Buffalo Pros & Cons
Buffalo delivers classic Aristocrat action with a proven track record. The choice-based free spins and stacked symbols create a good variety, but the RTP and max win won't impress everyone.
- Iconic, instantly recognisable game
- Sunset wilds stack to a 27x multiplier
- 1,024 ways with stacked buffalo symbols
- Unlimited free spins retriggers
- Simple, fast gameplay
- A staple at Canadian casinos
- Low ~94.85% RTP by modern standards
- High volatility — base game runs cold
- All value locked in the free spins
- No buy feature
- 2008 graphics show their age online
Buffalo Slot Review
If you've ever set foot in a casino, you've heard a Buffalo machine go off. That "BUUUFFFFALOOO" roar is one of the most recognised sounds in gambling. Aristocrat put it out in 2008 as a land-based machine, brought it online around 2012, and it's been a fixture in Canadian casinos ever since. We've spent loads of time on it at SlotsGamblers, both the cabinet version and online.
It runs on Aristocrat's Xtra Reel Power, so no paylines, just 1,024 ways across a 5x4 grid. Match symbols on adjacent reels left to right and you win. RTP's on the low side at around 94.85%, top win lands near 8,100x. The whole thing is built around getting to the free spins and stacking those sunset wild multipliers.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | Aristocrat |
| Release Date | 2008 (online 2012) |
| Reels X Rows | 5x4 |
| Paylines / Ways to Win | 1,024 (Xtra Reel Power) |
| RTP (Return to Player) | 94.85% |
| Volatility Level | High |
| Min Bet | €0.40 |
| Max Bet | €80 |
| Max Win Potential | 8,100x bet |
| Bonus Trigger | 3+ scatters award 8–20 spins |
| Key Feature | Sunset wild multipliers |
| Mobile Compatible | Yes |
⚡ Key Features & Mechanics
⚡ Xtra Reel Power — 1,024 Ways
No paylines here. Aristocrat's Xtra Reel Power gives you 1,024 ways, which is just 4 symbols per reel across 5 reels (4×4×4×4×4). Land matching symbols on adjacent reels from the left and you've got a win, doesn't matter what row they're on.
One thing to know: you have to bet enough to activate all 1,024 ways. Bet under that and you're cutting your own ways to win, so always play it full.
⚡ Sunset Wild Multipliers (up to 27x)
The sunset symbol is the wild, and it only lands on reels 2, 3 and 4. In the base game it just substitutes. But in the free spins it carries a 2x or 3x multiplier, and that's where it gets interesting.
When more than one sunset wild is part of a win, the multipliers multiply together. Three 3x wilds gives you 3×3×3, a 27x boost on that win. That's the highest you can stack, and it's the reason a single bonus spin can pay huge.
⚡ Free Spins
Land 3 or more gold coin scatters to trigger the round: 3 give 8 spins, 4 give 15, 5 give 20. The scatters only show up on reels 2, 3 and 4. Land more during the round and you retrigger +5 spins, with no hard cap.
This is where all the value sits. The base game is mostly a waiting room, you're grinding to get here and stack those multiplier wilds.
⚡ Gamble Feature
After any win you can take the Gamble. Risk at least half your win (or all of it) on a guess: pick the right card colour to double it, or the right suit to quadruple it. Guess wrong and you lose what you gambled.
It's classic Aristocrat. Pure coin-flip stuff, no skill to it, but it's there if you fancy pushing a small win into something bigger. Most of the time I leave it alone, but it's your call.
Symbol Values & Paytable
5 reels × 4 rows — 1,024 ways (adjacent reels, left to right). Symbol roles:
| Symbol | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Buffalo
|
Top premium | Highest payer; stacked, full-reel hits possible |
|
Eagle / Wolf / Elk / Puma
|
High symbols | Wildlife premiums |
|
Card Royals (9–A)
|
Low symbols | Standard low-value icons |
|
Sunset (Wild)
|
Multiplier wild | Reels 2,3,4; 2x/3x in free spins, multiply to 27x |
|
Gold Coin (Scatter)
|
Triggers Free Spins | 3/4/5 award 8/15/20 spins |
Similar Games You Might Like
Buffalo Gold
Aristocrat — The upgraded Buffalo with a gold coin collection feature and a bigger ceiling. The natural next step.
Raging Rhino
WMS — A 4,096-ways African safari slot with stacking tree-wild multipliers. Same high-vol, way-pays feel.
Zeus 1000
WMS — A colossal-reels Greek slot with 100 paylines and big free spins. Another classic floor favourite.
Buffalo King Megaways
Pragmatic Play — A Megaways take on the buffalo theme with up to 200,704 ways and multiplier wilds.
Buffalo Features — Function Comparison
| Feature Name | Function | Where | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Xtra Reel Power
|
1,024 ways to win | All play | Core win system |
|
Sunset Wilds
|
2x/3x, multiply to 27x | Free Spins | Primary win driver |
|
Free Spins
|
3/4/5 give 8/15/20 spins | All play | Bonus access |
|
Gamble
|
Double or quadruple a win | After wins | Optional risk |
Play Responsibly - 18+ Only
Gambling should be entertaining and fun. Remember that slots are games of chance, and there's no guaranteed way to win. Never gamble more than you can afford to lose, and always set limits for yourself. If you feel gambling is becoming a problem, please seek help immediately.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Buffalo slot max win?
Around 8,100x your bet on the standard version. You get there in the free spins when stacked sunset wild multipliers (up to 27x) line up with the buffalo symbol across the reels. It's high variance, so that ceiling is rare.
How do the sunset wild multipliers work?
The sunset wild lands on reels 2, 3 and 4. In the free spins it carries a 2x or 3x multiplier, and when more than one is part of a win, the multipliers multiply together. Three 3x wilds gives 3×3×3, which is the maximum 27x boost.
How do you trigger the Free Spins?
Land 3 or more gold coin scatters, which only appear on reels 2, 3 and 4. Three give 8 spins, four give 15, five give 20. Landing more scatters during the round retriggers +5 spins with no cap.
What does Xtra Reel Power mean?
It's Aristocrat's way-pays system. Instead of paylines, you get 1,024 ways (4 symbols per reel across 5 reels). Matching symbols on adjacent reels from the left pays, regardless of row. You need to bet enough to activate all 1,024 ways.
What is the RTP of the Buffalo slot?
Around 94.85% on the original, which is below the modern 96% standard. Different Buffalo versions (Gold, Grand, Link and so on) run slightly different RTPs, so check the in-game info before you play to see which one you're on.
Is Buffalo available at Canadian online casinos?
Yes, very much so. It's an Aristocrat staple and one of the most popular slots in Canada, both in cabinets and online. Bet range runs roughly 0.40 to 80 (CAD equivalent) with all ways active. The ~94.85% RTP is on the low side, so play with that in mind.