Big Bass Return to the Races

A Day at the Races, Big Bass Style

Big Bass Return to the Races slot doesn’t waste any time letting you know it’s left the old fishing pond behind. Imagine the familiar fisherman from the Big Bass series — only this time, he’s not hauling in trout. He’s rubbing elbows with jockeys and making his way down a grassy racetrack on a fresh sunny day. Pragmatic Play, the studio with a knack for memorable slots, gives this chapter a horse racing twist without losing that laid-back spirit the series is known for.

The reels look lively, decked out in champagne buckets, betting tickets, pints of beer, and the odd horse grooming kit. There’s still a sense of humor, too — just wrapped up in bold, cartoonish art rather than more serious racing vibes. As for the background, the racetrack is a step away from the tranquil lakes the fisherman once haunted. There’s a subtle Western-style soundtrack riding along, not too in-your-face, but with enough character to keep things feeling playful and energetic without getting on your nerves.

How the Slot Plays: What to Expect

If you’ve given the other Big Bass slots a fair shake, you’ll feel right at home with Big Bass Return to the Races. The setup is clean: five reels, three rows, and 10 fixed paylines. Nothing tricky there. You’ll be spinning for at least three matching symbols on a line, left to right, most of the time. A couple of icons, like the top-paying champagne bucket, even reward you for landing just two on a line, which helps break up those stretches between features.

Bets start at 10 cents per spin and max out at a whopping €250 (or local equivalent). That makes it a nice fit for everyone, whether you’re just looking to test the waters with low stakes or give it a real go as a high roller. The Return to Player (RTP) is set at 96.07% — right where players like it, just a tick above most slots. Volatility is high here, so be ready for some dry spells in between those big free spins hits and money symbol collects. This isn’t a steady drip of small payouts; it’s more of a wait-for-the-fireworks sort of slot, with most of the action coming from the bonus rounds.

Symbols That Set the Pace

The symbols feel like a trip to the winner’s circle after a few pints. The champagne bucket steals the show, offering the highest base game payout — 200x your stake for five in a row. After that, horse grooming kits, beer, and binoculars follow, each serving up smaller chunks of the prize pool. Standard card symbols (A, K, Q, J) fill the rest of the reels and don’t hit too hard, but they keep things moving between bigger wins.

One thing Pragmatic Play always nails is how these symbols pop. There’s no mistaking a high-value combo — the colors zing off the screen and the icons actually look like something you’d see trackside. The Fisherman himself shows up as the Wild, swapping in for any regular symbols except Scatters and Money icons. The Horse Scatter, meanwhile, is the ticket to the real fun, unlocking the bonus features.

Bonuses: Where the Real Entertainment Starts

Now for what actually gets players spinning — the features. Big Bass Return to the Races packs in both regular free spins and the wild Golden Cup free spins, both stacked with those signature respins, wilds, and money symbol shenanigans. Three to five Scatters anywhere on the reels get you between 10 and 20 free spins, but what makes it fun is how the bonus triggers. Land two Scatters, and you might still get a shot as the game can throw in a respin or randomly drop a third Scatter onto the reels. Keeps things tense when you’re one shy.

Before the free spins even begin, you pick from 12 face-down cards. Flip a normal Bonus card for standard free spins. Uncover a Golden Cup card for Golden Cup Free Spins — think of it as the high-octane version. During both modes, those Money symbols (jockeys and horses) only pay off when a Wild lands with them on the reels, but those wins can be chunky, showing off values ranging from 2x to 5,000x your stake.

What really changes the pace is the random features that can pop off. If you get Wilds without Money symbols, a ‘stampede’ can add Money symbols to the reels. If Money lands alone, expect a wild to get pulled in by a lasso (yep, really). If only Wilds show up, all the blanks on the screen can transform into other symbols or Money values. It’s wild, literally and figuratively.

If you land the Golden Cup Free Spins, the regular symbols fade, leaving just Money, wilds, and blanks, which ramps up the tension. The Wild Meter keeps track of every fourth Wild you score — hit that mark, and you’ll get a retrigger: 10 more spins and an increased multiplier up to 10x. The wins can snowball quickly here if the reels are feeling generous, but high volatility means these sessions can come and go with little fanfare between the actual hits.

Trying It Out — Play/Test Options

If you’re unsure, the Big Bass Return to the Races demo is a safe bet to check out how the features link together and to see if the high-volatility ride suits your style. Most casinos offer the Big Bass Return to the Races free play mode, so you can get used to picking cards, triggering free spins, and hitting those Money combos before risking actual funds.

Keeping It Simple: How to Get Spinning

Getting into a session is straight to the point. Pick your stake using the plus and minus icons, then hit the big spin button — no fishing rods necessary. Autoplay is available if you don’t feel like clicking after every spin, and the paytable can be found with the ‘i’ symbol for those who want details on each payout and bonus feature.

Paylines are fixed, so the only decision is your bet amount. Wins tumble in when you match symbols from left to right, with most features besting the base game for excitement and potential payout. The first few spins usually don’t give too much away unless you’re lucky, so expect some build — especially with the slot’s high-variance streaks.

How Does It Stack Up Against Other Big Bass Games?

Big Bass Return to the Races slot is clearly built for those who loved the original fishing action but craved a change of scenery. If games like Big Bass Splash or Big Bass Bonanza had you hooked, you’ll find the same wild-collect and retrigger mechanics here, but now dressed up with galloping horses, racing metaphors, and that new random reel-tweak energy.

It doesn’t go off the rails like Megaways slots or reinvent the bonus wheel — it’s more of a fun side-step. Fans of Fishin’ Frenzy or even the classic Bigger Bass games will spot a lot to like, while newcomers who love sports or horse-inspired action get an easy way in.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Enjoy Big Bass Return to the Races?

Big Bass Return to the Races review in a nutshell? This is a slot for players who appreciate simplicity, nostalgic charm, and a well-built bonus system, but want their session with a sports-centric, tongue-in-cheek vibe. High volatility means patience will pay off, especially if you’re chasing those 5,000x wins, but some sessions will absolutely test your nerves.

Anyone who likes the balance of straightforward base game spins with occasionally electrifying bonus rounds — and doesn’t mind dealing with stretches of nothing — will feel right at home here. Not a dramatic overhaul, but a solid next ride if you’re tired of being stuck with a fishing rod.

If you enjoy this series, make sure to jump over to Big Bass Splash or Fishin’ Frenzy for more of the same, but with their own twists. And for anyone after a bit of free practice, Big Bass Return to the Races free play mode is there to give it a whirl without the risk. All in, a welcome return (or remix) for one of Pragmatic Play’s most reliable slot formats.