Rainbow Riches Megaways Slot Review
Barcrest applied the Megaways engine to their flagship Rainbow Riches brand, creating a dynamic adaptation that preserves the beloved game’s core appeal whilst modernising the mechanics. Originally developed by Big Time Gaming, the Megaways mechanic has become industry standard, and this variant delivers the full implementation with shape-shifting reels, cascading wins, and up to 117,649 ways to win. Rainbow Riches is one of the most recognisable slot brands, and the Megaways version offers the highest payout potential in the entire franchise at 12,500x stake. This sits comfortably in the medium-high volatility space, appealing to players who appreciate substantial win potential combined with familiar Irish-themed visuals. The game maintains much of the Rainbow Riches fun concept whilst introducing Bonanza-type mechanics through the unlimited multiplier during free spins.
Base Game & Features
Rainbow Riches Megaways operates on 6 reels with a dynamic row structure: reels 1 and 6 display between 2-7 symbols, whilst reels 2-5 show 2-6 symbols on each spin. This creates a variable payline structure ranging from 324 ways to win at minimum configuration up to 117,649 ways when fully expanded. A horizontal reel sits above reels 2, 3, 4, and 5, delivering additional symbols and special icons that contribute to adjacent winning combinations.
The cascading reels mechanic forms the foundation of gameplay. When winning combinations land, those symbols explode and disappear, allowing new symbols to cascade down from above. This process continues until no further winning combinations appear, creating opportunities for multiple wins from a single spin. The mechanic pairs naturally with the Megaways structure, as each cascade reconfigures the reel layout with a fresh symbol count.
Symbol variety includes high-value gemstones alongside traditional Rainbow Riches imagery. Wild symbols substitute for standard symbols to complete wins, appearing across the main reels and horizontal reel. The game delivers consistent base game action through the cascading mechanic, though the medium-high volatility means wins can arrive irregularly between substantial payouts.
Super Gem Bonus
Super Gem Bonus triggers when a Super Gem symbol lands on the horizontal reel. When activated, all high-value gemstone symbols currently visible on screen transform into a single randomly chosen matching gemstone. This creates instant multi-symbol combinations, particularly effective when multiple gem symbols occupy the reels. The feature functions similarly to mystery symbol mechanics seen in other Blueprint Gaming releases, adapted here to fit the Rainbow Riches theme.
Rainbow Riches Megaways Free Spins
Free Spins trigger when 4 or more Pot symbols (scatter symbols) land anywhere on the main reels. The feature awards 12 base spins, with an additional 5 spins granted for each extra scatter beyond the initial four. Landing 4 scatters provides 12 spins, 5 scatters awards 17 spins, and 6 scatters delivers 22 spins at the trigger.
The defining feature during free spins is the unlimited win multiplier. Starting at 1x, the multiplier increases by 1 with every winning cascade and never resets throughout the bonus round. This Bonanza-type mechanic creates escalating win potential as consecutive cascades build the multiplier progressively. Extended cascade sequences can push multipliers into double digits, applying substantial boosts to winning combinations.
Additional spins can be awarded mid-feature through special symbols appearing on the horizontal reel. +1, +2, or +3 Free Spins symbols land on the top reel, immediately adding those extra spins to the remaining total. These symbols cascade away after awarding their value, potentially triggering further wins.
Bonus Buy & Ante Bet
Rainbow Riches Megaways provides multiple routes to the free spins feature for players seeking direct bonus access. Buy Pass costs 100x stake for guaranteed free spins entry, bypassing the standard trigger requirement entirely. This option suits players comfortable with the upfront cost in exchange for immediate bonus activation.
Take a Chance offers an alternative gamble-style approach with three probability tiers:
- 25x stake provides a 25% chance to trigger free spins
- 50x stake provides a 50% chance to trigger free spins
- 75x stake provides a 75% chance to trigger free spins
Players failing to trigger the bonus through Take a Chance receive their stake back, allowing another attempt without additional loss beyond the initial wager.
Bonus Bank Feature
The Bonus Bank feature provides cost reduction for bonus buy options through bankroll management during base game play. Three settings determine how wins are allocated:
- Bank Off Wins: All wins add directly to the player balance (standard play mode)
- Bank All Wins: All wins accumulate in the Bonus Bank, reducing future bonus buy costs
- Bank Small Wins: Wins of 3x stake or less accumulate in the Bonus Bank, whilst larger wins add to player balance
Accumulated funds in the Bonus Bank directly reduce the cost of Buy Pass or Take a Chance features, making bonus access progressively more affordable as base game play continues. This system suits extended sessions where players prefer saving smaller wins towards guaranteed bonus triggers.
Our Honest Verdict
Rainbow Riches Megaways stands as the top-paying entry in Barcrest’s Rainbow Riches franchise, delivering 12,500x maximum win potential compared to Rainbow Riches Crops of Cash at 11,520x. The Megaways implementation feels natural rather than forced, with cascading reels and unlimited multipliers during free spins creating genuine excitement. At 95.90% RTP, the game sits slightly below the industry average of 96%+, and players should factor this into expectations alongside the medium-high volatility profile.
The unlimited multiplier mechanic during free spins represents the standout positive, mirroring the Bonanza formula that proved successful across multiple releases. Base game play remains engaging through cascading wins and the Super Gem Bonus, though sustained sessions require patience given the volatility level. The multiple bonus buy options (100x direct or 25-75x gamble) provide flexibility, whilst the Bonus Bank feature adds strategic depth for players comfortable managing their bankroll across extended play.
This suits players familiar with Megaways mechanics who appreciate substantial win potential balanced with recognised branding. Those seeking frequent smaller wins should look towards lower volatility alternatives in the Rainbow Riches series. The game maintains relevance in a competitive market by combining industry-standard mechanics with a proven theme, though it doesn’t innovate beyond its established formula. For franchise enthusiasts and Megaways regulars, Rainbow Riches Megaways delivers precisely what the title promises without unnecessary complications. Rating: 7.5/10
Rainbow Riches Megaways FAQs
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What is the RTP of Rainbow Riches Megaways?
Rainbow Riches Megaways has an RTP of 95.90%, which sits slightly below the industry average of 96%. This means the game returns £95.90 for every £100 wagered over the long term. -
What is the maximum win on Rainbow Riches Megaways?
The maximum win is 12,500x your stake, making it the highest-paying game in the Rainbow Riches franchise. This is achieved during the free spins feature through the unlimited win multiplier mechanic. -
Does Rainbow Riches Megaways have free spins?
Yes. Free spins trigger when 4 or more Pot symbols (scatters) land on the main reels, awarding 12 base spins plus 5 additional spins for each extra scatter. The feature includes an unlimited win multiplier that increases by 1 on each winning cascade. -
Can I play Rainbow Riches Megaways on mobile?
Yes. Rainbow Riches Megaways is fully optimised for mobile play using HTML5 technology. The game runs seamlessly on iOS and Android devices in both landscape and portrait modes, with vibrant graphics and responsive touch controls. -
Does Rainbow Riches Megaways have a bonus buy feature?
Yes. The game offers multiple bonus buy options: Buy Pass for 100x stake guarantees free spins entry, whilst Take a Chance provides 25%, 50%, or 75% trigger probability at costs of 25x, 50x, or 75x stake respectively. The Bonus Bank feature can reduce these costs through accumulated base game wins. -
What is the volatility of Rainbow Riches Megaways?
The game has medium-high volatility, meaning wins occur less frequently but can be substantial when they land. This volatility level requires patience and careful bankroll management, but the 12,500x maximum win potential provides significant upside. -
When was Rainbow Riches Megaways released?
Rainbow Riches Megaways was released on 23rd July 2019 by Barcrest (SG Digital), making it one of the earlier Rainbow Riches variants to incorporate the Megaways mechanic licensed from Big Time Gaming. -
How do cascading wins work in Rainbow Riches Megaways?
When a winning combination lands, those symbols explode and disappear. New symbols cascade down from above to fill the empty positions, potentially creating additional wins. This process repeats until no new winning combinations appear, allowing multiple wins from a single spin.
