Gold Blitz Express Slot Review- All Aboard the New Shiny Slot

January 7, 2026

Gold Blitz Express, hosted exclusively at PokerStars online casino, brings the Gold Blitz series back with an even bigger grid and steam-powered features.

This steam train-themed online slot, from Fortune Factory Studios, keeps the setup tight with a heavy focus on the main features. The 6-reel, 4-row setup has 4,096 ways to win, and most spins feel like they’re making progress towards a feature, whether that’s Cash values appearing, tokens building the Rising Rewards, or Blitz Express showing up on the 6th reel. 

Gold Blitz Express Game Overview

Studio

Fortune Factory Studios

Game Layout

6 reels x 4 rows

Ways to Win

4,096 ways

RTP (on PokerStars)

94.20%

Bet Range (on PokerStars)

£0.20 – £5.00

Main Features

Blitz Express, Rising Rewards Instant Win Jackpot, Collect Feature, Bonus Choice, Free Spins, Gold Blitz, Gold Blitz Respins, Bonus Recharge

Special Symbols

Wild, Scatter, Blitz Express, Token, Cash, Collect

Platforms

Desktop, tablet, mobile

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Theme and Design: Lightning, Gold, and a Majestic Train

Gold Blitz Express sticks to the classic look of the series. Behind the reels is a dark space with lightning flashing towards the centre, as if the grid is advancing like a powerful locomotive.

The symbol set also follows this theme of flashy speed and gold, with card ranks handling the lower end, while gold-heavy icons like dollar signs, bars, coins, bells, and horseshoes are the premium icons. The big golden train, sitting above the reels, really stands out in this casino game. It’s directly tied to Blitz Express, so when that symbol lands on reel 6, the feature feels like it’s part of the overall game, rather than just a visual prop.

Core Gameplay: Familiar Gold Blitz Icons Return

Gold Blitz Express uses 4,096 ways, paying left to right starting from reel 1. Only the highest win is paid per way, and if several winning combinations appear on a single way, only the highest win is awarded.

Way wins are based on the initial bet, and any way wins and Scatter wins are added together, then paid as one total. It’s a familiar slot setup, but the feature layer means there’s usually something else gaining momentum alongside normal symbols.

Symbol Values

On a £1.00 bet, the Dollar Sign is the top regular symbol and pays £5.00 for six, £2.50 for five, £2.00 for four, £1.50 for three, and £1.00 for two.

Gold Bars and the Coin Stack sit just below that and pay £2.50 for six, £2.00 for five, £1.50 for four, £1.00 for three, and £0.50 for two. Bells and Horseshoes follow with £2.00 for six, £1.50 for five, £1.20 for four, £0.80 for three, and £0.20 for two.

The card ranks fill the lower end. A and K pay £1.50 for six, £1.20 for five, £1.00 for four, and £0.50 for three. Q and J pay £1.20 for six, £1.00 for five, £0.80 for four, and £0.40 for three. 10 and 9 pay £1.00 for six, £0.80 for five, £0.50 for four, and £0.30 for three.

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Wild Symbols

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Wilds substitute for other symbols, but they don’t substitute for Scatter, Blitz Express, Cash, or Collect symbols. They show up on reels 2,3,4,5, and 6 in the base game, and the symbol itself doesn’t have a payout. These are there to help standard symbol combinations connect across ways, while the feature symbols stay separate and come with their own rules.

Blitz Express: The Fuel of the Feature

Blitz Express triggers when the Blitz Express symbol lands, and that symbol can appear on reel 6 in the base game, Free Spins, and Gold Blitz. When it activates, the feature awards between 5 and 20 prizes, made up of cash prizes, jackpots, or a mix of both. Cash prizes range from 0.5x to 9x the bet, and every cash prize and jackpot revealed is awarded, with jackpots able to appear more than once during the same Blitz Express.

If Blitz Express and Bonus Choice trigger at the same time, Blitz Express plays first. At the same time, Blitz Express cannot trigger alongside Gold Blitz Respins in the base game, and it cannot trigger alongside Rising Rewards Instant Win Jackpot in the base game either. The jackpot ladder in this online slot is the Mini at £10.00, Minor at £25.00, Major at £100.00, and Mega at £1,000.00, with jackpot values scaling with bet changes.

Rising Rewards Instant Win Jackpot

Rising Rewards runs quietly in the background and focuses on building the Instant Win pot. Tokens can appear over certain symbols, and during Gold Blitz those tokens can also appear over blank positions. Each token increases the Instant Win Jackpot by 0.1x to 0.5x the bet until the maximum value is reached. The increased jackpot sticks around across the session, and if it’s won, it resets to the starting value.

As the jackpot value increases, however, the chances of triggering the Instant Win Jackpot decrease. Any accumulated token can trigger the jackpot and can only be won once per spin. Tokens can be collected in the base game, Free Spins, and Gold Blitz. Once it’s awarded, it resets to its starting value. On PokerStars, the Instant Win Jackpot starts at £8.00 and can reach up to £200.00 on a £1.00 bet, and scales depending on the bet size.

Bonus Choice: Changing Tracks 

The Bonus Choice feature is triggered by the Scatters, showing up on reels 2,3,4 and 5. Scatters can form their own winning combination when landing anywhere on the reels, and three or more Scatters payout and a bonus choice. Three Scatters award 1x the bet and the choice between 8 Free Spins or 5 spins in Gold Blitz, while four Scatters award 2x the bet and the choice between 12 Free Spins or 7 spins in Gold Blitz.

This is the point where the slot offers the player a choice. One option leans into expanding wilds and retriggers. The other removes regular symbols entirely and builds its own multiplier and extra spins through a Collect trail.

Free Spins

Free Spins is one of the bonuses to choose from, and it’s built around expanding wilds rather than cash collection. Expanding Wilds can show up on reels 2, 3, 4, and 5, and whenever an Expanding Wild is part of a ways win it expands to fill the entire reel it landed on.

Free Spins can extend through Scatters as well. During the feature, 2, 3, or 4 Scatters award 5, 8, or 12 extra Free Spins. Wins from Free Spins are added to base game wins, and the feature plays out automatically.

Gold Blitz: Building the Accumulation Trail

Gold Blitz is the other bonus, stripping the board back to just the main symbols. Only Collect, Cash, and Blitz Express symbols can show up during the feature, while all other positions stay blank. Each Collect symbol that lands adds to the Accumulation Trail, and for every three Collect symbols accumulated, the Cash symbol multiplier increases and extra Gold Blitz spins are awarded. That increased multiplier applies to Gold Blitz spins and also applies to all cash values collected.

As Collect symbols build along the trail, the Cash multiplier steps up from 1x to 2x, 3x, 4x, and finally 5x, with extra Gold Blitz spins added depending on which milestone is reached. In total, the trail can add up to 14 extra spins, and it resets at the start of every Gold Blitz feature trigger.

Gold Blitz feels more direct and exciting, as all the regular symbol wins are taken off the reels, so each spin is either building the trail, collecting cash values, or triggering Blitz Express.​

Gold Blitz Respins

Gold Blitz Respins are only available in the base game. One respin is given to the player when Collect symbols show on reels 1 and 6, no Cash symbols land, or the Bonus Choice isn’t triggered. When that happens, reels 1 and 6 lock and reels 2 to 5 respin with Cash symbols and blank positions. One or more Cash symbols are guaranteed to land, and up to two additional respins can be randomly awarded.

Any way wins are awarded before the feature begins, all bets remain the same as the triggering spin, and all wins are paid out once the feature is complete. Tokens do not appear over blank positions during Gold Blitz Respins.

Final Verdict: Golden Blitz Is All About the Journey

Gold Blitz Express, hosted exclusively on PokerStars, is one of those online slots where the features do most of the talking, while the gold symbols and props set the tone. Blitz Express can land on reel 6 and hand out 5 to 20 prizes, and Rising Rewards keeps a token-fed Instant Win Jackpot steaming away in the background until it hits.

When Bonus Choice triggers, it’s either Free Spins with expanding wilds and scatter retriggers, or Gold Blitz, which only includes Cash and Collect and lets the multiplier climb as Collect icons build. Gold Blitz Express does its job of mirroring a steam train storming to its destination; the only difference is that the player can choose which path they want to take, thanks to the Bonus Choice.

FAQs

How does Gold Blitz Express pay?

It uses 4,096 ways, paying left to right, with only the highest win paid per way.

What triggers Blitz Express?

Landing the Blitz Express symbol on reel 6 triggers it, awarding 5 to 20 cash prizes and or jackpots, and every reveal is paid.

How does the Collect feature work?

When Cash lands with a Collect on reel 1 and or 6 in the base game or Gold Blitz, the Collect gathers all Cash values on screen and pays them out.

What is the difference between Free Spins and Gold Blitz?

Free Spins is all about expanding wilds and scatter retriggers, while Gold Blitz strips the reels down to Cash, Collect, and Blitz Express, then builds a cash multiplier and extra spins.

Can Blitz Express award more than one jackpot in a single feature?

Yes. Blitz Express can reveal multiple prizes in one feature, and jackpots are not limited to one either. The same jackpot tier can also appear more than once during a single Blitz Express trigger.

Does Gold Blitz play differently from the base game?

Gold Blitz removes all regular symbols and then focuses only on Cash, Collect, and Blitz Express, instead of chasing way wins. Each spin focuses on building the Collect trail, increasing the cash multiplier, and extending the feature with extra spins.

Written By
David Lynch

Experienced writer and editor based in Ireland. Attends poker events, covers all casino games and slots, but is really a keen blackjack and roulette player at heart. A sports fanatic among all other things with a soft spot for soccer and F1

Gold Blitz Express Slot Review- All Aboard the New Shiny Slot

January 7, 2026

Big Bass Return to the Races, developed by Pragmatic Play and hosted on the PokerStars casino is back at the online casino, and takes the familiar catch-and-collect structure of the Big Bass series but trades the quiet lake for the race course.

This time, rather than chasing bass, the focus shifts to horses, racing prizes, and Money symbols inspired by life at the track. It still plays with the familiar Big Bass structure, but the tone, setting, and graphics take the fishing classic in a very interesting direction.

Big Bass Return to the Races – Game Overview

Developer

Pragmatic Play

Game Layout

5 reels x 3 rows

Paylines

10 fixed paylines

Bet Range

£0.10 – £2.00

RTP (on PokerStars)

94.07%

Volatility

5/5 (High)

Max Win

5,000x bet

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Swapping Rods for Reins

Big Bass Return to the Races uses a five-reel, three-row layout with ten fixed paylines. Wins are paid from left to right, with only the highest win per line awarded, and all line wins added together for the final total.

The betting range on PokerStars sits between £0.10 and £2.00, making it perfect for those who want to have fun on the reels and not burn through their bankroll. The RTP is 94.07%, and the online slot has a high volatility rating. This means the game is designed for longer quiet stretches, with the larger moments coming with the Free Spins feature and higher-value symbol collections. The max win is capped at 5,000x the bet, and if that cap is reached during a Free Spins round, the feature ends immediately and any remaining spins are lost.

Theme and Design

This time, the fisherman has swapped quiet lakes and boats for grandstands, green turf, and the kind of atmosphere that resembles Cheltenham, Ascot, or the Grand National, rather than a quiet lake full of fish. Overall, it feels purposely spacious and clean, mirroring the open feel of a racecourse rather than feeling closed in and isolated, like the watery visuals the Big Bass series has become known for.

The symbols also back up the major shift in setting. Horse rider combinations act as the Money symbols during Free Spins, replacing the fish entirely. Binoculars, pints of beer, champagne buckets, and tackle boxes fill out the higher-paying symbols, nodding to race-day traditions while still keeping a playful link back to the original series. Card ranks from 10 through Ace form the lower-paying tier, designed to fit in with the theme rather than feeling like generic symbols used in other online slots.

There is also a subtle humour running in the background, as instead of fishing for bass, players try to hook very different prizes, the kind found at the races rather than the lake. It feels less like a sequel and more like a relaxed break from the rod.

Why the Big Bass Format Works Outside the Water

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Big Bass still works away from the lake setting because the catch-and-collect loop is simple, recognisable, and easy to understand, with Money values landing and collector Wilds delivering the biggest moments. Swapping fish for race prizes refreshes the look without having to change the pace, so Return to the Races still feels like Big Bass despite not being visually similar.

Sound and Racing Atmosphere

The audio design also plays into the tone. Rather than the usual watery ambience and relaxed guitar from other titles, the soundtrack feels energetic and upbeat, capturing the optimistic attitudes of those going to the races and hoping their horse comes in first.

With that being said, the music never distracts from the reels, allowing players to focus on feature triggers and symbol collections. It feels more like background atmosphere rather than a deliberate way to cause tension, making it ideal for those who prefer anticipation rather than high-pressure moments.

Symbols and Paytable Explained

The paytable of this online slot has the familiar Big Bass structure, only the symbols include items that would be seen at the races. Based on a £1.00 bet, champagne buckets sit at the top, paying £200.00 for five of a kind, £20.00 for four, £5.00 for three, and £0.50 for two. Bait boxes follow, paying £100.00 for five, £15.00 for four, and £3.00 for three. Beer and binoculars both pay £50.00 for five, £10.00 for four, and £2.00 for three.

Horse rider combinations pay £20.00 for five, £5.00 for four, and £1.00 for three. At the lower end, Aces and Kings pay £10.00 for five, £2.50 for four, and £0.20 for three, while Queens, Jacks, and Tens pay £5.00, £1.00, and £0.20 respectively. Wild symbols show up only during Free Spins and substitute for all symbols except for the Scatters and Money symbols.

Scatter Symbols and Free Spins Triggers

Free Spins are triggered by landing three, four, or five Scatter symbols, awarding 10, 15, or 20 Free Spins. In the base game, when two Scatters land without a third, there’s a chance for a random feature to trigger. Scatters may nudge down one position while staying on the reels, triggering a respin, or an extra Scatter may show up in a random position after the initial result.

Before the Free Spins feature starts, a card-pick chooses the feature type. Choosing a Bonus card triggers regular Free Spins, while revealing a Golden Cup card launches Golden Cup Free Spins instead.

Sticking on ‘Track’ with Free Spins

During regular Free Spins, Wild symbols become collectors. Each Wild that lands collects the full value of all Money symbols on the screen. All Wilds that appear during the feature are also collected into a meter above the reels.

Every fourth Wild collected retriggers the feature, awarding 10 additional Free Spins and increasing the Money symbol collection multiplier. The multiplier increases to 2x at the second level, 3x at the third, and 10x at the fourth. After the fourth level, the feature can’t be retriggered again. Money symbols take random values ranging from 2x up to 500x, with higher potential totals of 1,666x, 2,500x, or 5,000x possible during Free Spins.

Golden Cup Free Spins

Golden Cup Free Spins takes away the standard paying symbols entirely. The reels are replaced with special strips containing just Money symbols, Wilds, and blank spaces. At every spin, all combinations involving Money symbols pay, and each Wild collects all Money symbol values.

The Wild collection and retrigger rules mirror those of regular Free Spins, including the same multiplier progression and retrigger limits. The reel shift changes the rhythm of the feature, focusing completely on collection rather than payline positions.

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Random Features During Free Spins

During any Free Spins round, extra random features may trigger. If Wilds land without Money symbols, Money symbols may appear in random positions at the end of the spin. If Money symbols land without Wilds, a lasso animation can pull a reel to reveal Wilds. If Wilds land without Money symbols, a curtain animation can transform all non-Wild symbols on the screen. These moments add movement and a little more variation without changing the core mechanics.

Ante Bet Option

An Ante Bet option is also available, increasing the bet multiplier and improving the chances of triggering Free Spins. When Ante Bet is active, there’s also a chance for three Scatters to be added to the screen in random positions at the end of a spin or respin following a two-Scatter result. These Scatters trigger Free Spins but do not award line wins on the triggering spin.

Not the First Day at the Races

This isn’t the first time that the fisherman has had a flutter at the race course. Big Bass Day at the Races, hosted on PokerStars, shares the same horse racing theme, with small differences between the two. The soundtrack stays upbeat in both, with ambient crowd cheers sprinkled in to sell the grandstand atmosphere. On the reels, the paytable values and symbol art stay the same.

Where Return to the Races starts to separate itself is in how it treats the “racing prizes” side of the format. PokerStars adds riders to the set of symbols, which also pay on 5, 4, or 3, which gives the grid one more way to land a better result outside of the standard line rhythm.

Day at the Races, on the other hand, leans harder into the set-up and modifiers. Free Spins trigger on 3+ Scatters for 10 Free Spins, while 4 or 5 Scatters kick off the following pick bonus with one or two items already on the reels. Before the Free Spins begin, the pick bonus can reveal modifiers such as More Free Spins (up to +6 total), Fixed Horse (guaranteed Money symbols each free spin), Already Collected Wilds, and options that remove lower Money values from the round’s values.

Free Spin Differences

In Return to the Races, the Free Spins side is more straightforward and capped, with the round limited to 5,000x and ending as soon as that ceiling is reached. Day at the Races pushes the ceiling further with a 10,000x cap, and it also keeps extending the ladder of collection multipliers through eight levels (up to 50x) as Wilds are collected in sets of four.

Both online slots are classed as high volatility titles (5/5), which means both are designed to be unpredictable, with plenty of swings. The main difference is how sessions play out. Day at the Races feels more like a feature that gets built through modifiers, while Return to the Races feels more like the fisherman has wandered into the stands for a simpler, different day out, with the extra rider-paying layer adding a fresh twist to these unique titles in the Big Bass series.

More Horse Racing Slots on PokerStars

Horse racing themes have a long history in online casino games, and the slots on PokerStars are designed to replicate the spectacle and momentum of real-life race day. Alongside Big Bass Return to the Races, there are other titles that approach the theme from different angles, from wheel-based bonuses to traditional line-play formats with racing twists.

Derby Wheel

Derby Wheel, developed by Play’n GO, combines three classic casino games into one title: online slot play, a prize wheel, and an animated horse racing bonus. Rather than leaning on a large reel set, the game runs on a simple 3×3 grid, keeping the focus on bonus triggers rather than complicated line patterns.

The visuals mix futuristic style with neon lighting and robotic horses. The reels sit inside a sci-fi-style derby arena, backed by vibrant colours and glossy symbols. When features trigger, the game shifts into a 3D sequence, especially during the horse racing bonus, which delivers the headline moment for this slot.

Landing enough Scatter symbols unlocks the Big Wheel bonus. The wheel can pay out instant prizes or trigger the Horse Racing feature, where the main decisions are made. The race itself offers several choices, including skipping the race for a fixed multiplier, picking a winning horse, or the more focused outcomes through Exacta or Trifecta. These higher-risk choices come with higher potential rewards, with wins reaching up to 2,240x the stake depending on the option selected.

9 Races to Glory

9 Races to Glory takes a more traditional slot-led approach to the racing theme. The online slot runs on a 5-reel, 3-row grid with 20 fixed paylines, paying left to right. At its core, it follows familiar payline rules, with Wild symbols substituting for regular icons and Scatter symbols acting as routes to the bonus features.

The racing theme comes through its symbols and feature design rather than animated races. Jockey Scatter symbols pay anywhere on the reels and add to extra wins, while Free Spin symbols trigger a wheel-based bonus that determines both the number of free spins and a multiplier. During Free Spins, line wins and Free Spin symbol wins are multiplied, giving the feature a sense of growth.

With an overall RTP of 94.06%, 9 Races to Glory sits comfortably within the average expectations of a modern online slot. Its structure leans into clarity and consistency, with fixed paylines, straightforward Wilds, and Free Spins that can boost wins.

Compared to Big Bass Return to the Races, 9 Races to Glory feels more traditional in its pacing and graphics. Where Big Bass focuses on collection mechanics and layered Free Spins, 9 Races to Glory keeps its racing theme tied closely to the payline and multiplier-driven bonuses, offering a simpler way to enjoy a horse racing theme.

Final Verdict: Leaving the Lake Behind

Big Bass Return to the Races is a refreshing take on the fisherman theme, with an extreme change of setting that injects a huge contrast rarely seen in online slot titles. The core mechanics stay unmistakably Big Bass, but the racing theme, Money symbols, and visual tone give it a totally separate identity. It feels like a side trip rather than a sequel, a fisherman on holiday rather than back at work.

For players who enjoy the Big Bass format but want a different atmosphere, this horse racing version offers a familiar structure wrapped in brand new surroundings. It may still be about collecting, but this time, the prizes aren’t so scaly.

FAQs

What is the difference between regular Free Spins and Golden Cup Free Spins?

Regular Free Spins use the standard reel set with a Wild collection of Money values. Golden Cup Free Spins replaces normal symbols with special reels containing only Money symbols, Wild symbols, and blanks.

What is the maximum win?

The max win is capped at 5,000x bet, and if the cap is reached during a Free Spins round, the round ends straight away.

Does Big Bass Return to the Races include random features in the base game?

Yes. When two Scatter symbols land without a third, random features may activate, including Scatter nudges or extra Scatters appearing to help trigger Free Spins.

Are the Money symbol values the same in regular and Golden Cup Free Spins?

Yes. Money symbols use the same value range in both, but Golden Cup Free Spins takes away standard paying symbols to focus entirely on collection.

Do Wild symbols appear in the base game?

No. Wild symbols only appear during Free Spins, where they act as collectors for Money symbol values.
Written By
David Lynch

Experienced writer and editor based in Ireland. Attends poker events, covers all casino games and slots, but is really a keen blackjack and roulette player at heart. A sports fanatic among all other things with a soft spot for soccer and F1

Gold Blitz Express Slot Review- All Aboard the New Shiny Slot

January 7, 2026

Big Bass Xmas Frozen Lake, from Pragmatic Play, invites players back to the familiar lake, only this time, the water is frozen, and the fishermen are ready for Christmas.

As is the case in all the other Big Bass titles, this online slot, hosted by PokerStars online casino, is built around patience. The base game plays at a steady pace, Money symbols hint at a potential big catch, and the biggest moments sits firmly inside the Free Spins feature, which can split into two different bonus paths depending on the card picked at the start of the round.

Big Bass Christmas Frozen Lake – Game Overview

Studio

Pragmatic Play

Reels / Rows

5 reels x 3 rows

Paylines

10 fixed paylines

Bet Range

£0.10 to £5.00

RTP (PokerStars)

94.07%

Volatility

High (5/5)

Max Win

5,000x total bet

Bonus Trigger

3, 4 or 5 Scatter symbols

Main Features

Money symbols, Free Spins, Frozen Lake Free Spins, Ante Bet

Special Symbols

Fisherman Wild, Scatter, Money symbols

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Theme and Design: Going Lakeside for Christmas

The setting of this latest instalment in the Big Bass franchise is a frozen lake viewed from beneath the ice, with cracks, bubbles, and soft blue lighting giving the reels a cold and wintry look. As expected in a seasonal version, Christmas imagery can be seen throughout, such as sleighs replacing some of the usual props, a snowman on land, and a light, festive sound design. Even with the snowy overhaul, this casino game is clearly a Big Bass slot, fitting well alongside the rest of the most popular titles.

Core Gameplay: A Festive Fishing Trip

Big Bass Xmas Frozen Lake is played on a simple 5×3 layout with 10 fixed paylines. Wins pay from left to right, and only the highest win per line gets paid out. When several paylines land on the same spin, all wins are combined.

The base game is deliberately restrained, just like real-life fishing, until the moment the player gets something on the hook. Standard symbol wins do land and pay out, but most spins are used to trigger the Free Spins feature. Money symbols appear often, but they don’t pay anything until the bonus round kicks in. The Fisherman Wild doesn’t appear during the base game, which keeps the pacing in the early stages calmer, building anticipation until the feature has been ‘reeled’ in.

Symbol Values

On a £1 stake, The Sleigh is the top-paying symbol, awarding £200.00 for five of a kind, £20.00 for four, £5.00 for three, and £0.50 for two. Just below that sits the Robin, which pays £100.00 for five, £15.00 for four, and £3.00 for three. The Tackle Box and Fishing Rod follow, each paying £50.00 for five, £10.00 for four, and £2.00 for three. Fish symbols, which also act as Money symbols during the bonus, pay £20.00 for five, £5.00 for four, and £1.00 for three when they form regular winning combinations.

At the lower end, A and K pay £10.00 for five, £2.50 for four, and £0.20 for three. Q, J, and 10 pay £5.00 for five, £1.00 for four, and £0.20 for three. The Wild (Fisherman) substitutes for all symbols except for the Scatter and Money symbols and can only show up during Free Spins.

Money Symbols

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Money symbols are visible throughout the base game, but they only come into play during Free Spins. Each one carries a random value, which can range from 2x up to 5,000x the total bet.

Free Spins: Hooking the Main Features

The Free Spins feature kicks in when 3,4,or 5 Scatters show up on the screen, giving the player 10,15, or 20 free spins. If two Scatters land without a third, the online slot can give players a present of its own. This can either be a respin trigger, shifting existing Scatters down one space while the rest reels respin, or an extra Scatter that shows up randomly. When this happens, the Free Spins feature unlocks, but the original spin doesn’t pay line wins.Before the bonus begins, one card is picked from a set of twelve to determine which Free Spins mode is awarded.

Regular Free Spins

In regular Free Spins, the standard reels of this slot stay in place and the Fisherman Wild becomes the main symbol. Whenever a Fisherman Wild lands, it collects the value of all Money symbols currently on the screen, with the Wilds also tracked across the round. Every fourth Wild collected retriggers the feature, giving the player another 10 free spins, and boosting the Money collection multiplier. The multiplier steps up to 2x at the second level, 3x at the third, and 10x at the fourth. When the fourth level is reached, the bonus can’t retrigger again.

Frozen Lake Free Spins

If the selected card reveals the Frozen Lake Free Spins, the feel of the completely changes shape. The standard reels vanish, leaving an empty grid behind, which is then replaced by special reels containing only Money symbols, Fisherman Wilds, and blank spaces. The round begins with 10 free spins. From there, it follows the same collection rules as the regular version, but with far fewer symbols to crowd the screen.

On every spin, winning combinations involving Money symbols are paid straight away, while each Fisherman Wild collects the full value of all Money symbols on the grid. Wilds are tracked in the same way as before, with every fourth collected retriggering the feature and boosting the multiplier up to the same four-level limit. With no other standard symbols on the grid, the frozen Lake bonus feels a lot more focused. Every spin either adds value, extends the feature, or takes players back to the base game.

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Random Features During Free Spins

Both Free Spins versions can also include a set of random features that trigger at the end of a spin. If Fisherman Wilds land but no Money symbols appear, Money symbols can be added in random positions. If Money symbols appear but no Fisherman Wild lands, a hook animation has a chance of pulling a reel into view to bring Wilds onto the screen.

Another random feature of this online slot transforms the grid. When Fisherman Wilds land without Money symbols, an ice curtain animation can trigger and change all symbols on the screen, except for the Fisherman Wilds.

Ante Bet: Using Bigger Bait

Big Bass Xmas Frozen Lake includes an Ante Bet option. When activated, the player can choose to increase their bet to 1.5x, which increases the chance of landing Scatter symbols. Also, with Ante Bet, there’s a chance for three Scatters to be added in random positions at the end of a spin or respin when only two Scatters land. The RTP of this casino game stays the same at 94.07%, but the higher stake is worth keeping in mind, especially given the slot’s high volatility.

RTP, Volatility, and Win Limits

The theoretical RTP for Big Bass Xmas Frozen Lake is 94.07%, while the volatility listed by Pragmatic Play is rated high (5/5). This means that wins tend to land less often, especially as the Free Spins feature carries most of the payout potential.

The max win is capped at 5,000x the total bet, and if the cap gets reached during a Free Spins round, the feature ends straight away, the win is paid, and any remaining spins disappear.

More Big Bass Online Slots

The Big Bass series doesn’t try and reinvent its formula, infact, they stick to familiarity, but with added tweaks to the bonus features to keep them unique. PokerStars has several other Big Bass titles, including one that goes bigger on potential and one that also leans into the Christmas spirit. 

Big Bass Bonanza 1000

Big Bass Bonanza 1000 also has the same 5×3 setup as Big Bass Christmas Frozen Lake, as well as 10 fixed paylines. The big difference is, however, is how it stretches the bonus potential compared to the earlier titles. The theoretical RTP is 96.51%, it has a high volatility, and Money symbols can reach 1,000x the total bet in the bonus.

The Free Spins, like all other Big Bas casino games on PokerStars, are still the main event. Fisherman Wilds collect the values of all visible Money symbols, and the round tracks those Wilds as it goes. Every fourth Wild retriggers the feature for extra spins and raises the collection multiplier, which gives the bonus a sense of progression.

Big Bass Christmas Bash

Big Bass Christmas Bash is an even more straightforward festive game. It keeps the 5×3 grid, 10 paylines, and the same Big Bass pacing, then wraps it in icy underwater visuals, bright Christmas colours, and a jolly soundscape. 

The Free Spins feature also stays at the heart of the slot, with fish symbol collection for cash prizes and multipliers that can rise as high as 10x the bet amount. With an RTP of 96.71%, it plays like a typical Big Bass title, but with a lighthearted Christmas theme. 

Final Verdict: Frozen Festive Fun

Big Bass Xmas Frozen Lake, hosted on PokerStars, sticks closely to the series structure that has made this online slot game a fan favourite. The 5×3 layout, Money symbol collections, and levelled Free Spins progression all return, only with Frozen Lake Free Spins offering a more focused alternative to the standard free spin round found in other Big Bass titles.

The base game play is intentionally more quiet and leans heavily on its bonus features to try and mirror the feeling of a fisherman waiting for a big bite. The High volatility also backs this up. For those already familiar with Big Bass slots, this Christmas edition feels like a seasonal special rather than trying to make huge changes to the format.

FAQS

How is the Free Spins feature triggered in Big Bass Xmas Frozen Lake?

Free Spins trigger by landing 3, 4, or 5 Scatter symbols, which award 10, 15, or 20 free spins. If only two Scatters land, a respin or random Scatter can show up to help complete the trigger.

What is the difference between regular Free Spins and Frozen Lake Free Spins?

Regular Free Spins keep the standard reels in place and focus on collecting Money symbol values with Fisherman Wilds. Frozen Lake Free Spins remove all normal symbols and use special reels that only have Money symbols, Fisherman Wilds, and blanks.

How do Money symbols work in this slot?

Money symbols carry random values ranging from 2x up to 5,000x the total bet. These values do not pay in the base game and are only collected during Free Spins when a Fisherman Wild lands.

What does the Fisherman Wild do?

The Fisherman Wild can substitute for all symbols except Scatters and Money symbols. During Free Spins, it collects the value of all Money symbols visible on the screen.

What is the maximum win in Big Bass Xmas Frozen Lake?

The max win is capped at 5,000x the total bet.
Written By
David Lynch

Experienced writer and editor based in Ireland. Attends poker events, covers all casino games and slots, but is really a keen blackjack and roulette player at heart. A sports fanatic among all other things with a soft spot for soccer and F1

Gold Blitz Express Slot Review- All Aboard the New Shiny Slot

January 7, 2026

Eye of Horus Legacy of Gold JK, a PokerStars exclusive online slot, heads back into a familiar Egyptian tomb where gold trim frames the reels and the main features sit quietly in the background.

It keeps the classic Eye of Horus feel, but the sequel adds a twist through the upgrade ladder. Collect starts simple, before turning into respins, boosts, max matching and multi collects, and once those upgrades are triggered, they stay active. Free Spins also expands later on, opening up a second bonus route, while Jackpot King Deluxe sits alongside everything as a separate progressive pot.

Eye of Horus Legacy of Gold JK Game Overview

Studio

Blueprint Gaming

Reels

6

Ways to Win

4,096 (always active)

Bet Range

£0.10 to £5.00

RTP (on PokerStars)

92.5% (+JP 0.38%)

Max Win

10,000x total bet

Bonus Trigger

3+ Bonus Scatter symbols

Main Features

Cash Collect unlock ladder, Eye of Horus Spins, Legacy of Gold Spins, Jackpot King Deluxe

Special Symbols

Wild, Bonus Scatter, Cash Prize, Collect, Jackpot King Deluxe overlay, Crown symbols

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Theme and Design: Eye of Horus With a Feature Overhaul

This online casino game fits right in with the Eye of Horus franchise. Tall sandstone pillars, dim candlelight, and hieroglyphic symbols that look like they’ve been carved into the tomb. The audio matches the setting too, with a classic Egyptian-inspired soundtrack and gentle singing running over the top, which gives it a ceremonial feel without dominating the spins.

Symbol Values

On a £1 stake, Eye of Horus is the top symbol. Six pays £5.00, five pays £2.50, three pays £1.00 and two pays £0.50. Anubis and the bird sit just below that, with £2.50 for six, £2.00 for five, £1.50 for four, £0.80 for three and £0.40 for two. The ankh follows with £2.00 for six, £1.50 for five, £1.20 for four, £0.60 for three and £0.20 for two.

The card ranks fill out the lower end. A and K pay £1.50 for six, £1.20 for five, £1.00 for four and £0.50 for three. Q and J pay £1.20 for six, £1.00 for five, £0.80 for four and £0.50 for three. Then 10 and 9 pay £1.00 for six, £0.80 for five, £0.60 for four and £0.40 for three. Wilds substitute for everything except the Bonus Scatter, Cash Collect and Cash Prize symbols, and they only appear on reels 2 to 6.

Core Gameplay: Awakening an Egyptian God

The base setup is kept intentionally straightforward. Six reels, 4,096 ways that are always active, wins paying left to right across consecutive reels. The wild helps standard symbol wins, but it does not substitute for the feature symbols.

Cash Prize symbols can show up across the reels with their values attached. Collect symbols can land on reel 1 and or reel 6. Bonus scatters are the Free Spins trigger. Those three matter most because they control when the game switches gears.

Cash Collect

Cash Prize symbols land with values. When a Collect symbol appears on reel 1 and or reel 6 with cash values in view, Cash Collect triggers. The Collect expands across its reel and gathers the visible values.Regular wins come and go, but Cash Collect is what gives certain reel stops a bit more bite. A result can look ordinary until one symbol lands at the edge and the whole spin turns into a collect.

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Cash Collect Upgrades

Eye of Horus Legacy of Gold JK is designed to build progression. The collect feature isn’t a one-and-done gimmick. It has a ladder that can push the feature further once upgrades start landing. Each upgrade unlocks only after the previous upgrade has collected cash values during a main game spin, and once it’s unlocked it sticks around going forward, including in Free Spins where allowed.

It starts with a standard Collect active on reels 1 and 6. Respin Collect is the first upgrade that changes how the feature feels. When it triggers, the initiating Cash Prize symbols hold while active reels re spin, continuing until no new Cash Prize symbols land. The collect setup lasts a little longer, with the grid given a chance to grow.

Boost Collect

Boost Collect comes next and when it triggers, Cash Prize symbols can be boosted by up to x5 the bet before being collected. It’s not a constant modifier, but it can turn a decent collect into something even better. Max Collect follows, and when it triggers, all Cash Prize symbols match to the largest Cash Prize value on the grid. 

Multi Collect

Multi Collect is the final step. When it triggers, it collects the Cash Prize symbols on the grid up to five times. It’s the same moment repeated over again, which suits a game built around collecting and re-collecting rather than chasing a single hit. After Multi Collect has collected in the main game, the final unlock arrives. Legacy of Gold becomes available as a Free Spins option, and that changes the bonus by adding a choice.

RTP And Max Win of Legacy of Gold

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The RTP for Eye of Horus Legacy of Gold JK is 92.5% (+JP 0.38%), with a separate contribution tied to Jackpot King Deluxe. The max base game win is capped at 10,000x the total bet. Jackpot King Deluxe is also separate, with its own structure and pot values that change.

Bonus Triggers That Come With a Choice

Free Spins trigger with three or more Bonus Scatter symbols. Three scatters award 10 Free Spins. Four scatters award a 20x bet win plus 10 spins. Five scatters award 100x bet plus 10 spins. Six scatters award 500x the bet plus 10 spins.

Before Legacy of Gold is unlocked, Free Spins run through Eye of Horus Spins. After the unlock is triggered, the bonus offers a choice between Eye of Horus Spins and Legacy of Gold Spins.

Eye Of Horus Spins

Eye of Horus Spins begins with 10 spins and keeps the collect mechanic intact. Unlocked Collect upgrades stick around, so the feature still revolves around cash values landing and Collect scooping them up from reel 1 and or reel 6.

The difference is in how the feature can keep going. As more Collect symbols land during the bonus, extra spins can be added, and the minimum Cash Prize level steps up through set levels. When Collects keep landing, the bonus feels like it’s building momentum instead of just counting down from ten. When the spins come to an end, the feature closes and the values are added together and paid out.

Legacy Of Gold Spins

Legacy of Gold Spins begins with 10 spins, but it changes the rules straight away. Cash Prize and Collect symbols are removed from the reels completely. Instead, Golden Eye symbols build progress on a 10-stage trail next to the reels. Filling the trail upgrades symbols to the top paying symbol, making the feature feel more like the symbol set is being pushed upward, rather than values being gathered and cashed out.

This mode can also extend itself through scatters during the feature. Landing two or more Bonus Scatters awards extra spins, with higher scatter counts providing more. It gives the feature another push, which matters when the symbol trail is still building up. When the last spin is used, the feature ends and the results are resolved.

Jackpot King Deluxe

The Jackpot King Deluxe system, found on several PokerStars online slots, is a separate bonus layer that can trigger during paid spins. The trigger condition for this bonus mechanic is landing six Jackpot King Deluxe overlay symbols across reels 1 to 6.

Once triggered, the feature starts to climb a ladder. Spins collect Crown icons to move up the win ladder, and hitting the required Crown amounts activates the Wheel King. After any spin, the feature reveals what happens next, either continuing, ending with a payout, or moving straight into Wheel King.

Wheel King is a tombola-style wheel with multiplier segments and progressive pot segments. This is where jackpots can be won, and when a jackpot is won, it resets and starts rising again. It is its own standalone system, separate from the collect ladder and separate from the Free Spins mechanics.

Final Verdict: Ancient Egypt With a Modern Twist

Eye of Horus Legacy Of Gold JK, hosted on PokerStars, keeps the classic Egyptian atmosphere and a clean 4,096 ways setup, then gives this online slot a proper sense of progression through the Cash Collect upgrade ladder. Respin, Boost, Max and Multi Collect all change how the same feature moment behaves.

Once Legacy of Gold is unlocked, Free Spins become a real decision for players. Eye of Horus Spins keeps the collect mechanics going and builds through different levels. Legacy of Gold Spins removes the cash layer and turns into a symbol upgrade chase through the 10 stage trail, with scatters that can keep it running.

Jackpot King Deluxe then adds a separate progressive route that can show up during paid spins, using the Crown ladder and Wheel King structure, where jackpots can be won. Overall, this slot may look familiar to its predecessors on the surface, but there are enough moving parts underneath that make Legacy Of Gold feel like its own entry in the series.

FAQS

How many ways to win does Eye Of Horus Legacy Of Gold JK have?

4,096 ways that are always active.

What is the difference between Eye of Horus Spins and Legacy of Gold Spins?

Eye of Horus Spins keeps the Cash Prize and Collect system active, so the feature is still built around values landing and being collected. Legacy of Gold Spins removes Cash Prize and Collect symbols completely and shifts the focus to Golden Eye trail progress that upgrades symbols to the top paying symbol.

What is the maximum win?

10,000x the total bet for base game outcomes.

How does Cash Collect work in Eye Of Horus Legacy Of Gold JK?

Cash Prize symbols can land across the reels with values attached. When a Collect symbol stops on reel 1 and or reel 6 while cash values are in view, Cash Collect triggers and the Collect expands across its reel to gather those visible values. As the session progresses, Collect upgrades can unlock, which can change how that collect moment plays out.

How is the Free Spins bonus triggered?

Three or more Bonus Scatter symbols trigger Free Spins, with higher scatter counts also awarding an instant win before the spins begin.

How does Jackpot King Deluxe work in this version?

It can trigger during paid spins, then uses Crown symbols to climb a win ladder and can lead into Wheel King, a wheel with multiplier segments and progressive pot segments where jackpots can be won.
Written By
David Lynch

Experienced writer and editor based in Ireland. Attends poker events, covers all casino games and slots, but is really a keen blackjack and roulette player at heart. A sports fanatic among all other things with a soft spot for soccer and F1

Gold Blitz Express Slot Review- All Aboard the New Shiny Slot

January 7, 2026

Buffalo Blaze: Wild Wealth is a PokerStars exclusive that takes players to the Wild West, with clever features that definitely doesn’t shoot from the hip.

At its core, it is a simple 5×4, 20-payline online slot. But where things get interesting is what can happen when features begin to trigger. A Wild Cowboy can step in and change how Buffalo symbols work, random multipliers can turn standard line wins into something bigger, and Golden Coins can open the door to a jackpot reveal.

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Buffalo Blaze: Wild Wealth Game Overview

Developer

Octoplay

Game Layout

5 reels x 4 rows

Paylines

20 fixed

Betting Range

£0.10 to £5.00

RTP (on PokerStars)

92.79%

Max Win

5,500x

Special Mechanics

Wild Cowboy, Buffalo-to-Wild conversion, random multipliers, Golden Coins, Pick a Card Bonus

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Theme and Design: Stepping Into the Frontier

The western theme is instantly recognisable, but it’s not just dust and grit that make players feel like they’ve stepped back in time to the Wild West. The symbols are bold and designed to reflect the era, with card faces styled like antique playing cards, and animals such as wolves and buffalo roaming the reels. The Wild Cowboy is the main star of this western adventure. If the cowboy lands, it marks the moment with an animation, letting players know something exciting is about to happen.

Core Gameplay: Riding Out on the Open Range

Buffalo Blaze: Wild Wealth uses a fixed 20-payline setup on a 5×4 grid. The base game keeps everything focused with simple line wins, which only pays the highest winning combos per symbol. 

Symbol Values

The lower symbols are the card ranks, 10 through to Ace, all of which share the same payout values of Three paying 0.20x, four paying 0.50x, and five paying 2.00x of the bet. The animal symbols are the next tier. Cougar pays 0.50x for three, 1.00x for four, and 4.00x for five. Wolf moves that higher, paying 0.80x, 1.50x, and 6.00x. Bear continues the scale with 1.00x, 2.00x, and 12.00x. At the top of the standard symbols sits the Buffalo, paying 1.50x for three, 3.00x for four, and 24.00x for five. Finally, there is a Wild payout, with five Wilds returning 50.00x.

Lassoing the Big Bonus Features

The Wild Cowboy is a 1×2 Wild that substitutes for all symbols except Scatters, but shows up far less than the lower-tier symbols. Its real impact comes from how it interacts with the Buffalo symbol. When the Wild Cowboy is on the reels and Buffalo symbols form winning lines, those Buffalo symbols can turn Wild and substitute. This means the mechanic is designed to keep the focus on actual outcomes, rather than acting as a background bonus that doesn’t feel impactful.

Multipliers

Random multipliers can appear on the grid with values of x2, x3, or x5. Up to three can land on a single spin, but they only apply if the symbol carrying them is part of a winning line.

When more than one multiplier triggers on the same line, the values are added together. It is a small detail, but it keeps the maths nice and neat. The multipliers boost what’s already on the grid, rather than overcrowding the grid in the base game.

Golden Coins and the Pick a Card Bonus

Golden Coins can appear on any symbol except the Wild Cowboy, and each one can trigger the Pick a Card Bonus. When the bonus triggers, the four jackpots are shown and a set of face-down cards appears.

The cards are revealed automatically until one of the jackpot prizes is paid out, which could be the Mini jackpot worth 25x, the Minor for 50x, the Major for 250x, or the Grand worth 5,000x the initial bet.

Free Spins

Free Spins trigger with three, four, or five Scatters and begin with ten spins. Before the bonus feature starts, a modifier is revealed for each Scatter above two. Depending on what is triggered, the feature can add extra spins at the end, apply a global x5 multiplier to all wins, lock a Wild Cowboy to the middle reel for the rest of the round, guarantee multipliers on every spin, or place Golden Coins across the grid.

When exactly two Scatters land, the game can trigger a short respin sequence. The Scatters lock in place and move upward with each respin until they reach the top of the reels. The sequence continues until no Scatter can move further or until five Scatters have landed.

RTP and Max Win of Buffalo Blaze: Wild Wealth

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PokerStars lists the RTP at 92.79%, which is a theoretical value determined after thousands of rounds. The maximum win is capped at 5,500x, and the betting range runs from £0.10 to £5.00.

The Optional PokerStars Jackpot Game

Buffalo Blaze: Wild Wealth also offers a separate Jackpot Game that can be entered for an extra £0.20 per round. The feature starts with 30 balls dropping into prize sectors. Landing ten balls in the same sector awards a cash prize, after which that sector becomes blocked out.

Each time a prize is collected, more balls are added, allowing the feature to continue. Golden balls can also appear, and each one counts as five standard balls. Landing a total of ten balls in the Jackpot sections pays out the progressive jackpot. The Jackpot Game has its own RTP of 85.08%, and 85.10% of the additional bet goes towards the progressive jackpot.

More Wild-West Themed Slots on PokerStars

Buffalo Blaze: Wild Wealth is not the only game on PokerStars that leans into frontier territory. The platform hosts several western-leaning online slots that approach the theme from different angles. Some are set in dusty saloons, while others focus on different aspects associated with the era of the cowboys.

Cash Link Express Hold & Win

Cash Link Express Hold & Win, developed by Octoplay, leans into the steam age of the Wild West. The reels sit on a five-reel, three-row grid with ten fixed paylines paying left to right, and the betting range sits between £0.10 and £5.00. The RTP is listed at 92.72%, the volatility is low, and the maximum win is capped at 4,106x.

The feature list stays extremely tight, with a Star Wild supporting standard line wins and Golden Coin symbols landing with cash values. The Cash Train acts as the collector, and it only shows up on the middle reel, which makes it clear when the coin values are active.

Hold & Win is the main feature of this casino game. It can trigger randomly when Golden Coin or Cash Train symbols land, or automatically when four Golden Coins and one Cash Train appear in the same spin. Once it begins, the feature starts with three lives, and if a spin fails to land a Golden Coin, Cash Train, or Jackpot symbol, a life is lost.

From there, the trains start moving full steam ahead. Cash Train symbols lock in place for the duration of the feature and repeatedly collect value as new coins and jackpot symbols land. Each train can collect up to 1,500x, and if all three reach that cap, the feature comes to an end.

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Wild Draw Saloon

Wild Draw Saloon has a much more familiar Wild West aesthetic. Developed by The Stars Group and exclusive to PokerStars, it leans fully into dusty old saloons, sheriff badges, and high-noon showdowns.

The slot plays on a five-reel grid with 243 ways to win. The mechanics are designed to build momentum, especially once the Wilds start spreading across the grid. The Sheriff’s Badge acts as the Wild symbol. It substitutes for standard symbols, can spread across the reels, and convert other symbols into Wilds. When it lands right, it can quickly turn an ordinary spin into a much more exciting one.

Free Spins are triggered by landing three or more of the Scatter symbols, shown as wanted posters. Depending on how many Scatters show up, the feature gives the player awards 10, 12, or 15 Free Spins, along with an instant cash payout.

There is also a four-tier progressive jackpot that can be won from the base game. It sits quietly in the background, adding that low-level sense that something bigger could drop at any point. Visually, the slot fully commits to the theme. The saloon graphics are warm, filled with flickering lanterns, an old bar, and dust touching everything in sight. The symbols also sticks closely to the theme, with cowboy hats, boots, horseshoes, and six-shooters filling the reels. The smooth animations also fit into the Wild West atmosphere, especially when Wilds spread and wins land.

Final Verdict: Spinning Off Into the Sunset

Buffalo Blaze: Wild Wealth keeps the base game easy to follow, then highlights the bigger moments visually on the screen. The Wild Cowboy brings the most obvious shift in gameplay, but the multipliers, coin-triggered bonuses, and modifier-driven Free Spins feature all play their part.

The Wild Cowboy is the main mechanic of this online slot, with the bonus structure offering plenty of variety without overloading the grid. The optional Jackpot Game adds an extra layer for those who want it. For players looking for a sharp-shooting online casino slot that captures the spirit of the Wild West, Buffalo Blaze: Wild Wealth may just be worth a shot.

FAQs

How does the Wild Cowboy work?

The Wild Cowboy is a 1×2 Wild that substitutes for all symbols except Scatters. Only one Wild Cowboy can be present at any time. If it appears while Buffalo symbols are on the grid, those Buffalo symbols can turn Wild and substitute, but only when they form winning lines.

How do multipliers work?

Up to three multipliers with values of x2, x3, and x5 can show up on random positions. They apply when the symbol carrying them is part of a winning line. If more than one multiplier applies to the same line, the values are added together and then applied.

How is the Pick a Card Bonus triggered?

Golden Coins can appear on symbols except the Wild Cowboy, and each Golden Coin has a chance of triggering the Pick a Card Bonus.

What jackpots are available in the Pick a Card Bonus?

Mini pays 25x stake, Minor pays 50x stake, Major pays 250x stake, and Grand pays 5,000x stake. The card picks are a reveal mechanic and do not influence the outcome.

Written By
David Lynch

Experienced writer and editor based in Ireland. Attends poker events, covers all casino games and slots, but is really a keen blackjack and roulette player at heart. A sports fanatic among all other things with a soft spot for soccer and F1

Gold Blitz Express Slot Review- All Aboard the New Shiny Slot

January 7, 2026

Mines, played exclusively on PokerStars, swaps reels and tables for an arcade-style game reminiscent of the classic Minesweeper, only with an online casino twist.

Played on a 5×5 grid, the only goal is to avoid hidden mines, steadily growing the potential payout every time a safe tile flips. It’s quick, suspenseful, and allows players to make decisions while trying to avoid a mine before getting the chance to cash out.

Unlike other online slots or live table games, Mines focuses on uncovering coins while avoiding the explosive tiles. The basic idea is simple and has been around a while, but one wrong tile ends the round and removes any potential payout. The constant decision to build progress or cash out is at the heart of this casino game.

Mines Game Overview

Developer

Games Global

Game Type

Instant win, grid-based “mines” format

Layout

5×5 board of tiles

Bet Range

£0.10 to £20.00

RTP

96.00%

Max Win

Up to 12,500x

Key Mechanic

Reveal safe tiles, cash out at any time, avoid mines

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Theme and Design: All Smiles and Bombs

Mines pays homage to the classic Minesweeper game, leaning heavily into its arcade style. The design keeps the attention fixed on the grid, with bold colours that make each choice feel crucial. On PokerStars, the visuals fit neatly into the platform’s recognisable appearance. A red background mirrors the PokerStars branding, with the game title positioned right next to the casino’s logo.

The music fits the pace. It’s quick and upbeat, with an electric piano and low bass strokes. The soundtrack loops smoothly without any dramatic changes, which helps players stay focused, rather than feeling pressured to speed up tile choices.

Despite the explosive setting, the tiles themselves look quite friendly, with smiley faces on each of the unrevealed ones. The mines are easily recognisable without looking overly aggressive. The grid stays bright and easy to follow, and each reveal is easy to understand. The game is not about watching animations show the outcome, but reacting to what the grid shows and deciding what to do next.

What Is Mines on PokerStars?

Mines is a casino game where the aim is to uncover coins on a grid while avoiding hidden mines. Each safe tile increases the multiplier and raises the potential payout. A round ends either by cashing out and collecting the current amount, or by revealing a mine and losing the built-up value of that round.

Games like this are a nod to classic Minesweeper, sharing the same minefield grid design. But that’s where the similarity stops, as Minesweeper is a logic puzzle. PokerStars’ Mines is a push-your-luck style game, where the tension comes from deciding when it’s time to stop.

Within the PokerStars line-up, Mines has a noticeably different pace to slots and live table games. There are no reels, no card shoes, and no dealers. A round starts quickly, decisions happen immediately, and the outcome is revealed straight away.

Core Gameplay 

Mines plays out on a 5×5 board of red tiles, which hide either a coin or a mine. Coins move the round forward and increase the potential payout, but mines bring the round to a stop. The mechanics are straightforward, with a bet being set first, followed by a risk selection that determines how many mines are hidden on the grid. Fewer mines create a smoother path through the grid, but with more modest multiplier growth. Increasing the amount of mines raises the risk, while also building the potential payout for each coin reveal.

Tiles can continue to be revealed to make the multiplier even higher, or the cash out option can be hit to lock in the current amount. Having the cash out option always available is a key part of how Mines plays.

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Risk Control

Mines includes a risk control that adjusts how many mines will appear on the board. More mines increase the likelihood of ending a round early, but on the flip side, they also increase the potential payout when safe tiles are revealed.

This is where Mines clearly separates itself from slots. In an online slot, the bet is set and the spin resolves with a predetermined outcome. In Mines, the bet is set, the risk level is chosen, and then the length of the round is decided by how lucky the player is feeling. The extra layer of control is a massive part of why Mines is so popular, especially for those who like casino games that are hands on.

Payouts and Multipliers

Mines doesn’t use things like slot symbols or card rankings. Instead, it runs on a multiplier that grows each time a coin tile is revealed. Every coin adds to the potential win amount, and the cash out button converts that amount into a payout for the end of the round.

The chosen mine count determines the risk and reward balance. With fewer mines, it’s easier to keep revealing safe tiles, but the multiplier increases at a slower pace. With more mines in play, the grid becomes tighter but it’s harder to avoid the bombs.

Weighing Up the Risk

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Mines can show high multipliers, but higher multipliers come with higher risk. Outcomes remain random, so cashing out offers control over when a round ends, but it never guarantees a particular result.

A Tap-Friendly Instant Win Game

Mines, by PokerStars, is fully optimised for mobile play. The grid stays clear on screens of all sizes, tiles are easy to tap, and the interface scales across devices. For a game like this, that really matters. Mines depends on clean taps, If the grid was cramped, there would be a chance of accidentally hitting another tile. This clear style makes Mines a strong fit for players who prefer mobile casino games without any over-the-top animations or bonus features.

A Different Kind of Tension

Slots build tension through the anticipation of the spin. The reels slow down, near misses can happen, and soundtracks usually reflect the theme. Mines creates tension in a different way, with every reveal being interactive, and every successful pick increasing the pressure to decide whether to bank the amount or keep going.

That can create a “one more tile” feeling, with the moment of the tap being incredibly suspenseful. It explains why Mines is often thought of as a good alternative when players want a break from reels or cards.

More Instant Win Alternatives on PokerStars

Mines sits within a growing group of casino games that favour short rounds, simple rules, and fast decisions. On PokerStars, that same quick-fire energy shows up in other instant win and arcade-style titles, offering a big contrast to online slots and live dealer games.

Grabba Dabba Dough

Grabba Dabba Dough is a PokerStars exclusive that turns the familiar arcade claw machine into an instant win title. The set-up is obviously arcade-inspired, with neon lighting, background chatter, and the mechanical sweep of the grabber recreating the feel of a physical machine.

A stake is selected from eight options, ranging from £0.10 up to £10, then pressing the Play button starts the crane. Pressing Stop locks its position, and Grab drops the claw toward the toys waiting below. Sometimes a toy slips free, sometimes it hangs on the edge, and sometimes it drops right into the chute, paying out the value.

Results are determined by the RNG and resolve instantly. Each toy is tied to a multiplier, with values ranging from x1 on the snake right up to x1,000 for the lion. The monkey acts as the mystery prize, giving between x2 and x500. A star tag adds a Free Go if that toy reaches the prize chute, giving another chance to grab another toy, while the unicorn is linked to the progressive jackpot. The max (base-game) payout is 1,100x stake, with an RTP of 92.00% including the progressive pot.

Thunderstruck FlyX

Thunderstruck FlyX brings Norse mythology into a crash-style multiplier format. Each round starts close to one and steadily climbs as Thor uses his hammer to propel himself upward. All players follow the same curve, and the crash point is the same for everyone playing.

The big decision is when it’s time to cash out. Locking in before the crash locks in the current multiplier and pays out straight away. Waiting longer increases the potential win amount, but also risks the crash ending things without a payout, just like in Mines. On PokerStars, stakes range from £0.05 to £20.00, and the game offers a maximum multiplier of x10,000, with a per-bet win cap of £200,000. Thunderstruck FlyX is driven by its shared-round structure. Everyone rides the same hammer throw of Thor, and everyone faces the same crash. 

Final Verdict: Instant Win or a Premature End?

Mines on PokerStars is an arcade-style casino game built around a 5×5 grid, a clear objective, and an ongoing decision about whether it’s time to stop the round. Reveal coins to build the potential payout, avoid the mines, and cash out when the accumulated balance feels right.

The theme stays light despite the minefield setting, the soundtrack keeps the pace steady, and the risk control is easy to understand. Mines offers a very different experience on PokerStars, ideal for those who want a break from common formats and don’t mind a few explosive moments along the way.

FAQs

What is Mines on PokerStars?

Mines is a casino game where the aim is to reveal safe tiles on a grid while avoiding the hidden mines. Each safe tile increases the potential payout, but hitting a mine will end the round without a win.

How does the risk setting work in Mines?

The risk setting controls how many mines are hidden on the board. Increasing the number of mines raises the chance of ending a round early, while also increasing the potential payout.

Can winnings be collected before revealing every tile?

Yes. Mines includes a cash out option after successful reveals. Cashing out ends the round and collects the current potential payout shown by the game.

What happens if a mine is revealed?

Revealing a mine ends the round. The potential win for that round is lost, and a new round can be started with a fresh bet and risk selection.

Is Mines suitable for beginners?

Mines is often considered a good starting game as the rules are simple and the objective is clear. The game still involves risk, particularly at higher mine counts, so it suits players who prefer straightforward mechanics.

Written By
David Lynch

Experienced writer and editor based in Ireland. Attends poker events, covers all casino games and slots, but is really a keen blackjack and roulette player at heart. A sports fanatic among all other things with a soft spot for soccer and F1