If you're trying to work out whether Cheeky Emperor is worth your time, this hands-on review breaks it down. Pragmatic Play are the studio behind it, tuning the game for high variance, with an RTP of 96.24%. Visually it's finished with a clean, modern look, with the action running on 25 paylines across 5 reels. If everything lines up, Cheeky Emperor can pay up to 5,000x your bet. But is it actually worth playing? Read on.
Written by James Holloway · Last updated: January 2026
This release, Cheeky Emperor, is the work of Pragmatic Play, finished with a clean, modern look. It runs on 25 paylines across 5 reels with a high-variance maths model, and a published RTP of 96.24%.
The mechanics are what make Cheeky Emperor interesting. Look out for scatter symbols that unlock free spins and extra bonus rounds. The high volatility means patience is rewarded — expect quiet spells broken by bigger hits. Overall it's a well-rounded release that knows what it is.
The RTP of 96.24% is right around the industry average of ~96%. This represents a fair return that's in line with what most modern slots offer.
High volatility means longer gaps between wins, but when wins do land, they can be significantly larger. A bigger bankroll and patience are recommended for this type of slot.
About 1 in 3 spins results in a win. This is a moderate hit frequency that balances win frequency with payout size.
Cheeky Emperor features scatter symbols that can trigger free spins rounds. Landing the required number of scatter symbols anywhere on the reels activates the free spins feature, giving you extra chances to win without additional bets. During free spins, special modifiers may apply to boost your winning potential.
3.0 / 5 — Good
Cheeky Emperor by Pragmatic Play is a solid offering that delivers good entertainment value. The 96.24% RTP combined with high volatility creates a well-balanced gaming experience.