Pokies have evolved greatly since their inception, transitioning from simple mechanical devices to the sophisticated digital versions we see today. This evolution paralleled the rise of online casinos, which began to flourish in the 1990s, transforming the way people engage with gambling. These platforms have continuously developed, incorporating a diverse array of games.
Nowadays, some players prefer to play Lightning Link online or other modernised retro casino games. Others prefer to play online table games like Speed Baccarat.
Amidst this variety, Mega Moolah has emerged as a standout in the iGaming industry, revolutionising it with its big jackpots and engaging gameplay. So, the questions remain: what is so special about this pokie and why is it still so popular?
Symbols and Payouts
Mega Moolah, developed by Microgaming in 2006, offers a fun experience with its animal-themed symbols. The game’s layout consists of 5 reels, 3 rows, and 25 paylines, featuring an array of symbols inspired by the African savannah, similar to what you might see in a movie like The Lion King.
Players can start by placing small bets, with the minimum bet set at just 0.25 cents per spin, making it accessible for beginners or those who prefer to play it safe. For those looking to increase their chances of winning bigger rewards, raising the stakes can lead to more frequent bonus activations and higher payouts.
The game also includes an autoplay function, allowing players to set the reels to spin automatically for a chosen number of times. This feature is particularly useful for those who want to maintain their bet level without constant manual input.
Game features
The Free Spins feature is a big part of why players love this game. You can start the Free Spins by getting three or more purple monkey symbols on a payline. Although wild symbols can’t take the place of monkeys, getting these monkeys not only multiplies your bet (three times for three monkeys, and 100 times for five), but it also gives you 15 free spins. During these spins, any money you win is tripled. If you land more monkeys during your free spins, you’ll get 15 more spins each time.
Besides the Free Spins, Mega Moolah is also known for its massive jackpots. There are four different levels: Mini/Minor/Major/Mega, which start at $10, $100, $10,000, and $2,000,000, respectively. The game’s graphics and sounds make you feel like you’re on a real African safari, adding to the excitement and making it one of the most popular pokies worldwide (even to this day!).
Biggest Wins Reported
In 2015, Johnathan Heywood, a former soldier from the UK, transformed a humble 25p spin into a massive $17.2 million on the Mega Moolah game.
The fame of Mega Moolah continued to grow because of this, setting up for more record-breaking moments.
In 2018, the game made a splash again in the online gambling world with a jackpot of $23.5 million. This was just a prelude to what came next.
By 2021, Mega Moolah broke its own record once more. On April 27, 2021, a player in Belgium won a huge $23.6 million jackpot. These payouts have surely solidified the game’s reputation as one of the most thrilling online pokie games ever.
