Mega Moolah by Microgaming is widely considered one of the most iconic slot games in the iGaming industry. It has become synonymous with the progressive jackpot slots category, while its ahead-of-time visuals embedded into the safari-themed gameplay have prolonged its appeal for a title released almost two decades ago.
Mega Moolah Background
Released by Microgaming in 2006, Mega Moolah quickly rose to fame as a renowned slot title thanks to its groundbreaking progressive jackpot feature. The game was designed to appeal to a broad audience with its straightforward gameplay and significant return potential. By introducing a four-tier progressive jackpot system, Mega Moolah established Microgaming as a leader in innovation, drawing millions of players to the game to be entertained by its overall appeal.
Mega Moolah Game Design
Mega Moolah’s design is inspired by the African safari, with visuals that transport players to a lush savannah setting. The game’s graphics, while somewhat simple compared to newer releases, have held up remarkably well, bringing iconic animals like lions, elephants, and zebras to life on the reels. The background is set against a bright orange, open sky where grassy plains can be made out at the bottom of the screen and silhouettes of trees are visible in the distance. The soundtrack is equally engaging, using tribal drum beats and nature sounds to evoke the spirit of a safari adventure.
The user-friendly interface has clean visuals and easily accessible controls, making it navigable for new and experienced players. Mega Moolah’s 5-reel, 3-row layout with 25 fixed paylines makes it easy for players to understand the game mechanics while adding a touch of customisation to their gaming experience.
Microgaming lists the Return to Player (RTP) for Mega Moolah at 88.12%, which is lower than many standard online slots that typically fall between 90-96%. This RTP, however, does not reflect the additional impact of the progressive jackpot mechanic. When considering these jackpots, the effective RTP rises to approximately 96%, aligning Mega Moolah with the industry standard in many online slot games.
Mega Moolah Slot Symbols
Mega Moolah’s symbols represent a range of different animals found in the African savannah alongside classic slot icons of playing card suits.
Lower Value
Standard playing card suits make up all of the game’s lower-value symbols.
- 10
- Jack
- Queen
- King
- Ace
Medium Value
- Antelope
- Zebra
- Giraffe
Higher Value
- Buffalo
- Elephant
The scatter symbol is represented by a monkey, while the roaring lion serves as the wild symbol, stepping in to substitute for other symbols and forming combinations. Additionally, when the lion forms part of a combination, the value of the return is doubled. Known for its in-game importance, the lion symbol could return up to 3,750x the initial wager when five appear on a payline.
Mega Moolah Bonus Features
Mega Moolah’s bonus features present interesting elements that contribute to the dynamic gameplay experience. The slot’s ultimate standout feature is its Progressive Jackpot Wheel, which could randomly activate during any spin, enabling one of four jackpots: Mini, Minor, Major, or Mega. This adds another visual feature to Mega Moolah’s game design as the base game screen transfers to a spinning wheel for players to wait and see which section will be granted.
Another key aspect of Mega Moolah is its free spins round, triggered by three or more scatter symbols (monkeys) appearing anywhere on the reels. This round provides 15 free spins on the base game grid, with all returns multiplied by three for the duration. Additionally, players could retrigger this feature by landing more scatter symbols, making it possible to activate additional rounds and further extend the game’s continuity.
Together, the progressive jackpot and free spins round underscore Mega Moolah’s appeal as a slot that balances classic slot gameplay with interesting interactive mechanics, earning it a reputation as one of the most popular games in the iGaming industry.
Mega Moolah Mobile Play
Microgaming has fully optimised Mega Moolah for mobile play, ensuring a smooth experience on both smartphones and tablets. The game retains its vibrant graphics, immersive audio, and core gameplay on smaller screens, making it accessible for players who prefer gaming on the go.
Games Similar To Mega Moolah
For players who enjoy the mechanics of Mega Moolah, similar titles such as Divine Fortune and Hall of Gods by NetEnt offer additional mechanical experiences. Other games, such as Buffalo Blitz by Playtech, share the safari nature-inspired theme, though they focus on regular gameplay rather than the advanced elements in Mega Moolah away from the base game.
Due to Mega Moolah’s popularity, software developer Microgaming recognised the need to create similar titles as part of their own series, such as Mega Moolah Megaways, Mega Moolah Absolootly Mad, Mega Moolah Goddess, and Book Of Mega Moolah. They followed on from the African savannah setting and span-off, too, incorporating different themes and building on the progressive mechanic implemented in the original.
Responsible Gambling
As with all forms of gambling, it’s essential to approach Mega Moolah responsibly. Setting time and financial limits, as well as focusing on gameplay for entertainment, helps to maintain a balanced gaming experience.
