Great Rhino Megaways
Feature |
Details |
Provider |
Pragmatic Play |
Release Date |
April 2021 |
Game Type |
Video Slot with Megaways Mechanics |
Reels/Rows |
6 Reels × Variable Rows (2-7) |
Paylines |
Up to 200,704 Megaways |
RTP |
96.58% (Standard), 96.47% (Ante Bet) |
Volatility |
High (5/5) |
Hit Frequency |
~25% |
Min/Max Bet |
$0.20 - $100 ($125 with Ante Bet) |
Max Win |
20,000x stake |
Bonus Frequency |
1 in 277 spins average |
Wild Symbol |
Rhino (top reel only) |
Scatter Symbol |
Gold Coin |
Key Features
MAX WAYS
200,704
MAX WIN
20,000x
RTP
96.58%
VOLATILITY
High
MEGAWAYS MECHANICS: Revolutionary reel system with cascading wins and unlimited multipliers in free spins
Great Rhino Megaways marks Pragmatic Play’s debut into the licensed Megaways universe, transforming their popular African safari-themed slot into a dynamic gaming experience. Set against the backdrop of the African savanna, this high-volatility slot delivers up to 200,704 ways to win with every spin.
Game Structure and Mechanics
The slot features a 6-reel configuration with variable symbol positions that create the signature Megaways experience:
- Main Reels: Reels 1 and 6 display 2-7 symbols
- Central Reels: Reels 2-5 show 2-7 symbols plus an additional horizontal top reel
- Top Reel: 4 symbols across reels 2-5
- Maximum Configuration: 7-8-8-8-8-7 symbols
- Ways to Win: Ranges from 324 to 200,704 per spin
Symbol Values and Paytable
Special Symbols
- Wild Symbol: Golden-horned rhino appearing only on the top horizontal reel (reels 2-5), substitutes for all symbols except scatter
- Scatter Symbol: Gold coin with rhino design, appears anywhere on the reels, triggers free spins with 4+ symbols
Premium Symbols (High-Paying)
Symbol |
3 Symbols |
4 Symbols |
5 Symbols |
6 Symbols |
Cheetah |
0.4x |
2x |
10x |
50x |
Gorilla |
0.3x |
1x |
5x |
25x |
Crocodile |
0.25x |
0.8x |
3x |
15x |
Hyena |
0.2x |
0.6x |
2x |
10x |
Flamingo |
0.15x |
0.4x |
1x |
5x |
Low-Paying Symbols
Tribal-designed card symbols (A, K, Q, J, 10) with wooden textures pay between 0.1x to 2x for 3-6 matching symbols.
Core Game Features
Tumble Feature
The cascading reels mechanism activates after every winning combination:
- Winning symbols disappear from the reels
- New symbols cascade down to fill empty positions
- Top reel symbols move from right to left
- Process continues until no new wins form
- Can create consecutive win chains up to 7 cascades
Ante Bet Feature
An optional enhancement located to the left of the reels:
- Cost: Increases base stake by 25%
- Benefit: Doubles the chance of triggering free spins
- RTP Impact: Slightly reduces RTP from 96.58% to 96.47%
- Stake Range with Ante: $0.25 – $125
- Recommended: For players seeking more frequent bonus rounds
Buy Free Spins
- Cost: 100x current stake
- Access: Instant entry to free spins round
- Options: Same choices available as 4-scatter trigger
- Availability: Not available in all jurisdictions (e.g., UK)
- Restriction: Cannot be used simultaneously with Ante Bet
Free Spins Bonus Round
Trigger Requirements
The bonus round activates when 4, 5, or 6 scatter symbols appear anywhere on the reels during base play.
Bonus Selection Options
Scatters |
Option 1 |
Option 2 |
Option 3 |
Mystery |
4 Scatters |
15 spins, x1 multiplier |
10 spins, x5 multiplier |
5 spins, x10 multiplier |
Random selection |
5 Scatters |
19 spins, x1 multiplier |
14 spins, x5 multiplier |
9 spins, x10 multiplier |
Random selection |
6 Scatters |
23 spins, x1 multiplier |
18 spins, x5 multiplier |
13 spins, x10 multiplier |
Random selection |
Bonus Round Mechanics
- Progressive Multiplier: Increases by +1x after each tumble cascade
- Unlimited Growth: No cap on multiplier value
- Persistence: Multiplier doesn’t reset throughout the entire bonus round
- Retrigger: 3+ scatters during free spins add 5 more spins
- Unlimited Retriggers: Can be retriggered indefinitely
- Auto-End: Round terminates at 20,000x max win
Strategy and Selection Guide
Playing Style |
Recommended Option |
Volatility |
Reasoning |
Conservative |
More spins with x1 |
Lower |
Extended play time, steady multiplier growth |
Balanced |
Medium spins with x5 |
Medium |
Good balance of spins and starting multiplier |
High Risk |
Fewer spins with x10 |
Higher |
Quick high multiplier, relies on early big wins |
Maximum Risk |
Mystery option |
Highest |
Unpredictable outcomes, highest volatility |
Technical Specifications
Return to Player (RTP) Variations
- 96.58% – Standard version (highest RTP)
- 96.47% – With Ante Bet activated
- 95.59% – Alternative operator version
- 94.69% – Lower alternative version
Volatility and Hit Rate
- Volatility: High (5/5 on Pragmatic Play scale)
- Hit Frequency: Approximately 25% in base game
- Bonus Frequency: 1 in 277 spins average
- Big Win Frequency: 1000x+ wins occur roughly 1 in 15,000 spins
Visual Design and Audio
Graphics and Theme
- Art Style: Digital airbrushed comic book aesthetic
- Color Palette: Warm golden savanna tones with vibrant animal colors
- Animations: Smooth animal movements and detailed win celebrations
- Background: African plains with day/night transition during bonus
- UI Elements: Tribal wooden frame decorated with feathers and rhino horns
Sound Design
- Base Music: Atmospheric African instrumental with tribal drums
- Sound Effects: Authentic wildlife sounds – elephant trumpets, lion roars
- Win Sounds: Each animal makes characteristic sounds when winning
- Bonus Audio: Intensified music during free spins round
User Interface and Controls
Game Controls
- Spin Button: Central play button (spacebar on desktop)
- Stake Adjustment: +/- buttons for bet sizing
- Autoplay: Up to 100 automatic spins with stop conditions
- Turbo Mode: Quick Spin for faster gameplay
- Info Menu: Complete paytable and rules access
- Settings: Audio, graphics quality, and display options
Information Display
- Current stake amount
- Player balance
- Last win amount
- Active Megaways count
- Free spins remaining (during bonus)
- Current multiplier (during bonus)
Maximum Win Potential
Theoretical Maximum
- Max Multiplier: 20,000x stake
- At Min Bet ($0.20): $4,000 maximum
- At Max Bet ($125): $2,500,000 maximum
- Achievement Method: Primarily through extended free spins with high multipliers
Realistic Win Expectations
- Base Game: Regular wins 2x-50x stake
- Bonus Rounds: Typical range 50x-1000x stake
- Big Wins: 1000x+ requires combination of high multiplier and premium symbols
- Mega Wins: 5000x+ extremely rare, requiring extended bonus with maximum symbols
Platform Compatibility
Device Support
- Desktop: Windows, Mac, Linux via web browsers
- Mobile: iOS and Android devices
- Technology: HTML5 for seamless cross-platform play
- Browsers: All modern browsers without download requirements
Game Modes
- Demo Play: Free play without registration
- Real Money: Available at licensed online casinos
- Availability: Live in 59+ countries worldwide
Online Gaming Regulation
Great Rhino Megaways operates under strict international gaming regulations with several important considerations:
- Licensing: Available only through licensed operators holding valid gaming permits
- Regional Restrictions: Some features like “Buy Bonus” are prohibited in certain jurisdictions (UK, Belgium, Sweden)
- Age Verification: Mandatory 18+ age verification required for real money play
- Responsible Gaming: Built-in tools for deposit limits, session timers, and self-exclusion
- Fairness Testing: Regular RTP and RNG audits by independent testing laboratories
- Compliance: Adheres to local advertising and promotional regulations
Demo Mode Casino Platforms
Platform |
Demo Access |
Registration Required |
Special Features |
Pragmatic Play Official |
Full game demo |
No |
Latest version, all features |
Casino Guru |
Free demo |
No |
Game guides and reviews |
Slots Temple |
Instant play |
No |
Multiple Pragmatic slots |
Demo Slots Fun |
Browser demo |
No |
Mobile optimized |
Real Money Casino Recommendations
Casino |
Welcome Bonus |
License |
Special Offers |
LeoVegas |
Up to $1000 + 200 FS |
MGA, UKGC |
Megaways tournaments |
Casumo |
Up to $500 + 100 FS |
MGA, UKGC |
Adventure rewards |
PlayOJO |
50 FS no wagering |
MGA, UKGC |
No wagering bonuses |
Mr Green |
Up to $350 + 100 FS |
MGA, UKGC |
Green Gaming tools |
Player Tips and Strategies
For Beginners
- Start with minimum bets to understand the Megaways mechanics
- Use demo mode extensively before real money play
- Choose conservative free spins options (more spins, lower multiplier)
- Set strict loss limits due to high volatility
- Learn the paytable and symbol values thoroughly
For Experienced Players
- Activate Ante Bet for doubled bonus frequency
- Select high-volatility options (fewer spins, higher multiplier)
- Consider bonus buy during extended dry spells
- Use Mystery option for maximum unpredictability
- Monitor bankroll carefully during base game sessions
Bankroll Management
- Session Budget: Set and stick to predetermined limits
- Bet Sizing: Use 1-2% of bankroll per spin maximum
- Volatility Preparation: Expect long periods without significant wins
- Bonus Buy Caution: Represents 5% of recommended session bankroll
- Win Goals: Set reasonable profit targets and stick to them
Comparison with Similar Slots
Other Pragmatic Play Megaways
- Buffalo King Megaways: Similar structure, North American theme, slightly higher max win
- The Dog House Megaways: Lower volatility, more frequent bonus triggers
- Madame Destiny Megaways: Fortune telling theme, similar mechanics
Alternative Megaways Slots
- Bonanza (BTG): Original Megaways game, mining theme, 117,649 ways
- Extra Chilli (BTG): Mexican theme, feature drop, higher max win potential
- Buffalo Gold Megaways: Similar animal theme, different bonus structure
Overall Assessment
Great Rhino Megaways successfully adapts Pragmatic Play’s popular African safari theme to the Megaways format, creating an engaging high-volatility slot experience. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it executes the proven formula with professional polish and attractive features.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
- Impressive 200,704 ways to win maximum
- High win potential of 20,000x stake
- Above-average RTP at 96.58%
- Unlimited progressive multiplier in bonus
- Strategic choice in free spins selection
- Ante Bet doubles bonus frequency
- Buy bonus feature available (where legal)
- Unlimited free spins retriggers
- Wide betting range ($0.20-$125)
- Excellent mobile optimization
- High-quality graphics and audio
- Professional execution of Megaways mechanics
Cons
- High volatility can drain bankrolls quickly
- Base game can feel monotonous between bonuses
- Win potential heavily concentrated in bonus rounds
- Conservative approach lacks innovation
- Common African safari theme
- Bonus buy not available in all regions
- Ante Bet reduces RTP by 0.11%
- Long waits between bonus rounds
- Max win lower than some competitors
- Requires significant bankroll for optimal play
Great Rhino Megaways earns a solid 4/5 stars rating. It’s an excellent choice for players who enjoy high-volatility Megaways action with strategic bonus selection and impressive win potential. While not groundbreaking, it delivers exactly what fans of the genre expect with professional execution and rewarding gameplay mechanics.