Chinese New Year has been catching plenty of attention, so we put it through its paces to see how it really holds up. Developed by Play'n GO, Chinese New Year arrives with a very high-variance maths model and 95.08% RTP. If everything lines up, Chinese New Year can pay up to 6,250x your bet. Visually it's leaning into an asian aesthetic, with the action running on 20 paylines across 5 reels. Originally released in 2019, it has aged well. Let's break down what works and what doesn't.
Written by James Holloway · Last updated: February 2026
Chinese New Year comes to us from Play'n GO, built around an asian theme. It runs on a 5-reel grid running 20 paylines with very high variance, and a published RTP of 95.08%.
The mechanics are what make Chinese New Year interesting. Look out for scatter symbols that unlock free spins and extra bonus rounds. The very high volatility means patience is rewarded — expect quiet spells broken by bigger hits. On balance, Chinese New Year is a dependable option worth a few spins in the demo first.
At 95.08%, the RTP is slightly below the industry average of ~96%. While this is typical for many popular slots, players should be aware of the slightly lower theoretical return.
Very high volatility delivers the most extreme payout profile — long dry spells punctuated by potentially massive wins. Only recommended for experienced players with substantial bankrolls and high risk tolerance.
About 1 in 3 spins results in a win. This is a moderate hit frequency that balances win frequency with payout size.
Chinese New Year 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
Chinese New Year by Play'n GO is a solid offering that delivers good entertainment value. The 95.08% RTP combined with very high volatility creates a well-balanced gaming experience.