Big Money Wheel (NetEnt) Slot Review

Big Money Wheel: Slot Overview 

Big Money Wheel by NetEnt, released on June 4, 2024, is a bold and lively addition to the developer’s slot portfolio, drenched in retro flair and coin-collecting mayhem. At first glance, the title might appear to indulge in classic casino hyperbole with a name promising “big money” and “wheel” drama. Yet beyond the glittery surface lies a well-designed game packed with quirky gameplay dynamics, bonus mechanics, and the potential for a hefty 12,026x max win. Played on an irregular 2-2-4-4-4-4 grid with 1,024 ways to win, this 6-reel high volatility slot offers more than just retro aesthetics—it delivers a compelling and entertaining experience.

Design and Graphics 

The visual design of Big Money Wheel can be best described as a vibrant homage to vintage cartoons and jazzy game shows. Think Hanna-Barbera meets Top Cat with a twist of Vegas glitz. The reels spin within a bold, red stage-like backdrop, complete with musical motifs like treble clefs and spotlights. Each symbol pops with high-saturation, cartoonish styling. You’ll encounter lower-paying royals (J-A) and high-value icons such as double basses, disco shoes, records, and golden trumpets.While not breaking new artistic ground, NetEnt’s choice to stylize the game in a throwback format gives it a unique personality. It may not be the most technically advanced design in terms of animations or 3D effects, but it leans into its groovy theme confidently, giving players a tongue-in-cheek, retro-cool aesthetic that feels cohesive throughout.

Gameplay Mechanics 

From the outset, Big Money Wheel distinguishes itself with a quirky layout: a 6-reel setup with a 2-2-4-4-4-4 row alignment. This asymmetrical matrix supports 1,024 win ways, which means wins are formed from left to right on adjacent reels, regardless of row height. 

Wilds appear on reels 3 to 6, helping form combinations by substituting for regular symbols. The core mechanic, however, revolves around coin symbols and mystery multipliers, which inject excitement through the respin system and bonus-trigger mechanics. 

One standout feature is the presence of colossal 2×2 Coin symbols and the use of coin values ranging from 1x to 25x, with premium coins like 50x or 100x limited to the two leftmost reels. These contribute heavily to the game’s suspense factor and create an engaging hold-and-win dynamic that keeps players attentive during every spin.

Sound and Music 

Music plays a starring role in setting the tone for Big Money Wheel. From the moment you load up the game, jazzy jingles and upbeat instrumentals elevate the energetic theme. The audio draws inspiration from retro television game shows, with playful xylophones, horns, and catchy riffs creating a sense of anticipation and performance. 

Button clicks, win celebrations, and the Big Money Wheel spin itself are accompanied by satisfying sound cues that amplify the excitement. The rhythm speeds up when coin symbols land or when the free spins counter gets close to zero, creating a subtle sense of tension that suits the game’s pace perfectly.

Bonus Features 

Coin Symbols & Respins 

The Coin Collection system is central to the experience. During base spins and free spins, landing one or more coin symbols (including Colossal Coins) with a value between 1x and 25x triggers a respin, provided at least one coin appears. If another coin lands during the respin, the process continues. When respins end, the combined values of all coins are collected and paid out. 

Notably, if you land a Colossal Coin along with any other coin during the base game or free spins, it instantly activates the respin sequence. This hold-and-collect dynamic creates thrilling bursts of activity throughout the session. 

Free Spins + Big Money FeatureTriggering free spins requires a Colossal Big Money Wheel scatter on reels 1 and 2. This initiates 3 free spins on a 4×6 grid, where every new Coin or Mystery Symbol resets the spin counter to 3. All symbols are sticky for the duration of the round. 

When spins run out and at least one Mystery Symbol is present, the Big Money Wheel comes into play. This is where things get really spicy: 

The wheel spins and can land on multipliers ranging from 5x to 1,000x or on special segments like Double or Triple. 

If it lands on Double or Triple, it re-spins again, only this time to apply an enhanced multiplier (up to 3x) to all Mystery Symbols on the grid. 

This element of escalation adds a dynamic risk-reward tension and can potentially lead to huge payouts if multiple Mystery symbols are in play. 

Feature Buy 

Players can jump straight into the action with two buy options:90x the bet for free spins with 1 guaranteed Mystery Symbol 

150x the bet for free spins with 3 guaranteed Mystery Symbols 

While expensive, these buys dramatically increase the chance of triggering the Big Money Wheel and scoring lucrative multipliers early on in the bonus game.

Betting Options and Payouts 

NetEnt has made Big Money Wheel accessible across the board with a betting range from €0.20 to €40 per spin. This caters to both cautious players and high rollers alike. The slot runs on a high volatility model, meaning payouts may be sparse but potentially significant when they land. This is underpinned by a Return to Player (RTP) rate of 96.07%, which is a fair and respectable figure for a high-risk slot. 

The headline here is the 12,026x max win, a lofty target that is most likely achievable through the right combination of coins, multipliers, and a lucky spin on the Big Money Wheel. It’s an ambitious ceiling, but the mechanics provide a believable (if rare) pathway to reach it, especially through stacked Mystery Symbols and multiplier boosts.

Conclusion 

Big Money Wheel may not initially scream “innovation” at first glance, but spend some time with it and you’ll quickly uncover its charm and potential. The unusual 2-2-4-4-4-4 grid, the suspenseful respin mechanics, and the ever-tempting Big Money Wheel create a layered gameplay experience that rewards both persistence and a bit of luck. 

Although it leans into retro kitsch and isn’t the most graphically complex game in NetEnt’s catalog, the slot is a standout thanks to its clever coin collection mechanics, escalating mystery multipliers, and engaging bonus rounds. The ability to buy into features ensures action for those who like to skip the base game grind, while the base mode itself offers enough depth to remain entertaining. 

Ultimately, Big Money Wheel proves that style and substance can go hand in hand. It’s a well-crafted, high-volatility title with rewarding features and a compelling max win that will appeal to players who enjoy calculated risks, vibrant visuals, and good old-fashioned suspense.