Quick Stats
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Provider | Section 8 Studio |
| Game Type | Video Slot |
| RTP | 94.87% |
| Volatility | Low |
| Reels / Rows | 5 × 3 |
| Paylines | 25 Fixed |
| Min Bet | $0.25 |
| Max Bet | $250.00 |
| Max Win | 1,000x per line bet |
| Features | Wild, Scatter (Lava Rock), Free Spin Explosion, Raptor Clash Bonus, Combo Completor |
| Theme | Dinosaurs / Prehistoric Jungle |
| Release Date | Not published |
| Platform | Desktop & Mobile |
What Is Dawn of the Dinosaurs?
Dawn of the Dinosaurs is a jungle-set slot where the reels hang from vines against a dense prehistoric backdrop. Section 8 Studio — also known in some markets under the 888 Gaming umbrella — built this as a feature-heavy low-volatility title. That combination is deliberate: three separate bonus mechanics keep sessions moving even when the base game is quiet.
This game suits casual NZ players who want regular action without needing a big bankroll. It’s a 25-cent minimum, so $20 stretches a reasonable session at default stakes. High-volatility chasers after massive single-hit multipliers will find the maths model frustrating — the low variance means wins come more frequently but rarely in huge chunks. Think of it as a slow burn over a long session rather than a jackpot swing.
RTP and Volatility
The confirmed RTP is 94.87%, taken from the game’s own info panel. That’s below the industry average of around 96%, so over a long run, every $100 wagered returns approximately $94.87. In a 200-spin session at $0.25 per spin — a $50 total — the theoretical loss exposure sits around $2.60. Real sessions vary significantly from that number in either direction, but it sets your long-run baseline.
The game is classed as low volatility, meaning wins hit more often but pay smaller amounts. You’re unlikely to string together 30 dead spins in a row, but a single spin pushing 500x+ your total bet is equally unlikely in the base game. The bonus features are where the bigger payouts live.
Check the RTP before playing: 94.87% is the figure quoted directly in the game’s help panel. Some casino lobbies may show a different figure if the game has been configured with an alternate RTP tier — always check the in-game info screen at the specific casino you’re playing.
Betting Range
Bets run from $0.25 to $250 per spin. There are 25 fixed paylines, so your bet per line at the minimum is $0.01. Wins in the base game multiply by the bet per line, while bonus game wins multiply by the total bet — so the Raptor Clash pays out based on what you actually staked per spin, not just per line.
Start with a $0.25 or $0.50 spin until you’ve seen the Lava Rock collect mechanic in action. It builds across spins, so getting a feel for its frequency before scaling up makes sense.
How to Play Dawn of the Dinosaurs
- Set your bet. Use the – and + buttons in the BET area to select your total stake per spin. The minimum is $0.25; the maximum is $250.
- Check the paytable. Click the PAYTABLE button in the bottom-left corner before your first real-money spin. It shows symbol values (multiplied by bet per line), all bonus trigger conditions, and the collect mechanics.
- Start a spin. Click SPIN for a single round or AUTO for a preset sequence. Auto Play pauses automatically when either bonus game triggers.
- Watch the volcano meter. In the bottom-left corner of the reels, a small volcano tracks your collected Lava Rock symbols. These only appear on Reel 3. Once four are collected — across as many spins as it takes — the Free Spin Explosion fires automatically.
- Watch the T-Rex symbols. Some T-Rex symbols appear with an egg in their mouth. When this happens, the egg is collected and stored in the panel below the reels. When an egg-assisted combination is possible, the game drops the egg onto the reels to complete the sequence automatically.
- Trigger the Raptor Clash. Land three or more Bonus symbols (the set of dinosaur teeth) anywhere on the reels to enter the battle game.
- Collect your winnings. Base game wins pay automatically. No gamble feature is present in this title.
Try this: Open the paytable before your first spin and locate the four free spin options — knowing the multiplier tiers upfront helps you choose faster when the volcano erupts.
Symbols and Paytable
The symbol set is split into two tiers. Low-value symbols are fossil-carved playing card values (10, J, Q, K, A) cut from stone slabs with small dinosaur footprints. High-value symbols are dinosaur characters: a Velociraptor, a Triceratops, and the T-Rex as the top-paying symbol.
The T-Rex is the highest-paying icon, awarding 1,000 coins for five matching symbols on an active payline. At the $0.25 minimum bet ($0.01 per line), that’s $10. At the $250 maximum ($10 per line), that’s $10,000. The remaining dinosaur symbols pay progressively less, with card values at the bottom.
Two special symbols complete the set. The Wild (a large bird’s eye in most versions) substitutes for any symbol except the Lava Rock (scatter) and Bonus symbol — it does not pay on its own. The Lava Rock scatter appears only on Reel 3 and does not pay independently; its sole job is to fill the volcano meter. The Bonus symbol (dinosaur teeth) triggers the Raptor Clash when three or more land anywhere.
Note: The Wild does not substitute for T-Rex symbols in the Combo Completor mechanic — only collected eggs do.
Bonus Features
Free Spin Explosion
The Lava Rock scatter appears exclusively on Reel 3 and is added to the volcano meter each time it lands. Once four Lava Rocks have been collected — which can happen across multiple spins and even multiple sessions, as the meter persists — the Free Spin Explosion fires.
You choose from four options before the free spins begin:
- 30 free spins with no multiplier
- 15 free spins with a 2x multiplier
- 10 free spins with a 3x multiplier
- 5 free spins with a 6x multiplier
All free spin wins use the same bet per line as the triggering spin. You cannot win additional free spins during the round. The multiplier applies to every win during that round, so the 5×6x option can deliver punchy returns in a short burst if the reels cooperate. Additional free spins cannot be won during the feature.
The fact that the Lava Rock meter carries over between sessions is a genuine differentiator — you never lose partial progress on the feature trigger.
Raptor Clash Bonus Game
Land three or more Bonus symbols (the dinosaur teeth) anywhere on the reels to enter the Raptor Clash. You take control of the dinosaur on the left side of the screen and battle through up to three rounds of combat (some sources cite five rounds — the game panel specifies three rounds of prize accumulation).
Each round offers three attack button choices. Each attack plays out an action and awards a prize in the form of a multiplier. Crucially, all Raptor Clash wins are multiplied by your total bet, not just the bet per line — so a $1 total bet spinning up three multiplier rounds pays proportionally to that full dollar stake. The graphical health bar on screen does not reflect the prizes awarded; it’s purely cosmetic.
Every round awards something, so entering the bonus guarantees at least a partial payout regardless of battle outcome.
Combo Completor
This is the most passive of the three features, and it runs quietly in the background throughout the base game. When a T-Rex symbol lands with an egg visible in its mouth, that egg is automatically collected and stored in the panel below the reels.
When a potential winning combination of T-Rex symbols is almost complete — two on consecutive reels, for example — the stored egg drops back onto the reels to fill the gap and complete the combination. The egg can substitute for any missing symbol in a T-Rex run. You don’t need to do anything to trigger this; the game handles it automatically. It effectively acts as a secondary wild mechanic tied specifically to T-Rex combos.
Is Dawn of the Dinosaurs Worth Playing?
Pros:
- Three genuinely distinct bonus features — not just free spins under different names
- Lava Rock meter persists between sessions, so progress toward Free Spins is never lost
- Low minimum bet ($0.25) makes your bankroll last during slow base game stretches
- Free Spin Explosion offers a real multiplier choice — up to 6x on 5 spins
Cons:
- RTP of 94.87% is below the 96% industry average — your long-run cost per hour is higher than on most modern slots
- Volatility conflict across sources (some list High, others Low) — play a demo session first to gauge base game hit frequency
- Max win of 1,000x per line bet is capped and uncompetitive against newer titles offering 5,000x–10,000x total stake
- No progressive jackpot, despite some older listings claiming otherwise
Dawn of the Dinosaurs is a decent pick for NZ players who want a busy session on a modest budget. The persistent Lava Rock meter and three separate bonus features justify the lower RTP if you play at low stakes and treat the session as entertainment. Skip it if you’re chasing big single-hit wins — the maths model isn’t built for that.
Responsible Gambling
Dawn of the Dinosaurs uses a random number generator (RNG). Every spin is independent — past results have no bearing on future outcomes and no strategy can predict or influence them. Set a budget before you start, and treat any session time as a cost of entertainment. If gambling stops being fun, step away and reach out to a responsible gambling support service in your region.
Dawn of the Dinosaurs Slot Game Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RTP of Dawn of the Dinosaurs?
The Return to Player (RTP) for Dawn of the Dinosaurs is 94.8%. This means that, on average, for every $100 wagered, players can expect to receive $94.80 in winnings over the long term. Keep in mind, the RTP is theoretical and doesn’t guarantee short-term results.
How many paylines does Dawn of the Dinosaurs have?
Dawn of the Dinosaurs has 25 paylines. Wins are calculated by landing matching symbols on consecutive reels from left to right, offering many chances to score winning combinations.
What is the minimum and maximum bet in Dawn of the Dinosaurs?
The minimum bet is $0.25 per spin, and the maximum bet goes up to $250. This wide betting range makes it ideal for both casual players and high rollers.
Is there a Progressive Jackpot in Dawn of the Dinosaurs?
Yes, Dawn of the Dinosaurs offers a Progressive Jackpot. This means the jackpot grows with each spin until a lucky player wins it. The progressive element adds an exciting, potentially life-changing dimension to the game.
What is the maximum win in Dawn of the Dinosaurs?
The top win in Dawn of the Dinosaurs is 1000x your bet. For example, if you place the max bet of $250, you could potentially win $250,000 in a single spin!