Black Gold

4
Review by
Alex Clark
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Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Max bet size of up to $330 caters to high rollers
  • A betting range as wide as 33,000 options available
  • Offers a rich variety of 5 different slot features
  • Three types of special symbols increase complexity
  • Ability to select the number of active paylines
Cons
  • Lower RTP at 94.31% may deter some players
  • Limited 30 paylines may seem restrictive
Black Gold Details
Software
BetSoft
Release Date
Jun 20, 2016
RTP
94.31%
Volatility
Medium
Paylines
30
Rows
3
Reels
5
Bet Size
$0.0 - 330.0
Max Win
10000
Themes
3D, America, Desert , Gold, Wild West +2
Features
Bonus Symbol, Extra Wilds, Free Spins , Multiplier, Pick Me Bonus, Re-Spins, Scatter, Stacked Symbols, Wild +6

Black Gold Slot Guide

Embark on a quest for riches in the video slot that takes you to the heart of the oil boom era, Black Gold. Developed by Betsoft, this casino game, released on June 20, 2016, showcases Betsoft’s excellence in creating slots with superior animation and immersive themes. The 5×3 layout with 30 paylines allows players to discover winning combinations as they join Ol’ Bill and his horse in their search for oil. The game distinguishes itself with Ol’ Bill’s non-stop antics and 3D graphics telling a story of perseverance and fortune-seeking central to the Wild West’s history. With the option to try the Black Gold free gameplay before risking real money, players can soak up the thrill of discovering oil wells and riches buried beneath the desert’s sands.

The overarching storyline centred around a diligent oil tycoon and his equine companion, is bolstered by exceptional animations that bring the narrative to life. This online slot’s sound design, with country tunes and oil rig sound effects, elevates the authenticity of the Wild West theme. These elements encapsulate the gaming experience, creating a cohesive storyline and visual treat for players. Moreover, the Black Gold slot machine’s storyline and design features resonate with players looking for a uniquely themed and highly interactive game.

Black Gold Slot Game Rules

This game’s attraction lies in its traditional yet dynamic structure, featuring a standard 5-reel, 3-row framework enhanced by 30 flexible paylines to oil the wheels of fortune. The inclusivity of a betting range stretching from a modest $0.01 to the grandeur of $330 ensures both casual players and high rollers can customise their stake as per their bankroll on this adventure. Black Gold’s payout structure dictates that symbols must be aligned from the leftmost reel along active paylines for a win, following standard game rules in casino slots. With its RTP of 94.31%, this video slot leans towards a more cautious variance when compared to its contemporaries, choosing to keep its max win shrouded in mystery, much like the elusive oil reserves it thematically captures.

Playing Guide

The functionality of this online slot includes an easily navigable interface incorporated in the design, with players finding their bet options on spinning oil barrels and tools that enhance the user experience. The control panel includes:

  • Select Lines: Set the number of paylines in play.
  • Bet per Line: Choose the wager per active payline.
  • Choose Coin: Decide the coin value for each bet.
  • Spin: Commences a manual spin according to the current bet settings.
  • Max Bet Spin: Initiate a spin at the highest wager across all paylines.
  • Autoplay: Allows for a series of automatic spins without interruption.

Although devoid of unique buttons, the slot offers a step-by-step gameplay approach where players select their coin value, adjust paylines, set their bet per line, and then engage the reels in motion to land lucrative symbols. The broad betting range of $0.01 to $330 caters to varying gambling preferences, allowing players to delve into both cautious and aggressive betting strategies. The game accommodates players who enjoy the ease of the autoplay function or the control of each manual spin, ensuring an adaptable and enjoyable experience for all.

Game Rules

Black Gold Game Symbols

The symbols in this creatively crafted online slot reflect the oil drilling theme with a clear nod to the bygone eras of oil explorers. High-value symbols consist of characterful icons like Texan Ol’ Bill and his Horse, both crucial for attaining the game’s more significant payouts. On the other hand, the lower-value symbols represent everyday items from the oil fields, animated with an eye for detail that epitomises the spirit of the Wild West. These symbols offer various winning combinations, making every spin a potential wealth generator as long as luck is in your favour. The symbols’ unique animations align with the overall design and create an engaging oil exploration experience.

Paytable

Symbolsx3x4x5
 SymbolTexan4816
 SymbolHorse248
 SymbolBlue barrels124
 SymbolHat0.81.63.2
 SymbolTap0.61.22.4
 SymbolValve0.412
 SymbolHorns0.20.41
 SymbolNameplate0.080.20.4

Special Symbol Guide

While regular symbols set the standard in the base game, they are the special symbols often leading to a gusher of winnings and unlocking bonus rounds. These icons are key to increasing payouts and pivotal in advancing gameplay.

  • The Barn symbol plays a dual role as both Wild and Scatter during free spins, substituting for other symbols and activating bonus features.
  • The Drill symbol triggers a quick “pick-me” style bonus game, offering instant rewards and engaging player interactions.
  • The Oil Pump symbol unlocks a bonus round that could boost your bankroll with its higher or lower guessing game.

The incorporation of special symbols like these exemplifies Betsoft’s commitment to adding not only visual finesse but also depth to the gameplay. This commitment reinforces the game’s theme and provides a more dynamic user experience by integrating intricate bonus features and opportunities to maximise one’s payout.

Black Gold Slot Features

Embodied within the oil explorations undertaken in Black Gold, players will find diverse bonus features that mirror the thrill of discovering oil. The careful intertwining of these features with the game’s thematic core reflects the developer’s visionary approach to heightening the gaming experience. Interactive bonuses such as re-spins and multipliers offer more than just gaming mechanics; they represent the volatile nature of the oil industry and inject a sense of real-time discovery into every spin.

Re-spins and Growing Multipliers

Players experience the gambling version of striking oil with every win, as the centre reel offers a re-spin. With each win during these re-spins, the multipliers increase sequentially, potentially reaching a maximum of 5x. This feature simulates the progressive increase in fortunes as an oil drill goes more profound, making for an exhilarating chain of wins.

Re-spins and Growing Multipliers

Black Gold Free Spins

Unearthing three or more Barn scatter symbols triggers an exciting free spins bonus round. As night falls over the oil fields, the Barn symbol turns wild, substituting other symbols and possibly increasing the win multiplier with each consecutive win, offering up to a 10x multiplier. Such multipliers can dramatically improve the payout, echoing the big fortunes made in oil.

Black Gold Free Spins

Drilling for Oil Click Me Bonus

Triggered by the appearance of three or more Drill symbols, the ‘Drilling for Oil Click Me’ bonus immerses players in an instant bonus game. Players get to choose one of the drills to reveal instant cash prizes, akin to an oil prospector’s excitement at hitting a rich oil vein.

Drilling for Oil Click Me Bonus

Higher or Lower Bonus Round

Upon landing three or more Oil Pump symbols, the ‘Higher or Lower’ bonus round commences. Players can guess whether the next number will be higher or lower, reflecting the speculative nature of oil drilling. Each correct guess can significantly enhance one’s bankroll, capturing the essence of risk and reward in the oil business.

Higher or Lower Bonus Round

Mobile Compatibility

The mobile version of Black Gold, adapted for the ‘on-the-go’ lifestyle of modern players, works flawlessly across smartphones and tablets. The game’s layout adjusts to fit screens of all sizes, ensuring the gaming experience is not compromised on iOS or Android. The mobile version maintains all the special features, engaging animations, and sound effects that desktop players enjoy, establishing a consistent and high-quality user experience across all platforms.

Conclusion Overview

In conclusion, Black Gold provides a gameplay experience enriched with high-quality graphics and various features to amplify the gamble’s excitement. Although its RTP may sit slightly lower than some contemporary slots, the variety of bonus features and interactivity could compensate and attract players who enjoy themed games with immersive storylines. As a video slot, Black Gold warrants a recommendation for players who appreciate a narrative-driven game imbued with the spirit of Wild West adventures and the potential for big wins.

Players looking for a similar experience in other slots could consider trying games like “Dead or Alive” and “Wild Wild West: The Great Train Heist” by NetEnt, which offer analogous themes wrapped in unique and entertaining gameplay.

Game Screenshots

Black Gold Overall Rating
4
Total Score:
Risk-Reward
2.6
Bonus Features
4.3
Graphics & Sound
3.7
Betting Range
4.9
Gameplay
4.4
Gameplay Video