The Lure of the Live Big Money Wheel

A big money wheel, a few bonus games and a wacky presenter hosting proceedings.

It’s a formula proving extremely popular with players online. The likes of Crazy Time, Funky Time and Adventures in Wonderland  – all big money wheels with bonus games are (by active player numbers) the most popular live games on the internet.

Crazy Time has logged over 20,000 active players at certain times. Funky Time is on track to exceed those numbers. While they remain so popular, we’re likely to see providers keep on rolling them out.

All the Big Money Wheels games available live online

Big Money Wheels are the biggest live game show category, and one that is sure to continue growing.

We’ll update this portfolio as new games are released so it continues to be a complete list.

How to Play Big Money Wheel Games

Writing a how-to on a big money wheel game always feels a bit like teaching a snake to lie down. There’s not a lot to these games. If you worked out how to switch on your computer, you’ll figure these games out after a few rounds.

The big wheel

They all revolve (pardon the pun) around a segmented big wheel. Choose your bet amount. Choose which segments to bet on. Watch the presenter spin the wheel and hope it comes to rest on your chosen segment for a fixed payout.

On the first big money wheel live games to make an appearance (notably Dreamcatcher) that was it.

On more recent releases bonus games have become an essential add on.

The bonus games

Included on most big wheels are segments that trigger a bonus game. If you’ve got a bet on that segment you’re in the game.

The bonus games can be quite spectacular in their complexity. From elaborate physical contraptions designed to produce random outcomes, to impressive animations generating RNG outcomes. But their role is always a simple one – generate a payout on the bonus game bet.

Nothing for the player to do here but watch the show, maybe appreciate how much effort went into developing the game (or perhaps not), and hope for a big payout.

The Crazy Time Cash Hunt bonus game …

Funky Time’s Disco Bonus Round is something else man …

Mr Monopoly walking the board picking up multipliers during the a Monopoly Live bonus game…

What’s the Appeal of Big Money Wheels?

One thing’s for sure. It’s not financial.

Arguably the most popular big money wheel live game show at the moment is Crazy Time. It comes with return to player rates for all bets sitting around the 95% mark.

Theoretical returns across all the other big wheels are likewise horrible.

There is of course the promise of big (although unlikely) payouts on some of the bonus games.

When Evolution launched Dreamcatcher back in 2017, they were by their own admission surprised with how well it was received. It is the game now credited with giving birth to the game show category. I suspect this surprise was once again felt when Crazy Time went so ballistic.

Best Bets on Big Wheels

If you’re looking for gambling value, best look elsewhere (like live blackjack, live baccarat or live video poker).

But if big wheels are your thing, here are the best big wheel bets out there in terms of RTP. The BBB RTP if you like…

1. Travel Fever by OnAir: 97.83%
2. Spin A Win by Playtech: 97.22%
3. Majestic Wheel Show by OnAir 20 96.82%