A favorite for many years in the brick-and-mortar casinos of Vegas and around the world, it wasn't until 2012 that software developer Aristocrat brought Buffalo to the online slot world, and players are very happy they did.
A five-reel slot with 1,024 ways to win and one of the best free spins features around, the Buffalo slot machine Vegas slot has produced many a sequel, but the original still holds its own against the best animal-themed slots around thanks to its innovative and potentially lucrative free spins feature.
A low volatility slot providing frequent wins and exciting gameplay, the graphics on Buffalo slots may be basic, but the excitement created by the gameplay is far from it.
Play Buffalo Slots Online
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How to Play Buffalo Slot Machine Online
Visually, the original Buffalo slot game shows its age a little. The American animal theme is not particularly original and the look of the slot is simple. This is far from the most impressive slot in terms of graphics and animations, although this issue has been rectified to some degree by the more recent Buffalo sequels.
Animal symbols (including elk, wolf, and obviously buffalo) represent the higher values, while the wild symbol (sunset) appears on the middle three reels to help form winning combinations. The scatter symbol (coin) triggers the free spins feature if three or more appear on the screen.
This feature is the reason for the lasting popularity of Buffalo slots, providing up to 20 free spins with multiplying wilds for the chance to land big wins.
Basic Info
Layout
Settings
Before starting out playing Buffalo slots online, there are some choices to make. As a 1,024 ways to win slot, instead of betting per payline players bet per reel, opening up increasing ways to win. The lowest bet is just 1¢, while the highest betting option is $50 per spin. The more reels a player bets on, the higher the chance of winning.
Autospin is available, meaning players can set the reels to go through a certain number of spins. This stops if the feature is triggered.
How to Win on Buffalo Slots
The symbols on the reels consist of 9-A card symbols for the lower values (100x stake for five on a payline) and higher value animal symbols. The elk and the wolf symbols pay 120x stake for five on a payline, and the puma and the eagle pay 150x stake. The buffalo is the most lucrative, with a max of 300x stake (five on a payline).
The wild symbol only appears on the middle three reels but can replace any symbol (except the scatter) to complete a winning combination. These wild symbols become multipliers during the free spins feature, offering up to 27x the win amount to give the player's winnings a hefty enhancement.
Buffalo Slot Pay Table & Ways to Win
| Basic Info | 2 Symbols | 3 Symbols | 4 Symbols | 5 Symbols |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Bull
|
10 | 50 | 100 | 300 |
|
Eagle
|
- | 50 | 100 | 150 |
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Tiger
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- | 50 | 100 | 150 |
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Wolf
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- | 20 | 80 | 120 |
|
Deer
|
- | 20 | 80 | 120 |
|
A
|
- | 10 | 50 | 100 |
|
K
|
- | 10 | 50 | 100 |
|
Q
|
- | 5 | 20 | 100 |
|
J
|
- | 5 | 20 | 100 |
|
10
|
- | 5 | 10 | 100 |
|
9
|
2 | 5 | 10 | 100 |
|
Scatter
|
- | 2 | 10 | 20 |
RTP & Volatility in Buffalo Slots
The return to player percentage (RTP) of a slot is a way to show the average win per $100 of a slot. For example, a slot with a 92% RTP would give back $92 per $100 as an average across hundreds of thousands of spins. While the RTP is not a guarantee of how much a player will win, it is a good way to demonstrate how friendly a slot can potentially be.
With an RTP of 94.85%, which is higher than the land-based version, Buffalo's RTP is around average for a slot game.
The volatility (or variance) of a slot game is a way to describe the slot's behavior. A high volatility slot is a game that will not pay out frequently but will usually pay out high when it does.
Lower volatility slots lessen both the risk and reward, paying out more often, but usually in lower amounts. Neither way is necessarily better, but different volatility suits different players, with high rollers preferring high volatility slots, and players with a lower budget generally favoring lower variance options.
Buffalo is a high volatility slot, but is playable from just 1¢ a spin, making this a good choice for players of all budgets who fancy trying a slot with a higher volatility.
How Does Buffalo's Winnings Compare to Other Slot Games?
At around $400,000 if the player lands the biggest win and the highest multiplier of 27x during the free spins feature, Buffalo has a relatively high jackpot for a slot (outside of the realms of progressive jackpot games, at least).
This jackpot amount is better than most Aristocrat games, although a few sequels beat it (Buffalo Grand's progressive Grand Jackpot slot game has been known to pay out close to $1 million).
Buffalo Slot Machine Bonuses
There is only one big bonus feature to speak of here, which is the free spins round, but it is a worthwhile addition to Buffalo slots. That said, there are a few ways to win in the base game.
Activating all five reels opens up 1,024 ways to win, with a max of 300x the stake for five Buffalo symbols on a payline. The scatter symbol does more than just trigger the free spins too, paying up to 20x stake (for five on a payline).
Land three or more scatter symbols for between 8 and 20 free spins, with some hefty multipliers in play. If wilds (which appear on the middle three reels in the base game and the bonus round) play a part in a winning combination, they'll add a multiplier of 2x or 3x. These multipliers work together, so three wilds as part of a four- or five-symbol win can potentially add a huge multiplier of 27x to the player's winnings. With 300x stake on offer for five Buffalo, this gives a possible win of $405,000 on every free spin!
Buffalo Slot Machine Tips
1. Understand Variance
As a high volatility slot, payouts can be few and far between. While the wait for the feature to trigger can be a long one, the payoff can be well worth it.
2. Use Every Way to Win
Activating all 1,024 ways to win on the Buffalo slot costs a little more, but it also raises the chances of landing a big jackpot, especially in the free spins feature.
3. Know Your Budget
The gameplay of this slot means that money may have to be spent for the chance of winning. It is, therefore, important for players to choose a bet amount that suits their limit, and not risk money they can't afford to lose.
4. Try the Sequels
If the playing style of this Buffalo slot game doesn't appeal, there are numerous sequels with additional gameplay mechanics and features that may be better choices. Buffalo Grand offers huge progressive jackpots, while Buffalo Gold adds an extra dimension to the free spins feature.
Free Buffalo Slots to Play Online
As a high volatility slot, players may not be sure whether Buffalo is a game that they should try for real money. The best way to make this decision safely is by trying a free online Buffalo slot version of the game first.
Free slot games provide the same gameplay as the real money version, without any of the risk. This allows players to get familiar with how Buffalo slots online work, the paytable, the frequency of payouts, and the free spins feature, before they embark on a real money slot games, if they so choose.
Buffalo Slots on Mobile
There is currently no mobile version of Buffalo available on online casinos. This slot game is playable online for free on desktop devices, and in land-based casinos, but the original Buffalo game is not available to mobile players.
As Buffalo is not the most recent of slots, it is unlikely a mobile version will become available any time soon. However, it is possible that the more modern sequels of Buffalo slots such as Buffalo Grand may be available for mobile players online.
Other Buffalo Slots to Play Online
Buffalo, and the animals of the plains of America in general, are a very popular theme for slots in the modern day and have been for many years. It is fair to say that, while Aristocrat's Buffalo did not create this popularity on its own, this slot certainly contributed towards the trend.
Not to be outdone, Aristocrat have created many sequels for this slot themselves, each continuing the theme of, well, buffalo, while adding something different in terms of gameplay so each slot in the series can stand up on its own.
Buffalo Stampede is a popular sequel, adding a stampede feature for extra wins as well as some fun animations. This sequel also adds random progressive jackpots to add an extra level of excitement.
Buffalo Gold adds some perks to the free spins round by adding gold Buffalo symbols which can produce some big wins during the feature.
A bonus wheel and multipliers of up to 4x on free spins keep things fresh.
An added bonus wheel makes the free spins feature even more exciting.
Progressive jackpots are a game changer, providing the chance for huge wins.
Players can choose a free spins and multiplier combinations to suit their taste.
Stampedes in the base game add extra buffalo symbols, and progressive jackpots are in play too.
There is no challenge when it comes to finding animal-themed slots in the iGaming world. In fact, even when searching specifically for slots themed around buffalo, there are options from numerous developers, including:
Red Rake Gaming, 94.99%
Skywind, 95.5%
Pragmatic Play, 96.06%
Blueprint Gaming, 96.5%
Playtech, 95.96%
Buffalo Slot Machine Review
Buffalo may not feel like the most modern slot, and it certainly isn't, but it's a classic for a reason. The gameplay is simple, suitable for those new to the world of slots, while experienced players will enjoy the higher bet limits and big winning potential.
The free spins feature is what really sets Buffalo apart, providing the potential for massive multiplier wins on every spin, and with up to 20 spins available (and retriggers too) a little bit of luck can be lucrative.
Buffalo is perhaps starting to fall away in terms of what it can offer to players. The feature doesn't stand out as much as it used to, and even the increased RTP compared to the brick-and-mortar version can't stop this slot feeling outdated, especially when it comes to design and theme.
However, those who know this slot already still love it, and there's a lot to offer new players too.
For Buffalo slot, we give this game a rating of 6/10. To learn more about our assessment and grading of casinos and games, check out our How We Rate page. We work closely with the independent regulatory bodies below to ensure every player on our site has a secure and reliable experience.
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Buffalo Slots Reviews by Players
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FAQs
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Can I play the Buffalo online slot for free?
The Buffalo slot can be played for free online before you gamble with real money. While you can't win cash prizes on freeplay version, this gives the opportunity to get used to how this Aristocrat slot works. Once you're familiar, you can move onto real money play.
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Is Buffalo a good slot machine?
Buffalo is seen by many as a classic slot machine. It offers decent winnings for players' bankroll, and bonus features such as free spins. While Buffalo may be lacking when visually, with the theme being fairly played out and the design feeling basic and outdated, the gameplay still provides a good level of excitement for players.
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Why should I play the Buffalo slot machine?
Buffalo has one big selling point as a slot. The free spins feature provides a multiplier of up to 27x your win on every spin, and with 20 spins available (and extra for retriggers) that can prove very profitable. You may have to wait a while for the feature to trigger, but when it does, it can be worth the wait.
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How do I play Buffalo?
Buffalo is a basic slot in terms of how to play. The idea is to match three or more symbols to win cash prizes. Instead of paylines, this is a 1,024 ways to win slot, meaning there are a variety of ways to win. The main aim here is to trigger the free spins feature and hope the multiplying wilds land in good positions for you to pick up big wins.
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Can I play Buffalo for real money?
Yes! Remaining one of the most popular online slots around, and a bonafide Vegas classic, Buffalo is available to play for real money at many land-based casinos. Our list of our favorite online casinos will give you a range of ideas as to where the best places to play the Buffalo slot for real money are.
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How can I win big on the Buffalo slot game?
Big wins are not frequent when playing the Buffalo slot game from Aristocrat, but they are possible. The biggest wins come from the free spins feature, thanks to the multiplying wilds. Multipliers can be 3x your win here, so three wild symbols as part of a winning combination can result in a 27x multiplier on a win. This is especially lucrative for five buffalo symbols, which pays 300x your stake before multipliers are added.
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Who makes Buffalo slot?
Buffalo is a slot game made by Aristocrat. Aristocrat is a software developer who made their name creating games for brick and mortar casinos. Now also developing slots for online casinos, Aristocrat have created many popular online casino games, but Buffalo arguably remains the jewel in the crown of this provider.
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What is Buffalo Gold?
Buffalo Gold is a sequel game to the popular Buffalo slot title. It differs from the original Buffalo game in that it has a golden buffalo symbol, which can replace other symbols on the reels.