Tiger and Dragon – Cash on Reels

Key Features of Tiger and Dragon – Cash on Reels

What is the Tiger and Dragon slot game?

Tiger and Dragon is an online video slot developed by IGT that operates on a 5-reel, 3-row layout with 243 ways to win. The game abandons traditional paylines in favor of a unique Cash on Reels system, where wins are determined by numerical values appearing on special Gong symbols.

Set against a vibrant backdrop of swirling orange and blue clouds, symbolizing the eternal conflict and balance between the two celestial beasts, the game is a masterclass in atmospheric design. It is deeply rooted in the Myths & Legends of the Far East, drawing on the cultural significance of its titular creatures. The Tiger represents earthly power and courage, while the Dragon embodies celestial wisdom and fortune. This duality is central to the gameplay, with each beast offering a distinct path to rewards through its dedicated bonus feature. The visual presentation and mechanics firmly place it within the Oriental and Dragons slot categories.

How does the Cash on Reels mechanic work?

The Cash on Reels mechanic pays out based on numerical values formed by two or more horizontally adjacent Gong symbols, creating a direct win-what-you-see payout system. This innovative approach makes winning combinations intuitive, as the prize value is literally spelled out across the reels.

Instead of matching sets of pictures to check a paytable, you are looking for golden Gong symbols to land on consecutive reels starting from the left. When two or more Gongs link together, they transform to reveal digits. For instance, a Gong on reel one showing ‘8’, a Gong on reel two showing ‘5’, and a Gong on reel three showing ‘0’ would form the number ‘850’, awarding an 8.50 credit prize (assuming a coin value of 0.01). This creates a clear and immediate understanding of each win’s value without cross-referencing a paytable.

What is the function of the Gong symbols?

The Gong symbols are the core of the Cash on Reels system, acting as the building blocks for creating direct credit prizes. They are the primary symbols that players watch for to form winning numerical values across the reels.

Each Gong that appears in any position on the reels has the potential to reveal a one or two-digit value, or an Arrow symbol. The value displayed in each cluster of two or more horizontally adjacent gong symbols is then read as a single value from left to right and multiplied by the coin value to determine the final payout.

How do Up Arrow symbols increase wins?

Up Arrow symbols dramatically increase the value of a prize by transforming into a number from 1 to 90 and adding it to the first digit of the numerical cluster. This function can turn a modest prize into a substantial win with a single symbol.

For example, if you land a Gong cluster forming the number ‘125’, and the first Gong also contains an Up Arrow, that arrow might reveal a value of ’80’. The ’80’ is added to the first digit (‘1’), changing the total prize value to ‘8125’. This mechanic is a key driver of the game’s high volatility, as a single arrow symbol can exponentially multiply the payout, creating moments of high anticipation on any given spin.

What are the main bonus features?

The game features three distinct bonus rounds: the Tiger Bonus, the Dragon Bonus, and the combined Tiger and Dragon Bonus. Each is triggered by landing three of the corresponding scatter symbols, with a mixed combination of five triggering the main feature.

These bonuses are not just simple free spins; they represent different volatility models and gameplay styles. The game also includes a random trigger element; landing just one or two bonus symbols on the reels can be enough to randomly activate one of the features, adding an element of surprise to the base game. This is a game built for players who appreciate intricate bonus features.

How does the Tiger Bonus operate?

The Tiger Bonus is a classic Lock & Respin feature played on the standard 5×3 grid, where the objective is to fill the reels with valuable Gong symbols. You are awarded 3 spins, and this counter resets to 3 every time a new Gong symbol lands and locks in place.

During this bonus, each unlocked symbol position functions as a separate reel. The round continues until you either run out of spins or successfully fill all 15 positions on the grid. At the conclusion, all adjacent Gong clusters reveal their numerical values, including potential enhancements from Up Arrow symbols, and the total is awarded. This feature offers a familiar yet engaging experience for fans of the Hold and Win style of play.

What defines the Dragon Bonus round?

The Dragon Bonus is a high-potential feature that awards just a single spin on a massively expanded 5×8 reel grid. This design makes it a fast-paced, high-volatility bonus where everything rides on the outcome of one spin.

After the spin, all Gong symbols that have landed on the expanded grid lock in place. Any horizontally adjacent clusters of two or more Gongs then reveal their numerical values, which can be boosted by Up Arrows. Despite being a single spin, the large 8-row grid provides 40 positions for Gongs to land, offering the potential for numerous, high-value clusters to form simultaneously for a significant payout.

How does the combined Tiger and Dragon Bonus work?

The Tiger and Dragon Bonus is the game’s ultimate feature, combining the Lock & Respin mechanic of the Tiger Bonus with the expanded 5×8 grid of the Dragon Bonus. This round also introduces an engaging collection and unlocking element that builds toward the game’s jackpot.

You start with 3 spins, and the counter resets with each new Gong. The grid begins with only the first three rows unlocked. To unlock rows 4 through 8, you must collect a specific number of Gong symbols (e.g., a total of 6 gongs unlocks row 4, 9 gongs unlocks row 5, and so on). If a player manages to collect a total of 32 Gong symbols, filling all locked rows, the Jackpot is awarded. This progressive unlocking adds a layer of strategy and mounting excitement not present in the other bonuses.

How is the Mystery Gong feature triggered?

The Mystery Gong feature can be awarded randomly on any base game spin that does not result in a win. When activated, one or more Gong symbols from the game’s iconic gong wheel are placed onto the reels, potentially creating a winning Cash on Reels combination.

This feature serves as a valuable consolation prize, turning a losing spin into a potential winner. If the Mystery Gong is awarded, Gong symbols are added to the reels to reveal a value from 1 to 99 or an Arrow symbol. This ensures that even non-winning spins maintain a level of suspense, as the resonant sound of the gong could strike at any moment to change your fortune.

What are the game’s visual and audio elements?

The slot presents a visually rich tapestry of classic Oriental art. The background is a dynamic sky of fiery oranges and deep blues, creating a sense of cosmic balance. The reels are framed in ornate gold, populated with beautifully rendered symbols like lotus flowers, hand fans, and glowing lanterns. The stars of the show, the Tiger and Dragon, are drawn with incredible detail and animate powerfully when they trigger their respective bonuses.

The sound design complements the visuals perfectly. A traditional Asian melody plays in the background, punctuated by the resonant clang of gongs and the thrilling roar of the tiger or the hiss of the dragon. During the bonus rounds, the music intensifies, building a palpable sense of excitement that enhances the gameplay. The overall atmosphere feels both powerful and mystical, aligning perfectly with its Gold and Animals thematic elements.

What is the game’s RTP and Volatility?

The Return to Player (RTP) for Tiger and Dragon – Cash on Reels is 96.00% for the normal game. This value shifts slightly when using the Bonus Buy feature, increasing to 96.25% for the standard Bonus Buy and 96.35% for the Super Bonus Buy.

The game exhibits high volatility. This is primarily due to the Cash on Reels mechanic, especially when amplified by the Up Arrow symbols, which can create infrequent but very large payouts. The bonus features, particularly the all-or-nothing single spin in the Dragon Bonus and the jackpot chase in the combined bonus, are designed for significant win potential, which is characteristic of a high-variance slot model.

How to play the Tiger and Dragon demo for free?

You can play the Tiger and Dragon slot demo for free directly on this page at Ispinix.com. The free play version offers the full experience, allowing you to understand the unique Cash on Reels mechanic and test the various bonus features without any financial risk.

Playing the demo is an ideal way to develop a feel for the game’s high volatility and to see how frequently the different bonuses are triggered. It provides a perfect environment for learning the rules and experimenting with different betting strategies before deciding to play for real money.

Which is better: Cash on Reels or Multiplier Version?

The choice between the Tiger and Dragon Cash on Reels and its Multiplier counterpart depends entirely on player preference for gameplay mechanics. The Cash on Reels version offers more direct and easily understood wins, while the Multiplier version integrates Gong symbols as wilds that enhance traditional line wins.

The Cash on Reels version, reviewed here, is for players who enjoy novel systems and the thrill of seeing large numbers form directly on the screen. The Multiplier version will appeal to those who prefer a more traditional slot experience but with the added excitement of wild multipliers. The bonus rounds are shared between both versions, so the core difference lies in the base game’s rhythm and win calculation. Testing the free demo of each is the best way to determine which style aligns with your preferences.

The Secrets of the Tiger and Dragon

1. Hidden Tattoo: A fun, hidden detail can be found on the dragon’s front paw in the game’s logo and art. It has a small tattoo that reads “(C) 2025 IGT,” a clever easter egg from the developers.
2. Strategic Betting Panel: Unlike many slots with fixed betting increments, IGT designed this game with a more flexible panel. The ability to choose bets like 75 or 100 credits gives players more nuanced control over their bankroll strategy.
3. Bonus Chests Are an Illusion: The chests at the top of the reels that collect Tiger and Dragon symbols might seem like a persistence meter, but they are purely for visual effect. A bonus can trigger randomly regardless of how many symbols have been collected, keeping players on their toes.

Is Tiger and Dragon a good slot to play?

Absolutely. Tiger and Dragon – Cash on Reels is a standout title from IGT that successfully innovates on the popular cash-on-reels concept. It’s a game I highly recommend, especially for players who feel modern slots have become too formulaic.

The “win-what-you-see” mechanic is refreshing and intuitive, and the Up Arrow feature adds a layer of volatility that can lead to genuinely thrilling moments. With three distinct and well-designed bonus rounds, plus the random Mystery Gong, there is always something to look forward to. While the high variance means patience is required, the potential rewards and engaging gameplay make the experience worthwhile. It’s a beautifully crafted slot that honors its cultural theme while pushing mechanical boundaries.

Frequently Asked Questions