Return to Player
96.53%
Minimum bet
0.30
Game category
Video Slots
Volatility
High
Reels
5
Progressive Jackpot
No
Popularity
Maximum bet
150
Game Provider
Pragmatic Play
Bonus features
Yes
Ways to Win
7.776
Theme
Aztec
Aztec Bonanza: online slot review
Launched on 5 March 2020, Aztec Bonanza features 6 symbols on each reel, ways to win that can grow to 7,776, cascading wins and a free spins round. Its setting imagines an ancient Aztec paradise.
Theme and story
The game sets a hidden Aztec temple in a colourful clearing surrounded by Amazon rainforest. Its 5 reels feature gems inspired by Aztec imagery, alongside familiar symbols from casino card games around the world.
Artwork, music and animation
Pragmatic Play brings its ancient Aztec setting to life with 3D visuals, bright colours and animation. Rather than spinning, the reels use a tumbling mechanic; the review describes the game as playable on mobile and desktop devices.
The symbols have a worn appearance designed to evoke the Aztec era. Gentle background music gives the game a relaxed feel, while bird calls complement its Amazon-inspired setting.
Top Casinos to Play Aztec Bonanza:
How the game works
Aztec Bonanza has a layout unlike a standard slot. It features 5 reels, ways to win from 384 to 7,776, and space for up to 6 symbols on each reel. At the start, 12 positions are blocked, leaving this layout:
- Reel-1: 2 symbols
- Reel-2: 4 symbols
- Reel-3: 6 symbols
- Reel-4: 4 symbols
- Reel-5: 2 symbols
The starting layout offers 384 ways to win, with the potential to reach 7,776 when blocked positions unlock. A winning combination must start on reel 1 and match across adjacent reels in sequence. The listed combinations are:
- 5-symbol combination: 1-2-3-4-5
- 4-symbol combination: 1-2-3-4
- 3-symbol combination: 1-2-3
The game has 8 standard symbols, with prizes for matches of 3, 4 or 5. The green Aztec gem has the highest listed payout. A 5-symbol run across reels 1-2-3-4-5 pays 75x the ‘coin value’ for each coin wagered. For example, a wager of 4 coins at a coin value of 0.50 pays 75x the coin value (37.50), multiplied by 4 coins for a total payout of 150.00.
Aztec Bonanza offers several settings: auto-spins, the ‘i’ paytable, quick spins, battery saver (which turns off animations), ambient music on/off, sound FX on/off and game history.
Bonus Rounds and Free Spins
Tumbling Reels: After a win, the winning symbols disappear and new ones fall into the empty spaces. Any new win causes another tumble. This continues until no more combinations appear, after which the accumulated wins are paid.
Symbol Unlocking: After 2 consecutive tumbles or a feature trigger, blocked positions open up, creating more space for symbols and additional ways to win. The change may also reveal mystery symbols, remove lower-paying symbols from the reels or add 2x2 expanded symbols.
Free Spins: The bonus round features full 5x6 reels, with all 4 corners open. It begins with 5 free spins and includes mystery symbols and the removal of lower-paying symbols. A series of 2x2 symbols appears on reels 1-2 and 4-5, while tumbling reels remain active.
Bet Sizes, RTP and Variance
Open the wager settings using the -/ button. The ‘BET’ field sets the number of coins per spin; multiply this figure by 30 to match the ‘TOTAL BET’ amount. ‘COIN VALUE’ can be set from 0.01 to 0.50. The minimum wager is 30 coins per spin, or 0.30; the maximum is 300 coins per spin, or 150.00. The stated RTP is 96.53%, and the game is classified as high variance.
Review summary
Pragmatic Play's wager settings may take a little time to get used to, although the interactive paytable updates payouts to match the selected settings. The review describes Aztec Bonanza as easy to follow once the unlocking mechanic is understood. That mechanic is central to play, opening up free spins, mystery symbols and 2x2 symbols, with up to 7,776 ways to win.
Evan Carrington brings more than 12 years of experience in the iGaming industry, with a focus on reviewing online casinos, assessing slot games and examining player safety. Their work covers casino licensing, RTP, volatility, bonus terms and withdrawal policies. Drawing on practical testing and independent research, Evan provides clear, evidence-based reviews to help players understand gambling platforms, their features and possible risks.
