Before you load The Reel Steal for real, spend a couple of minutes on how it genuinely performs. Built by NetEnt, it lands as a title with very high variance and 95.71% RTP. It's given an engaging visual treatment and plays out on 15 paylines across 5 reels. It first went live in 2019 and still earns its place today. If everything lines up, The Reel Steal can pay up to 5,000x your bet. Here's how it stacks up.
Written by Michael Torres · Last updated: February 2026
At its core, The Reel Steal is a game produced by NetEnt, wrapped in polished, characterful visuals. It runs on 15 paylines across 5 reels with a very high-variance maths model, and a published RTP of 95.71%.
The mechanics are what make The Reel Steal interesting. Look out for scatter symbols that unlock free spins and extra bonus rounds. With very high variance, this one is aimed at players who can ride out the swings for the top wins. Overall it's a well-rounded game that knows what it is.
At 95.71%, 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.
The Reel Steal 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
The Reel Steal by NetEnt is a solid offering that delivers good entertainment value. The 95.71% RTP combined with very high volatility creates a well-balanced gaming experience.