How to Play Buffalo Gold
at Bacchus: A Complete Guide
The thundering hooves, the iconic "Buffalo!" shout, and the rush of a potential stampede of wins—this is the experience that has made the Buffalo series one of the most beloved video gaming terminal games of all time. Here at Bacchus, we are proud to feature the fan-favorite Buffalo Gold Collection, a thrilling evolution of the classic. This guide is your ultimate resource for understanding how to play Buffalo Gold, from the basic rules to the exciting bonus features that set it apart. Whether you are a seasoned player or visiting a video gaming lounge for the first time, you will find everything you need to feel confident and ready to play. We will explore the symbols, explain the unique Gold Collection feature, and provide tips to enhance your experience. Get ready to chase the golden buffalo in our comfortable and upscale environment, where every visit is a winning experience.
Playing Buffalo Gold is even better when you are part of the Bacchus community. Our lounge provides an experience far superior to a crowded casino floor, offering a relaxed, upscale atmosphere where you can focus on your game. When you play with us, be sure to sign up for Bacchus Rewards. It is our exclusive loyalty program designed to give back to our valued guests. You will earn points and unlock special offers, including match play, making your time here even more rewarding. Enjoy your favorite games in a premier setting.
An In-Depth Look at the Buffalo Gold Experience
The Buffalo Gold slot machine, developed by Aristocrat, is a cornerstone of modern video gaming. It builds upon the legacy of the original Buffalo game, which revolutionized play with its "Xtra Reel Power" system, offering 1024 ways to win instead of traditional paylines. This game isn't just about spinning reels; it is about immersing yourself in a vibrant North American wilderness theme, complete with eagles, wolves, and the majestic buffalo. At Bacchus, you can enjoy this iconic game on state-of-the-art video gaming terminals (VGTs), providing a crisp, engaging, and seamless experience. Before you start, it is helpful to understand the core mechanics that make this game a perennial favorite among players in the Metro East area and beyond.
Understanding the Game Screen and Controls
When you first sit down at the Buffalo Gold machine at Bacchus, you will see a screen filled with symbols and options. Let's break down the key components:
- The Reels: The game features a 5x4 grid, meaning there are five vertical reels and four rows of symbols.
- Denomination: This button allows you to select the value of each credit you are betting, such as one cent, two cents, or five cents.
- Bet Multiplier: This control lets you choose how many credits you want to wager per spin. Your total bet is the denomination multiplied by your bet multiplier. Understanding the minimum and maximum bet options is crucial for managing your session.
- Spin Button: The large button, usually on the right, starts the game and spins the reels. Many machines also offer an autoplay feature for a set number of spins.
- Paytable/Info: This is a crucial button that opens a screen detailing the game's rules, symbol values, and bonus features. It is always a good idea to review the paytable before you begin playing.
Key Symbols and Their Value
Success in Buffalo Gold comes from understanding the symbols and what they represent. The game includes a mix of standard and special symbols.
The lower-value symbols are the familiar playing card icons: 9, 10, J, Q, K, and A. The higher-value symbols are animals from the American plains: the elk, wolf, mountain lion, and eagle. The most valuable symbol in the base game is, of course, the Buffalo. Landing multiple Buffalo symbols can lead to significant wins, especially when they appear "stacked" on the reels, filling an entire column.
Two special symbols are critical to the game's biggest moments:
- The Sunset (Wild Symbol): This beautiful symbol appears only on reels 2, 3, and 4. As a wild symbol, it can substitute for any other symbol (except the Gold Coin) to help form a winning combination. During the free spins bonus, it becomes even more powerful.
- The Gold Coin (Scatter Symbol): This is your key to unlocking the free spins bonus round. Unlike other symbols, the scatter symbol does not need to be on adjacent reels to pay out; it can appear anywhere on the screen to trigger the feature.
Triggering the Free Spins and Gold Collection Bonus
The heart of the Buffalo Gold experience lies in its lucrative bonus round. This feature is activated when you land three or more Gold Coin scatter symbols anywhere on the screen during a single spin. The number of free spins awarded depends on the number of coins:
- 3 Gold Coins award 8 free spins.
- 4 Gold Coins award 15 free spins.
- 5 Gold Coins award 20 free spins.
During the free spins, the Sunset wild symbol adds a 2x or 3x multiplier to any win it is part of, significantly boosting your potential payout. Furthermore, the bonus round can be re-triggered. Landing just two Gold Coin symbols during a free spin will grant you an additional 5 free spins, keeping the action going.
What truly defines this version of the game is the "Gold Collection" feature, which is only active during the free spins. You will notice that some Buffalo symbols on the reels have a golden hue. Each time one of these Gold Buffalo heads appears, it is collected in a meter at the top of the screen. As you collect these Gold heads, you progressively upgrade the other high-value animal symbols into the top-paying Buffalo symbol for the remainder of your free spins. This dramatically increases your chances of landing massive, screen-filling wins with the most valuable symbol in the game. It is one of the most exciting video slot bonus rounds available at Bacchus.
Strategies for an Enjoyable Session
While VGTs operate on a certified Random Number Generator (RNG), ensuring every spin is independent and fair, there are strategies you can use to manage your gameplay and enhance your enjoyment. The most important strategy is to always play responsibly. Before you begin, set a budget for your session and stick to it. Never chase losses or play with money you cannot afford to lose. The goal is entertainment, and winning is a bonus.
Consider your bet size in relation to your total budget. A lower bet per spin will allow you to play for a longer period, giving you more opportunities to trigger the coveted bonus round. Because the bonus feature is where the biggest wins are found, a strategy that maximizes your number of spins can be effective. Remember, a visit to our upscale video gaming lounge is about the complete experience—relaxing with a drink, enjoying the ambiance, and having fun with friends, all while playing your favorite games.
What is the minimum bet to play Buffalo Gold?
The minimum bet can vary based on the machine's configuration, but it is typically around 40 to 60 cents per spin. You can always check the betting options on the screen to see the available wager amounts before you play.
How is Buffalo Gold different from the original Buffalo game?
The main difference is the "Gold Collection" feature. In the bonus round of Buffalo Gold, you collect special gold buffalo symbols to transform other animal symbols into the high-paying buffalo symbol, which is not a feature in the original game.
Can I win a jackpot on Buffalo Gold?
Buffalo Gold is not typically a progressive jackpot game. The largest wins come from filling the screen with Buffalo symbols during the free spins bonus round, especially with the help of the 2x and 3x wild multipliers. This can result in a significant payout, often called a "hand pay."
How many gold buffalo heads do I need to collect?
During the free spins bonus, you collect gold heads to upgrade symbols. For example, collecting 4 gold heads might turn all eagle symbols into buffalos. Collecting 7 might turn wolves into buffalos, and so on, until all animal symbols are transformed. The specific amounts are displayed on the screen during the bonus.
Can I just come to Bacchus for a drink and not play the games?
Absolutely! Bacchus is a relaxed, upscale lounge designed for everyone. We welcome guests who just want to unwind with a drink, watch a game on our TVs, and socialize with friends. Please see our page on being a non-gambler friendly bar for more details.
