Cleopatra is one of the most recognisable slot machines in the world. IGT’s Egyptian classic started life in land-based casinos and became just as popular online, where it is still played by thousands of players every day. Its gold-and-blue design, the voice of the queen herself and a free spins round that can be retriggered again and again have made it a true evergreen. In this Cleopatra slot review we explain how the game works, what the free spins offer and how it compares with newer Egyptian slots.
Cleopatra at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Provider | IGT |
| Reels and rows | 5 reels, 3 rows |
| Paylines | 20 |
| RTP | 95.02% |
| Volatility | Medium |
| Maximum win | 10,000x your stake |
| Free spins | 15, with all wins tripled |
| Stake in the UK | From £0.20 up to the £5 per spin limit (£2 for players aged 18 to 24) |
A Classic Egyptian Theme
Cleopatra set the template for the many Egyptian slots that followed. The reels show the queen herself, the Sphinx, the Eye of Horus, scarabs, a golden lotus and hieroglyphs, along with card ranks from 9 to A as the lower-value symbols. The design is simple by modern standards, but that is exactly why many players love it: it looks and sounds like the slot machine they know from the casino floor.
How to Play Cleopatra
Cleopatra has 20 paylines. Wins pay from left to right when three or more matching symbols land on an active line. Some symbols already pay for two of a kind, which adds a few extra small wins.
The Cleopatra Wild
Cleopatra herself is the Wild symbol. She substitutes for all symbols except the Sphinx scatter. When she completes a win as a substitute, that win is doubled. Five Cleopatra Wilds on a payline pay the top line prize, and filling the screen with Wilds is how the maximum win of 10,000x your stake is reached.
The Sphinx Scatter and Free Spins
The Sphinx is the Scatter symbol. Three or more anywhere on the reels pay a scatter prize and trigger the Cleopatra bonus with 15 free spins. During the free spins, all wins are tripled.
The real strength of the bonus is the retrigger. Landing three or more Sphinx symbols during the free spins awards 15 more spins, and this can happen again and again, up to a maximum of 180 free spins in one round. Long retrigger chains with a 3x multiplier are where Cleopatra delivers its best results.
RTP, Volatility and Maximum Win
The RTP of Cleopatra is 95.02%. That is lower than many modern slots, which often sit around 96%, and reflects the game’s roots as a land-based machine. The volatility is medium: base game wins come at a fair pace, while the bigger prizes depend on the free spins and on Wilds lining up.
The maximum win of 10,000x your stake is strong for a slot with such a classic design, although reaching it requires a screen full of Cleopatra Wilds.
Symbols and Payouts
After Cleopatra herself, the Sphinx and the Eye of Horus are among the most valuable symbols, followed by the scarab, the golden lotus and the hieroglyph symbols. The card ranks from 9 to A provide most of the smaller wins. Because the Wild doubles every win it completes, combinations with one or two Cleopatra symbols often pay noticeably more than the paytable suggests at first sight. The full paytable, with all line and scatter prizes for your stake, is available in the game menu.
Cleopatra on Mobile
The online version of Cleopatra works in the browser on iPhone, Android phones and tablets. The large symbols and clear paylines make it easy to play on a small screen. See our guide to mobile slots in the UK for more tips.
Playing Cleopatra in the UK
At UK-licensed casinos, Cleopatra follows the rules of the UK Gambling Commission. There is no autoplay or turbo spin, each spin lasts at least 2.5 seconds, and the maximum stake is £5 per spin for players aged 25 and over (£2 for players aged 18 to 24). The paytable and free spins work the same way as elsewhere.
The Cleopatra Series
IGT has built a whole series around the queen. Cleopatra II adds multipliers that grow during the free spins, Cleopatra Plus introduces a jackpot feature, and there are versions with the Megaways mechanic and other modern features. The original remains the most played, thanks to its simplicity and its nostalgic feel. If you like variable reels, see our guide to Megaways slots.
Cleopatra vs Newer Egyptian Slots
Egyptian slots are one of the biggest themes in online gaming. Compared with Cleopatra, games such as Book of Dead and Legacy of Dead use an expanding symbol in the free spins and have higher volatility and a higher RTP. Cleopatra offers a calmer, more classic experience, with a long free spins round as its main attraction.
Who Is Cleopatra For?
Cleopatra suits players who like traditional slot machines with clear rules and a recognisable style. The medium volatility keeps sessions fairly steady, and the free spins with retriggers give a clear goal. It is less suited to players who want modern features such as cascades, buy-in bonuses or very high maximum wins, or who look mainly at the RTP. For a more modern Egyptian adventure, the higher volatility of the Book of Dead series is a good alternative.
Tips for Playing Cleopatra
- Keep your stake steady: medium volatility suits a consistent stake over longer sessions.
- Enjoy the retriggers: the free spins can run for a long time, so the bonus is where the value lies.
- Know the RTP: 95.02% is below average, so set a clear budget for each session.
- Try the demo first: get to know the paytable and the Wild before you play for real money.
Is Cleopatra Worth Playing?
Cleopatra is a must-try classic. It is not the most generous slot in terms of RTP, but the doubling Wild, the 3x free spins and the chance of up to 180 spins in one round still give it plenty of excitement. If you enjoy traditional slot machines, it is hard to beat.
Where to Play Cleopatra
Cleopatra is available at many UK casinos that offer IGT slots. Compare the best UK online casinos, explore more games on our online slots page and read our guide to gambling with real money before you deposit.
Play responsibly. Set a budget, take breaks and never chase losses. For support, visit BeGambleAware.org. 18+ only.
Features
Cleopatra FAQ
What is the RTP of Cleopatra?
The RTP of Cleopatra is 95.02%.
How many free spins can you get on Cleopatra?
The bonus starts with 15 free spins and can be retriggered up to a maximum of 180 free spins, with all wins tripled.
What is the maximum win on Cleopatra?
The maximum win is 10,000x your stake, reached by filling the reels with Cleopatra Wilds.
Who makes the Cleopatra slot?
Cleopatra is made by IGT, one of the oldest slot machine manufacturers.
Can I play Cleopatra on mobile?
Yes. Cleopatra works in the browser on iPhone, Android and tablets.
