King Cashalot is a classic Microgaming progressive-jackpot slot — a medieval-themed game whose main draw is its network jackpot. This page sets out the plain facts: what it is, how it plays, its RTP, and how the jackpot works — without hype.
It is written to inform, not to promote. Nothing here recommends playing or depositing. Slots are games of chance built with a house edge, so over time they are designed to return less than is staked.
What It Is
King Cashalot is a video slot from Microgaming (now Games Global), released in 2008 and still popular as a classic. It runs on a 5-reel, 3-row grid with 9 paylines and uses a humorous medieval “King Arthur” theme — kings, queens, knights, a jester and royal banquet feasts, drawn in a cartoon style. It’s one of a family of long-running Microgaming progressives.
It sits alongside its sibling Microgaming progressives — such as Major Millions, LotsaLoot and Mega Moolah — which share the same vintage, jackpot-first design.
How It Plays
Set your bet and spin; wins pay for matching symbols across the active lines from the left, while the jester scatter pays anywhere. It’s a simple game with one interactive bonus and a growing progressive jackpot as the headline.
RTP, Jackpot and Max Win
Two points matter most here. First, the RTP is low — around 90–91%, below the industry average of roughly 96%. That’s typical for older progressive slots, because part of every bet is diverted to fund the jackpot pool rather than returned through normal play — so the everyday cost of playing is higher than on a standard slot. Our guide to RTP explained covers why that matters.
Second, and just as important: the progressive jackpot can only be won at the full $2.25 maximum bet (five coins on all nine lines), by landing five King wilds on payline 9. If you bet less, you are not eligible for the jackpot at all — even if those symbols appear. Away from the jackpot, the top win is 15,000 coins for five Kings on a line. The game has a Treasure Bonus pick round (triggered by dragons on the three middle reels) but no free spins.
Playing From New Zealand
You’ll find King Cashalot at online casinos that carry Microgaming/Games Global titles and accept New Zealanders. Rather than naming specific sites, the important thing is to check the operator itself: the legal backdrop changed in 2026, when the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 created New Zealand’s first licensing system for online casinos, run by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). From 1 December 2026, only DIA-licensed operators may lawfully offer online casino games to New Zealanders. Our overview of online casino licensing in New Zealand explains how that works, and you can browse more titles via our casino games section.
Practical Notes (Not a Strategy)
No strategy changes a slot’s odds — every spin is independent and random, and the jackpot is never “due,” however long it’s been. A few honest, factual pointers specific to this game: the jackpot needs the max bet, so if you’re not comfortable betting $2.25 a spin you can’t realistically chase it; betting max doesn’t make the jackpot likely (it’s extremely rare), it just costs more per spin; the low ~90–91% RTP makes this a comparatively expensive slot over time; try the demo/free-play mode first; and set a firm time and money limit before you start. Our casino bonuses guide explains the wagering fine print.
Staying in Control: Responsible Play in Aotearoa
A large, ever-climbing jackpot on a simple, fast game — combined with a “you must bet max to qualify” rule — is a design that can push people toward higher bets on a below-average-RTP slot. Treat any slot as paid entertainment only — never as a way to make money or recover losses, and never bet more than you’re comfortable with just to “qualify.” Regulated operators must provide control tools such as deposit limits, reality checks and self-exclusion. Our guide to self-exclusion tools explains how they work.
Free, confidential help is available in New Zealand at any time — you do not need to be in crisis to use it.
Factual information disclaimer
This article is provided for general information only. It describes the features and publicly reported facts of the King Cashalot slot; it does not encourage gambling, does not recommend playing this game or depositing with any operator, and is not legal, financial or professional advice.
Gambling involves financial risk and can be harmful. RTP figures are long-run averages, not a promise of returns, and the progressive jackpot is a rare outcome requiring the maximum bet. Game details, RTP and availability can vary by casino and change over time — always check the in-game information before playing.
If gambling is affecting you or someone you know, free and confidential support is available: the Gambling Helpline Aotearoa on 0800 654 655 or at gamblinghelpline.co.nz, and the New Zealand regulator, the Department of Internal Affairs, at dia.govt.nz.
What is the RTP of King Cashalot?
Around 90–91%, which is below the industry average of roughly 96%. That’s typical for older progressive slots, since part of every bet funds the jackpot rather than being returned through normal play.
Can I win the jackpot on any bet?
No. The progressive jackpot can only be won at the full $2.25 maximum bet (five coins on all nine lines), with five King wilds on payline 9. A smaller bet is never eligible, even if those symbols land.
Does King Cashalot have free spins?
No. It has a Treasure Bonus pick round (triggered by dragons on the three middle reels) and a jester scatter that pays anywhere, but there are no free spins.
What’s the biggest win outside the jackpot?
15,000 coins, for five King wild symbols on an active payline. The progressive jackpot is separate and much larger, but requires the maximum bet.
Where can I get help if gambling becomes a problem?
Free, confidential support is available in New Zealand through the Gambling Helpline Aotearoa on 0800 654 655. Support is available at any time, and you do not need to be in crisis to reach out.
