Big Guide To Bonanza MegawaysTM Slot

There are so many different online slot games available these days which boast a range of intriguing themes – and that sometimes means that both new and existing players won’t know which to try next.

However, we believe that there are some classic titles out there that everyone should have a spin on at least once. One which we recommend is the Bonanza slot, a game which has gone on to be hugely successful in the online slot world.

In this guide, we’re going to take a look at all of the key details you need to know before you play Bonanza slot on our Canadian online casino, including:

  • The history behind the game
  • The themes it embraces
  • How its gameplay ensures you have plenty of opportunities to win.

About The Bonanza Slot

The Bonanza slot is a gold mine themed game which was once described by developers Big Time Gaming as one of their “greatest creations to date”.

Why? The six-reel slot includes a layout which can shift and change as the game goes on. The big benefit of this? It creates literally thousands of ways for players to win prizes. This is the MegawaysTM mechanic, which we’ll talk about shortly.

The History Of Bonanza

Gamers got their first chance to play the Bonanza MegawaysTM slot at the end of 2016. Big Time Gaming launched the title in December that year and were immensely proud of the way that the game combined Reactive Reels and Megaways.

Interestingly, a little-known fact about the game is that Big Time Gaming developed it with the Twitch streaming platform in mind. Slots were really taking off on the channel in the months before Bonanza was released thanks to the Slot Stars trend, so the developer hoped to engage viewers and create an experience that was fit for the fun and commentary of the streaming channel.

The Inspirations Behind The Slot

But what are the key themes that you can expect to see when you begin to play Bonanza slot online? Well, the game takes you back in time to the 1800s and the California Gold Rush, when people became obsessed with the idea of heading to the state to seek out their fortune in gold.

The slot is set against a mountainous landscape with the rocky reels almost resembling a landslide, especially when the symbols cascading down with each spin. A wooden cabin sits on the left-hand side of the display, while on the right a stream keeps a water wheel gently spinning as the action unfolds. Keep your eye on the four mine carts that sit at the stop of the screen. These move across the tracks during spins to add new symbols to the central reels.

Some clever audio effects help to create an immersive atmosphere too, with the occasional tapping of hammers and picks giving you the impression that men are hard at work within the mine. In addition, when the spins begin, a lively country soundtrack kicks in and gives the game an upbeat, fast pace.

What Is Megaways?

The Bonanza slot is probably one of the best0known online slots which features the renowned MegawaysTM technology. The concept was invented by Bonanza’s developers Big Time Gaming and first debuted on the slot Dragon Born at the start of 2016. However, due to the immense popularity, they have gone on to give other developers access to it for their own titles too.

MegawaysTM is a reel modifier system which means that the amount of symbols on each reel can chance with each spin. So a reel may at one point feature just four symbols, while on the next spin it could have up to seven. This means that a whole host of different combinations of symbols can be created during the game, with the very emphasis of the action being transformed by just a single spin.

But why is it called MegawaysTM? Well, the shape-shifting abilities of the game mean that players have access to a grand total of 117,649 ways to win! It’s easy to see why Bonanza has proven so popular with many gamers.

How To Play Bonanza Slot Online

So now you have all of the key information about the story behind the Bonanza slot, it’s time to discover the basics.

Bonanza slot free play may be available at some online casinos, but here at LiveRoulette we’re all about playing for real money. Stakes can begin from €0.20 and can run all the way up to €500 a spin while wins could go up to 10,000x your stake!

Choose your stake, hit Spin and you’re off! A win is created by matching consecutive symbols from left to right, beginning with the left-most reel. The carts at the top of reels 2, 3, 4 and 5 add an extra symbol each.

Symbols

The Bonanza slot features a range of different symbols, including precious stones such as sapphires, emeralds, rubies and diamonds. Other symbols include the letters A, K, Q, J, 10 and 9, while during the course of your play you will also see Scatters and the explosive Wild symbols – which are shaped as dynamite.

The diamond is the most valuable commodity that you might see pop up on your reels. If you manage to land six of them, you’ll get a win multiplier of 50x your stake.

All your winning combinations on a single spin are added together, while winning symbols also go on to cause a ‘reaction’ during the game. This means that those symbols disappear, and new symbols drop from above onto the reels, creating more opportunities for you to win.

Wilds And Scatters

The wild symbols in the Bonanza slot only appear in the carts and they can substitute any symbol except for the Scatter icon. Speaking of scatters, players who are fortunate enough to get four GOLD scatters will win 12 free spins within the game, while any extra scatter symbol adds five more spins to your total.

Free Spins

The holy grail of slots, and Bonanza is no exception! An unlimited win multiplier becomes available during this round, and while it starts at 1, it increases by 1 when win reactions take place. Further scatter symbols may appear in the carts at the top of the screen and if they do, you will benefit even more free spins!

But what level of stake is used during a Free Spins round? It depends on what you were playing with before it began, as the stake which triggered the period will be used across its duration. Any winnings will be displayed at the end of the round and will then be credited to your account before the regular action begins once again.

Key Statistics

From max win to RTP and more, here are the game’s key facts and figures.

  • 96% – the theoretical return to player or RTP.
  • 117,649 – the maximum number of ways to win per each spin.
  • 120,000 – the maximum win available in coins.
  • 7 – the maximum number of symbols available on each reel.
  • €0.20 – the minimum stake to play.
  • 12 – the base number of free spins when you trigger the special round.
  • 10,000x – the max multiplier you could land in the game.

Why Play Bonanza?

Online slots may come in many different shapes and sizes these days, but few can match the experience that is on offer when you try your hand at the Bonanza MegawaysTM slot.

With its combination of dynamic gameplay, vibrant graphics and immersive audio, it has become one of the most popular games of its kind within the online casino world. In fact, after just a few spins, we think you’ll discover just why it has become regarded as classic of the genre just a few years after its launch.

So why not open an account with LiveRoulette and see for yourself why the Bonanza slot is so highly regarded? With 117,649 ways to win on offer, we’re sure you won’t regret it.

How Well Do You Know Bonanza?

When was the Bonanza slot released?

a) 2015
b) 2016
c) 2017

How many ways to win does this slot have?

a) 116,749
b) 117,649
c) 115,649

What is the most valuable symbol in Bonanza?

a) Diamond
b) K
c) Ruby

What do the GOLD scatter symbols award?

a) 12 free spins
b) a re-spin
c) a brand new symbol appears on the reels

How are wins awarded?

a) Left to right on consecutive reels
b) Right to left on consecutive reels
c) Any direction on the middle four reels


18+ | begambleaware.org | Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. Terms & Conditions apply.

Gonzo’s Quest MegawaysTM | Online Slot Review

Thanks to the latest online slots technology, one of the country’s most loved slots has been given a facelift by none other than Red Tiger. The latest in a long line of payline-inspired updates, Gonzo’s Quest MegawaysTM is set to take the conquistador’s adventure, and yours, to new heights on our Canadian online casino.

This new title hits our Vegas lobby on 23 July 2020, so stay tuned!

The setting, style, and mission remain the same. However, this time when you join plucky Gonzalo Pizarro, the adventure could be a lot wilder. As you play your way through the lost city of El Dorado, the search for ancient riches is helped along by a random number of available on each spin!

All part of the MegawaysTM upgrade, this mechanic not only ensures your adventure is full of twists and turns, but that you have up to 117,649 ways to win. Before you plot a course to the lost city of gold and play for the max payout topping 20,000x your stake, you need a map. This Gonzo’s Quest MegawaysTM guide is your map. Taking you from the first spin towards reels filled with potential, this online slot review will put you on the right path.

So, if you are ready to set sail for El Dorado and discover the latest in slot technology, let’s begin.

Gonzo's Quest Megaways Big Win

Gonzo’s Quest Theme

The year is 1541, and you find yourself aboard a ship floating somewhere off the coast of Peru. In the distance, you spot an island. Hazy at first, the landmass gradually comes into focus as you sail closer. It’s at this point Gonzo grabs his map and makes haste for what he believes is the lost city of El Dorado. The promise of Mayan’s riches prompts you to follow the intrepid explorer onto a beach. There, you find an ancient monument made of stone.

Each block is marked with tribal carvings that seem to form some sort of pattern. It’s at this point you realise you’re standing in front of the gates to El Dorado. However, only those that find the right combinations can enter. With that, your online slots adventure starts. You set the blocks free with each spin, knowing that matches are the key to unlocking prizes. Will you crack the code and find a way into the lost city of gold? Only time will tell.

What Are MegawaysTM Slots?

Before you can spin on Gonzo’s Quest and experience what this new video slot has to offer, you need to know what MegawaysTM means. This online slot innovation was created by Big Time Gaming. It takes the standard payline structure of popular slots and shakes things up. By introducing an extra reel and randomising the size of symbols, MegawaysTM makes it possible to activate a random number of ways to win on each spin.

For example, on one spin, you might have 100 ways to win. On the next, you could have 5,000. In tandem with mixing up the number of paylines, MegawaysTM makes mega-combinations possible. Because the reels are set in such a way that different sized symbols fall in random orders, it can open up more payout potential than your average slot. In fact, if things fall just right, Gonzo’s Quest MegawaysTM will give you up to 117,649 ways to win from a single spin!

How To Play Gonzo’s Quest MegawaysTM

To play the game, it’s simple. Start by choosing your bet. The new Gonzo’s Quest has flexible betting limits, so you can stake between €0.10 and €10 a spin. Place your bet and you’ll unlock the six reels and set the blocks in motion.

What’s unique about Gonzo’s Quest, both the original and the MegawaysTM version, is that the symbols fall into place rather than spin. This not only creates a different slot feel, but sets up something known as the avalanche feature.

Gonzo’s Quest Online Slot Symbols

Since this is the gateway to the lost city of El Dorado, the symbols are suitably iconic. Each block has been carved into an ornate design. On any single drop, the six reels can host between two and seven of the following Mayan symbols:

  • K ‘uk’ (quetzal)
  • K ‘awil (spirit)
  • Chan (snake)
  • Hoy
  • Grey stone god
  • Yellow stone god
  • Green stone god
  • Blue stone god
  • King of the gods

In addition to standard symbols, Gonzo’s Quest MegawaysTM features a mystery icon in the form of a question mark. Substituting for all other symbols, this wild can appear up to twice on a single reel and can help complete winning combinations. Finally, to trigger the free spins bonus, golden coins must fall into place. Three or more coins (or two coins plus a wild) will initiate the bonus round and give you more potential ways to win.

Gonzo’s Quest MegawaysTM Payouts And Bonuses

MegawaysTM online slots are full of potential because you have up to 117,649 paylines on any given spin. This dynamic alone means that a single spin can unlock various payouts. In this game, winning combinations are formed when clusters of three or more matching symbols line up.

The list below shows how much you can win when you match a minimum of three symbols and a maximum of six. It is important to note that you will also win prizes when you match four and five symbols.

Gonzo’s Quest Megaways Prizes

  • K ‘uk’ (quetzal) = win between 0.1x and 0.5x your stake
  • K ‘awil (spirit) = win between 0.2x and 0.5x your stake
  • Chan (snake) = win between 0.2x and 0.7x your stake
  • Hoy = win between 0.2x and 0.8x your stake
  • Grey stone god = win between 0.3x and 1x your stake
  • Yellow stone god = win between 0.4x and 1.2x your stake
  • Green stone god = win between 0.5x and 2x your stake
  • Blue stone god = win between 0.7x and 4x your stake
  • King of the gods = win between 1x and 15x your stake

The MegawaysTM system means that you can make multiple winning combinations on a single spin. So, while a line-up of three matching symbols might not seem too lucrative, this could be one of many winning clusters on the reels. Unlike most current slots, Gonzo’s Quest works on a cumulative basis. In other words, multiple smaller prizes can translate into bigger payouts.

In fact, things get even better when you factor in this slot’s avalanche feature. Winning combinations will trigger an avalanche. This means that the symbols that formed a winning combination disappear and new ones will fall into their place. If the avalanche creates another winning combination, the process is repeated.

Each consecutive avalanche moves the multiplier metre along a notch. Consecutive winning combinations become increasingly valuable. In Gonzo’s Quest MegawaysTM the multipliers increase in the following way until you either max out or don’t hit a winning combination:

  • 1x avalanche = 1x multiplier
  • 2x avalanches = 2x multiplier
  • 3x avalanches = 3x multiplier
  • 4x avalanches = 5x multiplier

If you can trigger the free spins round (known as Free Falls), your multipliers are given a boost. By dropping in three scatters (coins), you will receive nine free spins. Trigger avalanches during this bonus round and your prizes will be multiplied by 3x, 6x, 9x and, finally, 15x.

Finally, for even more added value, Gonzo’s Quest MegawaysTM features “earthquakes”. Like avalanches, earthquakes shake the reels and unlock extra opportunities. The way they do this is by removing low-value symbols. Earthquakes are triggered at random, so you never know when they’re going to strike. However, when they do, high-value symbols will fall into the mix and give you a chance to make winning combinations with more payout potential.

Gonzo’s Quest vs Gonzo’s Quest Megaways: The Showdown

Before we give you some tips on how to play online slots, let’s compare Gonzo’s Quest MegawaysTM to the original. Overall, the two games are virtually identical. In both, your mission is to unlock the proverbial gates to El Dorado by matching blocks of Mayan symbols. The two also contain the avalanche feature and successive wins trigger up to 5x multipliers. Finally, the Free Falls (free spins) round is available in both games.

Gonzo's Quest Game Screenshot
The original Gonzo’s Quest

For all the similarities between the two online slots, there are also some differences. Gonzo’s Quest features five reels, 20 paylines, and bets ranging from €0.20 up to €50. In contrast, Gonzo’s Quest MegawaysTM contains six reels, up to 117,649 ways to win and bets ranging from €0.10 to €10. The MegawaysTM version also has the added power of the earthquake feature.

Gameplay from Gonzo’s Quest Megaways

The other major difference between these two popular slots is payout potential. Gonzo’s Quest has top payouts worth up to 2,500x your stake. Gonzo’s Quest MegawaysTM has top prizes worth over 20,000x. This, combined with avalanches and multipliers, means you could win more from Gonzo’s Quest Megaways than the original.

Our Recommendation: Play both games and see how the two compare!

Gonzo’s Quest MegawaysTM Tips and Strategy

Online slots are all about having fun. Gonzo’s Quest is no different. Regardless of whether you play the original or the MegawaysTM version, you should always bet at a level that suits your bankroll, and not focus on the prizes. Always remember that slots are games of chance, and play responsibly!

Winning should be a happy consequence of playing the game. Adopting this mentality will help you get the most from Gonzo’s Quest. The MegawaysTM structure is expansive and adds a new level of excitement to the game. Add to this some vivid graphics and there are plenty of things to hold your attention as you play.

When you piece all of these elements together, it’s easy to see why NetEnt’s Gonzo’s Quest became an instant hit when it was released in 2013 and why its 2020 predecessor is equally successful. As long as you remember to play within your limits and enjoy the experience, you’ll get maximum entertainment value from this impressive online slot.

Gonzo’s Quest FAQ

Is Gonzo’s Quest MegawaysTM fair?

Yes! This game has not only been developed by one of the biggest companies in the business, Red Tiger, it has been tested and certified by an outside agency. Before this game was licenced and allowed to go live on casino sites around the world, its randomness and RTP (return to player) had to be checked. The results came back positive and, as well as receiving a 96% RTP rating, the game has been classified as 100% fair.

Can I win real money playing Gonzo’s Quest MegawaysTM?

Yes, you can. The amount you win is never guaranteed, and the size of prize will depend on your stake and the winning combinations you land. However, if everything lines up in the best way possible, you could win up over 20,000x your stake.

Where can I play Gonzo’s Quest MegawaysTM online?

You can play Gonzo’s Quest Megaways at LiveRoulette. If you have not already created an account, you can register your details today. Once you are a member, you can make a deposit, scroll through our online slots lobby, and try a heap of top slots!

18+ | begambleaware.org | Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. Terms & Conditions apply.