The Handsome Bandit

How to place your first bet on the Handsome Bandit

Betting on an online slot is usually simple, and that remains the case in this SpinOn game. If you look to the right of the reels, the base bet is set at €1 per spin. Above and below this, there are (+) and (–) buttons in the shape of arrows. Clicking on them allows you to change the bet value. You can drop it as low as €0.20 per spin and increase it to a maximum of €5 per spin.

Choose a bet that is suitable for you and your bankroll. If not, you might get a nasty surprise from the bandits of the Wild West. Then, whenever you’re ready, you can click on the circular arrow around your selected stake. This spins the slot’s five reels and produces a result. With 243 ways to win across that layout, you create wins by spinning identical symbols into view on adjacent reels. The combination needs to begin on reel one and feature at least three matching symbols.

I always recommend trying the free demo first. This is so you can spin the reels and get to grips with the gameplay without spending any real money.

My first moments playing this slot 

In truth, the theme of this slot isn’t something I would usually go for. Even so, when I loaded the Handsome Bandit up, I was instantly impressed. In my mind, the graphics utilized by the developer are so impactful.

I was also struck by how well-designed the game is, with all of its function buttons running down the right-hand side. The rest of the game screen is kept tidy, meaning you can focus all your attention on the five reels—and, of course, on the cowboy watching on from the left. He looks ready to whip out his firearm and aim it directly at you!

Sensational imagery builds the atmosphere

When thinking of Wild West slots, I imagine dusty roads, wooden buildings, animal bones used as decoration, and cowboys wandering around everywhere. The Handsome Bandit pretty much falls in line with that stereotype. Quality graphics from the developer help to build the scene and create the right atmosphere.

While the reels are still, you can hear the background sounds that you might expect from a Wild West town. As you spin those reels, a droning, almost sombre soundtrack kicks into action. This is fine for two or three spins, but it does become a little depressing after a while. It does fit in with the gruesome, cold-hearted nature of the Wild West, I guess! 

A storyline for success

As you find yourself wandering through the dusty road of this western town, there is something that makes you tread carefully. Perhaps it’s the cowboy standing to the side, watching as you go past. Maybe it’s the way that the rest of the area is silent as you continue your journey. The bandit may be handsome, but it’s not enough to keep you waiting around—he’ll likely steal all of your wares!

Doubtless, the theme and story built into this game helps to contribute to its success. Several other online slots feature a similar theme. If you’d like to experience some of the best in this genre, I can recommend Wanted: Dead or a Wild from Hacksaw Gaming, Bounty Raid by Red Tiger and Badge Blitz released by Pragmatic Play.

Let’s talk about the bonus games you’ll find

When I spun the reels of the Handsome Bandit, the first spin produced two wild symbols, represented by the cowboy. This allowed me to achieve a good four-symbol win to kick-start my experience.

The bonus scatter symbol is represented by the sheriff’s badge, and it takes three or more of these to trigger The Bandit’s Wild Ride free spins round. You receive up to 20 free spins, with Sticky Wild Multipliers also being active throughout. Once it triggers, a wheel determines the number of free spins you receive.

When I gained access to the round, for example, I was awarded 15 free spins from the wheel. During the round, all wilds that land become sticky, remaining in position for the rest of the feature. If two or three wilds land on a single reel, they become 2x or 3x multiplier wilds, respectively.

How did my free spins experience go? Well, I came away with a payout of around €270 from a bet of €5 per spin, so I’d say it was quite successful! It’s also extra exciting because as free spins play out, the reels are dragged along by a train, and the cowboy chases after them on horseback, as though it was from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid!

Some technical considerations about the Handsome Bandit

In The Handsome Bandit, you can win up to 50,000x your stake, for example. That’s a monumental maximum win, which holds plenty of appeal, right? Keep in mind that the slot is a medium to high-volatility game, though.

Further to this, a return to player (RTP) rate of 96% is attributed to the slot release. That’s exactly on the cusp of what is considered average for online video slots. RTP highlights the amount you can expect to win back from a slot over an extended timeframe. Consider all these factors before you choose your bet.

Why do I think the Handsome Bandit stands out?

It is my considered opinion that the design of this Wild West online slot makes it stand out from the get-go. It’s appealing to me, and I don’t particularly care for this genre of slot game. Everything plays out smoothly, and the maximum win stands out, considering it’s so large.

I could do without the soundtrack being present throughout, but it is something you can mute. Plus, while the maximum wager is only €5, which may see some gamers decline to play, I don’t think it has a huge impact on its enjoyability. The Handsome Bandit is a nice addition to the Wild West slots genre from SpinOn. Worth a try next time you're looking through the best online casinos.