RTP and Symbols
Nucleus Gaming did not include the RTP in the paytable. Having played the slot and experienced its volatility, I anticipate it to be around 96%.
The Wild is a crate of dynamite that only appears on reels 2, 3, and 4. It substitutes all symbols except the Bonus (golden nugget) and Reset (silver nugget) symbols.
The Miner symbol is top-tier, paying $4,000 for five-of-a-kind. The Canary and Pickaxe follow, offering $2,000 payouts. Mid-tier symbols like the Helmet and Gloves top out at $600, while card symbols from Ace to Jack max out at $160 for five. The coin betting range is $0.25 to $100 per spin.
Bonus Rounds
Hold and Win
The Hold and Win feature triggers when six golden nugget symbols land, awarding 3 respins. Landing a Bonus or Reset symbol resets the count back to 3.
On average, the bonus triggers every 50 to 65 spins. Nugget values range from $60 to $1,200, depending on your stake. The Reset symbol collects and boosts wins with multipliers from 2x to 5x. Fill all 15 spots to grab the $200,000 Grand Jackpot. I found adjusting my bet size over 60 spins improved my hit rate.
Buy Option – A Shortcut or a Bankroll Drain?
At a $100 average stake, the buy feature costs $8,300. That’s a serious commitment, especially since big wins only came 1 out of every 5 tries. Even at the lowest stake of $0.25, it’ll set you back $20.75. It’s easy to get lured in by the thrill, but this option won’t always pay what you expect.
Tips and Strategy
I played for 50 spins at a $100 stake and walked away with $21,500 thanks to the Hold and Win feature. The base game barely covered my bets, so bonus features are where the real money lies.
Thinking of using a bonus? With a 35x wagering requirement on a $100 deposit plus $100 bonus, you’d need to wager $7,000. The house edge of 4% means you’ll likely lose around $280.
Bonus caps and max bets (often $10) limit your flexibility. For high rollers, that’s a deal-breaker. If you’re aiming for long-term gains, skip the bonus unless the terms are generous.
To test the waters, start with $0.20 spins. Base game wins typically range from 0.5x to 3x, while the bonus round can pay 12x or more.
Conclusion
The Hold and Win feature with the Reset symbol brings a jolt of excitement. It doesn’t just collect wins — it boosts them too. With a 5x multiplier in play, payouts can be genuinely satisfying.
Triggering the bonus doesn’t drain your bankroll if you manage your funds properly. But be realistic. My test runs showed diminishing returns over time. I paid $20.75 for 3 respins and got $6 back. That hurts.
The visuals may not be groundbreaking, and repetition kicks in after 150 spins. Still, it’s decent if you’re after something a little different.
Try it for 60 spins across a few casinos. If you come up empty, switch to something like Suns of Azteca, which features Cascading wins and Free Spins with Multipliers — and a better long-game.