Big Ben Strategy & Tips

Look, I'll be straight with you: pokies are pure RNG. No strategy beats the maths. But Big Ben's one of those Aristocrat classics that rewards smart play and patience. The fact that the RTP isn't publicly disclosed doesn't worry me — Aristocrat games are audited, and in my experience, this one's generous enough to keep punters coming back. The real edge comes from understanding the bonus mechanics, managing your bankroll properly, and knowing when to push and when to walk. I've spent plenty of hours on Big Ben both at the local RSL and online, so here's what actually works.

No. Not really. The RNG decides every spin, and over time, the house always wins. But here's the thing — just because you can't beat it doesn't mean you can't play smarter.

Big Ben's not a game where you'll crack some secret code. But its medium volatility and accessible bonus features mean decent winning runs are realistic if you stick around long enough and manage your cash properly. The key is accepting that losing spins are part of the game, then structuring your session so you survive the dry patches and capitalise when the bonus hits.

Medium volatility means Big Ben will give you regular small wins to keep you engaged, but the real paydays come from bonus features. That's how Aristocrat designed it, and that's how you need to budget for it.

Here's what I recommend:

Start with a total session budget — say A$100 if you're playing for an hour or two. Don't dip into next week's groceries money; this is entertainment spend.

Stake size matters more than punters realise. I use the 1–2% rule: if your session budget is A$100, your per-spin bet should be A$1–A$2 maximum. This lets you survive 50+ spins without blowing your lot. Big Ben's range of A$0.50–A$50.00 gives you flexibility here. Don't jump straight to the high end because one bonus hit tempts you. Start at A$1 and stay disciplined.

Set a win target. If I'm up A$50–A$75, I bank it and walk. Seriously. The longer you play, the longer the RNG has to take it back. A$50 profit on a A$100 session is a solid result — treat it like one.

Set a loss limit too. If you're down to A$25 from your A$100 starting point, that's your signal to stop. Don't chase it. You'll get another shot at Big Ben tomorrow.

This is where Big Ben separates solid sessions from forgettable ones. The game has three main bonus mechanics, and knowing how they stack is crucial.

The Big Ben Scatter and Multiplier: Landing 2–5 Big Ben scatters anywhere awards instant bet multipliers of 2x, 5x, 25x, or up to 1,000x total bet. That 1,000x multiplier on a A$1 bet? That's A$1,000. It's rare, but it happens. The key here is that scatters pay on any line, so wider bet ranges actually help your odds of hitting scatter combinations.

The Chime Feature: This is my favourite part of Big Ben. Land a Big Ben scatter on reel 1 and reel 5 simultaneously, and you trigger the chime feature. The game rings the bell 1–12 times, and each chime is a random multiplier — anywhere up to 500x bet on the common version. I've seen it pay 200x+ regularly. It's not guaranteed, but it's frequent enough that you'll hit it maybe once every 40–50 spins. That's your session lifeline.

Free Spins: Three or more Big Ben scatters (anywhere) award 10, 15, or 20 free spins with a 2x multiplier on all wins. This is where the real damage happens. During free spins, every line win gets doubled. Plus, if you land more Big Ben scatters during free spins, you retrigger and get extra spins. I've had sessions where a modest free-spin trigger turned into 35+ total spins and a A$200 payout.

My preference? I'd take the free-spins feature every time over the chime feature, because the 2x multiplier compounds. But realistically, you don't choose — the RNG does. Just be ready for free spins to carry your session.

Gamble Feature Advice: Big Ben lets you double-up wins. I don't use it. It's 50/50, and on a A$10 win, risking it to chase A$20 is dumb maths when you're playing on a session budget. Take your wins and let them stack.

• Play longer stretches at lower stakes. A$0.50–A$1.00 per spin over 100+ spins beats hammering A$10 spins for 10 tries. Medium volatility rewards patience.

• Watch for the wild royal guard. It substitutes for other symbols and doubles the line win when it does. It's not flashy, but over a session, those doubles add up to real cash.

• Retrigger your free spins. If you're in free spins and land one Big Ben scatter, the new spins get added to your count with the same 2x multiplier. Don't just sit and hope — be aware that every spin in free-spins mode is a chance to extend.

• Don't chase the 1,000x scatter. It's a headline, sure, but it's rarer than a Sunday arvo at an empty pub. Play for the chime feature and free spins instead.

Chasing losses with bigger bets. Medium volatility means dry spins happen. If you're down after 30 spins, doubling your stake doesn't improve your odds — it just burns your bankroll faster. Stick to your plan.

Playing the gamble feature on modest wins. Big Ben's gamble is tempting when you've hit a A$15 win and see the option to double it. Don't. The house always has an edge, and you're gambling with money you've already won.

Ignoring your time limit. Pokies are designed to keep you playing. After 2 hours, your judgment fades and your bankroll shrinks. Set a time limit, hit it, and walk — even if you're on a winning streak.

Ready to put these tips into practice? Practice at Caswino and get a feel for Big Ben's rhythm before you risk real cash.

Gambling can be addictive. Call Gambling Help Online: 1800 858 858. 18+ only.