Wheel: Slot Overview
Wheel is a departure from traditional slot games, offering a refreshing and straightforward gambling experience. Released on 29 August 2023, this game strips away the complexity of multiple reels and paylines, focusing instead on a single spinning wheel mechanic.
Upon loading the game, I was struck by its minimalist design. The screen is dominated by a large wheel set against a dark blue background. The simplicity is intentional, allowing players to focus entirely on the wheel and the potential wins it offers.
Hacksaw Gaming
Hacksaw Gaming has built a reputation for creating innovative and unconventional casino games. With Wheel, they’ve taken a bold step away from traditional slot formats, demonstrating their commitment to pushing the boundaries of online gambling.
The company’s expertise in mobile-first design is evident in Wheel’s clean interface, which works seamlessly on both desktop and mobile devices. This approach aligns with the growing trend of mobile gaming in the online casino industry.
Wheel: Symbols & Payouts
Unlike traditional slots, Wheel doesn’t feature standard symbols. Instead, the game uses coloured segments on the wheel to determine payouts. The segments and their corresponding multipliers vary based on the risk level and number of segments chosen by the player.
Here’s a breakdown of the potential payouts:
- Low Risk: White (1.1x), Green (1.2x), and Blue (1.5x) segments
- Medium Risk: White, Green, Blue, Yellow, Red, and Black segments paying between 1.4x and 5x
- High Risk: Red segments worth 9.6x to 48x
The game’s maximum payout is capped at 49.5x the bet, which might seem low compared to some modern slots. However, this is balanced by the frequency of wins and the game’s unique mechanics.
Game Bonuses & Special Features
Wheel doesn’t offer traditional bonus features like free spins or mini-games. Instead, it provides players with several customisation options that affect gameplay:
Risk Level Selection
Players can choose between Low, Medium, or High-Risk gameplay. This choice alters the configuration of multipliers and the potential for bigger wins.
Segment Selection
The game allows players to pick between 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 wheel segments. More segments mean smaller individual paying sections but potentially more frequent wins.
Game Mode
Players can opt for Modern or Classic modes, which change how the sections are positioned on-screen without altering the number of winning or losing sections.
Bet Range
Wheel offers a wide betting range from €0.10 to €100 per spin, catering to both casual players and high rollers.
RTP and Volatility
Wheel has a Return to Player (RTP) rate of 94%, which is slightly below the industry average of 96%. This lower RTP is likely balanced by the game’s unique mechanics and the potential for frequent, smaller wins.
The volatility of Wheel can vary depending on the risk level chosen by the player. At higher risk levels, the game tends towards high volatility, with less frequent but potentially larger wins. Lower risk levels offer a more balanced, medium volatility experience.
Wheel: Slot Verdict
Wheel by Hacksaw Gaming offers a unique and stripped-back gambling experience that may not appeal to all players. Its simplicity is both its strength and weakness – while it’s easy to understand and play, it lacks the excitement and variety of features found in many modern video slots.
The game’s customisation options are a strong point, allowing players to tailor the experience to their preferences. However, the maximum win potential of 49.5x might be disappointing for those seeking life-changing jackpots.
Wheel is best suited for players who enjoy straightforward gameplay and don’t mind sacrificing complex features for a more streamlined experience. It’s an interesting experiment in slot design, but whether it has staying power in the competitive online casino market remains to be seen.
Where to Play Wheel
You can try the Wheel demo right here on CasinoShark. If you’re ready to play for real money, here are some top online casinos offering Wheel:
FAQs
Wheel has an RTP of 94%.
The maximum win in Wheel is 49.5x your bet.
Yes, Wheel is fully optimised for mobile play.
No, Wheel doesn’t have traditional bonus features like free spins.
You can change the risk level using the game settings before spinning the wheel.