Game Information
Show More
Provider
Light & Wonder
Type
Slots
Reels
5
Min Bet
0.01
Max Bet
2
Max Win per Spin
10000
California Gold Slot: Comprehensive Data Analysis
Core Game Specifications
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Developer | NextGen Gaming |
| Release Date | 22/02/2013 |
| Theme | Mining |
| Layout | 5×3 |
| Paylines | 25 |
| Bet Range | £0.01 to £250 |
| Core Mechanics | Free Games with tripled wins, Bonus Feature with pick‑a‑mine gold nugget mechanic, Wild symbol doubles wins, Adjustable paylines |
| Software | NextGen Gaming |
| Technology | HTML5 |
Mathematical & Payout Model
Return to Player (RTP)
95.20%
Volatility
Low - Medium
Max Win Potential
5000x
Symbols & Paytable Hierarchy
| Tier | Symbol(s) | Function & Value |
|---|---|---|
| Low Tier | Pick Axe, Barrel, Lantern, Treasure Map, Dynamite, Sieve | Provides small, frequent wins to maintain gameplay. |
| Mid Tier | Mine Cart, Donkey, Mine | Thematic items offering moderate payouts. |
| High Tier | Miner | Highest paying symbols. Top hits available with full combinations. |
| Wild | Miner | Acts as a substitute / feature trigger per game rules. |
| Scatter | Scatter | Triggers free spins / bonus round when enough appear. |
California Gold Bonus Features Mechanics
| Feature | Trigger | Initial Award | Core Mechanic | Enhancement/Retrigger |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Games | Three or more scatter symbols | 10 free spins | All wins tripled during free spins | Free games can be retriggered |
| Bonus Feature | Wilds on reels 2, 3 and 4 | Pick‑a‑mine to collect gold nuggets | Total weight of nuggets multiplied by bet for payout |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| How many paylines does California Gold have? | The game offers up to 25 adjustable paylines. |
| What is the RTP of California Gold? | The return to player is 95.20%. |
| What is the maximum win? | The maximum win is 5000x your bet. |
| What does the wild symbol do? | The Miner wild doubles any win it helps form. |
| How do free games work? | Landing three or more scatters awards 10 free spins with all wins tripled and retriggers allowed. |
| What happens in the Bonus Feature? | Landing wilds on reels 2, 3 and 4 triggers a pick‑a‑mine bonus where you collect gold nuggets for a cash payout based on total weight. |
| Can you adjust the number of paylines? | Yes, you can choose how many of the 25 paylines to activate. |
California Gold Performance Summary: Strengths vs. Weaknesses
Strengths
- High maximum win potential
- Engaging mining theme
- Bonus Feature adds interactivity
- Free Games with tripled wins
Weaknesses
- RTP below industry average
- Graphics appear dated
Overview
California Gold is a mining‑themed video slot by NextGen Gaming released in 2013. It features adjustable paylines up to 25, a Free Games round with tripled wins, and a Bonus Feature where gold nuggets convert to cash prizes. The Miner wild doubles wins and the Free Games round offers retriggers.
Rachel Pine is our slots expert who has worked in the online gambling industry for 10+ years. Over the course of her career, Rachel has reviewed more than 30,000 slots.
Latest posts by Rachel Pine (see all)
- 11 Best Drop and Wins Slots Everyone’s Playing Right Now (UK) - January 14, 2026
- Free Slots vs Real Money Slots - October 3, 2025
- Top 6 Low Volatility Slots in the UK - September 30, 2025