Derby Wheel (Play'n Go) Slot Review

Derby Wheel: Slot Overview 

Derby Wheel is a unique take on online slot gaming, combining horse racing, money wheel action, and classic slot gameplay into a single experience. Developed by Play’n GO, the game brings a fresh perspective to 3-reel slots, incorporating elements of game shows and betting mechanics that keep players entertained. 

The slot follows a 3-reel, 3-row setup with 5 fixed paylines, making it easy for both beginners and experienced players to grasp. The goal is to land three matching symbols or enough scatter symbols to trigger one of the game’s bonus rounds. Despite its simple setup, Derby Wheel includes 3D animations and immersive visual effects that enhance the overall experience. 

The game is designed with medium-to-high volatility, meaning wins may not be frequent, but they have the potential to be significant. The maximum win is 2,240x the bet, with an RTP of 96.20%. The betting range varies from €0.05 to €100 per spin, making it accessible to players with different budgets.

Design and Graphics 

Visually, Derby Wheel embraces a game show aesthetic, featuring a bright and flashy design reminiscent of television gambling programs. The reels are set against a glitzy stage backdrop, enhancing the excitement and entertainment factor of the game. The symbols are classic and simple, including: 

Lemons, cherries, and plums as low-value symbols. 

BARs and 7s as the premium-paying symbols. 

While the base game sticks to a traditional fruit slot design, the real visual highlight comes when triggering one of the bonus rounds. The Horse Racing and Big Wheel bonuses introduce 3D-rendered animations, making players feel like they’re part of an actual betting event. The high-quality visuals and smooth animations set Derby Wheel apart from other 3-reel slots.

Gameplay Mechanics 

The gameplay of Derby Wheel is straightforward but engaging. The 3×3 grid with 5 paylines ensures that spins are quick and easy to follow. Players must land three matching symbols on a payline to secure a payout. Since the game lacks a wild symbol, the focus remains on hitting matching combinations or triggering bonus rounds. 

• Winning combinations pay from left to right. 

• Scatter symbols trigger the Fortune Wheel bonus round. 

• No wild symbols are included in the base game. 

Due to its medium-to-high volatility, players may experience occasional dry spells, but the game compensates for this with its two distinct bonus features.

Sound and Music 

The audio design of Derby Wheel is fitting for its game show theme. The background music features an energetic, high-paced soundtrack, similar to what you’d hear in a television gambling show. When wins occur or bonus rounds are triggered, the sound effects intensify, adding to the excitement. 

During the Horse Racing Bonus, the music shifts to cheering crowds and race commentary, further immersing players in the event. The Big Wheel Bonus also enhances the sound effects, creating a suspenseful atmosphere as the wheel spins to determine the player’s reward.

Bonus Features 

One of the standout aspects of Derby Wheel is its two engaging bonus rounds, both of which add depth and excitement to the gameplay. Fortune Wheel Bonus 

• Triggered by landing 3 scatter symbols in the base game. 

• Players spin a large game show-style wheel, which determines whether they proceed to the Horse Racing Bonus or the Big Wheel Bonus. 

Horse Racing Bonus 

• Players are presented with four betting options, each offering a different risk and reward: 

• No Bet – Guaranteed payout of up to 50x the bet. 

• Win – Pick the winning horse for a payout of up to 800x the bet. 

• Exacta – Pick the first and second-place horses in the correct order for 1,800x the bet. 

• Trifecta – Pick the top three horses in exact order for a massive 2,800x the bet. 

• The race is then simulated in a 3D animated sequence, creating a thrilling betting experience. 

Big Wheel Bonus 

• Players spin the Big Wheel, which contains various multipliers. 

• The maximum possible multiplier is 2,240x the bet. 

• The outcome is determined entirely by chance, similar to a classic money wheel game. 

These bonus features make Derby Wheel much more than a standard 3-reel slot, incorporating elements of strategy, luck, and interactivity.

Betting Options and Payouts 

Derby Wheel offers a flexible betting range suitable for various players: 

• Minimum bet: €0.05 per spin. 

• Maximum bet: €100 per spin. 

The game’s payout potential is solid, with different multipliers available through the bonus rounds. 

• Max Win: 2,240x the bet. 

• RTP: 96.20% (can vary depending on the market). 

• Volatility: Medium/High, offering a balance of frequent smaller wins and occasional large payouts. 

With its relatively high maximum payout of 2,240x, Derby Wheel provides exciting opportunities for significant wins, particularly in the Horse Racing Bonus.

Conclusion

Overall, Derby Wheel is a fresh and exciting take on the 3-reel slot format, offering a game show-like experience with its Fortune Wheel, Horse Racing, and Big Wheel features. While it may not be the most complex slot on the market, its fast-paced action, immersive graphics, and rewarding bonus rounds make it a worthwhile choice for players looking for something different. 

If you enjoy classic slots with a modern twist, or if you’re a fan of horse racing and interactive betting mechanics, Derby Wheel is definitely worth a spin.