There are some names that all best online slots UK players know, and two of these are among the biggest out there. You have surely played them, and probably love at least one of them, they’re Rainbow Riches and Big Bass Bonanza! One is based around Irish folklore, the other one fishing. Which one is the best? Join us in this clash of slot giants as we tell you all about the Rainbow Riches and Big Bass Bonanza series!
Meet the Contenders: A Quick Slot Profile
Most slot players have played a Rainbow Riches or Big Bass Bonanza slot. But just in case you haven’t - or maybe want a refresher - here’s a profile of these two slot franchises.
Rainbow Riches
Rainbow Riches is a veteran in the slot scene, having first debuted as a physical machine in 2008. It was created by Barcrest, the famous British company behind many of the one-armed bandits and fruit machines found at your local, not to mention online slots. Rainbow Riches features a bright theme and a unique Wishing Well bonus round, and was followed by a diverse range of spinoffs.
Big Bass Bonanza
Big Bass Bonanza is a much younger game compared to Rainbow Riches, as Pragmatic Play launched the first game in December 2020. It wasn’t the first slot with a fishing theme - that would be Blueprint’s Fishin Frenzy - but Big Bass Bonanza brought nicer graphics together with a free spins round complete with a fishing feature. The game was a massive hit, and has spawned a massive amount of sequels and themed versions.
Bonus Features Breakdown
We all enjoy the bonus features available in slots. Rainbow Riches arguably wins here with its multiple bonus rounds, but Big Bass Bonanza’s fishing feature has secrets of its own!
Rainbow Riches
Rainbow Riches has no less than three bonus rounds. The first of these is the Road to Riches feature. Land 3 scatters for this boardgame-style round that has you make your way down a golden road. A spin of the wheel shows how many steps you get, with each step holding a multiplier. Once you run out of spins you get to collect the multiplier you land on!
The second bonus feature is the Wishing Well. Triggered by landing 3 well symbols, here you click on one of the wells to reveal a cash prize worth up to 500x the stake. Finally there is the Pots of Gold round. Land the 3 pot symbols on reels 2, 3, and 4 and these will spin around the screen. Once they stop moving the arrow will choose one to reveal a prize worth up to 5,000x your bet.
Big Bass Bonanza
Big Bass Bonanza has one bonus feature, the fishing round. This kicks in during the free spins, which are triggered by landing 3 or more scatters anywhere on the reels. This round adds the fisherman wild to the reels. When landed, the fisherman collects the values on all the fish on the reels. These are added up and awarded as a cash prize. In addition all fisherman wilds landed are collected, with 4 awarding you with 10 additional free spins.
Theme & Visual Appeal
It goes without saying that the visuals are the first thing anyone will notice in a slot. In the case of Rainbow Riches we have to admit that this slot can look a bit dated, but then again that’s the point. Rainbow Riches is a classic slot that’s almost 20 years old, and unapologetically so. It’s bold and distinctly British, with a quirky visual sensibility that is truly its own. The bold design also serves the game well in its other home, the pub, as these physical machines need bright graphics in order to be easy to play among the other lights and sounds of their surroundings. However that does mean that audio has to take the wayside, consisting of simple beeps and reel sounds.
Big Bass Bonanza, on the other hand, is a far more modern slot coming from Pragmatic Play. As such, it’s one that takes full advantage of modern technology to bring about a great looking game. The game is set under water, suiting the fishing theme, with reels divided by bubbles. The symbols on these reels likewise fit the theme, consisting of fish and fishing tools such as the rod and tackle box. While the sequels get more exciting with the setting, the original Big Bass Bonanza keeps things relaxed with its watery setting and chilled out music, making for a truly pleasant slot experience.
Series Expansion – Sequels & Spin-Offs
We’ve mentioned how both Rainbow Riches and Big Bass Bonanza brought a full-on franchise. Let’s start with Rainbow Riches, which counts over 20 different versions. These include Rainbow Riches Megaways, which is powered by the popular engine from Big Time Gaming, Rainbow Riches Reveal, an instant win take on the series, Rainbow Riches Free Spins, which brings a chance to win dozens of free spins, and Rainbow Riches Drops of Gold, with the rainbow that can rain gold on the reels.
Big Bass Bonanza, meanwhile, has nearly 30 sequels and spinoffs at the time of writing. Some of these, like Bigger Bass Bonanza, and Big Bass Splash, further enhance the mechanics seen in the original. Others, like Big Bass Megaways, wholly revamp the game with a whole new game system. Then there are various seasonal spinoffs, such as Christmas Big Bass Bonanza and Big Bass Halloween that brighten up the familiar classic with a new paintjob that’s right for specific times of the year.
Player Personality Match-Up
So, which of these two slots (and their respective sequels) is the one for you? That all depends on the kind of game you ultimately enjoy! Rainbow Riches is a quirky classic from one of the best of British slot makers. It features a big personality and a full range of bonus rounds to match, making it perfect for players who enjoy the promise of excitement on every spin.
Big Bass Bonanza, on the other hand, is a more straightforward affair. Its 5-reel, 3-row, 10-payline setup is as clear as it gets, while the focus is on the free spins and its fishing feature. This is where the big payout potential lies, meaning higher stakes gameplay. As such Big Bass Bonanza is for the more strategic players who have the patience to get the prize - just like actual fishing!
Slingo Says: Try Both, Decide Yourself
So what’s our final piece of advice for those who still can’t decide on which of these two slots to play? It’s easy - play them both right here at Slingo! We have both Rainbow Riches and Big Bass Bonanza, as well as all the games in their respective series. Try them out and find out which ones fit your playstyle! That’s why Slingo has a great variety of games, and we encourage you to try as many as possible to discover which ones will become your next favourite.
FAQs
Which slot has better bonuses – Rainbow Riches or Big Bass Bonanza?
Rainbow Riches has more bonus rounds with the Road to Riches, Wishing Well, and Pots of Gold features, while Big Bass Bonanza has one bonus round, the free spins. These add the fishing feature and its enhanced win potential.
Are both slots popular in the UK?
Yes, both Rainbow Riches and Big Bass Bonanza are among the most popular slots with British players.
Is Rainbow Riches easier to play than Big Bass Bonanza?
Rainbow Riches and Big Bass Bonanza have the same 5-reel, 3-row setup, but Rainbow Riches has more paylines at 20 compared to Big Bass Bonanza’s 10. Rainbow Riches also has more bonus features, which may overwhelm new players.
Final Verdict: Riches, Bass… or Both?
Rainbow Riches and Big Bass Bonanza are considered classics for a reason - and you can learn that by playing them at Slingo Casino! Check them out to find out which one suits your tastes and styles, and of course always do so responsibly. Set a bankroll for playing these slots, and stick to it. As fun as their bonus rounds are, these are games of pure chance, so never chase your losses. With all of this in mind you’ll be set to enjoy slots safely and with peace of mind. 18+ Play Responsibly.
