Lucky 88 Slot Machine Review
The Lucky 88 slot machine game is produced by Aristocrat Gaming and focuses on the Chinese luckiness that is bestowed to the number 8. The number 88 is particularly lucky in Chinese culture, hence the name and popularity. The game is quite unusual in being just as popular in Macau and Australia as it is in Las Vegas.
As far as Aristocrat slots go, this one is fairly typical. It has 5 reels and a free spin bonus, which you get in a lot of these games, and the sounds are typical of this generation of slots loved by so many.
Lucky 88 is a traditional, Oriental-themed slot by Aristocrat that does not introduce a specific storyline; instead, it simply features symbols related to Asian folklore: Emperor as the Wild of the game, Red Lantern as the Scatter, and so on.
Players will also notice that the payouts have very unusual sums — for example, the Emperor multiplies the win x888, while all other icon combinations will award totals ending in 8. The reason is the power of number 8, associated with good fortune and prosperity in Asian beliefs. Similar in pronunciation to the word Fa, which means to accumulate wealth, 8 has always had an important role in Asian culture.
Paylines are adjusted through the Lucky 88 slot's main menu, on the same screen with the coin value bar. The coin value ranges from $0.01 to $5.00, making the stake limit $125 per line on a single spin. To set Auto Play in motion, one can either find the option in the slots menu or click and hold the spin button, activating up to 100 spins.
One will also notice an additional Extra Choice tab, which is optional and can be turned off and on at will. Selecting it will add 5 more coins to the player's bet and unlock additional features that couldn't be triggered otherwise. The return to player percentage depends on the Extra Choice feature — turning it off will decrease the RTP to 87.9%, and leaving it on increases the RTP to 96.6%.
The Red Lamp is the Scatter that can trigger the Free Spins bonus; the way this feature is played will depend on whether or not the Extra Choice is on. Once unlocked, the player will have the option to select Free Spins or roll the dice to win. At least 4 Free Spins can be won with a potential multiplier of x88 if a Wild icon completes the winning combination. The maximum number of spins is 25, with x5 or x25 potential multiplier.
Free Spins can also be triggered after every spin. In case the player is not using the Extra Choice feature, the number of spins can start at 3 (with x18 or x88 multiplier) and reach 20 bonus rounds with an x5 or x18 potential winning increase.
When the Dice Feature is activated, a player will initially get 3 games and the dice rolls are continued for as long as number 8 lands. Once the feature is complete, the player will receive a monetary award which depends on the number of 8s that landed during the rolling.
Lucky 88 is not likely to be the first choice of players who enjoy Orient-themed slots, mostly due to the visuals, which at a glance are not very inspirational. The first impression changes drastically once you start playing, and Lucky 88 definitely offers and delivers much more than initially meets the eye.
Lucky 88 Real Money Play
The game is available to play for real money if you live in the UK and some other European countries, but you will not yet find this one to play for cash if you live in the USA or Canada.
Like a lot of these games, it's the ones you win at that you tend to enjoy the most. With plenty of fire crackers exploding when you hit a win and the familiar sound of gongs, this is a game that has a lot of Chinese appeal. When I last visited Macau, the Lucky 88 slot machine was one of the most popular games I saw.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RTP of Lucky 88?
The RTP (Return to Player) of Lucky 88 depends on whether the Extra Choice feature is active. With Extra Choice turned on, the RTP rises to 96.6%, which is above the industry average. With Extra Choice off, it drops to 87.9% — well below average. Always play with Extra Choice enabled to get the best return from Lucky 88.
Can Lucky 88 be played for real money?
Lucky 88 is available as a real money slot in the UK and select European countries at online casinos carrying Aristocrat titles. Players in the USA and Canada will find it at land-based casinos, particularly in Las Vegas and Macau, where it is one of the most popular games on the floor.
What is the Extra Choice feature in Lucky 88?
The Extra Choice feature is an optional add-on that costs 5 extra coins per spin. Activating it unlocks additional bonus features that cannot be triggered without it — including more free spins options and higher multipliers — and raises the RTP from 87.9% to 96.6%. It is strongly recommended to keep Extra Choice on when playing Lucky 88 for real money.
How do you trigger free spins in Lucky 88?
Free spins in Lucky 88 are triggered by landing the Red Lamp Scatter symbol. With Extra Choice active, players choose between a free spins round or the Dice Feature. Free spins can award up to 25 free games with potential multipliers of x5 or x25. Without Extra Choice, between 3 and 20 free spins are awarded with x18 or x88 multipliers.
What is the Dice Feature in Lucky 88?
The Dice Feature is an alternative bonus available when the Extra Choice option is active. Players start with 3 dice rolls, and rolling continues for as long as the number 8 lands. Once the feature ends, a cash award is made based on the total number of 8s rolled — with more 8s meaning a larger payout.
Can Lucky 88 be played on mobile?
Yes, Lucky 88 is available on mobile devices through Aristocrat's HTML5 platform. The Oriental theme and straightforward gameplay translate well to smartphones and tablets, and the Extra Choice and Auto Play options are fully accessible on mobile for real money play.