Hugo Carts is a high volatility slot by NetEnt with an RTP of 94.24% and a maximum win of 25000x. This game features 1024 paylines on a 5 x 4 grid . Play Hugo Carts for free or at licensed casinos in the UK, Europe, Canada, and worldwide.
Hugo Carts
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RTP (Return To Player)LayoutPaylinesMax winVolatilityMin stakeMax Bet
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94.24%5 x 4102425000xHigh0.1 €100 €
Hugo Carts Slot | 25,000x Max Win | Free Demo & Review
Step into the nostalgic world of one of gaming's most beloved characters with Hugo Carts, a thrilling mining-themed slot from Play'n GO. Released in August 2021, this high-volatility adventure brings the famous Danish TV troll into the heart of a treacherous gold mine, complete with minecarts, multipliers, and massive win potential. Whether you remember Hugo from the iconic 1990s interactive television show or you're discovering this charming character for the first time, Hugo Carts delivers an entertaining gaming experience with the chance to win up to 25,000x your stake.
In this comprehensive review, we'll explore everything UK players need to know about Hugo Carts, from its unique character-based bonus features to its impressive maximum payout potential. We'll break down the RTP settings, volatility levels, and all the exciting bonus mechanics that make this slot stand out in Play'n GO's extensive portfolio.
Key Statistics at a Glance
| Software Provider | Play'n GO |
| Release Date | 26th August 2021 |
| RTP | 96.23% (default) |
| Volatility | High (8/10) |
| Max Win | 25,000x stake |
| Min Bet | £0.10 |
| Max Bet | £100 |
| Reels x Rows | 5 x 4 |
| Paylines | 1,024 Ways to Win |
Game Overview: Theme, Graphics & Sound
Hugo Carts takes players deep underground into a dangerous gold mine where the lovable troll Hugo and his companions hunt for treasure. The game builds upon the rich legacy of the Hugo franchise, which originated as a groundbreaking Danish interactive television show in 1990. Created by Interactive Television Entertainment (ITE), the original Hugo show allowed viewers to control the on-screen troll character using their telephones, making it one of the earliest examples of interactive gaming broadcast on television. The show eventually aired in more than 40 countries, cementing Hugo's place as a beloved international gaming icon.
Visual Design and Atmosphere
Play'n GO has crafted a visually appealing slot that captures the essence of an underground mining adventure. The game grid sits atop a rickety mine railway, with the dark, torch-lit tunnels of the mine stretching into the background. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the design, from the wooden support beams to the glinting gold nuggets scattered throughout the scene.
The character animations are particularly noteworthy. When the reels are idle, Hugo himself occasionally peeks out from the side of the screen and gives players a cheerful wave, maintaining the friendly personality that made him so popular in his television appearances. The three main characters - Hugo, Hugolina, and the villainous Scylla - are all rendered in Play'n GO's signature cartoonish style, making them instantly recognisable and adding personality to the gameplay.
Sound Design
The audio experience in Hugo Carts perfectly complements the mining theme. A lively, adventure-themed soundtrack plays throughout the base game, creating a sense of excitement and anticipation. When bonus features trigger, the music intensifies appropriately, building tension as the potential for big wins increases. Sound effects accompany winning combinations with satisfying audio cues, while the character features are announced with distinct sounds that help players immediately recognise which bonus has been activated.
How to Play Hugo Carts
Hugo Carts utilises the popular 1,024 ways to win mechanic, which means winning combinations are formed by landing matching symbols on adjacent reels from left to right, regardless of their vertical position. This system eliminates traditional paylines and provides more opportunities to create winning combinations on every spin.
Setting Your Stake
Before spinning the reels, UK players need to set their preferred stake level. Hugo Carts offers a flexible betting range that caters to all types of players:
- Minimum Bet: £0.10 per spin
- Maximum Bet: £100 per spin
To adjust your stake, use the plus and minus buttons located near the spin button. The game offers various stake increments between the minimum and maximum, allowing you to find the perfect betting level for your bankroll. We recommend starting at lower stakes while you familiarise yourself with the game's features, then adjusting your bet as you become more comfortable with the gameplay mechanics.
Game Controls
The Hugo Carts interface features all the standard controls you'd expect from a modern online slot:
- Spin Button: Initiates a single spin at your current stake
- Autoplay: Allows you to set a predetermined number of automatic spins with optional loss limits and win limits
- Turbo Mode: Speeds up the reel animations for faster gameplay
- Sound Toggle: Enables or disables game audio
- Information/Paytable: Displays all symbol values, paylines, and feature explanations
Understanding Wins
With 1,024 ways to win, you need to land three or more matching symbols on consecutive reels starting from the leftmost reel. The more matching symbols you land, the higher your payout. Multiple winning combinations can occur simultaneously on a single spin, and all wins are added together before being credited to your balance.
Paytable & Symbols
Hugo Carts features a well-balanced symbol hierarchy with low-paying card royals, medium-paying mining equipment, and high-paying themed symbols. Understanding the paytable is essential for knowing which combinations to hope for when the reels are spinning.
Low-Paying Symbols
The lower-value symbols in Hugo Carts are represented by card royals from 10 through to Ace. These symbols appear frequently and provide smaller, more regular wins to help sustain your bankroll during extended playing sessions:
- 10: Pays 0.5x your stake for 5 of a kind
- J (Jack): Pays 0.6x your stake for 5 of a kind
- Q (Queen): Pays 0.7x your stake for 5 of a kind
- K (King): Pays 0.8x your stake for 5 of a kind
- A (Ace): Pays 1.5x your stake for 5 of a kind
Medium-Paying Symbols
The medium-value symbols are themed around mining equipment, fitting perfectly with the underground treasure hunt narrative:
- Spade/Shovel: Pays 1.5x your stake for 5 of a kind
- Pickaxe: Pays 1.5x your stake for 5 of a kind
- Lantern/Lamp: Pays 2x your stake for 5 of a kind
High-Paying Symbols
The premium symbols offer the most substantial base game payouts:
- Hard Hat/Helmet: Pays 3x your stake for 5 of a kind
- Wild Symbol (Gold Nugget Bag): Pays 10x your stake for 5 of a kind
Special Symbols
Wild Symbol: The Wild is represented by a bag overflowing with gold nuggets. It substitutes for all regular paying symbols to help create winning combinations but does not replace the Scatter symbol or the character symbols. As the highest-paying symbol in the game, landing five Wilds across the reels awards 10x your stake, and this can be significantly boosted when multipliers are in play.
Scatter Symbol: The Dynamite serves as the game's Scatter symbol. Landing three or more Dynamite symbols anywhere on the reels triggers the Free Spins bonus round. The number of Free Spins awarded depends on how many Scatters you land.
Character Symbols: Hugo, Hugolina, and Scylla each have their own special symbol that can appear on specific reels, triggering unique bonus features when they land.
Bonus Features Explained
Hugo Carts truly shines through its innovative bonus feature system. The game incorporates multiple character-based mechanics that can dramatically increase your winning potential during both the base game and the Free Spins round.
Character Respin Features
The heart of Hugo Carts' gameplay lies in its three character features. Each character is assigned to a specific reel and triggers their unique modifier when they land:
Hugolina Feature (Reel 2)
Hugolina, Hugo's love interest, can only appear on reel 2. When she lands, she triggers a respin and sprinkles between 2 to 5 multiplier symbols across the reels. These multipliers can be worth up to 10x each, and any winning combinations that pass through positions containing multipliers will have their payouts boosted accordingly. If multiple multipliers appear on a single winning line, they multiply together, creating the potential for substantial payouts even from relatively modest symbol combinations.
Hugo Feature (Reel 3)
The titular character Hugo can only appear on reel 3. When Hugo lands, he triggers a respin and randomly places between 2 to 5 Wild symbols (gold nugget bags) across the reels. These additional Wilds substitute for all paying symbols and can help complete multiple winning combinations simultaneously. The strategic placement of these Wilds can transform an otherwise losing spin into a significant winner.
Scylla Feature (Reel 4)
The villainous witch Scylla serves as the antagonist of the Hugo series and can only appear on reel 4. When Scylla lands, she triggers a respin and places between 5 to 9 Mystery symbols across the reels. Once the respin begins, all Mystery symbols transform into the same randomly selected paying symbol, potentially creating massive winning combinations across multiple paylines simultaneously.
Multiple Character Combinations
One of the most exciting aspects of Hugo Carts is that multiple characters can appear on the same spin. When this occurs, all their respective features activate during the respin, combining their effects. For example, if both Hugolina and Hugo appear simultaneously, you'll receive multipliers AND additional Wilds during the respin. When all three characters appear together, the combination of multipliers, Wilds, and Mystery symbols can lead to extraordinary payouts.
Don Croco Feature
Don Croco is a special character who can randomly appear during any base game spin. When Don Croco shows up, he throws two Dynamite Scatter symbols onto the reels. This means you only need to land one additional Scatter symbol naturally to trigger the Free Spins bonus round. The Don Croco feature adds an element of unpredictability to the base game and can help trigger the bonus round more frequently than you might otherwise experience.
Free Spins Bonus Round
The Free Spins bonus round is where Hugo Carts' maximum win potential truly comes into play. The feature is triggered by landing three or more Dynamite Scatter symbols anywhere on the reels:
- 3 Scatters: Awards 7 Free Spins
- 4 Scatters: Awards 9 Free Spins
- 5 Scatters: Awards 11 Free Spins
Character Selection
At the start of the Free Spins round, one of the three characters (Hugolina, Hugo, or Scylla) is randomly selected. Their unique modifier will apply to EVERY spin throughout the entire bonus round, not just when they land on the reels. This guaranteed modifier application makes the Free Spins significantly more valuable than base game spins.
Retrigger Mechanics
Landing three or more Scatter symbols during the Free Spins round triggers a retrigger, awarding additional spins. But here's where things get really exciting: each retrigger also activates an additional character's modifier. After the first retrigger, a second character joins the action, meaning their modifier ALSO applies to every remaining spin alongside the first character's effect.
If you manage to retrigger the feature a second time, the third and final character becomes active. At this point, all three modifiers - multipliers, Wilds, and Mystery symbols - apply to every single Free Spin. This triple-modifier scenario is the key to unlocking Hugo Carts' maximum win potential of 25,000x your stake.
RTP & Volatility Analysis
Understanding the Return to Player (RTP) and volatility of any slot is crucial for making informed decisions about your gaming experience. Hugo Carts offers variable RTP settings, which means different online casinos may offer different payout percentages.
RTP Settings
Play'n GO provides Hugo Carts with multiple RTP configurations:
- 96.23% - Default/Maximum RTP
- 94.24% - Common alternative setting
- 91.24% - Reduced RTP setting
- 87.19% - Lower RTP setting
- 84.18% - Minimum RTP setting
The default RTP of 96.23% is competitive within the online slots market and sits above the industry average of approximately 95-96%. However, it's essential for UK players to check which RTP version their chosen casino offers before playing. Reputable UK-licensed casinos typically display the RTP in the game information section, and we strongly recommend seeking out casinos that offer the maximum 96.23% RTP setting for the best long-term returns.
What RTP Means for Players
An RTP of 96.23% means that, theoretically, for every £100 wagered on Hugo Carts over an extended period, players can expect to receive approximately £96.23 back in winnings. However, it's important to understand that RTP is calculated over millions of spins and doesn't guarantee any specific outcome in the short term. Individual sessions can vary dramatically from the theoretical return.
Volatility Explained
Hugo Carts features high volatility, rated 8 out of 10 on Play'n GO's volatility scale. High volatility means:
- Less Frequent Wins: You'll experience longer periods between winning spins compared to low-volatility slots
- Larger Payouts: When wins do occur, they tend to be more substantial
- Bankroll Fluctuation: Your balance will experience more significant swings in both directions
- Patience Required: High-volatility slots often require more spins to reach bonus features
For UK players, this volatility level is ideal if you're comfortable with the possibility of extended losing streaks in exchange for the chance to land significant wins. Players who prefer more consistent, smaller wins may find Hugo Carts' volatility challenging. We recommend ensuring you have a sufficient bankroll to weather the variance and always set strict loss limits before playing.
Maximum Win Potential
Hugo Carts offers a maximum win potential of 25,000x your stake, which translates to impressive figures across the betting range:
- At minimum bet (£0.10): Maximum win of £2,500
- At £1 per spin: Maximum win of £25,000
- At £10 per spin: Maximum win of £250,000
- At maximum bet (£100): Maximum win of £2,500,000
How to Hit the Maximum Win
Reaching the 25,000x maximum win requires the perfect storm of bonus feature combinations. The most likely path to the top prize involves:
- Triggering the Free Spins bonus round
- Retriggering twice to activate all three character modifiers
- Landing multiple high-value symbol combinations boosted by Hugolina's multipliers
- Having Hugo's Wilds complete additional winning combinations
- Scylla's Mystery symbols transforming into premium symbols
Maximum Win Probability
Play'n GO has disclosed that the probability of hitting the 25,000x maximum win is approximately 1 in 1,000,000,000 (one billion) spins. This extremely low probability reflects the difficulty of achieving the perfect combination of features required to reach the cap. While this makes the maximum win exceptionally rare, it doesn't diminish the slot's entertainment value or the potential for substantial wins below the cap.
Realistic Win Expectations
While the 25,000x cap is theoretically achievable, most players will experience wins in the lower-to-middle range of the payout spectrum. The character features can deliver impressive multiplied wins even in the base game, and the Free Spins round with even a single character modifier active can produce wins in the hundreds or low thousands times your stake. These more attainable wins are what make Hugo Carts an engaging and potentially rewarding slot without relying on astronomical luck.
Mobile Compatibility
Hugo Carts is built using HTML5 technology, ensuring seamless compatibility across all devices and platforms. UK players can enjoy the full Hugo Carts experience on their preferred device without compromising on quality or features.
Desktop Experience
On desktop computers, Hugo Carts displays beautifully with crisp graphics and smooth animations. The larger screen real estate allows for an immersive gaming experience, with all game controls easily accessible around the main game window. The slot is compatible with all major web browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.
Mobile and Tablet Gaming
Play'n GO has optimised Hugo Carts for mobile play, and the game performs excellently on smartphones and tablets running iOS or Android operating systems. The interface automatically adjusts to fit smaller screens, with touch-friendly controls replacing mouse-based interactions. All features, bonus rounds, and animations work identically to the desktop version, ensuring you don't miss out on any functionality when playing on the go.
The game loads quickly on mobile devices with a stable internet connection, and the graphics scale appropriately to maintain visual quality across different screen sizes and resolutions. Whether you're playing on the latest flagship smartphone or an older device, Hugo Carts delivers a consistent and enjoyable mobile gaming experience.
No Download Required
Hugo Carts operates entirely within your web browser, eliminating the need to download any software or apps. Simply visit your chosen UK-licensed online casino, log in to your account, find Hugo Carts in the slot lobby, and start playing immediately. This browser-based approach also means the game always runs on the latest version, with any updates or improvements applied automatically by Play'n GO.
Where to Play Hugo Carts in the UK
Hugo Carts is available at numerous UK-licensed online casinos. When choosing where to play, consider the following factors to ensure the best possible gaming experience:
Important Considerations
- UKGC Licensing: Only play at casinos holding a valid UK Gambling Commission licence. This ensures the casino operates legally and adheres to strict regulatory standards for player protection.
- RTP Verification: Check which RTP version the casino offers. Look for casinos providing the maximum 96.23% RTP for optimal returns.
- Welcome Bonuses: Many UK casinos offer welcome bonuses that can be used on slot games. However, always read the terms and conditions, including wagering requirements and game contribution percentages.
- Payment Methods: Ensure the casino supports your preferred deposit and withdrawal methods, including popular UK options like PayPal, debit cards, and bank transfers.
- Customer Support: Choose casinos with responsive customer support available through live chat, email, or telephone.
Responsible Gambling
Before playing Hugo Carts or any online slot, it's essential to establish responsible gambling practices:
- Set a budget before you start playing and stick to it
- Use deposit limits offered by online casinos
- Take regular breaks from gambling
- Never chase losses
- Remember that gambling should be entertainment, not a way to make money
If you feel that gambling is becoming a problem, organisations like GamCare, BeGambleAware, and Gambling Therapy offer free, confidential support and advice to UK residents.
Verdict: Final Thoughts on Hugo Carts
Hugo Carts successfully combines nostalgic appeal with modern slot mechanics to create an engaging gaming experience. Play'n GO has done an excellent job of honouring the beloved Hugo franchise while delivering a feature-rich slot that can appeal to both fans of the original TV show and newcomers discovering the character for the first time.
Strengths
- Innovative Feature System: The three-character modifier system provides variety and excitement, with each character offering a distinctly different bonus effect
- Stacking Modifiers: The ability to combine all three character features during Free Spins creates genuinely exciting win potential
- Strong Theme Execution: The mining adventure theme is well-executed with quality graphics and appropriate sound design
- Solid Maximum Win: The 25,000x cap provides meaningful upside for players seeking big wins
- Flexible Betting Range: Stakes from £0.10 to £100 accommodate all bankroll sizes
Considerations
- High Volatility: The 8/10 volatility rating means this slot isn't suitable for players who prefer consistent, smaller wins
- Variable RTP: The multiple RTP settings mean players need to verify which version their casino offers
- Maximum Win Rarity: The 1 in 1 billion odds of hitting the maximum win means it's essentially theoretical for most players
Who Should Play Hugo Carts?
Hugo Carts is ideal for UK players who enjoy high-volatility slots with innovative bonus mechanics. If you appreciate games where multiple features can combine for potentially massive wins, and you have the bankroll and patience to handle the variance, Hugo Carts delivers an entertaining experience. Fans of the Hugo franchise will particularly appreciate the faithful representation of the characters and the mine-cart theme that pays homage to the original games.
Players who prefer lower-volatility slots with more frequent wins, or those who prioritise extremely high RTP values, may want to explore other options in Play'n GO's portfolio. However, for those seeking adventure, nostalgia, and the thrill of chasing substantial multiplied wins, Hugo Carts is well worth a spin.
Overall Rating
Hugo Carts earns a solid recommendation for UK slot enthusiasts. The combination of beloved characters, innovative stacking modifiers, and impressive maximum win potential make it a standout title in the crowded online slots market. Just remember to verify the RTP setting at your chosen casino and always gamble responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RTP of Hugo Carts?
Hugo Carts has a default RTP of 96.23%, which is above the industry average. However, Play'n GO offers this slot with multiple RTP configurations, including 94.24%, 91.24%, 87.19%, and 84.18%. Different UK casinos may use different RTP settings, so it's important to check the game information at your chosen casino to verify which version they offer. We recommend seeking out casinos that provide the maximum 96.23% RTP for the best theoretical returns.
What is the maximum win in Hugo Carts?
The maximum win in Hugo Carts is 25,000x your total stake. At the maximum bet of £100, this translates to a potential win of £2,500,000. The maximum win can only be achieved during the Free Spins bonus round when all three character modifiers are active simultaneously, creating the perfect combination of multipliers, wilds, and mystery symbols. The probability of hitting this maximum win is approximately 1 in 1 billion spins.
How do the character features work in Hugo Carts?
Hugo Carts features three characters, each assigned to a specific reel with a unique modifier. Hugolina appears on reel 2 and adds 2-5 multipliers (up to 10x each) to the reels. Hugo appears on reel 3 and places 2-5 wild symbols randomly. Scylla appears on reel 4 and creates 5-9 mystery symbols that transform into the same paying symbol. When any character lands, they trigger a respin with their modifier active. Multiple characters can appear together, combining their effects for potentially massive wins.
How do you trigger Free Spins in Hugo Carts?
Free Spins are triggered by landing three or more Dynamite Scatter symbols anywhere on the reels. Landing 3 Scatters awards 7 Free Spins, 4 Scatters awards 9 Free Spins, and 5 Scatters awards 11 Free Spins. Additionally, the Don Croco feature can randomly appear during the base game to add two Dynamite symbols to the reels, making it easier to trigger the bonus round. During Free Spins, one character modifier is active on every spin, with additional characters activating through retriggering.
Is Hugo Carts available on mobile devices?
Yes, Hugo Carts is fully optimised for mobile play. The game is built using HTML5 technology, meaning it works seamlessly across all devices including desktop computers, smartphones, and tablets. UK players can enjoy the complete Hugo Carts experience on iOS and Android devices through their mobile browser without downloading any apps. All features, animations, and bonus rounds function identically to the desktop version.
Who is Hugo and why is he in a slot game?
Hugo is a beloved character from a Danish interactive television show called "Skærmtrolden Hugo" (Hugo the Screen-Troll) that first aired in 1990. Created by Interactive Television Entertainment (ITE), the show allowed viewers to control Hugo using their telephones as he navigated through a dangerous gold mine seeking treasure. The show aired in over 40 countries and Hugo became an international gaming icon. Play'n GO has released several Hugo-themed slots, with Hugo Carts being part of this popular series that brings the nostalgic character to online casino gaming.
What is the volatility of Hugo Carts?
Hugo Carts has high volatility, rated 8 out of 10 on Play'n GO's volatility scale. This means the game produces less frequent wins compared to low-volatility slots, but the wins that do occur tend to be larger. High volatility requires patience and a sufficient bankroll to weather potential losing streaks. The variance makes Hugo Carts better suited to players who enjoy the excitement of chasing bigger wins rather than those who prefer smaller, more consistent payouts.
