Lucky 88 Pros & Cons
Lucky 88 does some things well but falls short in others. The Extra Choice feature during free spins is unique, but the max win won't impress jackpot hunters.
- Extra Choice feature lets you control bonus volatility
- 97% RTP version beats industry average
- Medium volatility balances risk and reward
- Low minimum bet works for casual budgets
- Free spins trigger fairly often (~1 in 100 spins)
- Max win only 888x total bet
- Base game can feel slow between bonuses
- Graphics look dated compared to 2025 slots
- RTP varies wildly (95-97%) between casinos
- No progressive jackpot or buy bonus option
Lucky 88 Slot Review: Chinese Fortune Meets Aristocrat's Classic Formula
Lucky 88 is Aristocrat's take on Chinese fortune themes, and it's been pulling players in since 2011. The number 88 is considered super fortunate in Chinese culture, so the whole game leans into that red-and-gold aesthetic you've seen a million times. Here at SlotsGamblers, we tested this slot to know if it's still worth your time after 14 years.
The game runs on 5 reels with 25 paylines and packs a free spins bonus that can multiply your wins up to 88x. Yeah, they really went all-in on that number. The RTP sits around 95-97% depending on where you play, and the volatility is medium, so you'll get a decent mix of small and bigger wins.
What makes Lucky 88 stand out is the Extra Choice feature during free spins. You pick how many spins you want versus how big the multiplier is, giving you some control over the bonus round. Want more spins with smaller multipliers? Go for it. Prefer fewer spins but bigger potential? That works too.
The max win isn't massive by today's standards - we're talking around 888x your total bet in the best scenarios. But the game wasn't built for jackpot chasers. It's designed for steady gameplay with occasional bonus hits to keep things interesting. Betting starts low enough for casual players while maxing out at a decent level for those who want more action.
Aristocrat kept the math simple here. You've got traditional reel symbols, straightforward paylines, and a bonus feature anyone can understand in 30 seconds—no cascading reels, no cluster pays, no megaways nonsense. Just spin, match symbols, and hope the lanterns show up to trigger free games.
The graphics still look decent for a 2011 release, though newer slots definitely outshine it. If you're into Asian-themed slots or want something reliable and easy to play, Lucky 88 delivers. If you need cutting-edge features and huge max wins, you'll probably get bored fast.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | Aristocrat |
| Release Date | 2011 |
| Reels X Rows | 5x3 |
| Paylines | 25 (Fixed) |
| RTP | 95.03% 97.00% |
| Volatility Level | Medium |
| Min Bet | $0.01 per line |
| Max Bet | $4.00 per line |
| Max Win Potential | 888x total bet |
| Hit Frequency | ~30% |
| Default Bet Range | 100.00 |
| Mobile Compatible | Yes |
Symbols & Payouts
8 symbols are split between theme symbols and card values. Asian-inspired designs for the premiums, standard 9-A cards for the lows. Wild only substitutes, doesn't pay on its own.
🏮 Red Lantern - High Value
The red lantern is your top-paying regular symbol. It looks exactly like you'd expect—bright red with golden tassels hanging down. Five lanterns on a payline pay 888 coins, hitting the lucky-number theme hard. It shows up less often than other symbols but makes up for it with solid payouts. The animation is just a quick glow effect when you win. You'll want to see these lined up because they actually deliver decent wins that can boost your balance significantly.
🐉 Golden Dragon - High Value
The golden dragon symbol is beautifully detailed with scales and fierce eyes, and it's the second-best player after the lantern. Five dragons pay 388 coins, not massive but respectable for a medium volatility slot. This symbol appears more frequently than lanterns, so you'll see winning combinations with it fairly often. When it animates during wins, the dragon does a subtle movement that adds some life to the reels.
🪙 Gold Coins - Medium Value
Stacks of golden Chinese coins tied with red ribbon make up this symbol. Five coins pay 188 coins, and they land often enough to contribute steady wins throughout your session. The design is simple but fits the prosperity theme perfectly. These are your bread-and-butter symbols that keep your balance ticking along between bigger hits.
💰 Treasure Chest - Medium Value
A red treasure chest overflowing with gold pays 138 coins for five of a kind. It's a mid-tier symbol that shows up regularly and helps fill in smaller winning combinations. The chest has nice detailing with golden locks and jewels spilling out. Not the most exciting symbol, but it contributes to the overall oriental theme.
🏮 Red Lantern - Medium Value
Traditional red paper lantern with gold tassels and Chinese characters. Five lanterns pay 75 coins. These land often and help fill out winning combinations when stacked with higher symbols. The design is simple but recognizable. Works as a solid medium-value symbol to keep wins coming between bigger hits from dragons and ingots.
🎴 Ace (A) - Low Value
Red ace card with Asian-inspired edges. Five aces pay 88 coins, keeping the lucky-number theme consistent. These card symbols appear frequently, so you'll rack up lots of small wins with them. The styling is minimal, but at least Aristocrat tried to make them fit the theme instead of just slapping plain cards on there.
🎴 King (K) - Low Value
The Golden King card symbol pays 68 coins for five-of-a-kind. Shows up constantly during regular gameplay and contributes to your most common winning combos. The design matches the ace with similar oriental borders—nothing special. Still, it does its job of providing frequent small payouts.
🎴 Queen/Jack/Ten (Q/J/10) - Low Value
These three card symbols pay between 38-58 coins for five of a kind and make up most of your winning spins. They're styled similarly to the higher cards with Asian-inspired borders. You'll see these constantly, and while individual wins are tiny, they add up over time to keep you playing longer.
🎰 Wild Symbol - Special
The wild is a golden "Wild" text with dragon decorations. It only substitutes for other symbols to help create winning combinations and doesn't pay anything on its own. Appears on all reels during base game and free spins. When it helps create a win, it lights up with a golden glow. The wild is crucial during free spins, where you're trying to maximize wins with active multipliers.
| Symbol | 5 of a Kind | 4 of a Kind | 3 of a Kind | 2 of a Kind | Special Properties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Red Lantern
|
888 coins | 188 coins | 88 coins | - | Top payer |
|
Golden Dragon
|
388 coins | 138 coins | 38 coins | - | Second highest |
|
Gold Coins
|
188 coins | 88 coins | 28 coins | - | Regular high |
|
Treasure Chest
|
138 coins | 68 coins | 18 coins | - | Regular medium |
|
Ace (A)
|
88 coins | 38 coins | 8 coins | - | Frequent |
|
King (K)
|
68 coins | 28 coins | 8 coins | - | Very frequent |
|
Queen (Q)
|
58 coins | 18 coins | 8 coins | - | Very frequent |
|
Jack (J)
|
48 coins | 18 coins | 8 coins | - | Very frequent |
|
Ten (10)
|
38 coins | 18 coins | 8 coins | - | Most frequent |
|
Wild
|
- | - | - | - | Substitutes only |
Bonus Features
One main feature here - free spins with the Extra Choice system. No pick-em games, no mini-bonuses, spins with multipliers.
| Feature Name | Trigger Method | Description | Max Potential | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Free Spins (Extra Choice)
|
3+ scatter lanterns | Choose spins VS multiplier | 88x multiplier | 1 in ~100 spins |
|
8 Spins Option
|
Select during trigger | 8 free spins @ 88x multiplier | Highest volatility | Player choice |
|
12 Spins Option
|
Select during trigger | 12 free spins @ 38x multiplier | High volatility | Player choice |
|
18 Spins Option
|
Select during trigger | 18 free spins @ 18x multiplier | Medium volatility | Player choice |
|
28 Spins Option
|
Select during trigger | 28 free spins @ 8x multiplier | Low volatility | Player choice |
|
88 Spins Option
|
Select during trigger | 88 free spins @ 2x multiplier | Lowest volatility | Player choice |
RTP & Volatility
RTP is between 95.03% and 97% depending on the casino's settings—medium volatility with regular wins and occasional bigger hits.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
|
Min Bet
|
$0.25 per spin |
|
Max Bet
|
$100.00 per spin |
|
Max Win
|
888x total bet |
|
RTP %
|
95.03% 97.00% |
|
Volatility
|
Medium |
|
Hit Frequency
|
~30% |
|
Bonus Trigger Rate
|
~1 in 100 spins |
|
Theoretical Return (at 97% RTP)
|
100 wagered |
Mobile
Works perfectly on mobile phones and tablets. Aristocrat optimized this years ago, so it runs smooth on any device. Touch controls are responsive, and the interface scales down nicely to smaller screens: no lag, no crashes, no issues. The simpler graphics actually help here because they load instantly, even on slower connections.
Tips
Check the RTP version—seriously, ask for support or check the game info. Playing the 95% version instead of the 97% costs you money.
Pick 18 spins with 18x multiplier - Best balance between variance and potential during free spins. The 88x option is too risky unless you're chasing a big hit.
Bet within your budget for 100+ spins - Free spins trigger around 1 in 100 spins, so you need enough bankroll to reach the bonus.
SlotsGamblers recommends skipping the gamble feature: the double-or-nothing gamble has worse odds than the base game. Just take your wins and keep spinning.
Land premium symbols during free spins - Card symbols with multipliers still pay weak. You need lanterns or dragons to make the bonus worth it.
Similar Games
If you like Lucky 88, these slots have similar vibes:
5 Dragons
Another Aristocrat Asian-themed slot with free spins and multipliers. Slightly higher variance but same general concept.
50 Lions
Aristocrat again, African theme this time, but same math model and free spins structure. Good if you want Lucky 88 gameplay with different visuals.
Choy Sun Doa
Also an Aristocrat with a Chinese theme. Has a similar free spins bonus system with multiplier options and medium volatility, too.
Dragon Link
Aristocrat's more modern take on Asian themes with Hold & Spin mechanics. Higher max win potential, but needs bigger bets to play all features.
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's the difference between the 5 free spins options in Lucky 88?
You're trading quantity for multiplier size. 8 spins give you 88x multiplier (high risk), while 88 spins give you 2x multiplier (steady grinding). Most players pick the 18 spins with 18x multiplier because it balances both.
Can you retrigger free spins during the bonus round?
Yeah, land 3+ scatter lanterns during free spins, and you trigger another bonus. You get to pick your Extra Choice option again, so you can switch strategies mid-bonus if you want.
Why does the RTP range from 95% to 97% in Lucky 88?
Aristocrat lets casinos choose which RTP version to run. Always check your casino's version before playing because that 2% difference adds up fast. The 97% version is fair, the 95% version isn't great.
How often do the free spins actually trigger?
We tested Lucky 88 at SlotsGamblers and saw free spins trigger roughly 1 in 100 spins. Sometimes you'll hit it faster, sometimes slower, but that's the average. Make sure your bankroll can handle 100+ spins to reach the bonus.
What's the best Extra Choice option for maximum wins?
Depends on your bankroll and risk tolerance. The 8 spins with 88x multiplier have the highest potential but can bust completely. We found that the 18 spins with an 18x multiplier offer the best balance between safety and winning potential.
Is Lucky 88 better than other Aristocrat slots like 5 Dragons?
They're pretty similar, honestly. 5 Dragons has slightly higher variance, while Lucky 88 is a bit more balanced. If you prefer consistent wins, go to Lucky 88. If you want bigger swings, try 5 Dragons.
Does the wild symbol pay anything on its own in Lucky 88?
Works fine on both. The mobile version is optimized with proper button sizing and smooth performance. Graphics look decent on smaller screens despite being dated. Desktop gives you a bigger view, but mobile is perfectly playable.
What's the maximum amount you can win on a single spin?
Max win is 888x your total bet. On a 888, on a 88,800. You'll hit this by landing full screens of premium symbols during free spins with the 88x multiplier active, but it's super rare. Most bonus rounds pay way less than the max.