Our review of Secrets of the Desert cuts through the marketing and looks at what matters: how it plays and how it pays. Developed by GMW, Secrets of the Desert arrives with low volatility and a return-to-player rate of 95.1%. If everything lines up, Secrets of the Desert can pay up to 625x your bet. Originally released in 2018, it has aged well. Visually it's given an engaging visual treatment, with the action running on 30 paylines across 5 reels. Here's how it stacks up.
Written by Sophie Williams · Last updated: February 2026
This title, Secrets of the Desert, is the work of GMW, wrapped in polished, characterful visuals and powered by a 5-reel grid running 30 paylines. The result is a low-variance maths model paired with 95.1% RTP.
Where Secrets of the Desert earns its keep is the feature set. Look out for scatter symbols that unlock free spins and extra bonus rounds. Thanks to its low variance, wins come often enough to suit casual, lower-risk play. Overall it's a well-rounded title that knows what it is.
At 95.1%, 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.
Low volatility means frequent small wins with less risk. This slot is ideal for players who prefer steady, consistent payouts and longer play sessions without dramatic bankroll swings.
About 1 in 3 spins results in a win. This is a moderate hit frequency that balances win frequency with payout size.
Secrets of the Desert 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
Secrets of the Desert by GMW is a solid offering that delivers good entertainment value. The 95.1% RTP combined with low volatility creates a well-balanced gaming experience.