Big Bad Bison Slot Review
Introduction
Big Bad Bison is a High volatility video slot from Big Time Gaming with a 96.58% RTP, a 6-reel, 2-7 row Megaways layout offering up to 117,649 ways to win, and a maximum win of 67,640x the bet, available to play at Chips.gg.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Provider | Big Time Gaming |
| Theme | North American Wilderness |
| Reels | 6 |
| Rows | 2-7 (dynamic) |
| Paylines | Up to 117,649 Megaways |
| RTP | 96.58% (as deployed at Chips.gg) |
| Volatility | High |
| Max Win | 67,640x |
| Hit Frequency | 37.3% |
| Min Bet | 0.1 |
| Max Bet | 6 |
| Release Date | June 2023 |
Facts verified August 2026 against the live Chips.gg game configuration.
Game Features and Bonuses
Layout: The game utilizes a Megaways engine with 6 reels, where each reel can display between 2 and 7 symbols, dynamically changing the number of ways to win on every spin. This setup can generate up to 117,649 active ways to win.
Special Symbols: The Wild symbol, depicted as a dry landscape, substitutes for all regular paying symbols and can appear with multipliers up to 5x. The Scatter symbol is a gold coin with the BTG logo, crucial for triggering the Free Spins feature.
Free Spins: Landing three or more Scatter symbols triggers 12 Free Spins, with each additional Scatter awarding 4 extra spins. During the feature, landing two Scatters grants 4 additional spins, and further Scatters add 2 spins each.
Bonus Rounds: Retriggering Free Spins progresses you up a ladder, guaranteeing a higher minimum number of Megaways. After five retriggers, the game guarantees the maximum 117,649 ways to win for the remainder of the Free Spins.
Unique Features: The game includes a "Win Exchange" option, allowing players to exchange a win of 50x or more for 12 Free Spins. Wins between 25x and 50x can be gambled on a wheel for a chance to win Free Spins. A Bonus Buy option is also available, allowing direct purchase of Free Spins for 50x the bet.
Gameplay Mechanics and Strategies
Unique Mechanics: Big Bad Bison features the classic Megaways mechanic where the number of symbols on each reel changes with every spin, providing varying ways to win. The game also includes a Megaways counter above the reels to display the current number of active ways.
In-Game Dynamics: Wins are formed by landing three or more matching symbols on adjacent reels starting from the leftmost reel. The high-paying bison symbol offers significantly larger payouts compared to other animal and royal symbols.
Player Strategy: Given the High volatility and dynamic Megaways system, a patient approach is often beneficial. While no strategy can alter the game's inherent RTP, managing your bankroll effectively to endure potential dry spells and aim for the Free Spins feature, which offers guaranteed Megaways progression, can enhance the experience.
Comparison with Similar Slots
Big Bad Bison, with its Megaways engine and North American wildlife theme, shares similarities with other popular titles. For instance, [Buffalo King Megaways](/catalog/pragmaticplay-buffalo-king-megaways) by Pragmatic Play also offers a high volatility experience with a similar animal theme and up to 200,704 ways to win, though its RTP is typically around 96.52%. Another comparable game is [Great Rhino Megaways](/catalog/pragmaticplay-great-rhino-megaways), also from Pragmatic Play, which features 200,704 ways to win and an RTP of 96.58%, focusing on African wildlife and offering cascading reels not present in Big Bad Bison. Finally, Bonanza Megaways by Big Time Gaming itself, an early pioneer of the mechanic, provides a mining theme with 117,649 ways to win and an RTP of 96.00%, offering a similar core gameplay experience but with different bonus features like unlimited multipliers in free spins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum win potential in Big Bad Bison?
The maximum win potential in Big Bad Bison is 67,640 times your initial bet, which can be achieved through its various features, particularly during the Free Spins round.
How does the Megaways mechanic work in this slot?
The Megaways mechanic in Big Bad Bison means that each of the 6 reels can randomly display between 2 and 7 symbols on any given spin. This dynamic reel setup results in up to 117,649 possible ways to win.
Can I buy the Free Spins feature directly?
Yes, Big Bad Bison includes a Bonus Buy option. Players can purchase direct entry into the Free Spins feature for a cost of 50 times their current bet.
What is the RTP of Big Bad Bison at Chips.gg?
The Return to Player (RTP) for Big Bad Bison as deployed at Chips.gg is 96.58%. It's important to note that RTP can vary between different casino builds, so this figure applies specifically to the configuration found here.
Are there any special Wild features in the game?
Yes, the Wild symbols in Big Bad Bison can appear with multipliers of up to 5x, which can significantly boost winning combinations when they are part of a payout.
Conclusion
Big Bad Bison delivers a classic Megaways experience with a high volatility profile and a solid RTP of 96.58%. Its strengths lie in the potential for substantial wins, particularly through the Free Spins feature with its guaranteed Megaways progression, and the inclusion of Wild multipliers. While the graphics for some symbols could be more detailed, the overall theme and dynamic gameplay provide an engaging experience. This slot is well-suited for players who appreciate the excitement of the Megaways engine, enjoy high-volatility games with significant win potential, and are comfortable with features like Bonus Buy and Win Exchange.
