Real Money Lucky Neko Casinos Ranked and Rated 2024

With its lead symbol being Maneki-neko - the Japanese symbol for good luck - it is no wonder Luck Neko has created such a stir in the online casino community. One of the real money casino games, which was launched on 24 June 2020, packs all kinds of fortunate feline play. Developers and players alike have given this online casino game a world class, two thumbs up for design and user experience. Not only does it rank high in terms of visual appeal, the new gaming innovations added to the player experience are considered top notch. Everything from oversized symbols to serene music makes these slot games a must-try.

Samuel O'Reilly
Topic ExpertSamuel O'ReillyExpert
Researched byPriya PatelResearcher

What is Lucky Neko?

This casino game is a six-reel, four-row video slot that boasts 40 paylines. As per any standard slot, bets are placed and the objective is to match symbols. Created by the innovative development team at Swedish operator, Yggdrasil Gaming Limited, this online slot game has been met with widespread approval.

The use of the Japanese Maneki-Neko and Daruma dolls as their key theme, was not only a smart move strategically, but makes for some dynamic and engaging visuals. Lucky Neko utilizes the full visual might of the theme and some pretty spectacular graphics and wager innovations. Whilst the theme may seem somewhat contrived, the use of colour and graphics certainly make it a pleasant environment to spend your time in. Not only are the visuals deeply considered and brilliantly executed, this top-notch game itself also includes a brand new concept called Gigablox. These oversized symbols, which function like individual signs, can maximize winnings from a 2x2 up to 6x6 formation. It is one of the first games within the Yggdrasil stable to include this new addition.

Along with Gigablox, it also includes free spins with the aim of increasing cash payout. With a minimum wager of $0.08 and a maximum of $100 and up to 6953 x stake payout, it is clear to see why this game has become so popular amongst online casino players.

How to Play Lucky Neko

The game in itself follows the basic random number generator format as with most other slots. There are, however, among others, wildcards also known as Gigablox, which provide several more bonus opportunities within the casino game. These Gigablox create variation in the size of the blocks which, in turn, creates constant variation across the paylines, which certainly keeps things interesting.

The control configuration of the game is standard for any of the other slots within the Yggdrasil stable. “Spin” is found at the bottom center screen and flanked by “max bet” and “autoplay” buttons. On the desktop, Lucky Neko is compatible with Chrome, Edge, Safari and Firefox and both Windows and MacOS. But keeping with convenience, this vibrant online casino game can be enjoyed on your mobile device as well. This casino game is accessible on Android and Apple. It is available in 26 languages, which allows for a greater audience to enjoy it in a language of their choice.

Play Lucky Neko slots for free:

This entertaining game can also be enjoyed for free by anyone with an internet connection. All new players need to do is log into your browser and search for “free play”. This will allow you to play on the demo model without any download necessary. This could be used as an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the game without placing any real bets.

Play Lucky Neko slots for real money:

Now that you have gotten to know the game in its demo mode, you are ready to start playing and putting some real skin in the game. Lucky Neko can be accessed through top online casinos and will require registration in accordance with the online gaming operator you choose.

Rules of Play:

There are 40 paylines, where three or more matching symbols can land. Players are given 8 regular pay symbols to contend with - half are card suit icons (clubs, diamonds, spades and hearts). Darumas are in four different colours; purple, green, yellow and pink. Pink offers the best value at 8x the stake for 6 of a kind, down to 10x for the purple Durama. Another symbol is the diamond wild, which can be a match for any pay symbol to form a winning combination.

The betting bracket is between $0.08 and $100. The maximum payout is not groundbreaking, but a generous 6953. When playing, payouts also depend on which symbols you match. Card suits are calculated at 2.5x times your wager, purple and green Darumas are worth 5x, yellow Darumas are worth 5.5x and pink Darumas are 8x. Should you land a “blessed symbol”, the payout is upped to 5x. Symbols can land as Gigablox sized up to 6x6 and there is at least one Gigablox reel per spin. This can increase both the grids and the number of paylines.

Reels can expand to 6x8 and every Lucky Neko - the actual cat visual - that lands grants an additional bonus spin. To add to the generosity of the game, bonus spins are also on offer. These are served when you manage to get a scatter, which is shown as a Neko symbol. Bonus spins are scaled based on the free spins you get with each scatter, giving you an extra spin. Should Lady Luck look fondly upon you, and you find yourself on the receiving end of five scatter symbols on the screen, you unlock an entire round of bonus spins. In addition to your card suit or Daruma, you can also get a golden cat, which acts as a wild symbol - which, of course, can represent any other paying symbol and, when matched, equals more cash.

Different Versions of Lucky Neko

The casino game in itself only has one version. It is available as free, which means no real cash risk. However, we are constantly reviewing online casino games to provide you with the best and latest recommendations and information. So, keep an eye out on this page for updates regarding the different versions of Lucky Neko.

How to Play Lucky Neko

The game itself takes on a basic slot layout, but hands down, the most innovative and exciting part of the game is certainly the introduction of the Gigablox. This nifty little addition to the game can add a substantial amount to your winnings. Upon each spin, Gigablox and individual symbols can combine into 2x2, 3x3, 4x4, 5x5 and even 6x6 blocks. The win multiplier increases by 2 whenever 1 or more cat symbols appear on the reels. Win 10 or more free spins when 4 Scatter symbols trigger the free spins. RTP sits at 96.4%.

The next best thing on offer are the free spins, which are triggered when at least five scatter symbols land anywhere on the reels. Scatters equal the number of free spins you are awarded. The game changes quite significantly during free spins, with the number of rows doubling to eight and paylines increasing to 85. Before free spins begin, one pay symbol is randomly selected to become the “Blessed symbol”. Blessed Symbol payout value increases by five times.

Strategies that can be applied to Lucky Neko

A couple of basic strategies to apply to this particular game is to give the free option a spin - pun completely intended. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with the game and get to know the inner workings a bit more intimately.

Gain a better understanding of Gigablox, Blessed Symbols and the Lucky Neko symbols. As always, get to know the paytable but more specifically the additions to this game, as well as a better understanding of Gigablox. The free spins available on this game will also help bolster your winnings and always set up a loss limit to ensure you are minimizing your losses. This goes hand-in-hand with maximizing your winnings too. A good plan is to set weekly and/or monthly limits as well to ensure that you are operating within very clear parameters. Slots, after all, are designed to keep you engaged and Lucky Neko, with its soothing backing track and vibrant visuals, is no different.

What to Look for in Lucky Neko Online Casino Games

The Yggdrasil stable has certainly become well-known for the impeccable quality of their games. This game is certainly no different. The game is set in the Japanese Edo era, which is symbolic of economic growth, perpetual peace and enjoyment of the arts and culture. This may seem like a coincidence, but it seems strategic as the symbolism is not lost on players in the online casino scene.

The graphics are centered around Lucky Neko, which directly translates to “Lucky Cat”, which is a globally recognisable symbol for good luck. In addition to this, our supporting actor is played by various Darumas, which are also symbolic of good fortune. All of this is beautifully crafted and set in what appears to be a Japanese shop front. Vivid colours and crystal clear lines are the hallmarks of this beautifully crafted setting. In play, sound effects are rather gratifying and certainly contribute to the overall experience. Soothing Japanese music in the background definitely adds to a well thought out user experience for slots.

The interface, whilst detailed in its design execution, follows the user-friendly and common layout of slots, with the spin button in the center, flanked by max bet and autoplay buttons. The team at Yggdrasil were calculated in their approach to provide consistency and relatability in the interface but to ensure dynamism by use of striking visuals and oversized symbols.

A round up of features of the game includes:

  • Multipliers
  • Scatters
  • Wild symbols
  • Free Spins
  • Expanding Reels
  • Stacked symbols
  • Colossal symbols

Discover Top Lucky Neko Providers

The creators, Yggdrasil, have become known for being innovators in the online gaming community. Yggdrasil offers video slots, card and roulette games. Outside of just promoting their own games, there is also a focus on promoting and publishing games from other providers. This is evidenced by their software solutions. Some of the more popular games within their stable include:

  • Double Dragons
  • The Legend of the Golden Monkey
  • Seasons
  • Cazino Zeppelin
  • Superheroes

With all of their innovation and development within the gaming industry, it is no surprise that they have won many coveted industry accolades. To name a few, Software Rising Star by eGR in 2015, Slot Provider of the Year in 2016 (by eGR), Innovator of the Year title in 2017, 2018, and 2019 at the International Gaming Awards. eGR has also given them the Innovation in RNG Casino Software/Supplier awards in 2018 and 2019. The innovation is also not limited to their output, with employees rating them a 4 out of 5 for their working environment.

Safety and Security

With the company being just under ten years old, these heavy-hitters in the industry are not only one of the top gaming providers but hold casino licenses in Malta, Great Britain, Gibraltar and Romania. They also have a Class 4 Operator's license from the Lotteries and Gaming authority in Malta. They have also undergone external and internal testing of their security systems and presented exceptional rates.

They are also audited on a yearly basis by ISMS (Information Security Management System) to keep up with compliance of data security and safety to ensure it is of a global standard, as well as measures to encourage responsible gambling. Several reputable organizations have rated Yggdrasil highly, not only for innovation, but for security as well. With most recent technologies, including iSENSE 2.0, which enhances animation, they employ HTML5, making it possible to sync content and play simultaneously on PC/laptop and mobile, as well as Infinite API technology, which allows operators to improve customer gambling engagement. With 116 games provided and featured in 306 casinos at the time of this being written, it is no surprise that they are considered one of the top gaming providers with their niche being firmly planted in online casino games.

About the author
Samuel O'Reilly
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Samuel O'Reilly, an Aussie native, is the mastermind behind some of the most insightful online casino guides. With a decade in the gaming industry, Samuel's expertise is second to none, making his reviews a favorite amongst both novices and professionals. Avatar Name: CasinoKangaroo

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FAQ

Everything you need to know about casinos

Can gambling providers have Lucky Neko from multiple software providers?

No. These slot games are only developed by one software provider - Yggdrasil Slots. Therefore, a gambling site can only have a Lucky Neko from them.

Can you beat Lucky Neko?

Yes. However, you will experience big wins less frequently.

Is Return to Player RTP important?

Yes. The Lucky Neko game has a 96.4% RTP. It is considered to be an average return to player. To put it simply, if a player bets $100 on the slots game, you will get back $96.4 in the long run.

Can Lucky Neko be hacked or rigged?

No. The slots game is under strict monitoring and performs up to the expectations of global auditors. In addition to this, its presence being on many verified casino platforms is telling of its trustworthiness.

Which Lucky Neko online casinos give a free spins bonus?

Both Betmaster and Golden Star both give a Free Spins Bonus.