Gladiator slot guide

Gladiator Jackpot is based on the original Gladiator slot created by Playtech but with an added jackpot attraction. Based on the famous 2000 film starring Russell Crowe, it includes a number of Roman-themed features. It also offers a Jackpot Bonus, giving the chance of a huge payout.

By Adiela de Bruyn - Last modified 2025/10/30 - Estimated reading time: 4 minutes.

Table of contents

Gladiator slot guide
Basics icon

Basics

The symbols used in the game are a mixture of standard card values and photos of the main characters from the film, and when you line up a number of characters, the slot will play a short extract from the film. The layout is clear and elegant, and the sparse, largely black background works well in helping the symbols and images to stand out.

The Gladiator Jackpot has 5 reels and 25 paylines and can be played for a range of stakes from as little as R4.75 up to R23740 a spin. As well as the progressive jackpot, it is also possible to win a 1,000 coin payout if you line up five Lucilla, Empress of Rome symbols and a 5,000 coin reward for finding five symbols of the Emperor Commodus.

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Bonus Features

This slot offers two main bonus features. The first is the Coliseum Bonus, which is triggered when you get three Coliseum scatter symbols, and consists of an interesting and unique game. The game is played by clicking on Start and players need to pick one stone from each of four rows. The first stone determines your free spin allocation and the second decides your multiplier value, while the last two reveal which Extra Scatter and Extra Wild symbols will apply during the free spins.

Once the game has started, you should also look out for an Emperor symbol on the middle reel. If this comes up, you will earn another three free spins. In total, the Coliseum Bonus offers the chance for players to pick up twenty-four free spins with a 3x multiplier. If you also find an extra scatter symbol and an extra wild symbol, you can land a big payout.

Gladiator Slot

Playing the Gladiator slot.

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Gladiator Jackpot

The other important bonus feature, and undoubtedly the main event with this game is the Gladiator Jackpot Bonus. This is triggered when you line up three Gladiator Helmet wild symbols on the first, second and third reels. One nice touch is that you can trigger the Jackpot Bonus in the main game and the Coliseum Bonus game, though you will only be able to win the big progressive jackpot if you trigger it during the main game.

The Gladiator Jackpot game is a Pick Me style feature in which you have nine picks to line up gladiator helmets in gold, silver or bronze. The colour of the helmets determines the level of your cash prize, and if you find nine golden helmets, you will scoop the jackpot!

As this is a progressive jackpot, which builds every time the game is played, it is possible to win some huge prizes. For instance in the space of two months in the autumn of 2013, one player won over R38 million and another landed a R10.2 million prize.

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Conclusion

Gladiator Jackpot takes the Roman theme of the original Gladiator and gives it a boost with the possibility of winning a huge jackpot. The clean layout is appealing, the clips from the movie lend the play an authentic feel and the unique Coliseum bonus game is a real plus. Of all the movie-themed slots available today, Gladiator Jackpot rates as one of the best.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Gladiator Jackpot

Can I win real money playing Gladiator Jackpot?

Yes, Gladiator Jackpot is a real-money slot with both regular payouts and a progressive jackpot. You can win smaller amounts from base game spins or potentially trigger a big win through the bonus rounds. The progressive jackpot, although rare, has reached multi-million rand payouts in the past.

Is Gladiator Jackpot available on mobile?

Yes, you can play Gladiator Jackpot on most smartphones and tablets. I tested it on both Android and iPhone, and the gameplay stayed smooth. The visuals were sharp and the controls responsive, so there’s no drop in quality compared to desktop.

How does the Gladiator Jackpot Bonus work?

To trigger the Gladiator Jackpot Bonus, you need to land three Gladiator Helmet wild symbols on the second, third, and fourth reels. You’ll then enter a Pick-Me feature where you reveal nine helmets. If they’re all gold, you’ll win the progressive jackpot. Silver and bronze helmets offer smaller cash prizes.

What is the RTP of Gladiator Jackpot?

The Return to Player (RTP) for Gladiator Jackpot is 94.09%. That’s a bit below average compared to other online slots, so it may not suit players looking for high-return games. However, the progressive jackpot and bonus features can still make it worth a try.

Does Gladiator Jackpot offer free spins?

Yes. The Coliseum Bonus round awards free spins, which you earn by picking stones in a four-row grid. You can also unlock multipliers and extra wilds during this round. There's even a chance to get more spins if the Emperor symbol appears on the third reel during your free rounds.

Is Gladiator Jackpot fair and safe to play?

Absolutely. The game is developed by Playtech, a licensed and reputable software provider. It uses certified random number generators (RNGs), so every spin is fair. Just make sure you’re playing at a licensed online casino that follows responsible gaming practices.

Author and fact checker: Adiela de Bruyn

Expertise: Online casino reviews, player insights, and marketing strategies.

Experience: 10+ years. Former croupier and casino enthusiast.

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