Lucky 88 ™ (disclaimer) is a slot machine made by Aristocrat. It’s a popular land-based slot machine that has made the move into the online world courtesy of NYX Gaming Group (which is where the demo game above is sourced from).
It is also available to play in social form via Aristocrat’s Heart of Vegas ™ social app which you can download via Google Play or the itunes Store.
The game has a Chinese theme with symbols featuring traditional dragons, cranes and lanterns. If Asian-themed Slots are your thing then check out the many others we have on site.
Lucky 88 Paylines And Winning Combinations
Lucky 88 ™ is a 25-payline slot, which provides players with plenty of chances to make winning combinations on the reels. Players can choose to wager on any number of paylines, and as they make their selection, the paylines light up on the screen to show exactly where winning combinations will take place. There is also a wide range of betting options so Lucky 88 ™ should appeal to all levels of player.
What Is The RTP On Lucky 88?
The return to player on Lucky 88 is 95.6% (with the extra choice feature activated). This means that is you were to wager $100 in theory (based on a large number of spins) you would get back $95.60. This is slightly above average for an online slot.
Chinese Luck Theme
The Chinese theme is a becoming more and more common among slot makers, there was a time when regionally-based games are quite rare in the gambling market, but Lucky 88 ™ led the way in bringing players to a whole new world and immersing them in beautiful and calming Asian culture. Aristocrat has also created several other regional pokies, including Big Ben ™ and 50 Lions ™.
The theme of Chinese luck is popular in the same way as games that are based on the Luck of the Irish. It is a cultural thing that has made its way overseas. In Chinese culture, there are many different symbols for luck – and we use many of them over here, similar to the way in which rainbows and four leaf clovers are Irish luck symbols that have become universal. There are many different types of lucky Chinese symbols, including:
Numbers: There are some numbers in Chinese culture that are luckier than others. 8 is considered one of the luckiest because it (translated) sounds like Fa which means to make a fortune. The number is considered to lucky that people prefer to live on the 8th floor of apartment buildings and are exciting to a have a phone number that features an 8 in it. In fact, a vehicle identification number that included the number 8 was auctioned off of 5 million Hong Kong Dollars during the 1990s.
Fish: Fish are considered lucky animals. The word sounds similar to the definition of surplus, and because fish live for a very long time they are considered a symbol of longevity. During the Chinese Spring Festival, it is a tradition to cook a fish but not eat it as a symbol of a desire to achieve more in the new year. You’ll also find many art works depicting koi and carp in Chinese culture.
Red: The colour red is one that you will always find in online pokies. The colour signifies happiness and good fortune, and it is forbidden to wear this colour at funerals. During special occasions, money is given as gifts in red envelopes which are considered a symbol of good luck.
“Fu”: You’ll notice that many online pokies feature a specific symbol – 福. This symbol literally means “fortune” or “good luck”. It printed on lanterns and red envelopes during special occasions to bring good fortune.
Cats: The waving cat that you’ll see in many online pokies is called “maneki neko” – which means “beckoning cat”. It is a symbol of luck, as its raised paw means that it is bringing in luck for its owner. The symbol is based on a legend in which a wealthy man was seeking shelter during a rain storm. He was stood under a tree when a cat beckoned him inside of a temple – and the tree was struck by lightning shortly thereafter. Thanks to the cat saving his life, the man became a benefactor of the temple and a statue of the cat was made in his honour after he passed away.
So, now, when you play an online pokie that has a theme based on Chinese luck, you’ll know a little bit more about why certain symbols are included. It is a very common theme, and it is made even more interesting when you know a bit more about the meaning behind the design of these games.