Hold the Joker has been catching plenty of attention, so we put it through its paces to see how it really holds up. This is a Northern Lights Gaming slot game, sitting firmly in the a medium high volatility profile bracket and paying back an RTP of 96.06%. Top wins are capped at 15,000x your stake, a genuinely massive ceiling for the patient. It's built around a joker theme and plays out on a 5-reel grid running 40 paylines. Let's break down what works and what doesn't.
Written by Sophie Williams · Last updated: March 2026
This game, Hold the Joker, is the work of Northern Lights Gaming, leaning into a joker aesthetic and powered by 40 paylines across 5 reels. The result is medium high volatility paired with an RTP of 96.06%.
The mechanics are what make Hold the Joker interesting. Look out for scatter symbols that unlock free spins and extra bonus rounds. Its medium high variance balances steady wins with the odd larger payout. All told, it's a solid entry in the Northern Lights Gaming catalogue.
The RTP of 96.06% is right around the industry average of ~96%. This represents a fair return that's in line with what most modern slots offer.
Medium-high volatility means wins come less frequently but tend to be larger when they hit. Players should be prepared for dry spells between bigger wins, requiring a moderate bankroll.
About 1 in 3 spins results in a win. This is a moderate hit frequency that balances win frequency with payout size.
Hold the Joker 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
Hold the Joker by Northern Lights Gaming is a solid offering that delivers good entertainment value. The 96.06% RTP combined with medium high volatility creates a well-balanced gaming experience.