Lucky 88 Pokie Review

Aristocrat Gaming released Aussie Lucky 88 pokie game back in 2016, and judging from its graphics and art direction, you can definitely say it is a product of its time. Thanks to 5 reels and 3 rows layout, it appeals to all players who prefer a classic Australian pokie experience even today.

The main reason why this game is still popular, even after almost 10 years, is the number of extra features it offers, such as wilds, scatters, free spins, and all other options you could wish for while watching the reels spin.

Editor’s Verdict of Pokies Lucky 88

The things I loved about this game were the oriental art style and the audio experience. Instead ot the tense music most pokies use, this one has a relaxing melody that will change only if you score big.

It also wants to stay true to the symbolism of 88, which signifies abundance, by incorporating it into its Extra Choice mini-game that can grant an 88x multiplier. Because everything is so well executed so I give Lucky 88 pokies a 4.1/5 rating.

Design and Theme

The entire Lucky 88 pokie machine is inspired by Asian culture, so it’s made in the recognisable red and gold colours and features symbols, such as koi fish, red lanterns, and more. As you’d expect, the highest multiplier for matching the 5 wilds will be 888x your stake, which aligns with the game’s name and theme of wealth and abundance.

Lucky 88 Symbols and Payouts

Each symbol in this game has its value, and devs went an extra mile to add as many 8s as possible to those winning calculations. To learn about the Lucky 88 paytable, its rewards, and symbols, check out the table below.

Paytables and Combinations

The paytable shows that the Emperor is the MVP among symbols, as it potentially grants an 888x multiplier. The Lantern, the Golden Dragon, and the Crane are alternative chase symbols offering decent payouts. These Lucky 88 pokies special symbols can also activate additional features, and I’ll talk about those in the upcoming section.

Even mid-tier symbols, such as the Pagoda or Drum, can also pay generously, up to 78x the bet you place. The symbols that appear most frequently are lower-paying ones, such as Jack, Queen, and 9, but they can also help you boost the experience.

Exploring the Lucky 88 Pokies Bonuses

Lucky 88 Aristocrat pokies are packed with a variety of bonuses that I found rewarding. Here’s how each of them works.

Free Spins

When the game lands 3 or more Lantern symbols anywhere on the reels, you’ll be granted free spins. The amount will depend on the number of symbols you get, and they can range from 8 to 25. You can also re-trigger free spins while playing the bonus round.

Extra Choice

The pokie Lucky 88 offers you the opportunity to buy an extra choice before every spin. It’ll be deducted from your total balance on top of your bet, unlocking extra features and more valuable rewards. For instance, you can unlock the 88x multiplier with this option and increase your chances of winning more free spins.

Dice Bonus

If you activate the extra choice feature, you can get a die roll during the bonus round. Again, you should land scatter symbols to play the new mini game and get the chance to earn even more. The bonus game can grant you higher multipliers, cash prizes, or even jackpot-sized prizes, depending on the hand.

Wilds

The wild symbol, or the Emperor, can be used with other symbols in the game and activate bonuses. It can act as a connection between the symbols, so you can earn the rewards. Moreover, if you get all 5 Emperors, you’ll get 888x your bet, which is a generous offer.

Return-to-Player and Volatility

Lucky 88 online Australia pokie currently has a solid return-to-player rate at around 96%. It has medium volatility, which means you won’t win too frequently, but the bonus rounds will boost your returns. In a way, it’s a balanced gambling experience that fans of Aristocrat really like.

The Mobile Experience

Lucky 88 pokie online is only available as a demo version. Sites that emulate original pokies through HTML5 tech will allow you to play them for free even on mobile. Since it is a retail casino exclusive, you won’t find any real money gambling apps featuring online pokie Lucky 88.

That said, you might find its free mobile version on the Lightning Link app published by Product Madness, a subsidiary of Aristocrat. They’ve incorporated all the iconic Aristocrat releases into a free-to-play app.

Similar Game Titles

If you play the Lucky 88 online demo and like it, then I strongly encourage you to try out some of the other releases from Aristocrat that are just as iconic.

50 Dragons

Another title from Aristocrat brings the Asian theme to life. It features 5 reels and 50 paylines with a medium volatility level. Some of the most valuable symbols include the Red Dragon, Golden Dragon, and Chinese Coins, each bringing generous rewards to the table.

The game also features bonuses, such as free spins for scatter symbols, multipliers, and more, depending on the reels you land.

Dragon’s Luck

Red Tiger Gaming introduced this title back in 2016 as well, featuring Asian elements such as dragons, coins, and traditional wealth symbols. Its RTP is around 95%, and you can also get bonus rewards during gameplay, such as dragon coins or instant cash prizes.

Dragon’s Luck is heavily inspired by Lucky 88 and similar pokies, but graphics-wise it looks more polished. That said, it doesn’t have as many features as Lucky88 (e.g. dice bonus and extra choice).

5 Lucky Lions

5 Lucky Lions comes from one of the world’s most renowned game providers, Pragmatic Play. The graphics are high-quality, offering a unique Asian theme. The game consists of 6 reels, 4 rows, and 88 paylines. Some of the symbols include a red drum, colours, and a child playing cymbals.

This game has a high RTP of around 96.5% – 96.8% and low volatility, meaning your wins will be more frequent.

Lucky 88 Winning Strategy

Although all pokie games rely on luck rather than on skills, you can still have a strategic approach and increase your chances. Check out some tips you can follow below.

Think About the Extra Choice

Consider activating the extra choice option and test it by playing online pokies Lucky 88. This will give you a good idea of what to expect once you start using real money. You don’t have to use it for every spin, as it will quickly deplete your budget. But if you’ve managed to score a small win or two, use those extra funds on this feature.

Start With Low Stakes

You shouldn’t jump headfirst into the game. Instead, start with low stakes to test the waters and see if it’s your lucky day. If you managed to score a few big hits, then feel free to select a slightly higher denomination.

Track the Symbols

If the special symbols, such as the Emperor or the Lantern, start to appear more frequently on the screen, it may be a sign that something big is coming. You can increase your bets accordingly and hope for the best. Although the outcome is random, you can still test your luck.

Our Thoughts and Recommendations

Overall, Lucky 88 Australia is a classic-style pokie that casual players will love. It doesn’t have high variance, and multipliers don’t go as high as with some modern releases. It is relaxing and easy to play, which is somewhat rare nowadays. That’s why we don’t feel high rollers will enjoy it. There are no stacking multipliers, a progressive jackpot, cascading symbols, or other features that are typically present in high volatility games.

Of course, even casual-friendly titles have a house edge, which means you are more likely to lose than win. It is still important to manage your budget prudently and to gamble responsibly.