Mega Moolah

Say the words “Progressive Jackpot” to anyone familiar with online casino games, and it’s likely the first game that springs to mind is Microgaming’s safari extravaganza, Mega Moolah.

Released back in 2006, this evergreen creation is a relative veteran of the online slot world. The game continues to punch its weight with more modern offerings that benefit from cutting edge graphics and new-age game mechanics, showing no signs of waning.

It’s also arguably the most popular online jackpot slot in the world.

So what’s the reason behind its magnetic appeal?

It’s quite simple really. Let’s start with the fact that the game is currently the proud Guinness World Record holder of the biggest progressive jackpot ever awarded. The beneficiary is Jon Heywood. Heywood is a former British soldier who found himself an overnight millionaire after turning a paltry £0.25 (€0,28) bet into an astonishing jackpot prize worth £13,213,838 (€17,879,645) one night in October 2015.

Heywood’s story is quite remarkable. On the hunt for that life-changing win following a solitary £30 (€34) deposit, he headed straight to Mega Moolah after seeing it advertised ‘somewhere’. At that moment, the game was, in his words: “the biggest icon.” “I didn’t really pay attention to the bonus or whatever the pot was,” he added. A few minutes later, Heywood’s life changed forever.

The astronomical windfall was no fluke on Heywood’s part, or total one-off, either. Mega Moolah consistently dishes up seven and eight-figure scores that are the envy of slot players across the world. We’ll examine how below.

Progressive Jackpot Game

Mega Moolah is one of a select few Progressive Jackpot slots occupying a very special online casino game category. Every time you place a wager in a progressive jackpot game, a small percentage of that bet goes towards a dedicated communal pot: the jackpot. And since wagers are collected from the bets placed at each and every hosting casino, they can often reach astronomical levels in the blink of an eye.

The first lucky player that is then able to trigger a pre-defined winning configuration is the next jackpot winner - and several millions of euros richer.

To account for the huge jackpots outside of the regular prizes on offer with each spin, RTP (Return to Player) for these games is typically tweaked accordingly. Mega Moolah is no different in that regard. At 94.5%, its RTP score clocks in a few percentage points lower than most online slots that hover around the 96%-mark.

Nonetheless, the diminished value inherent in each spin does little to deter players from flocking to the reels over and over again in the vain hope of emulating Heywood and retiring early!

Design

Graphically, the 2006 release is starting to show its age. It lacks the visual polish that gives sheen to many of today’s releases, but its designers can be forgiven considering the slot was debuted some 14 years ago. 14 years represents an eternity in online slot land, a further testament to its enduring appeal.

Some studios pride themselves on churning out killer slots that boast the very latest design techniques - but that was never, and never will be Mega Moolah’s M.O. Players will no doubt continue to show it love no matter how dated it feels - such is the gravitational pull of multi-million euro jackpots.

The slot sees players embark on an exhilarating safari expedition somewhere in Africa, hoping to pull off the impossible.

Brightly produced Cartoonish symbols reinforce the theme. They comprise wild animals including Zebras, Elephants, Giraffes and Lions in various animated states, alongside less lucrative Royals running from 10-A.

Completing the scene is an authentic backing track, complete with real life sound effects to crank up the intensity.

Gameplay

Reflecting its overall look and feel, Mega Moolah offers straight up gameplay. Like most other slots on the market, a win is awarded for lining up 3 or more matching symbols across one of the 25 paylines.

The Lion Wild plays a prominent role in Mega Moolah. When it shows up, it replaces all other regular symbols to help pull together winning assortments.

Here are the payouts you can expect for filling an entire payline with each of the different symbols:

Mega Moolah Free Spins

15 Free Spins are awarded after landing a trio of Scatter symbols in a base game spin, complete with a Multiplier fixed at 3x. That means any wins you achieve during the bonus feature are tripled instantly. What’s more, it’s possible to retrigger the round, while the 3x Multiplier remains in place throughout.

While sizeable prizes can be won via Free Spins, far richer rewards await behind the quarter of coveted jackpots on offer.

Mega Moolah Jackpots

Mega Moolah is of course, all about its four progressive jackpot games. One of the most frequently asked questions from casino players is: how do I win the jackpot? The truth is, there’s no magic formula, nor elaborate bonus round that requires you to navigate a series of phases/wheels/tiers and the like. You simply select your stake, watch the reels turn, cross your fingers and hope for the best.

Making this game accessible to all, your wager amount has no bearing on the amount of money you can unlock from a jackpot prize - as Mr. Heywood found to his benefit all those years ago! All it took was a single £0.25 (€0,28) bet for the Brit to trigger the Mega jackpot and write his name into the record books.

At any random moment, the game may whisk you to a separate screen where you’ll be greeted by the game’s centrepiece bonus wheel. Sharing a distinct likeness with Wheel of Fortune, the top prize behind this wheel is far more lucrative than anything you’ll see on TV.

The wheel then starts to turn, before coming to a stop and revealing your prize. You could be the next big multimillion euro winner, or walk away with just a little extra change in your pocket.

Once a jackpot is triggered, it resets back down to its floor level. These are shown below for each of the jackpots up for grabs in Mega Moolah.

• Mega: €1,000,000
• Major: €10,000
• Minor: €100
• Mini: €10

If you’re ever lucky enough to unlock the headline ‘Mega’ Jackpot, you’re an instant millionaire!

Mega Moolah Volatility

Anyone hoping to trigger one of the game’s jackpots should come suitably armed with sufficient starting bankroll - and buckets of patience. Don’t be surprised to encounter prolonged winless spells that yield very little, such is the extreme volatility of the game.

Triggering the Free Spins bonus feature can provide some welcome relief if you happen to endure a dry stretch at the reels, and once inside, you can look forward to some significant boosts to your coffers.

Mega Moolah on Mobile

As the world’s most popular progressive jackpot slot, it goes without saying that Mega Moolah is optimised for seamless mobile play. iOS, Android, Windows or tablet - they all give you thrilling jackpot play at your fingertips.

The Verdict

Many still consider Mega Moolah the Godfather of all online jackpot games, and the go-to game for scores of slot fans.

Despite its dated appearance and uninspiring gameplay, Microgaming’s crown jewel continues to outperform even the newest and flashiest titles that drop. The slot constantly draws throngs of seasoned gamblers and wide-eyed newcomers in equal measure, like no other game.

Added to its sheer simplicity, Mega Moolah’s remarkable longevity boils down to its promise of truly astronomical jackpot prizes that can make millionaires of just about anybody who steps up to the reels.

We expect the game to play a starring role in the casino arena today, tomorrow, and years to come.

Play Mega Moolah at Wildz Casino

Mega Moolah is one of several progressive jackpot games found at Wildz. Other popular titles offering huge jackpot prizes include Divine Fortune, an elegant production from NetEnt steeped in mythology, and Yggdrasil release Empire Fortune, based around a three-tiered bonus wheel.