Review of Mega Moolah Slot
For nearly two decades, Mega Moolah by Microgaming (now Games Global) has reigned as the undisputed king of progressive slots. This slot machine, first launched back in 2006, still raises the heartrate of players worldwide. Why is that? Because it is far more than just an ordinary slot — it is a gateway to a world where staggering million-dollar jackpots await! The theme transports players to the African savannah, featuring vividly animated creatures such as lions, elephants, and giraffes that seem to have leapt straight from a cartoon. Admittedly, the graphics are somewhat dated by today’s standards, yet they were nothing short of spectacular when initially released. The ambient jungle sounds and rhythmic drumbeats further enrich the atmosphere, making one feel as if on an authentic safari adventure.
Mega Moolah’s RTP stands at 88.12%, which, truth be told, is not particularly generous. However, do not worry! This figure does not account for the progressive jackpots, which can elevate the overall RTP to as much as 93.42%. The volatility is moderate, allowing for relatively frequent modest wins, but the true enchantment unfolds when the jackpot is triggered. What about the maximum payout? We are talking millions here! The largest recorded win amounted to €19.4 million in April 2021 — hardly small change to be sneaking into a pocket! The slot operates on five reels with 25 fixed paylines, and stakes range from 0.25 to 6.25 coins per spin. Simple, yet elegantly designed.
Mega Moolah is far more than just a game; it is a living legend. It earned a place in the Guinness World Records in 2015 when British player John Heywood won €17.88 million from a single spin. Can you imagine the sheer disbelief he must have felt? Since then, the slot has continued to award millions, steadily growing in popularity and acclaim.
Features
Mega Moolah does not solely focus on the jackpots, although they undoubtedly take centre stage. The slot features classic gameplay with 5 reels, 3 rows, and 25 paylines. Wins are formed from left to right, requiring at least 3 matching symbols (or 2, for high-value symbols such as the elephant or the buffalo). The win frequency is approximately 46.36% (almost one in every two spins), which is quite commendable for a game of this nature.
The primary allure lies in the four progressive jackpots: Mini, Minor, Major, and Mega. These jackpots are prominently displayed above the reels, with their amounts increasing every second until someone claims the prize. The Mega Jackpot starts at €1 million (occasionally rising to €2 million following a significant win) and can reach astronomical heights. For instance, in 2019, one fortunate player walked away with €5.54 million, while in 2022, another lucky winner scooped €7.3 million. The higher the stake, the greater the chances of triggering the coveted jackpot wheel, but even the minimum bet offers an opportunity. It’s akin to a lottery, but with wild animals and without the dreary paper tickets!
The slot is optimized for all devices, whether accessed on a mobile phone or a computer. Microgaming revised the game in 2012, incorporating HTML5 support to ensure seamless performance on any gadget. Additionally, there are autoplay options (ranging from 10 to 100 spins) and a fast spin feature for those who prefer a quicker pace.
Bonus Game and Special Symbols
Now, onto the enticing features. In Mega Moolah, the wild symbol is the lion, which not only replaces other symbols but also doubles any winning combination it is part of. Landing five lions on a payline yields a remarkable 600x of your original bet, truly asserting the king of the beasts’ dominance. The scatter symbol is a playful monkey that triggers 15 free spins when you land three or more. During these free spins, all wins are tripled, and the spins themselves can be retriggered. The maximum payout in this feature caps at 1955x of your stake, a fairly generous reward in itself.
However, the true highlight is the jackpot bonus game, which activates at random without the need for any special symbols. You simply spin the wheel of fortune, which determines which jackpot you will claim: Mini (starting from €10), Minor (from €100), Major (from €10,000), or Mega (from €1 million). While the odds of hitting the Mega jackpot are slim, even winning the Minor or Major jackpots can be tremendously uplifting. Unfortunately, the jackpot feature is unavailable in demo mode — it is reserved exclusively for real money play.
The symbols in the game adhere to classic safari motifs: elephants (30x for five), buffaloes (24x), giraffes (20x), zebras (16x), and impalas (10x). Additionally, the standard playing card symbols from 10 to Ace offer lower payouts. All symbols are animated: elephants trumpet, giraffes flick their tails — small details that add delightful charm.
Play the Demo Version of Mega Moolah for Free
Want to try Mega Moolah but not ready to throw money around the savannah? No problem! Almost all casinos featuring Microgaming games offer a demo mode. You simply enter, select the slot, and spin the reels without the need for registration or SMS. It’s akin to a test drive before purchasing a vehicle — you can determine whether it’s your style or not. In the demo, everything remains the same: the same symbols, free spins, and bonuses. However, as I mentioned earlier, the jackpot is not available in demo mode — to access that, you need to play for real.
The demo mode also provides an opportunity for practice. You can experiment with your betting strategies, see how often free spins are triggered, and simply enjoy the atmosphere. When you decide you’re ready to hunt for millions, choose a reputable licensed casino and embark on your quest for the Mega Jackpot!
By the way, Mega Moolah has spawned an entire family of slots: there are versions such as Mega Moolah Isis, Summertime, and even Megaways. Yet, the original remains the most iconic. So, if you wish to feel like a jackpot hunter, this slot is your ticket to a grand adventure. Just remember: fortune favours the bold, but the wallet appreciates the wise!
You can launch the free demo game of Mega Moolah directly on this page by clicking the «Play Game» button located at the beginning of this review.