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You will see vivid gems jump from the reels in the Reel Gems slot from Games Global. Launched in 2010, this iconic slot has a free spins feature offering to treble all your wins. With a sky-high RTP and low volatility, Reel Gems likes to pay out on your spins. However, most of the time, the wins will be modest. In the following Reel Gems review, we will highlight the best things about this game while also discussing some of the downsides.
- Provider: Games Global
- Release date: 2010
- Reels: 5
- Rows: 3
- Paylines: 243
- RTP: 97.49%,
- Volatility: Very High
- Minimum bet: $0.25
- Maximum bet: $125
- Maximum win: 495x
Who Should Play Reel Gems
Reel Gems is a high RTP/low volatility slot that caters to players on a small budget or those who like a relaxing experience with fewer risks. You are unlikely to win a huge amount on this Games Global slot, but it is possible to play long sessions and sometimes walk away with a small profit. Even if you lose, this game is unlikely to punish your bankroll too much.
Reel Gems Biggest Win
There is currently no information available on the biggest-ever win from the Reel Gems slot.
How to Play Reel Gems
The Reel Gems slot runs on a grid of 5 reels, 3 rows, and the 243 wins mechanic. Winning combinations appear on the reels from left to right on adjacent reels when you have 3, 4, or 5 matching symbols. You can start spinning from as low as $0.25 or take more risk by staking up to $125 per spin. Use the arrows to set Autoplay or between 10 and 100 auto spins.
Reel Gems Symbols and Payouts
Standard 10, J, Q, K, and A symbols are the low-value icons, paying between 100 and 200 coins for 5 matching in a line. As for high-value symbols, they are the jewels amber, sapphire, emerald, ruby, and diamond. These pay between 500 and 4,000 coins for 5 on an active payline. You will also see a Reel Gems logo acting as the wild. It will only show up on reels 2 and 4, substituting non-bonus symbols to help finish a winning combo. Finally, the gold ring symbol is the scatter and will open the free spins feature for 3 or more on the grid.
Below are the top payouts for each symbol:
| Symbol | Payout/Info |
|---|---|
| 9 | 3, 4, or 5 = $0.08, $0.48, or $4.00 (based on a $1 stake) |
| 10 | 3, 4, or 5 = $0.08, $0.48, or $4.00 (based on a $1 stake) |
| J | 3, 4, or 5 = $0.16, $0.80, or $6.00 (based on a $1 stake) |
| Q | 3, 4, or 5 = $0.16, $0.80, or $6.00 (based on a $1 stake) |
| K | 3, 4, or 5 = $0.20, $1.20, or $8.00 (based on a $1 stake) |
| A | 3, 4, or 5 = $0.20, $1.20, or $8.00 (based on a $1 stake) |
| Amber | 3, 4, or 5 = $0.40, $4.00, or $20.00 (based on a $1 stake) |
| Sapphire | 3, 4, or 5 = $0.60, $6.00, or $40.00 (based on a $1 stake) |
| Emerald | 3, 4, or 5 = $0.80, $8.00, or $80.00 (based on a $1 stake) |
| Ruby | 2, 3, 4, or 5 = $0.20, $1.00, $10.00, or $100.00 (based on a $1 stake) |
| Diamond | 2, 3, 4, or 5 = $0.40, $1.60, $16.00, or $160.00 (based on a $1 stake) |
| Reel Gems Wild | Substitutes for all symbols except scatter. Appears on reels 2 and 4 |
| Free Spins Scatter | 2, 3, 4, or 5 = $1.00, $2.00, $10.00, or $100.00 (based on a $1 stake) |
Play Reel Gems on Mobile
Games Global – then Microgaming – released the Reel Gems slot back in 2010. As it became a popular game for the provider, a mobile update followed when the technology was available. The game is now built on HTML5 technology and runs without a hitch on smartphones and tablets. You can play across iOS, Android, and Windows devices.
Reel Gems RTP, Payout, and Volatility
The Reel Gems RTP is 97.49%, which puts this firmly in the category of “high RTP slot”. In fact, this is one of the best-paying online slots in terms of player return. There is no volatility to worry about here as the variance is low. It lives up to its high RTP/low volatility engine by delivering regular smaller wins. Big payouts are rare, but you can keep your bankroll ticking thanks to the 37.42% hit frequency. The 495x maximum win is on the low side, but the maximum stake of $125 means it could still be a lucrative payout coming on any spin.
Reel Gems Bonus Features
In the Reel Gems slot, there are two bonus features that provide excitement on top of the standard base game.
Respin Feature
First up is the Respin feature, which allows you to pay a portion of your stake to spin just one reel following any standard spin. How much you will need to stake for the extra spin depends on which reel you choose and the value of symbols already on it. The price will be clearly shown below the reel, and you can use the feature as many times as you want.
It is a risk-and-reward feature. Carefully weigh the potential benefits of using your bankroll to spin a single reel. In many situations, it would not be worth it, but there are exceptions. For example, if you need one more symbol to trigger the free spins feature, it may be worth staking to spin a single reel.
Free Spins
When you have three or more scatter symbols, you will be given 15 free spins with a 3x multiplier. You can also re-trigger the bonus to add an additional 15 spins, for 30 in total. This is the same bonus feature that is found in Burning Desire, another popular classic Games Global slot. Importantly, the Respin buy feature is not available during your free spins.
Reel Gems Graphics & Sound
It is hardly a surprise to see a slot with a jewels/gems theme has plenty of bling in its design – much like what you’d see in slots like Da Vinci Diamonds or Triple Diamond. All of the gemstones pop from the screen in vivid and vibrant designs. The purple background adds a touch of luxury, and even the sleek black reels suit the overall look. Even so, it is clear from the reels and general touches that this is an older slot with visuals that look out of date. We like the soundtrack, which adds a melodic accompaniment to gaming. If you disagree, it is possible to mute the volume on the Reel Gems settings.
Gameplay and Overall Experience
Reel Gems plays like a classic low-volatility game. There is a lot of action because most spins result in a win of some kind. Of course, most payouts will be lower than your stake, with the occasional profit-making spin. You can play over long sessions, and your bankroll will be mostly intact, either slightly in profit or in the red. Big payouts come through the free spins feature, but even in the bonus, truly larger payouts are rare.
Our Own Gameplay Experience
We played Reel Gems over 100 spins and found the low volatility allowed us to maintain our bankroll but not tip into profitability.
- 100 spins at $2.50 per spin on all lines. Result: $21.00 loss
- Biggest wins: $22.00, $13.36, $11.48, $10.00
- Bonus triggers: 1
Playing Reel Gems on Demo Mode
Before you commit to Reel Gems with your hard-earned real money funds, you can try the game for free. Playing the Reel Gems demo is helpful because it will help you understand the low volatility of the game without any financial risk. You can tailor bets to make the most of the variance and practice before you play for real money.
Playing Reel Gems with Bonus Money
You can also play Reel Gems for free by accessing a casino cash bonus. Promos such as deposit matches and reload offers allow you to get free casino credits for a small deposit. Follow the bonus T&Cs, including the wagering requirements, and you will be able to withdraw winnings made with your bonus.
Another option are casino free spins bonuses, which are very common. However, if you have your heart set on the Reel Gems slot, free spins promos are not ideal. That’s because the casino chooses which game you use the spins on. It is unlikely that Reel Gems will be the eligible game. By the way, casino free spins differ from the free spins feature you find on slots such as Reel Gems.
Play Reel Gems for Real Money
Reel Gems is an ideal candidate if you are looking for a real money slot. While you won’t be able to high roll to potentially life-changing wins, you can get a steady stream of small payments. If you set a budget, this is the type of slot that will allow you to stay close without losing your money completely. For beginners or low-budget players, Reel Gems’ low volatility is perfect.
Reel Gems Pros and Cons
Pros
- Ideal for beginners or budget players
- Spins regularly end with a payout
- Free spins with 3x multiplier
- Play long sessions without losing much bankroll
Cons
- Low volatility does not suit high rollers
- Visuals show signs of their age
Reel Gems Summary
Reel Gems is a colorful slot that pops from the screen and offers fast and exciting spins. Wins roll through regularly, and careful betting can mean this game is great for longer sessions and budget control. Plus, if you manage to trigger the free spins, you get a simple bonus that will treble all your wins. No slot is perfect, and the basic standard game and aging visuals of Reel Gems will not be for everyone. Even so, those are small flaws you can overlook to enjoy the very balanced gameplay on offer.
You can try Reel Gems for yourself for free or for real money by choosing one of the top casinos we list on this page. Our team has provided impartial reviews of each site to ensure you can pick the casino that is best for you.
Our Score: 4/5