Big Bass Return to the Races
Continue reading for a thorough review below the free demo of the “Big Bass Return to the Races” slot.
Big Bass Return to the Races Game Demo


Big Bass Return to the Races Slot Review
Pragmatic Play’s latest entry in their immensely popular Big Bass series, “Big Bass Return to the Races,” sees the familiar fisherman trade his tackle box for jockey silks. This time, the setting shifts from tranquil lakes to a vibrant racetrack. This 5-reel, 3-row slot with 10 paylines boasts high volatility and a maximum win potential of 5,000x the bet. The game maintains the series’ core mechanics while introducing a unique bonus round that sets it apart, albeit subtly, from its predecessors.
Diving into the Bonus Features
“Big Bass Return to the Races” retains the beloved Money Symbol collection mechanic that has become a staple of the Big Bass franchise, but it gallops ahead with a twist in the form of Golden Cup Free Spins. Triggering the standard free spins round requires landing 3, 4, or 5 scatter symbols, awarding 10, 15, or 20 free spins respectively. Before the round begins, a unique card-picking feature determines if the player is awarded regular free spins or the coveted Golden Cup Free Spins. A bonus card results in regular free spins, while the Golden Cup card unlocks the special round.
In the regular free spins, the fisherman wild symbol collects the values of all horse Money symbols on the reels. These Money symbols can carry values from 2x to a staggering 5,000x the bet. The wild symbol also plays a crucial role in the progressive feature. Every fourth wild collected awards an additional 10 free spins and increases the multiplier for Money symbol collection – x2 for the second level, x3 for the third, and a lucrative x10 for the fourth and final level.
The Golden Cup Free Spins round is where the game truly attempts to differentiate itself. This special round strips the reels of all symbols except Money symbols, blanks, and wilds. During this feature, all combinations involving the Money symbols payout, and wilds still collect all visible Money symbol values. The thrill of seeing only high-value symbols land is undeniable. Essentially, it’s a high-stakes race where every spin holds the potential for significant rewards. The base mechanics remain identical to the regular free spins. Also the game offers random modifiers that can enhance the free spins experience. If wilds are present without Money symbols, Money symbols might appear in random positions. Conversely, if Money symbols are present without wilds, a lasso might appear, pulling a wild onto the reels. Lastly, when there are wilds on the reels but no Money symbols, an animation may appear to change all symbols except for wilds into something else.
Thematic Ambiance and Visuals
“Big Bass Return to the Races” presents an interesting juxtaposition of fishing and horse racing themes. While the combination may seem unusual at first glance, the execution is surprisingly seamless. The backdrop depicts a lush green racetrack, creating a sense of energy and anticipation. The visuals maintain the cartoonish charm characteristic of the Big Bass series. This creates a lighthearted and enjoyable atmosphere. If you’re not clear on the specifics of the Golden Cup Free Spins round, launch the demo version of the slot and open the in-game help by pressing the (i) button.
Slot Mechanics and Symbol Interaction
The core gameplay revolves around a 5×3 reel set with 10 fixed paylines. The familiar card rank symbols (10 to A) represent the lower-paying symbols, while themed symbols like horses, binoculars, beer, boxes, and a champagne bucket make up the higher-paying symbols. The horse symbols double as Money symbols in the bonus rounds, adding an extra layer of excitement to their appearance on the reels. It’s worth noting that wilds do not appear in the base game. They only make their appearance during the free spins rounds, where they become instrumental in collecting those valuable Money symbol prizes. The Ante Bet feature allows players to increase their stake by 50% for an enhanced chance of triggering free spins.
The game’s high volatility means that wins may be less frequent, but the potential for substantial payouts during the bonus features is significant. For those who prefer a more direct route to the action, the Feature Buy option allows players to purchase either regular free spins or Golden Cup Free Spins for 100x their bet or directly purchase Golden Cup Free Spins for 270x their bet. It is a common strategy among seasoned players to utilize the Feature Buy to bypass the base game and directly access the more lucrative bonus rounds.
Interesting Facts and Observations
One notable aspect of “Big Bass Return to the Races” is its close resemblance to another Pragmatic Play title, “Big Bass Secrets of the Golden Lake.” The mechanics and features are almost identical, with the primary difference being the thematic skin. This raises questions about the developer’s approach to innovation within the series. It seems as though they are relying heavily on the established popularity of the Big Bass brand, rather than pushing the boundaries of slot design. Also, the maximum win probability is 1 in 3,378,378 spins and the bonus round frequency is approximately 1 in 113 spins.
The Golden Cup Free Spins, while adding a new element to the gameplay, doesn’t deviate significantly from the standard free spins formula. It primarily serves to concentrate the potential for larger wins by eliminating low-value symbols. It’s like a concentrated dose of excitement, but it doesn’t fundamentally change the game’s core dynamic. From my point of view, the RTP across all bet options stands firm at 96.07%, a figure that aligns with industry standards for online slots. However, the game’s high volatility may not appeal to all players.
“Big Bass Return to the Races” offers a familiar yet enjoyable experience for fans of the Big Bass series. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, the Golden Cup Free Spins provide a refreshing twist. This slot is recommended for players who enjoy high-volatility games with the potential for substantial wins. However, those seeking groundbreaking innovation may find it somewhat lacking. This game is a solid addition to the Big Bass franchise, but whether it will be remembered as a standout title remains to be seen.
Author: Vlad Hvalov