Mega Moolah is the most famous progressive jackpot slot in the world. Microgaming launched it in 2006, and since then it has created more millionaires than almost any other online game. It has set Guinness World Records for the largest online slot jackpots, and in 2015 it made a British soldier a multimillionaire overnight. Behind the record-breaking jackpots is a simple safari-themed slot with 25 paylines and a free spins round. In this Mega Moolah slot review we explain how the Jackpot Wheel works, what the low RTP means and where you can play the game in the UK.
Mega Moolah at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Provider | Microgaming (the games are now distributed by Games Global) |
| Release | 2006 |
| Reels and rows | 5 reels, 3 rows |
| Paylines | 25 fixed lines |
| RTP | 88.12% in total, including the contribution to the jackpots |
| Volatility | Low to medium in the base game |
| Jackpots | Four progressive jackpots: Mini, Minor, Major and Mega |
| Stake in the UK | From £0.25 up to the £5 per spin limit (£2 for players aged 18 to 24) |
The Safari Theme
The game is set on the African savannah, with cartoon-style animals as the symbols. The lion is the Wild and the top-paying symbol, joined by elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras and antelopes. The card ranks make up the lower-value symbols, and a monkey acts as the Scatter. The design is simple and has not changed much since 2006, but it is instantly recognisable to slot players all over the world.
How to Play Mega Moolah
Mega Moolah has 25 fixed paylines. Wins pay from left to right with three or more matching symbols on a line. You choose your stake and spin. The lion Wild substitutes for all regular symbols and doubles any win it is part of. Three or more monkey Scatters anywhere on the reels trigger the free spins.
The Jackpot Wheel
The Jackpot Wheel is what makes Mega Moolah special. It can trigger at random at the end of any spin, regardless of what is on the reels. Once the wheel appears, you are guaranteed to win one of the four progressive jackpots:
- Mini: the smallest jackpot, won most often.
- Minor: a larger prize that is still won regularly.
- Major: a substantial jackpot, usually worth tens of thousands.
- Mega: the life-changing prize, which starts from one million and keeps growing until it is won.
Your chance of triggering the wheel increases with the size of your stake, but the wheel can appear at any bet level. Players have won the Mega jackpot on small stakes.
Free Spins
Three or more monkey Scatters trigger 15 free spins. All wins during free spins are tripled, and because the lion Wild also doubles wins, a line with a Wild in free spins pays 6x the normal amount. Landing three more Scatters during the round awards another 15 free spins. Note that the jackpots can only be won through the Jackpot Wheel, not directly from free spins.
The Record-Breaking Jackpots
Mega Moolah is famous for its huge payouts:
- In October 2015, British soldier Jon Heywood won £13.2 million on Mega Moolah, a Guinness World Record at the time.
- In April 2021, a player from Belgium won around €19.4 million, which Guinness World Records recognised as the largest online slot jackpot ever paid.
Many other Mega jackpots have paid out several million pounds. These stories are exceptional, and the chance of winning the Mega jackpot on any single spin is extremely small.
RTP and Volatility
The RTP of Mega Moolah is 88.12%, which is much lower than the 96% of a typical modern slot. This is because a large share of every bet goes into the four jackpot pools. In regular wins, the game pays back clearly less than a non-jackpot slot. The base game volatility is low to medium, with frequent small wins, but the true appeal is the jackpot. If you play Mega Moolah, do so for the chance at the jackpot, and accept that the regular returns are lower.
Playing Mega Moolah in the UK
At UK-licensed casinos, slots follow the rules of the UK Gambling Commission. Autoplay and turbo spins are not allowed, spins last at least 2.5 seconds, and the maximum stake is £5 per spin for players aged 25 and over, or £2 per spin for players aged 18 to 24. UK players compete for the same networked jackpots as players elsewhere.
Mega Moolah on Mobile
Mega Moolah runs on iPhone, Android phones and tablets, and you can win all four jackpots on mobile. See our guide to mobile slots in the UK.
Mega Moolah vs Other Jackpot Slots
Mega Moolah’s main rivals are NetEnt’s Mega Fortune and Yggdrasil’s Empire Fortune. Mega Fortune has a much higher RTP of around 96.6% and a three-level bonus wheel, while Mega Moolah has paid the biggest jackpots and lets the wheel trigger on any spin. Microgaming has also released several spin-offs, such as Mega Moolah Isis and Mega Moolah Absolootly Mad, which share the same jackpot network.
Why the Wheel Can Appear on Any Spin
Unlike many jackpot slots, Mega Moolah does not require special symbols to reach the Jackpot Wheel. The wheel is triggered at random after a spin, which means every spin has a small chance, no matter what lands on the reels. This keeps the game exciting even during quiet spells. Once the wheel appears, the arrow decides which of the four jackpots you win, and the Mini and Minor are by far the most common results.
Tips for Playing Mega Moolah
- Set a strict budget: the Mega jackpot is extremely rare, so never chase it.
- Understand the RTP: 88.12% means lower regular returns in exchange for the jackpot chance.
- Play for fun: enjoy the free spins and see the jackpot as a bonus.
- Check bonus terms: jackpot slots are often excluded from welcome bonus play, so read the terms first.
Where to Play Mega Moolah
Mega Moolah is available at many UK casinos that offer Microgaming and Games Global slots. Browse more titles on our online slots page, and always choose a licensed casino. Read our guide to gambling with real money for tips on playing safely.
Play responsibly. Jackpot slots are games of chance. Set limits and never play with money you cannot afford to lose. For support, visit BeGambleAware.org. 18+ only.
Features
Mega Moolah FAQ
What is the biggest Mega Moolah win?
The record is around €19.4 million, won by a player from Belgium in April 2021.
How do you win the Mega Moolah jackpot?
The Jackpot Wheel triggers at random on any spin. Once it appears, you are guaranteed one of the four jackpots.
What is the RTP of Mega Moolah?
The RTP is 88.12%, including the share of each bet that goes to the progressive jackpots.
Does a higher stake increase the jackpot chance?
Yes. The chance of triggering the Jackpot Wheel increases with your stake, but the wheel can appear at any bet level.
Can I win the Mega Moolah jackpot on mobile?
Yes. All four jackpots can be won on mobile as well as on desktop.
