Money Trails, developed by Konami Gaming, is a series of land-based pokie machines that have different themes but similar gameplay.
Although the gameplay of all the pokies in this series is similar, we loved the theme, sound, and display.
These machines are designed to captivate players on any casino gaming floor, offering a mix of simplicity and substantial payout potential.
However, most probably, these can be found on the first floor of the casino because of its jackpot feature.
All the games under the Money Trails series have 3 rows and 5 reels.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Money Trails pokie, including its versions, gameplay, bonus features, and key considerations for players.
What We Cover?
Overview of Money Trails
The Money Trails pokie series comprises several versions, each featuring the same gameplay mechanics with unique thematic variations.
The standout titles include:
- Golden Rabbit (the most popular version)
- Shining Phoenix
- Rising Koi
While the overall gameplay remains consistent, the themes differ.
For example, Rising Koi has a distinctive Chinese aesthetic, while Golden Rabbit and Shining Phoenix offer variations within the overarching Asian-inspired theme.
Each machine features a 5-reel, 3-row layout with symbols that vary depending on the game’s theme.
Key Specifications
- Reel Structure: 5 reels and 3 rows.
- Symbol Design: Includes wild symbols, golden scatter symbols, and thematic icons.
- Jackpot: Maximum jackpot of $5,000, appealing to mid-range players.
- Multi-Denomination: Suitable for casual players and high rollers.
These machines fit seamlessly into any gaming floor, whether placed in high-visibility areas or positioned to attract regular players.
Symbols
The symbols in the Money Trails series are general across all versions, with only slight differences.
Most of the symbols are similar, but the distinction lies in the wild, scatter, and bonus symbols.
Wild Symbols
The wild symbols are clearly marked with the word “Wild,” making them easy to identify.
These symbols help players complete winning combinations by substituting for other symbols.
Scatter Symbols
The golden symbols with an amount written on them are the scatter symbols, and these are responsible for triggering the Money Trails Hold & Spin feature.
Bonus Symbols
Each version of Money Trails has a unique bonus symbol. As far as we’ve observed, it’s a blue shining circle.
For instance, in the Golden Rabbit version, the bonus symbol is a blue moon, which activates the free games feature.
The bonus symbol is prompted correctly in the gaming reel to reduce confusion as generally we do not read rules and hurry into the game.
Other Symbols
All other symbols in the game are thematic or general, often including numbers and icons that align with the overall theme of the specific version being played.
These symbols add visual appeal while contributing to standard gameplay.
These pokies are multi-denomination machines, meaning they cater to a wide range of players.
How’s the Gameplay?
Players start by placing bets on the themed base game, unique to the version they select, such as Golden Rabbit or Rising Koi.
The gameplay unfolds in two stages: the base game and the bonus feature.
Initially, players engage in the base game, which reflects the pokie’s theme, like Shining Phoenix or Golden Rabbit.
In the base game, the idea is to spin until some special symbols land and trigger winnings.
The paylines range between 25 to 50, and symbols landing on active paylines will result in some wins.
Wild symbols substitute for other symbols on the reels, making it easier to create winning combinations.
However, the winnings in the base game are usually quite low, which makes it important to trigger the bonus features for higher payouts.
This is where the real excitement and rewards lie.
Bonus Features
The Bonus Feature in the Money Trails pokie comes in two types: the Money Trails Hold & Spin feature and the Free Spins feature.
Money Trails Hold & Spin Feature
The Money Trails feature is triggered when 4 or more golden symbols (scatter symbols) with an amount written on them land anywhere on the reels.
Once activated, the middle 3 trails lock, and you’ll receive 3 Money Trail spins.
During the Money Trails spins, the locked trails will spin, and if another golden symbol lands, the spins will reset to 3, continuing the feature.
This is commonly referred to as the Hold and Spin feature. The feature ends if, after 3 spins, no golden symbol lands on the trails.
All the amounts collected from the golden symbols on the trails above the reels during the spins are added together, forming the final winning amount.
This can be as much as 11 times your bet. The winnings from this feature can be substantial, making it one of the most exciting and rewarding moments of the game.
Free Spins Feature
The second bonus feature is based on the bonus symbols. Each Money Trails game has a unique bonus symbol, and in Golden Rabbit, it is a moon symbol.
When 3 or more moon symbols land anywhere on the reels, the Free Games feature is triggered.
In the Golden Rabbit version, this feature offers 6 free games, and during these free games, players can hit jackpots like Minor, Mini, or Major.
Additionally, the Money Trails feature can still be triggered during the free games, providing extra opportunities for big wins.
Summary – Golden Rabbit Bonus Feature:
- Bonus symbol: Moon.
- Landing three or more moons triggers the free game feature.
- Players receive six free spins, during which jackpots like mini, minor, or major can be won.
While rewarding, triggering the bonus feature with the moon symbol is rare.
What to Keep in Mind?
When playing the Money Trails pokie, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
- Rules and Gameplay Understanding
- The rules on the machine can be hard to locate, and most players skip reading them.
- Take time to understand the game mechanics before betting heavily.
- Betting Misconceptions
- Max bets do not guarantee higher winnings.
- Winnings in regular spins and free games are random, and triggering bonuses can be rare.
- Best Opportunities for Big Wins
- The Money Trails Hold & Spin feature offers the most substantial payouts, making it the highlight of the game.
- Outside this feature, triggering normal payline wins or bonus games is less frequent.
- Max bets don’t guarantee more winnings.
- Many players assume that betting the maximum will lead to bigger wins, but this is not true.
- Winnings are random, regardless of the bet size.
- Bonus symbol in Golden Rabbit
- The moon symbol is the bonus symbol in Golden Rabbit.
- Landing 3 or more moons triggers the Free Game feature, but this is quite rare.
Our View
If you’re in a land-based casino in New Zealand, the Money Trails versions are definitely worth a try.
The Money Trails feature can be quite exciting when it’s triggered.
However, if the Hold & Spin feature doesn’t activate, chances of winning big are slim. Also, the idea that a max bet guarantees a win is a myth – no matter the bet, winnings are random.
Finding the rules on the machine can be tricky, but it does highlight the important details clearly.
The machine itself looks great, with jackpots listed at the top, the three trails for the Hold & Spin feature, and the actual reels below.
In the end, it’s up to you how much you want to bet and whether you decide to give it a go.