Reel Banks Slot Review
Reel Banks is an online slot developed by Pragmatic Play, launched on December 5, 2022. This banking-themed game features a 5×4 grid with 25 fixed paylines and high volatility gameplay. The slot centres around a money collection mechanic in the base game and an accumulation-style bonus round where reel banks above each reel collect money symbols. With an RTP of 96.04%, a max win of 5,000x your stake, and bet limits from £0.25 to £125, Reel Banks targets players who enjoy cash collection mechanics and aren’t afraid of high variance play.
Our team found that whilst the base game feels somewhat repetitive with its straightforward mechanics, the free spins bonus round delivers more engaging gameplay through multiple special symbols and multiplier features. We’ve tested the game extensively across desktop and mobile devices, and in this review we’ll cover everything from the basic specifications to the intricate bonus mechanics that define the Reel Banks experience.
Base Game & Features
The base game in Reel Banks centres on the Money Collect feature, which operates across the 5×4 grid with 25 fixed paylines. Money symbols appear on reels 1 through 4, each carrying random values between 1x and 500x your bet. When a Collect symbol lands on reel 5, it gathers all visible money symbol values on that spin. It’s a straightforward mechanic that’s easy to understand, but in practice, our team found it somewhat underwhelming compared to other collection features in the market.
The base game pacing is admittedly slow. You’ll encounter relatively few wins, and when they hit, they’re mostly concentrated in lower-tier symbol combinations. The design concentrates the more impactful events into the free spins feature mode, allowing the base game to remain comprehensible and pace-friendly, though this comes at the cost of base game excitement. The regular reel setup includes standard symbols alongside the money and collect symbols, but there’s no wild symbol present to help complete winning combinations during base play.
Money Collect Mechanic
Whilst the Money Collect feature adds a layer of variable prize potential with its 1x to 500x range, we’re not convinced it’s the most engaging mechanic Pragmatic Play has developed. The feature doesn’t evoke the same sense of anticipation you’d get from sticky wilds or expanding symbols. It’s functional and delivers wins when triggered, but the emotional engagement just isn’t there. You’re essentially waiting for a Collect symbol to show up on reel 5 whilst hoping the money symbols on the other reels carry decent values.
That said, when you do land a Collect symbol with several high-value money symbols visible, the instant collection provides a satisfying payout. The mechanic serves its purpose, and the wide value range means there’s always potential for a surprise big hit. It’s just not going to set your pulse racing the way some other bonus mechanics might.
RTP & Volatility
The primary RTP setting for Reel Banks sits at 96.04%, which is above the market average and positions this slot in the top tier for return-to-player percentages. Our team found this generous setting provides a fair playing field where you can anticipate a decent return rate over extended play sessions. It’s worth noting that Reel Banks comes with three RTP variants depending on the operator and market – the top model runs at 96.04%, whilst alternative configurations drop to 95.01% or 94.02%. Always check your casino’s RTP settings before playing.
Reel Banks carries high volatility rated at 4.5 out of 5 on most scales. In practical terms, this means wins arrive less frequently but pack more punch when they hit. If you’re someone who enjoys thrilling gameplay and can handle extended dry spells between wins, the volatility profile will appeal to you. However, if you prefer regular smaller wins that keep your balance steady, this high-variance model might feel too punishing. The maximum win stands at 5,000x your stake, achievable through the Reel Bank mechanic during free spins combined with multiplier symbols.
We need to address the elephant in the room: the maximum win probability sits at 1 in 214,436 spins. That’s an astronomical figure that puts the max win firmly in the “theoretical” category for most players. Our team’s honest assessment is that whilst the 5,000x exists mathematically, you’re far more likely to experience wins in the 50x to 500x range during typical sessions.
Reel Banks Free Spins
The free spins bonus round is where Reel Banks truly shows its potential. Landing 1 money symbol across all 5 reels triggers 9 free spins, and this is where the Reel Bank mechanic comes into play. During free spins, every money symbol that lands gets added to a reel bank positioned above its corresponding reel. These accumulated values stay in place throughout the feature, building up potential prizes as the spins progress.
Our team found the free spins round considerably more engaging than the base game. There’s enough happening with the accumulation mechanics and special symbols to create genuine excitement. The anticipation builds as your reel banks fill with values, knowing that the right collect symbol could gather everything in one go.
Special Bonus Symbols
The bonus round includes six special symbols that interact with the reel banks, each adding different win multiplication or collection potential:
- Blue Safe (Reel Collect): Collects the value from its corresponding reel bank only
- Gold Safe (All Collect): Gathers the accumulated values from all five reel banks at once
- Purple Symbol (Add Money to All Banks): Adds a random value between 1x and 500x to every reel bank
- Pink/Green Safes (Multiply Reel): Multiplies a single reel bank by 2x, 3x, 4x, or 5x before collecting
- Multiply All Reels: Applies a multiplier to all reel banks before collecting them
- Orange Symbol (Add 3 Spins): Awards 3 additional free spins to extend the feature
The multiply reel symbols create substantial win multiplication potential during the bonus round. When you’ve built up healthy reel bank values and a multiplier symbol lands, you’re looking at significantly boosted payouts. The variety of special symbols prevents the bonus round from feeling one-dimensional, and landing the right combination of symbols at the right moment generates those thrilling big-win possibilities.
The Gold Safe collecting all reel banks is particularly satisfying when you’ve accumulated solid values across multiple reels. Similarly, the Purple symbol adding money to all banks can quickly escalate the potential win, especially if followed by collection symbols. It’s this interplay between accumulation and collection that defines the Reel Banks bonus experience.
Bonus Buy Feature
For players outside the UK, Reel Banks offers a bonus buy option at 80x your stake. This provides direct access to the free spins round without waiting for the natural trigger. If you’re seeking immediate bonus action and don’t enjoy grinding through base game spins, the bonus buy offers a reasonably priced shortcut. At 80x, it’s more accessible than many bonus buy features which can run to 100x or higher.
UK players should note that this feature is not available due to regulatory restrictions. You’ll need to trigger the bonus round organically by landing money symbols across all five reels.
Mobile Experience
Reel Banks is fully optimised for mobile play and available at most online casinos supporting Pragmatic Play games. Our team tested the slot across various devices including iPhones and Android smartphones, and the experience is consistent with the desktop version. The game is responsive across desktop, tablet, and mobile platforms, with touch controls working smoothly and all features functioning identically regardless of device.
The 5×4 grid fits comfortably on mobile screens without requiring excessive scrolling or zooming, and the reel banks above each column remain clearly visible during free spins. Load times are quick, and we didn’t encounter any performance issues during extended mobile sessions. Pragmatic Play’s mobile optimisation is reliably strong, and Reel Banks maintains that standard.
Our Honest Verdict
Rating: 3.5/5
Reel Banks delivers what it promises: a high-volatility slot with money collection mechanics and a feature-rich bonus round. The 96.04% RTP offers fair value, and the free spins bonus round genuinely provides entertaining gameplay with its multiple special symbols and multiplier potential (x2-x5). For players who specifically enjoy cash collection mechanics and aren’t intimidated by high variance, there’s enough here to warrant several sessions.
However, we can’t ignore the game’s limitations. The base game pacing is slow and the Money Collect feature lacks the engagement of more innovative mechanics. The visual design, whilst polished, doesn’t distinguish itself from countless other banking-themed slots. Most significantly, the 5,000x max win exists more in theory than practice given its astronomical probability of 1 in 214,436 spins. You’re far more likely to experience wins in the low-to-mid hundreds during typical play.
Our team’s honest take is that Reel Banks is the sort of slot you’ll try when you see it in the ‘new games’ section of your casino, and you might enjoy it for what it is – a competent execution of familiar mechanics. It has all the makings of an entertaining slot, but none of the innovation or lasting appeal that creates a legendary game. Compared to standout Pragmatic Play releases, this sits firmly in the mid-tier category. If you’re hunting specifically for a money symbol collect game with a sophisticated bonus round, you might find what you’re looking for. For everyone else, there are more memorable options in Pragmatic Play’s extensive catalogue.
Standout Positives: Solid RTP offering fair value, engaging free spins with variety of special symbols, well-designed multiplier mechanics, accessible bonus buy (non-UK), wide betting range suits various budgets.
Notable Drawbacks: Base game feels repetitive with low win frequency, Money Collect mechanic lacks excitement compared to competitors, max win probability is unrealistically low, visuals don’t leave lasting impression, high volatility unsuitable for low-budget players.
Best suited for: High volatility enthusiasts with medium-to-high budgets who enjoy money collection mechanics and are comfortable with long dry spells between significant wins. Not recommended for casual players or those seeking regular smaller payouts.
Reel Banks FAQs
-
What is the RTP of Reel Banks?
The RTP of Reel Banks is 96.04%, which is slightly higher than many competitor slots. The game comes in three RTP settings depending on the market, with the top RTP model at 96.04% before dropping back to 95.01% or 94.02%. Always check your casino’s configuration before playing. -
What is the maximum win on Reel Banks?
You can win up to 5,000x your stake in Reel Banks, with a max win probability of 1 in 214,436 spins. The maximum is achievable through the Reel Bank mechanic during free spins combined with multiplier symbols, though the odds make it extremely rare in practical play. -
Does Reel Banks have free spins?
Yes, Reel Banks has a free spins feature. Landing money symbols on all five reels triggers 9 free spins. During free spins, money symbols accumulate in reel banks above each reel, and special symbols like Reel Collect, All Collect, and multipliers can significantly boost your winnings. -
How volatile is Reel Banks?
Reel Banks has high volatility, scoring 4.5 out of 5 on the volatility scale. This means wins are less frequent but potentially larger, making it suitable for players who enjoy thrilling gameplay and are comfortable with variance. It’s not ideal for low-budget players seeking regular smaller wins. -
What are the special features in Reel Banks?
Reel Banks features a Money Collect mechanic in the base game with random values (1x-500x bet) and a Reel Bank mechanic in free spins. Special bonus symbols include Reel Collect, All Collect, Add Money to All Banks, Multiply Reel (x2-x5), Multiply All Reels, and Add 3 Spins, creating varied win multiplication potential. -
Is there a bonus buy feature on Reel Banks?
Yes, Reel Banks has a bonus buy feature available for non-UK players, allowing you to purchase direct access to the free spins round at the cost of 80x your stake. This feature is not available to UK-based players due to regulatory restrictions. -
When was Reel Banks released?
Reel Banks was released by Pragmatic Play on December 5, 2022. It represents Pragmatic Play’s take on the money/banking theme with their hold-win mechanics through the reel bank feature during free spins. -
Can I play Reel Banks on mobile?
Yes, Reel Banks is optimised for mobile play and is available at most online casinos. Pragmatic Play ensures their games are fully responsive across desktop, tablet, and mobile devices, providing consistent gameplay experience regardless of platform. The game works smoothly on iPhones and Android smartphones.
