Bush Telegraph Pros & Cons
Bush Telegraph 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.
- Retro Charm: The cartoon style is timeless and fun.
- Double Feature: Getting both a Pick-Me bonus and Free Spins is rare.
- Low Volatility: Great for extending your playtime.
- High RTP: 96.56% is generous by modern standards.
- Dated Graphics: It won't impress fans of 3D slots.
- Sound Repetition: The loops can get repetitive after an hour.
- Adjustable Lines: You have to be careful not to accidentally lower paylines.
- Low Max Win: Not a game for jackpot hunters.
Bush Telegraph Review
You know those mornings when you just want to escape the concrete jungle and disappear into the actual jungle? That is the vibe Bush Telegraph serves up on a silver platter. Itâs a classic. Iâm talking old-school, dusty, sun-baked Microgaming goodness that takes you straight to the African savanna without the need for bug spray.We tested this retro gem extensively at SlotsGamblers, and while it doesn't have the cinematic 4K graphics of 2025, it has something better: charm. Itâs bright, itâs loud, and the drumsâoh, the drums!âthey beat a rhythm that makes you want to keep spinning just to hear the next thud. If you appreciate the golden era of online slots where gameplay was king and the vibes were simple, you are going to love this.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | Microgaming |
| Release Date | 2005 |
| Reels x Rows | 5 x 3 |
| Paylines | 10 (Adjustable) |
| RTP | 96.56% |
| Volatility | Low - Medium |
| Min Bet | $0.10 |
| Max Bet | $100.00 |
| Max Win | 7,500x Line Bet |
| Hit Frequency | ~42% |
| Mobile Compatible | Yes |
Symbols & Payouts
The symbols in Bush Telegraph are a mix of standard cards and jungle critters.
The Wild Bush
This is the one you want. Itâs wild (obviously), but it also pays a massive 7,500 coins if you line up five. In a low volatility game, that is a monster hit.
The Warthog
My favorite regular symbol. Heâs just sitting there grinning. Getting five of him feels like winning a prize at a carnival.
| Symbol | 5 of a Kind | 4 of a Kind | 3 of a Kind | 2 of a Kind | Special Properties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Wild (Bush)
|
2,000x | 200x | 15x | Substitutes for all except Scatter/Bonus. | |
|
Scatter (Seedpod)
|
50x | 4x | 2x | Triggers Free Spins. Pays any position. | |
|
Bongo Bonus
|
375x | 150x | - | Triggers Bongo Bonus game. | |
|
Bongo Drums
|
100x | 25x | - | High paying regular symbol. | |
|
Warthog
|
100x | 25x | - | Looks surprisingly happy. | |
|
Bush Baby
|
50x | 15x | - | Cute, big-eyed lemur thing. | |
|
Bird (Toucan?)
|
50x | 15x | - | Colorful beak, decent payer. | |
|
A,K
|
Mid | Low | - | Standard royal filler. | |
|
Q, J, 10
|
Low | Low | - | The lowest value symbols. |
Bonus Features
For a game this age, Bush Telegraph is surprisingly stacked with features. It doesn't just rely on base game wins; it gives you two solid ways to boost your balance.
The Bongo Bonus (The Vibe Check):
Trigger
Land 3, 4, or 5 Bongo Drum symbols on an active payline.
The Action
The screen shifts to a scene full of drums. You get to pick 3 of them.
The Experience
This is pure dopamine. You click a drum, it makes a banging sound, and reveals a random cash prize. Itâs instant gratification. No complicated wheels or levelsâjust smash a drum and take the money.
Vibe Score
10/10 for simple fun.
Retriggering is key
The bonus round needs at least one retrigger to feel worthwhile, especially on the lower multiplier options.
Free Spins Feature
If you like Bush Telegraph, check out these alternatives:
Trigger
Land 3, 4, or 5 Seedpod Scatters anywhere.
The Reward
10 Free Spins.
The Kicker
All wins are tripled (3x multiplier).
Analysis
This is where the game goes from "chill" to "thrill." That 3x multiplier turns even small symbol wins into decent payouts. Plus, you can retrigger the free spins and trigger the Bongo Bonus from inside the free spins.
Tips from the Vibe Hunter
Play All 10 Lines
The game lets you adjust paylines, but don't. Playing fewer than 10 lines just increases variance and makes it boring. Keep it maxed out.
Hunt the Bongo
The Bongo Bonus triggers on active paylines. This is another reason to keep all lines active. You don't want to see three drums land on a line you deactivated. Thatâs a vibe killer.
Use the Gamble Feature (Sparingly)
After any win, you can hit "Gamble" to guess a card color (Red/Black) to double your win. Itâs fun for small wins (like 5x or 10x), but don't risk your big payouts. Itâs a coin flip, and the house always wins eventually.
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 Bongo Bonus in Bush Telegraph?
It is a "Pick Me" style bonus round. When you land 3 or more Bonus symbols on an active payline, you are taken to a screen with several bongo drums. You pick three of them to reveal instant cash prizes that are added to your balance immediately.
Can I retrigger Free Spins?
Yes! If you land 3, 4, or 5 Seedpod Scatter symbols during the free spins round, you are awarded another 10 spins. These are added to your remaining total, and the 3x multiplier continues to apply to all wins.
Is Bush Telegraph better than newer slots?
It depends on what you like. If you prefer high RTP (96.56%) and consistent, smaller wins with simple mechanics, then yes, it often beats the volatile, complex modern slots. But if you want cutting-edge graphics, it will feel dated.
Why is the game called Bush Telegraph?
"Bush Telegraph" is an idiom referring to a primitive communication system used in the jungle (like drums), similar to "word of mouth." The game plays on this with the drum symbols and jungle theme.
Does the Gamble Feature affect the RTP?
Technically, the Gamble Feature is a 50/50 fair game (0% house edge on the specific guess), so it doesn't change the overall slot RTP. However, using it frequently increases the volatility of your session significantly.
What is the biggest win possible?
The base game max win is 7,500 coins for five Wilds. However, during Free Spins with the 3x multiplier, this can effectively triple, offering substantial payouts relative to your bet size.
Is there a progressive jackpot?
No, this game has a fixed jackpot. It does not link to the Mega Moolah network or any other progressive pot, which helps keep the base game RTP higher for regular play.