More Aristocrat Slots
Info About the Online 50 Lions Slot
| Genre | Video Slot |
|---|---|
| Developer | Aristocrat Interactive |
| RTP | 94.71% |
| Volatility | Medium-High |
| Min/Max Bet | $0.25 / $150 |
| Reels | 5 |
| Paylines | 50 |
The 50 Lions slot by Aristocrat was first released in 2002 and was originally available on MK6 Xcite cabinets, which were common on Las Vegas casino floors in the early 2000s. For me, there is no doubt that this game is a classic, but not just because it’s well over 20 years old. It actually has a special place in casino games history as it was the first slot to introduce 50 paylines.
Due to the success, more 50-payline slots, such as 50 Dragons and Miss Kitty (available online), followed shortly after. Nowadays, 50 Lions is part of the Classic Cash Express Luxury Line, sometimes bundled with other older Aristocrat hits in multi‑game cabinets. There also exists a Deluxe version of the game.
We now finally have an original online demo version of 50 Lions. Playing it for free here at Cool Old Games comes with multiple advantages:
- No need to download an app or sign up for an account
- Play from anywhere, on any device, directly inside your browser
- No pressure, as you can keep refreshing your demo credits and start over
Disclaimer: Cool Old Games is not endorsed by or affiliated with Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd. 50 Lions™ is a trademark of Aristocrat. All opinions expressed are our own and are provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.
How This Slot Machine Works
What you get with 50 Lions is a 5-reel, 4-row slot with an African safari theme. Similar to other classic online titles by Aristocrat Interactive, such as the Sun & Moon slot, the paylines are fixed. This might surprise some veteran players, as the land-based version and previous online versions have/had adjustable paylines.
Symbols & Paytable
The lion is the top symbol, and it is also the only regular symbol that can appear stacked. That is important because the stacked lions are responsible for some of the better line hits in the game.
Other base symbols include zebra, giraffe, tree (with sun in the background), African tribal people, and the familiar royal card symbols.
| Symbol | 5 of a Kind | 4 of a Kind | 3 of a Kind | 2 of a Kind |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lion | 500 | 100 | 20 | 5 |
| Zebra | 250 | 75 | 20 | 2 |
| Giraffe | 250 | 75 | 20 | 2 |
| Tribal People | 200 | 50 | 10 | – |
| Tree and Sun | 200 | 50 | 10 | – |
| A | 200 | 25 | 10 | – |
| K | 200 | 25 | 10 | – |
| Q | 100 | 15 | 5 | – |
| J | 100 | 15 | 5 | – |
| 10 | 100 | 10 | 5 | – |
| 9 | 100 | 10 | 5 | – |
| Flower (Scatter) | – | – | 100 | – |
The Wild Symbol: Diamond
The diamond is the wild symbol. It appears on reels 2 and 5 only, and it substitutes for regular symbols. It does not have its own payout, and it does not come with any multiplier attached. So while it’s useful (and shiny), it’s nothing to get too excited about.
The Scatter Symbol: Flower
The protea flower is the scatter symbol. It appears on reels 1, 2, and 5 only. When you land 3 or more, you get a scatter payout worth 4 times the total bet, and you also trigger the free spins feature. Scatter wins pay anywhere, so line position does not matter.
The Free Games Feature Explained
The free spins round is the main feature in 50 Lions, and it is definitely the part you want to activate. Landing 3 or more flower scatters awards 10 free spins, along with the scatter payout.
During the free spins feature, the game adds 1 extra Diamond wild symbol per spin on reels 2, 3, 4, and 5. These extra wilds can stack, which makes the feature much stronger than the base game. This is where a lot of the fun comes from. In the regular game, 50 Lions can feel a little quiet at times. But during free spins, there is a much better chance of seeing the reels line up in a satisfying way.
Retriggering
The feature can also retrigger once. If you land 3 or more flowers again during the bonus, you get 5 additional free spins. I like that this feature keeps things simple. It is not packed with layers, but it does enough to feel worth chasing.
Volatility & RTP: Facts vs My Experience
On paper, 50 Lions has a 94.71% RTP and medium-high volatility. That RTP is on the low side compared to many modern online slots, so if long-term return is your top priority, there are better options out there. But that is not really what I think makes 50 Lions appealing. The appeal is the classic Aristocrat style, and the chance of hitting stacked lion combinations.
This does not feel like a slot that keeps handing you constant little wins just to keep you busy. There are quiet stretches. Then, when the stacked symbols or free spins do arrive, the savannah suddenly comes to life.
So while the game is labeled medium-high volatility, I would describe it as steady but capable of going a little cold. It is not brutally volatile, but it is also not especially generous in the short term. In my opinion, it suits players who do not mind a bit of waiting and who enjoy those older-style one-feature machines.
How to Play 50 Lions Slots Online
Step 1: Play 50 Lions for Free on Cool Old Games
The easiest way to get started is by playing the free version in your browser. That way, you can practice without risking money and get familiar with the mechanics at your own pace. On Cool Old Games, you can also use fullscreen for a more immersive session. Reload your demo credits if needed, and play on desktop, tablet, or mobile.
Step 2: Try Different Bet Sizes
Since the online version of 50 Lions uses fixed paylines, there is no need to spend time selecting how many lines you want to activate. That means your main decision is the size of your bet. Coin values range from $0.01 to $6 (since you’re always playing all lines, your coin size is always multiplied by 25).
Try a few different settings and see what feels comfortable. If your stake is too high, your balance (2000 credits) can disappear faster than expected.
Step 3: Hunt for the Free Spins Feature and the Lions
The free spins round is the part of the game that makes the biggest difference. In the base game, the action can feel a bit uneven. You might get a few smaller hits, then a patch where not much happens. So if you are playing for a longer session, the flowers are what you really want to see.
The stacked lions are also worth watching for, since they can create some of the better regular wins. But if you ask me, the feature round is where 50 Lions feels most alive.
Step 4: Potentially Play at an Online Casino
If you enjoy the demo and feel comfortable with the game, the next step could be trying it at a trusted online casino. Usually, that means signing up, verifying your account, making a deposit, and searching for the slot in the casino lobby.
That said, the exact online version of 50 Lions is not available everywhere, especially depending on your country or US state. If your casino does not carry it, there are similar safari and lion-themed slots that offer a very close experience, and in some cases, they even come with a few extra features. So it is not the end of the world if the original is missing.
Some alternatives are:
- Lion’s Pride by Mascot Gaming
- Savanna Safari by Nucleus Gaming
- Savanna King by Qora Games
- Lion Gems by Playson
Disclaimer: As always, only play if you are of legal age, gambling is allowed in your jurisdiction, and you are treating slots as entertainment rather than income. Play responsibly and reach out to 1-800-Gambler if you need help.
My Opinion: Who Will Enjoy the Free 50 Lions Slot?
Playing 50 Lions for free makes a lot of sense if you want to practice without pressure, from home, and avoid having to download anything or create an account just to get started
Visually, this is very much an older Aristocrat slot. The graphics are not particularly sharp by today’s standards. But for me, that doesn’t really matter; it adds to the nostalgia. So, if you already have a soft spot for older casino slots, this is an easy one to recommend for a practice session.
I think this game is for you if:
- You enjoy safari-themed slots (especially those with a lion as the main protagonist)
- You like classic Aristocrat games
- You prefer a straightforward structure without configurations
- You do not mind a slower base game with one feature worth chasing
I’d recommend another game if:
- You prefer high-definition slots with lots of bonus features
- You want a higher RTP
- You mostly chase very high-volatility games
If you feel anything is missing here, or you just want to share your own opinion on the game, feel free to leave a comment below.
