Bonanza: RTP, Bonus Features and How to Play

Bonanza is one of the most recognised titles in the online gambling world, and UK players have been spinning its reels since it first launched. The game comes from Big Time Gaming and brought a format that changed how many developers build their slots. It sits in the library at IvyCasino alongside hundreds of other titles. This article covers everything a UK gambler needs to know before placing a first bet. Big Time Gaming released Bonanza in 2016. The title runs on the Megaways engine, which the studio created and patented. This mechanic changes the number of symbols on each reel with every spin, pushing the ways-to-win count up to 117,649. The grid uses six reels and a conveyor belt across the top that adds an extra row of icons. Cascading wins remove winning characters from the screen and drop new ones in. This keeps the multiplier climbing during a single spin sequence. Compared to most other games on the market, Bonanza does not use fixed paylines, which gives it a distinctly different feel.

Bonanza Paytable — Symbols and Payouts

Free Spins and the Unlimited Win Multiplier

Landing four or more scatter icons spells out the word GOLD across the reels and the conveyor belt. This triggers the free spins bonus. The number of spins awarded depends on how many scatter characters appear at once.

1. 4 scatters — 12 free spins
2. 5 scatters — 18 free spins
3. 6 scatters — 24 free spins

Additional spins can be won by landing more scatter icons during the round itself.

The Multiplier Mechanic During Bonus Play

Each cascade during the free spins round adds one to the multiplier. There is no upper limit on this number. In theory, a long chain of cascades can push the multiplier into the hundreds. This is the core reason Bonanza carries a maximum win potential of 10,000× the stake. The RTP sits at 96%, which is competitive for a volatile title. The variance is rated as high, so shorter sessions may pass without a major payout, but the ceiling for a single bonus round is significant.

Why UK Gamblers Return to This Title

Bonanza at Ivy became a benchmark for the Megaways format across the industry. The mining theme uses earthy colours and a chiptune soundtrack that many users find engaging without being distracting. The mechanic of unlimited multipliers gives each free spins session a different outcome. High-variance titles attract gamblers who prefer fewer but larger wins over steady small returns. Bonanza sits in that category firmly and continues to hold attention years after its original release.