Paris Gamblers review · Big Time Gaming · 2016
Bonanza is older than many of the louder Megaways slots it inspired, but its core loop is still unusually clear. Variable reel heights change the number of ways, wins react away in two directions, and the free-spin multiplier climbs one step at a time.
Paris Gamblers score
4.6/5
Best for
the original reaction-driven Megaways template
A still-useful Megaways benchmark for players who accept high volatility and want a simple reaction-and-multiplier feature loop.
Bonanza pairs up to 117,649 Megaways with Dual Reactions and 12 free spins whose multiplier rises after every reaction.
These are the numbers and mechanics to compare before opening a nearby review.
Bonanza RTP
96.0% (current Evolution page)
RTP is a long-run model for the reviewed version. Read it with volatility, max win, and feature access before comparing similar slots.
Compare RTPBonanza volatility
High / very high (official page wording)
Volatility is the best quick signal for how steady or swingy the review expects the game to feel between stronger moments.
Compare volatilityBonanza max win
26,000x bet
Max win is the stated ceiling or potential for the reviewed version. It does not show the chance of reaching it or replace the volatility label.
Compare max winsBonus shape
up to 117,649 ways to win
The free-spins rules decide where the slot's value sits, especially when wilds, multipliers, or retriggers carry the upside.
Compare free spinsBonanza uses six reels whose visible symbol counts change from spin to spin, plus a horizontal reel of mine carts above them. The resulting layout can reach 117,649 ways. Winning symbols disappear through Dual Reactions, then replacements arrive from the top and the right.
Landing the four GOLD scatters awards 12 free spins, while each extra scatter adds five. The feature multiplier starts at 1x and rises after every reaction. Evolution's current catalogue lists 96.0% RTP, a €100 maximum stake and a 26,000x maximum; the minimum stake is not stated publicly, so the active information screen controls the deployed version.
Bonanza is a strong fit for players who want to understand variable Megaways reels before comparing newer modifier-heavy versions. Evolution's Big Time Gaming history dates the launch to 2016, while the current Bonanza catalogue card lists 2019; the provider history is the better guide to the original game's place in the format.
It is less suitable if you want smoother pacing or a jackpot layer. Bonanza Megapays is a separate later release that adds a four-tier progressive jackpot, so its jackpot rules and potential should not be applied to this original.
The mining symbols and multiplier remain readable on a smaller screen, but the changing reel heights and horizontal mine carts make the information screen worth checking before play.
Big Time Gaming
Extra Chilli combines 117,649 Megaways with reactions, eight-spin HOT triggers and a gamble that can raise the starting free spins to 24.
Pragmatic Play
Great Rhino Megaways is the six-reel sequel with 96.50% RTP, up to 200,704 ways, tumbling wins, selectable free-spin and multiplier combinations, and a 20,000x ceiling.
Pragmatic Play
Buffalo King Megaways is a high-volatility six-reel tumble slot with up to 200,704 ways, 12-22 free spins, 2x-5x wild multipliers, and a 5,000x provider-demo cap.
Use these nearby comparisons when RTP, volatility, or feature shape matters more than the theme.
Megaways mechanics guide
Megaways is Big Time Gaming's dynamic reel modifier: reel heights can change on each spin, so the active ways count changes too. It does not set RTP, volatility, or bonus rules.
Provider directory
A slot provider is the studio label attached to a game. Use the directory to find reviewed titles from each provider, then compare the game-level RTP, volatility, mechanics, and configuration separately.
RTP mechanics guide
RTP is the theoretical long-run share returned as prizes by one game configuration. Actual RTP measures past results from a particular sample. Neither predicts the next spin; theoretical RTP does not predict a session, win frequency, or payout size.
Free-spins mechanics guide
Free spins are extra rounds awarded by an in-game feature. The paytable sets the trigger, starting spin count, retrigger rules, and any wild or multiplier changes.
Compare jackpot-led slots where RTP and feature access matter.
Compare changing reel sets, free spins, and multiplier pressure.
Compare sharper bonus chases with longer dry stretches.
Compare animal-led slots where line structure and bonus pressure differ.
Compare faster boards built around tumbles, clusters, and simple reads.
Compare character-driven slots where theme, bonus clarity, and volatility differ.
The source material below supports the reviewed RTP and title-specific feature rules. Check the information screen for the exact version available to you.
Big Time Gaming's official history says Bonanza launched in 2016 and introduced Megaways to a wide audience through variable reels, up to 117,649 ways and reactions.
The board can create up to 117,649 ways to win, depending on how many symbols appear on the reels.
No. Bonanza Megapays is a later separate release with a four-tier progressive jackpot. This review covers the original Bonanza.