Gates of Olympus-style pokies are built around one thing: random multiplier symbols that can land during a tumble sequence and boost the result. The original is an online slot from Pragmatic Play, released in early 2021, and it is known for being highly volatile. If you understand how the multipliers are added up, you’ll understand why these games swing so much.
The original game in brief
Pragmatic Play launched Gates of Olympus in February 2021. Trade press at the time described it as a highly volatile slot with a “pay anywhere” system paying on eight or more matching symbols, tumbling wins, and multiplier symbols worth from 2x up to 500x. Four or more scatters start a round of 15 free spins. Since then Pragmatic has released sequels and special editions, so check exactly which version you’re looking at.
Mechanics step by step
- Spin the grid. Symbols land on a six-column, five-row grid (trade press sometimes writes it as 5x6).
- Count clusters. Eight or more matching symbols anywhere on the grid make a win. There are no paylines to pick.
- Tumble. Winning symbols are removed, the rest drop, and new symbols fill the gaps. This repeats while new wins keep forming.
- Apply multipliers. If multiplier symbols land during a winning sequence, their values are added together and applied to the win for that sequence.
- Free spins. During the bonus, multipliers that land are collected into a running total for the round, which is where the largest outcomes come from.
The important detail is that a multiplier only matters if it lands on a sequence that already produces a win. Plenty of multipliers will appear on spins that pay nothing.
Why volatility is the headline
These games are designed so that most of the return is concentrated in uncommon events: a free spins trigger, followed by large multipliers landing on winning tumbles. The result is a game that can go a long time paying small amounts, or nothing, between notable hits.
| What you see | What it means for your session |
|---|---|
| “High volatility” in the info screen | Bigger swings; your balance can fall quickly |
| Large maximum win quoted | A theoretical cap, reached extremely rarely |
| Multipliers up to 500x | Rare top values; most multipliers are small |
| Retriggerable free spins | Extra spins are possible but not expected |
RTP is a long-run average over a very large number of spins. We don’t quote a percentage because providers commonly offer more than one RTP setting and the operator picks which to run. The game’s info screen should show the figure for that version. Our guide to how to play pokies explains where to find it.
Land-based versus online
Gates of Olympus is an online game. Casino floors run cabinets and game libraries from land-based manufacturers, and we haven’t verified any Gates of Olympus-style title at SkyCity Auckland. Game mixes change, so check on the floor if you want to see what’s there. Pub and club pokies in New Zealand also operate under tighter limits than casino machines; see pokies rules in New Zealand for the detail.
Online casino gambling for New Zealanders is moving to a licensed system under the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026. According to the Department of Internal Affairs, unlicensed operators must stop offering online casino gambling to New Zealand customers from 1 December 2026, and licensed operators will have to offer spending limits and won’t be allowed to provide autoplay. We don’t comment on whether any particular site holds a licence. Our online pokies New Zealand page has more context.
Keeping it in proportion
- Decide your budget for the session as money you’re comfortable losing, and don’t top it up.
- Pick a stake that gives you enough spins to enjoy the game without needing a big multiplier to “rescue” the session.
- Remember that seeing a 100x or 500x symbol on a non-winning spin isn’t a near miss. It is simply how the game is presented.
- Avoid optional feature buys unless you’ve read exactly what they cost and accept you can lose the full amount.
- Take regular breaks. If you’re spending more than planned, help is free through our responsible gambling resources and Gambling Helpline Aotearoa on 0800 654 655.