Goblins & Gemstones is a high volatility slot by Kalamba Games with an RTP of 96% and a maximum win of 38000x. This game features 1024 paylines on a 5 x 4 grid . Play Goblins & Gemstones for free or at licensed casinos in the UK, Europe, Canada, and worldwide.
Goblins & Gemstones
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RTP (Return To Player)LayoutPaylinesMax winVolatilityMin stakeMax Bet
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96%5 x 4102438000xHigh€0.05€50
Goblins & Gemstones Slot Quick Facts
| Provider | Kalamba Games |
|---|---|
| Release Date | December 10, 2020 |
| RTP | 96.30% (97.10% with HyperBonus) |
| Volatility | High (10/10) |
| Max Win | 38,890x Stake |
| Reels | 5 |
| Rows | 4 |
| Paylines | 1,024 Ways to Win |
| Min Bet | £0.50 |
| Max Bet | £30.00 |
| Hit Frequency | 23.23% |
| Features | Collection Spins, Paired Reels, Expand 'N Lock, Scatter Split, Free Spins, HyperBonus |
Introduction to Goblins & Gemstones Slot
Welcome to our comprehensive review of Goblins & Gemstones, an enchanting fantasy slot from the creative minds at Kalamba Games. Released in December 2020, this captivating online slot transports players into a mysterious underground vault where mischievous goblins guard their precious treasure troves. With its unique blend of innovative mechanics and massive win potential of up to 38,890x your stake, Goblins & Gemstones has quickly become a favourite amongst UK slot enthusiasts seeking high-volatility thrills.
Kalamba Games has crafted an experience that draws clear inspiration from fantasy banking establishments, most notably reminiscent of the iconic Gringotts Wizarding Bank from the Harry Potter universe. The premise is delightfully whimsical: goblins dressed as bank employees oversee vast vaults brimming with gold coins and sparkling gemstones, creating an atmosphere that perfectly balances magical wonder with the promise of substantial riches.
What truly sets Goblins & Gemstones apart from other fantasy-themed slots is its trio of proprietary mechanics: Paired Reels, Expand 'N Lock, and Scatter Split. These innovative features work in harmony to deliver an exceptionally volatile gaming experience that can produce life-changing wins. Whether you're a seasoned high-roller or an adventurous slot player looking for your next big challenge, this Kalamba Games creation deserves your attention.
Theme and Visual Design
Fantasy Goblin Theme
Goblins & Gemstones embraces a rich fantasy aesthetic that immediately captures your imagination. The game unfolds within a cavernous underground vault, its walls lined with ancient stone and illuminated by the warm glow of countless treasures. Towering piles of gold coins, glittering gemstones, and mysterious artefacts fill every corner of this subterranean banking establishment.
The goblin characters themselves are wonderfully designed, each dressed in distinguished banker attire complete with waistcoats and monocles. These aren't the fearsome creatures of traditional fantasy lore; instead, Kalamba Games has reimagined goblins as shrewd, calculating financiers who take their treasure-guarding duties extremely seriously. The juxtaposition of these fantastical creatures in such formal attire creates a genuinely amusing visual dynamic that brings a smile to your face.
Graphics and Animation Quality
The visual quality throughout Goblins & Gemstones is exceptional. Kalamba Games has employed detailed 3D graphics that bring every element to life with remarkable clarity. The reels themselves appear as an ornate golden frame, adorned with intricate carvings and decorative flourishes that speak to the wealth contained within the vault.
Animations are smooth and responsive, with symbols cascading onto the reels with satisfying weight. Winning combinations trigger vibrant celebrations, whilst the collection mechanics are enhanced by visual feedback that makes every collected gemstone feel meaningful. The attention to detail extends to smaller touches, such as the way light plays across gem surfaces and the subtle movements of goblin characters in the background.
Audio and Soundtrack
The audio design perfectly complements the visual experience. A mysterious, enchanting soundtrack plays throughout your session, featuring orchestral arrangements that evoke feelings of magical adventure. The music swells during feature activations and big wins, heightening the excitement without becoming overwhelming.
Sound effects are crisp and satisfying, from the clink of coins during wins to the mystical chimes that accompany gemstone collections. Each feature has its own distinct audio identity, helping players recognise which bonus they've triggered even without looking at the screen. The overall audio package is polished and immersive, drawing you deeper into the goblin banking experience.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Reel Layout and Ways to Win
Goblins & Gemstones utilises a 5-reel, 4-row grid configuration that offers an impressive 1,024 ways to win. Unlike traditional payline-based slots, this ways-to-win system means that matching symbols simply need to appear on consecutive reels from left to right, regardless of their vertical position. This mechanic significantly increases winning opportunities and creates a more dynamic gaming experience.
The 1,024 ways structure is particularly well-suited to the game's volatile nature, as it allows for substantial multi-way wins when the right combinations align. During bonus features, this payline count becomes even more valuable, especially when combined with the Paired Reels mechanic that can synchronise symbol appearances across multiple reels.
Betting Range and Stake Options
The betting range in Goblins & Gemstones spans from £0.50 to £30.00 per spin, making it accessible to a wide range of UK players. While the minimum stake might seem slightly higher than some slots, it's worth noting that this covers all 1,024 ways to win, representing genuine value for money.
For high-rollers, the £30.00 maximum bet provides ample opportunity to chase those massive multiplier wins. At maximum stake, the theoretical maximum win of 38,890x translates to an extraordinary potential payout of over £1.1 million from a single spin. Of course, such wins are exceptionally rare, but the possibility adds undeniable excitement to every spin.
Symbol Values and Paytable
The paytable in Goblins & Gemstones features 11 regular pay symbols divided into low-paying and high-paying categories. Understanding these values is essential for appreciating the game's win potential.
Low-Paying Symbols
The low-paying symbols consist of traditional card royals: 9, 10, J, Q, K, and A. These symbols offer payouts ranging from 0.2x to 1.2x your stake for five-of-a-kind combinations. While individually modest, these symbols appear frequently and help maintain your bankroll during base game sessions.
High-Paying (Premium) Symbols
The premium symbol lineup includes themed imagery such as keys, scales, and three distinctively dressed goblin characters (green, red, and yellow attire). These higher-value symbols pay between 1.8x and 4x your stake for five matching symbols. The yellow-dressed goblin is the most valuable regular symbol, awarding 4x your stake for a five-of-a-kind combination.
Importantly, the top premium symbol only requires two matching symbols to form a winning combination, unlike other symbols that require at least three. This unique characteristic increases the hit frequency for the highest-paying regular symbol.
Wild Symbol
The Wild symbol is represented by a magnificent treasure chest overflowing with gold coins, clearly marked with the word "WILD." This symbol substitutes for all regular pay symbols, helping to complete winning combinations. However, the Wild cannot replace bonus scatters, collection gems, or extra free spins symbols, ensuring that feature triggers remain skill-independent.
Bonus Features and Special Mechanics
Collection Spins System
One of the most innovative aspects of Goblins & Gemstones is its Collection Spins system. During base game play, three types of coloured gemstones can land anywhere on the reels: green, red, and blue gems. Each colour has its own dedicated collection meter displayed alongside the reels.
Every time a coloured gem lands in view, it's automatically added to its corresponding meter. When you've collected 20 gems of a single colour, you'll trigger that gem's specific bonus feature, awarding 5 Collection Spins with unique mechanics based on the gem colour. This collection system adds a compelling meta-game layer to base play, as you'll find yourself tracking progress towards each feature.
Green Gems: Scatter Split Feature
Collecting 20 green gems triggers the Scatter Split feature. During these 5 bonus spins, one symbol is chosen at random, and this symbol gains special properties. The selected symbol will pay regardless of its position on the reels (it doesn't need to appear on consecutive reels), and each instance of the symbol can count as 2 or 3 symbols, depending on the height of the split.
This feature essentially creates a scatter-paying symbol that can appear in massive quantities. When the chosen symbol is a high-value premium, the Scatter Split can deliver extraordinary payouts, as wins are calculated across all 1,024 ways with multiplied symbol counts.
Red Gems: Paired Reels Feature
The Paired Reels feature activates upon collecting 20 red gems. For these 5 spins, adjacent reels become linked and display identical symbols. This synchronisation dramatically increases the likelihood of multi-way wins, as matching reels effectively guarantee multiple winning combinations when favourable symbols appear.
Paired Reels is particularly powerful in conjunction with the 1,024 ways mechanic. When two or more reels show identical symbol sets, the mathematical possibilities for substantial wins multiply significantly. This feature tends to produce consistent medium-sized wins with occasional massive payouts when premium symbols align across paired reels.
Blue Gems: Expand 'N Lock Feature
Collecting 20 blue gems triggers the Expand 'N Lock feature (also referred to as Locked Symbols in some documentation). During these 5 bonus spins, one symbol is selected, and this symbol can appear in stacked formations across the reels. When the chosen symbol lands, it locks in place and can expand upward, potentially filling entire reel columns.
This feature excels at creating full-screen or near-full-screen wins with a single symbol type. When the game selects a premium symbol for the Expand 'N Lock treatment, the results can be spectacular, with multiplied wins across numerous ways simultaneously.
Scatter-Triggered Free Spins
In addition to the Collection Spins, Goblins & Gemstones features a traditional scatter-triggered Free Spins bonus. Landing 3 or more Bonus Scatter symbols (depicted as vault doors) anywhere on the reels awards an instant 2x stake payout and grants access to the Free Spins selection screen.
Players are then presented with a choice between three Free Spins modes, each corresponding to one of the collection features:
Paired Reels Free Spins (7 Spins)
Choosing the Paired Reels option awards 7 Free Spins with the Paired Reels mechanic active throughout. Adjacent reels will synchronise their symbol displays, creating enhanced winning opportunities on every spin.
Locked Symbols Free Spins (8 Spins)
The Locked Symbols option provides 8 Free Spins featuring the Expand 'N Lock mechanic. A selected symbol will lock and expand when it lands, potentially covering significant reel real estate.
Scatter Split Free Spins (10 Spins)
The Scatter Split selection grants 10 Free Spins with the scatter-paying symbol mechanic. This option provides the most spins but applies the Scatter Split feature, where a chosen symbol pays in any position and counts as multiple symbols.
Extra Free Spins Symbol
During any Free Spins mode, a special +1 symbol can land on the reels. Each time this symbol appears, one additional spin is added to your remaining total. This retrigger mechanic can significantly extend bonus rounds, providing more opportunities for substantial wins.
HyperBonus Feature
Kalamba Games' signature HyperBonus feature allows players to bypass the base game entirely and purchase direct access to any of the three Free Spins modes. The cost for this instant feature access is 49.4x your total stake.
For example, at a £1.00 stake, the HyperBonus would cost £49.40 to activate. This feature buy option provides guaranteed access to bonus rounds, which can be appealing to players who prefer immediate action over waiting for natural triggers.
Important UK Notice: Please be aware that the HyperBonus feature is unavailable to players located within the United Kingdom. This restriction exists due to regulations imposed by the UK Gambling Commission, which prohibits bonus buy features in slots offered to UK players. UK players must trigger Free Spins through natural gameplay or the Collection Spins system.
RTP, Volatility, and Win Potential
Return to Player (RTP) Analysis
Goblins & Gemstones offers a base game RTP of 96.30%, which sits comfortably above the industry average of approximately 96%. This return rate is calculated across all gameplay scenarios and represents the theoretical percentage of wagered money that will be returned to players over an extended period.
For players in jurisdictions where the HyperBonus feature is available, the RTP increases to an impressive 97.10% when using the feature buy option. This higher return rate reflects the guaranteed feature access and reduced variance associated with bypassing base game spins. However, as noted, UK players cannot access the HyperBonus and will experience the standard 96.30% RTP.
The 96.30% RTP is considered fair and competitive within the high-volatility slot category. While some slots offer marginally higher returns, Goblins & Gemstones compensates with its exceptional maximum win potential and engaging feature variety.
Volatility and Variance Explained
Goblins & Gemstones carries Kalamba Games' maximum volatility rating of 10 out of 10. This classification places it firmly in the "extremely high volatility" category, meaning players should expect significant variance in their gaming sessions.
In practical terms, high volatility translates to longer periods between wins, but when wins do occur, they tend to be larger. The 23.23% hit frequency indicates that roughly one in every four or five spins will result in a winning combination. While this might seem reasonable, it's important to note that many of these wins will be smaller returns that don't fully cover your stake.
Sessions on Goblins & Gemstones can be characterised by extended dry spells punctuated by explosive winning streaks. This volatility profile appeals to players who enjoy the thrill of chasing big wins and can tolerate the bankroll fluctuations that come with such gameplay. Conservative players or those with limited budgets may find the variance challenging.
Maximum Win Potential
The maximum win potential of 38,890x your stake is truly exceptional, placing Goblins & Gemstones amongst the highest-paying slots available from any provider. This figure represents the theoretical maximum that can be achieved from a single spin, typically occurring when multiple bonus mechanics align perfectly.
To put this in perspective, a maximum win at the minimum £0.50 stake would yield £19,445, while the same win at maximum £30.00 stake would result in a staggering £1,166,700. These figures represent the absolute ceiling of possibility and should be understood as extremely rare occurrences.
More realistically, successful bonus rounds in Goblins & Gemstones typically deliver wins in the 50x to 500x range, with occasional hits reaching into the thousands. The game's architecture is designed to produce these mid-range wins with relative frequency during features, while preserving the possibility of those legendary maximum payouts.
Mobile Compatibility and Device Support
Cross-Platform Accessibility
Goblins & Gemstones is fully optimised for mobile play, ensuring that UK players can enjoy this fantasy adventure on their preferred devices. The game is built using HTML5 technology, which provides seamless compatibility across desktop computers, smartphones, and tablets without requiring any downloads or installations.
Supported Devices
The slot performs excellently across all major platforms and operating systems:
- Desktop: Windows PC, Mac, and Linux computers via web browsers
- iOS Devices: iPhone and iPad running Safari or other browsers
- Android Devices: Smartphones and tablets via Chrome or alternative browsers
- Windows Tablets: Surface and other Windows-based tablets
Mobile Gaming Experience
The mobile version of Goblins & Gemstones retains all features and functionality present in the desktop version. The user interface has been thoughtfully adapted for touchscreen interaction, with appropriately sized buttons and intuitive gesture controls. The 5x4 grid displays clearly on smaller screens, and all animations and effects run smoothly on modern mobile devices.
Players can access Goblins & Gemstones through their mobile browser by visiting any licensed UK online casino that offers Kalamba Games titles. No dedicated app download is required, meaning you can start playing within seconds of accessing your chosen casino site.
Pros and Cons of Goblins & Gemstones
Advantages
- Exceptional Maximum Win: The 38,890x stake maximum win is amongst the highest in the industry, offering genuine life-changing potential.
- Multiple Bonus Pathways: The combination of Collection Spins and scatter-triggered Free Spins provides multiple routes to bonus features.
- Innovative Mechanics: The three proprietary features (Paired Reels, Expand 'N Lock, Scatter Split) offer genuinely unique gameplay experiences.
- Fair RTP: The 96.30% return rate is competitive and transparent.
- Engaging Theme: The goblin banking concept is original, well-executed, and genuinely entertaining.
- High Production Values: Graphics, animations, and audio are all polished to an excellent standard.
- Mobile Optimisation: Flawless performance across all devices ensures consistent quality wherever you play.
- Feature Choice: The ability to select your preferred Free Spins mode adds strategic depth.
Disadvantages
- Extreme Volatility: The 10/10 volatility rating means extended losing streaks are common, which may frustrate some players.
- No HyperBonus for UK Players: UK gambling regulations prevent access to the feature buy option, limiting gameplay options.
- Higher Minimum Bet: The £0.50 minimum stake is above average, potentially excluding very casual players.
- Collection Progress Resets: Gem collection progress doesn't carry between sessions, meaning partial progress is lost.
- Infrequent Big Wins: While the maximum win is impressive, achieving significant payouts requires patience and bankroll.
Playing Strategy and Tips
Bankroll Management
Given the extreme volatility of Goblins & Gemstones, proper bankroll management is essential for an enjoyable experience. We recommend having at least 200-300 times your chosen stake available for a session. This buffer allows you to weather the inevitable dry spells while remaining in contention for feature triggers.
For example, if playing at the £0.50 minimum stake, a session bankroll of £100-£150 would be appropriate. At the £5.00 stake level, you'd ideally have £1,000-£1,500 available. Never wager more than you can comfortably afford to lose.
Understanding Feature Selection
When you trigger the scatter-based Free Spins, you'll need to choose between the three feature modes. Each has its own characteristics:
- Paired Reels (7 spins): Offers consistent win potential with lower variance within the feature. Good for steady returns.
- Locked Symbols (8 spins): Middle-ground option that can produce spectacular results when premiums are selected.
- Scatter Split (10 spins): Highest spin count with significant upside potential but also higher internal variance.
Patience with Collections
The Collection Spins system rewards patient play. Each gem type builds independently, so you might trigger the green gem feature multiple times before seeing a blue gem bonus. Don't become frustrated if one collection lags behind; the random nature of gem drops ensures eventual balance over extended play.
Session Length Considerations
High-volatility slots like Goblins & Gemstones often reward longer sessions, as they provide more opportunities for feature triggers and big wins. However, this must be balanced against responsible gambling principles. Set time limits before you begin and stick to them regardless of results.
How Goblins & Gemstones Compares to Other Slots
Within the Kalamba Games Portfolio
Goblins & Gemstones represents one of Kalamba Games' most ambitious releases. Compared to other titles in their catalogue, it stands out for its exceptional maximum win potential and the sophistication of its feature mechanics. The 38,890x ceiling exceeds most other Kalamba slots, making it the provider's go-to option for players seeking massive win potential.
The three proprietary mechanics introduced in this slot have influenced subsequent Kalamba releases, demonstrating the game's importance within the studio's development timeline. If you enjoy Goblins & Gemstones, other Kalamba titles featuring HyperBonus and collection mechanics may appeal to you.
Fantasy Theme Competitors
Within the broader fantasy slot category, Goblins & Gemstones competes favourably against titles from major providers. Its unique goblin banking theme distinguishes it from typical fantasy fare involving dragons, wizards, and medieval settings. The production quality rivals leading studios, while the maximum win potential exceeds many competitors.
High Volatility Alternatives
For players specifically seeking high-volatility thrills, Goblins & Gemstones competes with popular titles from providers like Nolimit City, Hacksaw Gaming, and Push Gaming. While some of these competitors offer even higher maximum wins, Goblins & Gemstones distinguishes itself through its engaging collection mechanics and the strategic element of feature selection.
About Kalamba Games
Kalamba Games is a Malta-based slot developer that has established itself as an innovative force within the online casino industry. Founded in 2016, the studio has built a reputation for creating slots that combine engaging themes with sophisticated mathematical models and unique feature mechanics.
The company's signature HyperBonus feature, which allows players to purchase direct access to bonus rounds, has become a hallmark of their releases. While UK players cannot access this feature due to regulatory restrictions, it remains popular in other markets.
Kalamba Games titles are distributed through major aggregation platforms, including Relax Gaming's partner network, ensuring wide availability across licensed UK casinos. The studio maintains all necessary licensing and certifications, with games regularly tested by independent auditing firms to ensure fairness and accuracy.
Notable releases from Kalamba Games include Joker Max, Griffin's Quest, Blazing Bull, and the Goblins & Gemstones sequel, Hit 'N' Roll. The studio continues to release new titles regularly, maintaining high production standards across their expanding portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RTP of Goblins & Gemstones?
Goblins & Gemstones has a base RTP of 96.30%, which is above the industry average. In jurisdictions where the HyperBonus feature is available (not the UK), the RTP increases to 97.10% when using the feature buy option.
What is the maximum win in Goblins & Gemstones?
The maximum win potential is 38,890 times your stake. At maximum bet (£30.00), this translates to a theoretical maximum payout of £1,166,700.
Can I play Goblins & Gemstones on mobile?
Yes, Goblins & Gemstones is fully optimised for mobile play. The game works seamlessly on iOS and Android devices through your mobile browser without requiring any app downloads.
Is the HyperBonus available to UK players?
No, the HyperBonus feature buy option is not available to UK players due to regulations from the UK Gambling Commission. UK players must trigger bonus features through natural gameplay.
How volatile is Goblins & Gemstones?
Goblins & Gemstones is rated 10/10 for volatility, making it an extremely high variance slot. Players should expect extended periods between significant wins but larger payouts when wins do occur.
What are the Collection Spins?
Collection Spins are triggered by collecting 20 gems of the same colour during base play. Each colour (green, red, blue) triggers a different bonus feature: Scatter Split, Paired Reels, or Expand 'N Lock respectively.
How many Free Spins can I get?
When triggering Free Spins via scatters, you choose between 7 (Paired Reels), 8 (Locked Symbols), or 10 (Scatter Split) spins. Additional spins can be won during the feature via the +1 retrigger symbol.
What is the minimum bet in Goblins & Gemstones?
The minimum bet is £0.50 per spin, covering all 1,024 ways to win. The maximum bet is £30.00 per spin.
Who developed Goblins & Gemstones?
Goblins & Gemstones was developed by Kalamba Games, a Malta-based slot studio known for innovative features and high-quality game development.
When was Goblins & Gemstones released?
The slot was officially released on December 10, 2020.
Final Verdict: Is Goblins & Gemstones Worth Playing?
Goblins & Gemstones stands as one of Kalamba Games' finest achievements and a genuinely impressive slot in its own right. The combination of an engaging fantasy theme, innovative mechanics, and exceptional win potential creates an experience that deserves attention from any serious slot enthusiast.
The 38,890x maximum win places this slot in elite company, offering the kind of life-changing potential that many players seek. However, this comes paired with extreme volatility that demands respect. This is not a slot for the faint-hearted or those with limited bankrolls; success requires patience, proper bankroll management, and a genuine appreciation for high-variance gameplay.
The trio of unique features - Paired Reels, Expand 'N Lock, and Scatter Split - provides genuine variety within bonus rounds, while the Collection Spins system adds a compelling progression element to base game play. The ability to choose your preferred Free Spins mode introduces a welcome strategic dimension rarely found in slots.
UK players should note that while the HyperBonus feature is unavailable due to regulations, this doesn't diminish the core gameplay experience. Natural feature triggers remain achievable, and the game's fundamental appeal is preserved regardless of the feature buy limitation.
For players who appreciate high-volatility slots with substantial win ceilings and don't mind weathering dry spells in pursuit of big wins, Goblins & Gemstones comes highly recommended. The production quality is excellent, the theme is charming and original, and the mathematics deliver genuine excitement. Just ensure your bankroll is appropriate for the volatility, and you'll find a thoroughly entertaining slot that stands amongst the best fantasy offerings available today.
Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Responsible Gambling Reminder
Gambling should always be approached as entertainment, not as a way to make money. The high volatility of Goblins & Gemstones means that losses can accumulate quickly, and winning sessions cannot be guaranteed regardless of strategy or stake level.
Always set deposit limits, time limits, and loss limits before playing. Never chase losses, and never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose. If you feel that gambling is becoming a problem, please seek help from organisations such as GamCare, BeGambleAware, or GamStop.
You must be 18 years or older to play Goblins & Gemstones or any other real-money online slot game in the United Kingdom.
