Rainbow Riches Fortune Favours represents Barcrest’s ambitious attempt to reinvigorate the legendary franchise with modern mechanics whilst preserving the Irish leprechaun charm that defined the original. Released as part of the ever-expanding Rainbow Riches family, Fortune Favours introduces contemporary features including expanding reels and multiple bonus rounds that distinguish it from its predecessors.
This comprehensive review examines Rainbow Riches Fortune Favours across all dimensions, exploring gameplay mechanics, bonus features, mathematical specifications, and strategic considerations for UK players seeking the next evolution of this beloved classic.
Game Overview and Presentation
Rainbow Riches Fortune Favours maintains the franchise’s signature Irish aesthetic whilst incorporating visual enhancements befitting its more recent release date compared to the 2006 original.
Visual Design and Theme
The game presents familiar Rainbow Riches imagery through a slightly more polished lens. The backdrop features the customary Irish countryside with rolling green hills, rainbows, and the omnipresent leprechaun character who appears during various bonus features.
Graphics quality exceeds the original Rainbow Riches noticeably, though it maintains the cartoonish, approachable style rather than attempting photorealistic rendering. This design philosophy preserves accessibility whilst updating visual fidelity for contemporary audiences.
The colour palette emphasises vibrant greens, golds, and rainbow hues creating immediate franchise recognition. Long-time Rainbow Riches players feel instantly at home, whilst newcomers encounter an inviting, friendly visual presentation.
Audio Experience
The soundtrack continues Rainbow Riches’ tradition of jaunty Irish folk melodies with modern production values. These tunes provide atmospheric enhancement without overwhelming gameplay, though extended sessions may prompt players to reduce volume as with most slot soundtracks.
Sound effects during wins and bonus triggers employ satisfying audio cues that enhance excitement without becoming irritating through repetition. The balance between celebration and restraint works effectively.
Technical Specifications
Understanding Fortune Favours’ mathematical profile helps set realistic expectations about gameplay experiences and potential returns.
Developer: Barcrest (SG Gaming)
Reels: 5 (expanding to 8)
Rows: 3
Paylines: 10
RTP: 94% – 96% (varies by casino configuration)
Volatility: Medium to High
Maximum Win: 50,000x stake
Bet Range: £0.10 – £20 per spin
Release Date: 2020
The variable RTP between 94-96% reflects different casino configurations, with most UK operators offering the 96% version. Always verify RTP settings at your chosen casino before playing, as the 2% difference significantly impacts long-term returns.
The 50,000x maximum win represents a dramatic increase over the original Rainbow Riches’ modest 500x potential. This enhanced ceiling aligns Fortune Favours with modern slot expectations where substantial wins drive player excitement.
Medium to high volatility creates more dramatic balance fluctuations compared to the original’s medium variance. Expect longer stretches between significant wins, though bonus features can deliver substantial payouts compensating for increased volatility.
Base Game Mechanics
Rainbow Riches Fortune Favours employs a distinctive reel structure that differentiates it from standard slot configurations.
Expanding Reel System
The game begins with a standard 5-reel, 3-row grid offering 10 paylines. However, Fortune Favours’ defining feature involves reel expansion mechanics that dramatically alter the playing field during certain game states.
Reels can expand vertically up to 8 rows high, whilst horizontally the game can grow from 5 reels to 8 reels. This expansion creates up to 8×8 grids compared to the standard 5×3 starting configuration.
Reel expansion occurs primarily during the free spins bonus, where the expanded grid creates substantially more winning opportunities through increased symbol positions and payline configurations.
Symbol Structure
Fortune Favours employs a familiar Rainbow Riches symbol set with some adaptations for its expanded mechanics.
High-Value Symbols:
- Leprechaun (wild symbol and highest payer)
- Pot of Gold
- Rainbow
- Wishing Well
- Four-Leaf Clover
Low-Value Symbols:
- A, K, Q, J, 10 (with Celtic decorative styling)
The leprechaun serves double duty as both wild symbol and top payer, substituting for all symbols except scatters whilst offering premium payouts for natural combinations. This dual function creates more frequent wins compared to slots where wilds don’t pay independently.
Payline Configuration
The 10 paylines might seem modest compared to modern slots offering 20, 50, or even 243+ ways to win. However, Fortune Favours’ expanding reels compensate during bonus features where the playing field enlarges substantially.
Wins form through standard left-to-right combinations across active paylines, requiring matching symbols on consecutive reels starting from the leftmost position. The payline count remains fixed rather than adjustable, simplifying bet configuration.
Bonus Features
Rainbow Riches Fortune Favours distinguishes itself through an elaborate bonus structure offering multiple features and significant variation in gameplay experiences.
Magic Toadstool Feature (Base Game)
The Magic Toadstool represents a randomly triggered base game modifier creating sudden enhancement opportunities during regular spins.
When activated, a toadstool appears on the reels revealing one of several modifying effects:
Colossal Symbols: Large 2×2 or 3×3 symbols land on the reels, creating multiple matching symbols from a single position and increasing win potential substantially.
Extra Wilds: Additional wild symbols populate the reels, substituting for regular symbols and improving combination completion chances.
Symbol Upgrades: Lower-value symbols transform into higher-value alternatives, converting near-misses into significant wins.
The random nature means you cannot predict or influence when Magic Toadstool activates, though it triggers frequently enough to impact overall gameplay substantially. These sudden modifiers create exciting variability during base game sessions.
Free Spins Bonus
Landing three or more scatter symbols triggers the Free Spins feature, Fortune Favours’ primary bonus round offering the most substantial win potential.
Initial Award:
- 3 scatters = 10 free spins
- 4 scatters = 15 free spins
- 5 scatters = 20 free spins
During free spins, the reel grid expands progressively as you accumulate wins. Each winning combination adds to a metre that, when filled, expands the reels both vertically (adding rows) and horizontally (adding reels).
Reel Expansion Progression:
The reels grow from the standard 5×3 configuration through various stages:
- 6 reels x 4 rows
- 7 reels x 6 rows
- 8 reels x 8 rows (maximum expansion)
Each expansion stage dramatically increases winning opportunities through additional symbol positions. The maximum 8×8 grid creates substantially more paylines and winning combinations compared to the starting configuration.
Multiplier Enhancement:
Progressive multipliers apply to wins during free spins, increasing as reels expand:
- Standard configuration: 1x multiplier
- First expansion: 2x multiplier
- Second expansion: 3x multiplier
- Maximum expansion: 5x multiplier
This multiplier progression means wins during maximum reel expansion receive 5x enhancement, creating Fortune Favours’ largest payout potential.
Retrigger Potential:
Landing additional scatter symbols during free spins awards extra spins:
- 2 scatters = +5 spins
- 3+ scatters = +10 spins
Retriggering with expanded reels already active creates optimal conditions for substantial wins, as additional spins play with enhanced grids and multipliers already in place.
Big Bet Feature
Fortune Favours includes an optional Big Bet mode offering enhanced features at premium cost. This gambling feature requires higher stakes but provides improved bonus potential.
Big Bet Options:
Players can activate Big Bet for £20, £30, or £50 regardless of regular base game stakes. Each Big Bet purchase provides 5 linked spins with enhanced features:
£20 Big Bet:
- Guaranteed scatter symbols on reels 1 and 5
- Increased probability of bonus triggers
- 5 linked spins
£30 Big Bet:
- All £20 features
- Enhanced reel expansion during features
- Additional wild symbols
£50 Big Bet:
- All £30 features
- Maximum enhancement across all modifiers
- Best probability of triggering free spins
The Big Bet feature divides player opinion sharply. Some view it as offering improved bonus frequency justifying premium cost, whilst others consider it expensive gambling on top of regular wagering without guaranteed returns.
Mathematically, Big Bet doesn’t improve RTP—it simply concentrates wagering into fewer, more expensive spins with enhanced feature probability. Whether this suits your playing style depends on bankroll size and risk preferences.
Bonus Feature Comparison
Understanding how Fortune Favours’ features differ helps players develop expectations about gameplay experiences.
Feature Frequency:
The Magic Toadstool triggers most frequently, activating approximately every 30-50 spins on average. This regular occurrence prevents extended dry spells feeling too punishing.
Free Spins trigger less frequently at approximately 1 in 100-150 spins, though Big Bet mode significantly improves these odds for players willing to pay premium stakes.
Win Potential Hierarchy:
Free Spins with maximum reel expansion and 5x multipliers create Fortune Favours’ largest win potential, capable of approaching the 50,000x maximum under optimal conditions.
Magic Toadstool modifiers deliver modest to medium wins typically ranging from 5-50x stakes, providing meaningful balance boosts without approaching free spins’ potential.
Big Bet features offer improved bonus frequency rather than enhanced wins within bonuses, meaning they accelerate path to free spins rather than increasing payouts once triggered.
Mathematical Profile and RTP
Fortune Favours’ mathematical specifications create notably different experiences compared to the original Rainbow Riches.
RTP Analysis
The 94-96% RTP range places Fortune Favours squarely in contemporary slot territory, though on the lower end. Many modern slots offer 96%+ returns, making Fortune Favours’ potential 94% configuration somewhat disadvantageous.
The 2% variance between configurations proves significant long-term. Playing at 94% RTP casinos costs approximately £2 per £100 wagered compared to 96% alternatives, accumulating substantially over extended play.
Always verify your casino’s RTP configuration before playing. Most reputable UK operators display RTP information in game rules or paytables, allowing informed decisions.
Volatility Experience
Medium-high volatility creates notable balance fluctuations with extended losing sequences punctuated by occasional substantial wins. This variance profile differs dramatically from the original Rainbow Riches’ medium volatility.
Players accustomed to the original’s steadier gameplay may find Fortune Favours more volatile than expected. Bankroll management becomes crucial, as longer dry spells require deeper reserves to survive until bonus features trigger.
The volatility suits players enjoying high-risk, high-reward scenarios where substantial wins compensate for increased variance. Conservative players preferring steady grinding may find Fortune Favours too volatile for comfort.
Hit Frequency
Fortune Favours pays on approximately 20-25% of base game spins, slightly lower than the original’s 25-30% frequency. This reduction reflects higher volatility, with less frequent but potentially more substantial wins.
Bonus features trigger roughly:
- Magic Toadstool: Every 30-50 spins
- Free Spins: Every 100-150 spins
- Big Bet purchases improve free spins frequency to approximately 1 in 5 Big Bet sequences
Strategy and Betting Considerations
Whilst Fortune Favours remains fundamentally chance-based, betting decisions significantly impact gameplay experiences.
Bankroll Management
The £0.10 minimum bet accommodates modest budgets, though the medium-high volatility demands larger bankrolls relative to bet sizes compared to lower-variance games.
Aim for 200-300x minimum bankroll relative to base bet size. Fortune Favours’ volatility means longer losing streaks occur regularly, requiring sufficient reserves to reach bonus features where recovery potential exists.
For example, £1 base bets suggest £200-300 session bankrolls minimum. Insufficient reserves risk depleting funds before bonus features trigger, missing Fortune Favours’ primary entertainment and win potential.
Big Bet Considerations
Deciding whether Big Bet features suit your play involves analysing several factors:
Arguments For Big Bet:
- Substantially improved bonus trigger frequency
- Enhanced features create more engaging gameplay
- Accelerates path to free spins features
- Concentrates wagering into meaningful sequences
Arguments Against Big Bet:
- Expensive at £20-50 per sequence
- No RTP improvement despite premium cost
- Rapid bankroll depletion if features don’t deliver
- Creates higher-risk gambling on already volatile game
Big Bet suits well-funded players seeking enhanced bonus frequency and willing to accept rapid bankroll fluctuation. Budget-conscious players should avoid Big Bet, focusing on base game play where lower stakes allow longer session duration.
Bet Sizing Strategy
Choose base bets allowing 200-300 spins minimum within session bankroll. Fortune Favours’ medium-high volatility means this spin allocation provides reasonable probability of triggering multiple bonus features whilst weathering variance.
Avoid the temptation to increase bets chasing losses. Fortune Favours’ volatility creates streaky gameplay where doubling bets during cold periods accelerates bankroll depletion without improving mathematical outcomes.
Maximum wins scale proportionally to stakes, meaning £1 bets offer £50,000 potential whilst £0.10 bets create £5,000 maximum. However, reaching maximum wins requires exceptional fortune regardless of stake level.
Comparison to Original Rainbow Riches
Understanding how Fortune Favours differs from its famous predecessor helps players choose appropriate games for their preferences.
Mathematical Differences
Fortune Favours offers dramatically higher maximum wins at 50,000x versus the original’s 500x, creating 100x greater ceiling potential. This enormous difference reflects modern player expectations around substantial win possibilities.
Volatility increases significantly, with Fortune Favours’ medium-high variance creating more dramatic swings than the original’s medium volatility. This change suits thrill-seekers whilst potentially alienating players preferring steadier experiences.
RTP remains similar, with Fortune Favours’ 94-96% matching or slightly exceeding the original’s 95% depending on casino configuration.
Feature Complexity
Fortune Favours employs substantially more complex mechanics through expanding reels, progressive multipliers, and multiple bonus layers. The original’s three simple bonus games feel basic by comparison.
This complexity creates engaging variety for experienced players whilst potentially overwhelming Rainbow Riches purists preferring straightforward gameplay. Feature richness versus simplicity represents personal preference without clear superiority.
Visual and Audio Presentation
Fortune Favours offers moderately improved graphics through more detailed symbols and smoother animations. However, both games maintain cartoonish aesthetics rather than photorealistic presentation.
The audio experience remains similar, with Fortune Favours featuring updated production values on familiar Irish folk melodies and thematic sound effects.
Where to Play Rainbow Riches Fortune Favours
Fortune Favours appears at most major UK-licensed casinos, though with less ubiquitous availability than the original Rainbow Riches.
Major UK Casino Sites
Ladbrokes Casino features Fortune Favours prominently within its Rainbow Riches collection, offering the full Barcrest catalogue including all franchise variants.
Coral Casino and Gala Casino, as Ladbrokes sister sites, provide identical access to Fortune Favours alongside other Rainbow Riches titles.
William Hill Casino includes Fortune Favours within its extensive slot library, with the game appearing in Rainbow Riches themed sections for easy discovery.
888 Casino, PartyCasino, and other major UK operators carry Fortune Favours, though availability may vary by platform. Verify game presence before registering if Fortune Favours represents your primary interest.
Mobile Compatibility
Fortune Favours translates excellently to mobile devices, with touch controls adapting naturally to smartphone and tablet interfaces. The expanding reel mechanics function identically on mobile, maintaining full feature access.
Performance remains smooth on modern devices, though older smartphones with limited processing power may experience occasional lag during maximum reel expansion with numerous symbols active simultaneously.
Player Reception and Reviews
Fortune Favours generates mixed reception amongst Rainbow Riches fans, with reactions divided between appreciation for modernisation and preference for original simplicity.
Positive Feedback
Players praise Fortune Favours’ enhanced win potential, with the 50,000x maximum creating excitement absent from the original’s modest ceiling. The expanding reel mechanics provide engaging visual spectacle as grids enlarge during successful free spins sequences.
Bonus feature variety prevents monotony during extended sessions, with Magic Toadstool base game modifiers maintaining engagement between free spins triggers.
The Big Bet option receives appreciation from high-rollers seeking enhanced bonus frequency, though this feature polarises opinion based on budget and risk tolerance.
Common Criticisms
Increased volatility frustrates players expecting the original Rainbow Riches’ steadier gameplay. Extended losing sequences before bonus features trigger create disappointing sessions where bankrolls deplete rapidly.
The variable 94-96% RTP receives criticism, particularly when casinos configure the lower 94% setting. Players feel short-changed compared to alternative slots offering guaranteed 96%+ returns.
Big Bet features face accusations of predatory design, encouraging excessive wagering through promises of improved bonus frequency without commensurate RTP enhancement. Critics argue this mechanic exploits player psychology around loss-chasing.
Some long-time Rainbow Riches fans find Fortune Favours overcomplicated, preferring the original’s straightforward features over expanding reels and multi-stage bonuses.
Responsible Gambling Considerations
Fortune Favours’ volatility and Big Bet features create specific responsible gambling considerations.
Volatility Awareness
Medium-high volatility means extended losing streaks occur regularly as mathematical certainty rather than bad luck. Understand this variance represents normal gameplay rather than indication that wins are “due.”
Set loss limits before playing, capping session spending regardless of outcomes. Fortune Favours’ volatility can encourage loss-chasing behaviour as players convince themselves bonus features will trigger soon.
Big Bet Caution
The Big Bet feature particularly warrants cautious approach. Spending £20-50 per sequence depletes bankrolls rapidly, potentially encouraging excessive wagering pursuing bonus triggers.
If using Big Bet, establish strict limits on how many sequences you’ll purchase per session regardless of outcomes. Avoid the escalation trap where unsuccessful Big Bets encourage additional purchases chasing recovery.
Setting Boundaries
Use casino responsible gambling tools including deposit limits, loss limits, and session time reminders. Fortune Favours’ engaging features can encourage extended play beyond healthy durations.
Take regular breaks during sessions, particularly after significant wins or losses. Emotional play following either outcome often leads to poor decisions contradicting pre-established limits.
Final Verdict
Rainbow Riches Fortune Favours successfully modernises the franchise through enhanced mechanics whilst maintaining core Irish leprechaun charm. The 50,000x maximum win and expanding reel features create substantially more excitement than the original’s modest specifications.
However, increased volatility and variable RTP create trade-offs. Players seeking steady, relaxed gameplay should stick with the original Rainbow Riches, whilst thrill-seekers enjoying high-variance slots will appreciate Fortune Favours’ enhanced potential.
The game suits experienced players comfortable with volatility and complex mechanics. Beginners or budget-conscious players may find the variance punishing and Big Bet features tempting but financially dangerous.
Play Fortune Favours at major UK casinos including Ladbrokes, Coral, and William Hill, ensuring you verify RTP configuration reaches 96% rather than 94%. Enjoy Fortune Favours for its modern take on beloved aesthetics, whilst understanding its mathematical profile demands careful bankroll management and realistic expectations about volatility.
Fortune Favours represents ambitious franchise evolution—whether improvements justify increased complexity and variance depends entirely on individual player preferences around risk, reward, and gameplay sophistication.