- A rail cart animation above reels 2–5 that brings in additional symbols during every spin.
- Cascading explosions of winning symbols that feel dynamic and rewarding.
- Background elements like flickering torches, rocky cliffs, and a flowing waterfall to bring the mining site to life.
Despite being a few years old, Bonanza’s visuals remain fresh and captivating, especially thanks to the fluid motion of its animations.
Sound Design and Atmosphere
Bonanza features a banjo-led country soundtrack that reinforces the mining adventure vibe. Here’s what you’ll hear:
- Calm, melodic twang while reels spin normally.
- Intensified music and sound effects when cascades or bonus triggers occur.
- Explosive sound cues for symbol destruction and reel reactions.
- Ambient noises like birds chirping and water running in the background, creating an immersive setting even between spins.

Together, the sound design and visuals make Bonanza not just a slot machine—but an engaging, story-driven experience that enhances every spin.
Symbols and Payouts in Bonanza
In Bonanza, your chances of hitting a big win rely on understanding the game’s symbols, how paylines work under the Megaways system, and what kinds of bonuses are tied to symbol combinations. Let’s break it down.
Game Symbols and Their Meanings
Bonanza uses a mix of high-value gem symbols and low-value card symbols, each contributing differently to your win potential:
Symbol | Description | Payout (Max per combo) |
Red Gem | Highest-paying symbol | 50x your stake |
Purple Gem | Rare and valuable | 25x your stake |
Blue Gem | Medium-tier gem | 2x your stake |
Green Gem | Entry-level gem | 2x your stake |
A, K, Q, J | Playing card symbols | 0.15x–0.9x your stake |
9, 10 | Lower-paying symbols | 0.05x–0.2x your stake |
Dynamite (Wild) | Substitutes all except scatters | N/A |
G-O-L-D | Scatter symbols to trigger bonus | Trigger free spins |
The Wild (Dynamite) only appears in the top cart reel and helps form winning combos. The G-O-L-D letters are the key to unlocking free spins.
Paylines and Winning Probability
Bonanza features the innovative Megaways™ system:
- Up to 117,649 paylines, dynamically changing with each spin.
- Winning combos form when 3+ matching symbols land on adjacent reels, starting from the leftmost reel.
- The more symbols on each reel, the more potential combinations.
- Thanks to cascading reels, multiple wins can occur in a single spin.
This system massively boosts your winning potential compared to classic slots, offering frequent chain reactions and bonus activations.

Payouts and Bonuses
Bonanza is known for high volatility, meaning payouts can be infrequent but substantial:
- The maximum win is 26,000x your stake, achievable during the free spins with multipliers.
- Base game wins range from small chain reactions to mid-size symbol combos.
- Free Spins Bonus with unlimited win multipliers is where the real potential lies.
- Cascading wins help increase the number of payouts in one spin sequence.
Bonanza might not pay small wins consistently, but when it hits, it hits hard—making it a favorite among experienced players chasing big rewards.
Bonanza Bonus Features
Bonanza is packed with bonus mechanics that can significantly boost your winnings. From unlimited win multipliers to free spins, these features are at the heart of the slot’s explosive potential.
Free Spins in Bonanza
The Free Spins feature is the most rewarding bonus in Bonanza. Here’s how it works:
- Land all four G-O-L-D scatter symbols to trigger 12 free spins.
- For each additional scatter symbol beyond G-O-L-D, you’ll get +5 extra spins.
- During free spins, an unlimited win multiplier starts at x1 and increases by +1 after each cascade.
- You can retrigger free spins by landing three or more gold bars in the horizontal cart reel above reels 2–5.
This bonus round is where players can chase the maximum payout of up to 26,000x their stake.
How to Activate Bonuses and Get Extra Wins
Bonanza doesn’t offer random bonus rounds like some modern slots. Instead, it rewards strategy and patience. Here’s how to boost your bonus chances:
- Scatter symbols (G-O-L-D) are the key—aim to trigger the Free Spins.
- Take advantage of cascading wins, as they reset the multiplier and increase payouts during bonus rounds.
- Use the Autoplay feature with stop limits to help you reach bonus spins while managing your balance.
- In the free spins round, try to maximize chain reactions to build up the multiplier quickly.
Pro Tip: The win multiplier during free spins is unlimited, so the more cascades you hit, the higher your eventual payout.

Progressive Jackpot in Bonanza
Unlike many modern slots, Bonanza does not feature a progressive jackpot. However, that’s not a disadvantage:
- Instead of a jackpot pool, Bonanza offers a fixed maximum win of 26,000x your stake.
- This allows for consistent high-volatility rewards without relying on low-chance jackpot drops.
- Players enjoy full control over gameplay and can win big during any session—especially in the Free Spins mode.
If you’re looking for traditional jackpots, Bonanza may not be ideal. But for massive potential wins through gameplay alone, it’s one of the best Megaways slots on the market.
RTP and Volatility of Bonanza
Before spinning the reels, it’s crucial to understand how Return to Player (RTP) and volatility affect your experience. Bonanza is known for its high-risk, high-reward structure—let’s explore why.

How RTP and Volatility Work
RTP (Return to Player) represents the theoretical percentage of all wagered money that a slot returns to players over time.
- Bonanza’s RTP is 96.1%, which is about average for online slots.
- This means that, statistically, players will receive $96.10 back for every $100 wagered in the long run.
Volatility, also known as variance, measures how often and how much you can win:
- Bonanza has high volatility, meaning wins may be infrequent but potentially very large.
- It’s designed for players who enjoy risk and the thrill of big payouts rather than frequent small wins.
In summary:
- RTP = Long-term returns
- Volatility = Risk/reward profile
How These Factors Affect Gameplay
Understanding RTP and volatility helps you plan your strategy and manage your bankroll:
- Patience is key: Due to high volatility, you might go through dry spells, followed by explosive wins—especially in the Free Spins round.
- Best for long sessions: High volatility slots like Bonanza tend to perform better over longer playtimes.
- Not ideal for beginners or short play sessions, unless you’re okay with high risk.
- Big wins come through multipliers in free spins and cascading wins—not small base game hits.
This mix of steady RTP and aggressive volatility makes Bonanza a favorite for experienced slot players looking for serious profit potential.
How to Increase Your Winning Chances in Bonanza
While slots are based on luck, Bonanza’s high volatility and bonus mechanics allow room for smart play. Understanding how to manage your bankroll and trigger bonus rounds efficiently can significantly enhance your overall results.
Strategies for Playing Bonanza
There’s no guaranteed system, but these practical strategies can help improve your performance:
- Play for the long haul: Bonanza’s big payouts usually come during Free Spins. Be prepared for longer sessions to trigger them.
- Target cascades: Every cascading win in Free Spins boosts your multiplier. Focus on sustaining cascades rather than just landing big base wins.
- Use autoplay with caution: Set win/loss limits to stay in control. Autoplay helps reach bonuses faster but can drain your balance quickly without limits.
- Start with smaller bets: This increases the number of spins and your chances of triggering the G-O-L-D bonus letters.
- Know when to stop: After a big win or bonus round, consider pausing. Bonanza’s volatility can turn fast.
These strategies don’t alter the game’s RNG, but they help you play smarter, which can make a big difference over time.
Optimal Bets and High-Roller Approaches
Bonanza accommodates a wide range of budgets—from casual to aggressive betting styles:
- Low-stakes players: Betting $0.20–$0.60 per spin allows for longer sessions and better odds of hitting bonus features over time.
- Medium-stakes strategy: Around $1–$2 per spin gives a balance between potential wins and budget control.
- High-roller play: Maxing out at $20 per spin increases your potential return, especially during Free Spins with high multipliers. However, high volatility means bankroll swings can be significant.
High-rollers should:
- Chase the Free Spins feature for max value.
- Be ready for sharp losses while targeting 1–2 big hits per session.
- Consider setting a stop-loss limit to avoid chasing losses.
Ultimately, choose a bet size that matches your comfort level and session goals—Bonanza rewards both patience and bold moves.
Mobile Version of Bonanza
Bonanza is fully optimized for modern smartphones and tablets, giving players the flexibility to enjoy the game anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re using Android, iOS, or even a mobile browser, Bonanza delivers smooth gameplay and full feature access on the go.
How to Play Bonanza on Mobile Devices
Getting started on mobile is simple:
- Visit your preferred casino site using a mobile browser or dedicated casino app.
- Log in or register if you haven’t already.
- Search for “Bonanza” using the search bar.
- Tap the game icon to launch Bonanza instantly in your browser—no downloads required.
- Adjust your bet size and spin the reels using touchscreen controls.
Mobile gameplay is identical to desktop in terms of rules, visuals, and bonuses. All you need is a stable internet connection and a compatible device.

Features of the Mobile Version
Feature | Description |
Responsive Design | Adapts seamlessly to different screen sizes (smartphones, tablets). |
Touchscreen Controls | Easy tap-based navigation for spins, bets, and settings. |
Full Feature Access | All game mechanics (cascades, Megaways, Free Spins) are available on mobile. |
No Download Required | Play instantly via mobile browser without installing additional software. |
Fast Loading Times | Optimized performance ensures smooth play, even on older devices. |
Portrait & Landscape Modes | Compatible with both viewing orientations. |
Same RTP and Volatility | Mobile version retains the 96.1% RTP and high volatility of the desktop game. |
Why You Should Play Bonanza
Bonanza remains one of the most iconic and widely played Megaways slots—and for good reason. With its explosive gameplay, smart bonus design, and strong winning potential, it has set a benchmark in the world of online slots. But what exactly makes it stand out?
Unique Features of the Slot
Bonanza brings a lot to the table, especially for players who crave high-volatility action and strategic depth. Some standout features include:
- 117,649 Megaways™ paylines that change every spin, maximizing unpredictability and excitement.
- Cascading Reels that allow for multiple wins on a single bet.
- Explosive Free Spins Bonus with unlimited win multipliers, offering the game’s biggest payout potential.
- Scenic mining adventure theme with detailed graphics and immersive sound design.
- No need for a jackpot: with a max win of 26,000x your bet, the potential for massive payouts is built into gameplay.
- Balanced RTP of 96.1%, making it fair and competitive with top-rated modern slots.
Bonanza is not just another slot—it’s a long-term favorite because of its ability to deliver intense, rewarding sessions.
Differences from Other Megaways Slots
While many slots use the Megaways engine, Bonanza introduced it in a way that still feels distinct. Here’s how Bonanza sets itself apart:
Aspect | Bonanza | Other Megaways Slots |
Originality | Among the first to introduce Megaways mechanics | Many newer games follow the same formula |
Bonus Trigger | Unique G-O-L-D scatter format for Free Spins | Often random or traditional scatter systems |
Max Win Potential | Up to 26,000x your bet | Typically capped at 5,000x to 10,000x |
Theme and Setting | Immersive gold mining adventure | Common themes like Egypt, Aztec, fantasy |
Replay Value | High, due to multiplier-driven bonuses and volatility | Can feel repetitive without innovative mechanics |
Bonanza’s continued popularity proves that timeless design and gameplay depth will always outshine trend-chasing slots.
Similar Games if You Like Bonanza
If Bonanza’s thrilling Megaways engine, high volatility, and cascading wins appeal to you, there’s a whole world of similar slots worth exploring. These games share the core excitement of Bonanza while offering their own unique twists and features.

Game Title | Provider | Max Win | Key Features |
Extra Chilli Megaways | Big Time Gaming | 20,000x | Gamble feature for free spins, Mexican fiesta theme |
Madame Destiny Megaways | Pragmatic Play | 5,000x | Free spins with multipliers, fortune-telling theme |
Buffalo King Megaways | Pragmatic Play | 5,000x | Expanding wilds, American wildlife setting |
Big Bass Bonanza Megaways | Pragmatic Play | 4,000x | Fishing theme, free spins with collector mechanic |
Gold Megaways | Big Time Gaming | 20,200x | Old-school Vegas style, Win Exchange™ feature |
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Megaways | Big Time Gaming | 50,000x | Quiz-show theme, ladder gamble for free spins |
All of these games are great options if you’re a fan of high-risk, high-reward gameplay with dynamic reel layouts. Many are available at the same online casinos where you can play Bonanza slot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Largest Win in Bonanza?
The maximum win in Bonanza is up to 26,000x your stake. This can be achieved during the Free Spins round, thanks to the unlimited win multiplier that increases with every cascade.
Are There Free Spins in Bonanza?
Yes, Bonanza features a rewarding Free Spins bonus. To trigger it, land the G-O-L-D scatter symbols, which activate 12 free spins. You can earn more spins during the bonus round, and each cascade increases the multiplier with no upper limit.
What is the RTP Percentage of Bonanza?
Bonanza has an RTP (Return to Player) of 96.1%, which reflects the long-term expected payout to players. This RTP is competitive and balanced for a high-volatility slot.
Is Bonanza a High Volatility Slot?
Yes, Bonanza is classified as a high volatility slot. This means wins are less frequent, but potentially much larger, especially during the bonus rounds. It’s ideal for players who enjoy high-risk, high-reward gaming.
How Many Winning Ways Are Available in the Game?
Bonanza uses the Megaways™ engine, offering up to 117,649 winning ways per spin. The number of symbols per reel changes on each spin, creating massive variability and frequent surprises.