Jewel Thief Slot Review – Play Demo, Payout, Free Spins & Bonuses

One of my favorite funny, engaging, and thrilling pokies by Microgaming is the Jewel Thief. Jewel Thief is a classic 3-reel pokie with 3 active lines. Meaning 3 active lines = more opportunities to find winning combination. As I said before, Jewel Thief is a very unique theme, and the quality of graphics and sound effects is top-notch, and the gameplay is very exciting.

Betting

As far as betting goes, you can wager a max of 3 coins on Jewel Thief. When you place a max bet you will activate all of the paylines. Therefore, i strongly suggest that you play Jewel Thief with a max bet to activate all of the possible paylines and therefore increase your chances of getting greater amounts of profit. If you were to place a bet of 1 coin you would only be able to activate the middle payline. If you placed a bet of 2 coins you would be able to activate both the middle and upper paylines. Additionally, there are six winning combinations in Jewel Thief and how many credits you win depends on how many coins you wager.

Screenshots

Symbols and lines

The symbols in Jewel Thief are unlike anything else I’ve seen. Of course, jewel thief has its traditional symbols such as “bar”, “safe dial,” and “diamond”. The “diamond” and “safe dial” are fairly common symbols. However, the “Jewel Thief logo” is a wild symbol. The wild symbol can take the place of any symbol to make a winning combination. If you manage to line up three “Jewel Thief logos” on the first payline you could win 1,500 credits. If you’re able to line up three “Jewel Thief logos” on the second payline (top payline) you’ll win 3,000 credits. If you’re lucky enough to line up three “Jewel Thief logos” on the third payline (bottom payline), you’ll win a massive 6,000 credits. A very large prize!

Expert/export mode

Another element to this pokie is expert/export mode. Export mode lets the player run the game in Auto play. Auto play allows the player to determine the amount of spins to run automatically while they relax and enjoy watching their credit totals grow. In addition, the player can use Auto play to tell the game when to stop running.

Classic crime meets reel innovation in Jewel Thief Slot Review

There’s something timelessly appealing about a good heist story. The tension. The Risk. The sparkle of pursuing something of immense value. Imagine being able to capture that thrill within a slot machine. That is exactly what the Jewel Thief delivers – although the experience can vary based upon which Version you are playing (depending on whether you are playing the Sigma Gaming video slot Version or the older school Microgaming Classic).

The slot title refers to at least two distinctly different versions: a bold video slot featuring rich features from Sigma Gaming, and a more basic, older style Classic slot from Microgaming. Although both versions follow the same crime caper theme, one (sigma) speaks softly, while the other (Microgaming) speaks loudly. Let us examine both versions to see which may ultimately capture your attention.

Caught between two reels: which Version is this?

As mentioned previously, slot titles are not always exclusive, and Jewel Thief is a perfect example of this naming overlap. At one end lies the video slot from Sigma Gaming – a modern animated short film – complete with bonus games, free spins, and visually stunning 3d graphics. On the other hand is the Classic 3-reel Version from Microgaming – offering an older, simpler design, reminiscent of Classic land-based slots.

While both versions offer excellent experiences for their respective audiences, if you want to know where your money is headed – whether you’re looking for complex mechanics or simply spinning for straightforward wins – it’s definitely worth learning more about what each game has to offer.

Story line & style

Let’s look at the Sigma Gaming version first since it feels more movie-like. The overall premise of this Version is centered around the Jewel heist theme.

Imagine being thrown right into an intense game of cat and mouse – where you are the ultimate Thief, trying to outsmart all the people working against you – like police officers. The visual elements such as flashing neon signs, speeding squad cars, and blaring siren sounds from each side help create the high-octane atmosphere of this city based thriller.

It’s all presented using 3d animation giving this game an energy and momentum that creates the illusion that something is happening while you play – especially when you enter bonus rounds.

On the other hand, let’s switch gears to the Microgaming version and now you’re sitting in a relatively quiet scene. Gone are the flashing lights and cityscape backdrop. Instead you’ve got simple reels, standard bar icons, safes and that mischievous thief logo serving as a wild icon. Cleaner, faster-paced and less concerned with wowing you with visual flair than its counterpart, this game has an older-school appeal that few can deny.

Symbols & what they represent

The sigma Version has a lot going on. Below are some key aspects of the game:

• Necklace (Scatter) – triggers free spins bonus round.
• Bravery Medal (wild) – can substitute for any symbol except Scatter.
• A combination of thief/police car – activates the bonus round hidden behind free spins.
• Other themed icons – policeman/woman/dog/handgun/handcuffs
• Payouts for this Version are in the mid-range; payouts tend to escalate quickly as features begin triggering.

On the other hand, Microgaming’s Version presents:

• 1-bar / 2-bar / 3-bar icons – Classic fruit machine substitutes.
  safe dial – moderate payout winner.
• Simple yet effective Jewel Thief Wild symbol – creates potential winning combinations across three lines.
• Simplistic is clearly the name of this game. No Scatter icons exist. No free spins exist. And certainly no bonus levels exist.

Worth getting excited over: bonus features

If you are one of those people who live for bonus rounds, then the Sigma Gaming version of Jewel Thief has two major goodies waiting for you:

Necklace free spins

Free spins triggered by landing three or more Necklace Scatter icons on the reels regardless of position. Depending on how many scatters landed players receive either ten (three scatters), fifteen (four scatters) or twenty-five (five scatters) free spins, in which they can potentially retrigger additional free spins creating a long chain of progression. During these free spins players may occasionally encounter the true loot…

Necklace bonus round

A pick-and-winner type of round, similar to many others in video slots. To access this round players must have a thief symbol appearing on reel 1 and a police car appearing on reel 5 during free spins to trigger it. After entering this round players select from various items which reveal coin values/multiplier awards that greatly enhance their overall win totals. It’s rewarding even if it rarely happens.

By way of comparison, Microgaming’s Jewel Thief does not have formally defined bonus features. There are no free spins. There are no pick rounds. Simply you and the reels. While that may seem limiting, there is an elegance to it, too. Clean. Efficient. Minimal confusion exists. Some people consider that a huge benefit.

RTP, Variance & Payouts

Now let’s get down to numbers

When we talk about how much money is paid back through RTP, the sigma version comes in at 95.14%, and when we look at variance – basically how long you have to wait to see some returns on your investment – this game falls into the medium category. Medium variance does mean you don’t have as long of a drought in terms of seeing returns, however it’s unlikely you’ll land anything close to a life changing jackpot.

Most players fall somewhere in the middle of those extremes, and therefore this slot fits nicely into most player’s budgets. We’ve heard that the Microgaming version probably sits around 94% rtp, although we could not verify exactly what that number is. With less paylines than the Sigma version and fewer special features, Microgaming’s version likely plays smoother, but the ceiling on the wins is likely smaller. If you’re looking to chase big jackpots, then the Sigma version would provide more rewards. However, if you’re looking for a low-risk, quick-play slot then the Microgaming version provides a similar type of experience.

Compatibility & playability

As mentioned earlier the sigma version uses Flash, JavaScript, HTML5, etc., making it more flexible and compatible with most newer mobile and desktop browsers. As for older mobile phone users who do not use Flash enabled apps and/or download versions, they will not be able to run the game from a mobile device.

On the other hand, the older Microgaming version is more dependent upon Flash. Although, older games are being converted to non-Flash versions and downloaded versions.

As far as autoplay options, both versions do offer this option. However, the sigma version allows you to view the animated movie sequence that plays during the autoplay mode.

Where Can You Play It?

The sigma version of Jewel Thief has been made available in over a dozen countries such as Sweden, Brazil, and Thailand. Due to licensing issues in places like New Jersey (USA), it is possible that players in these locations will not be able to access this game.

Due to the fact that the Microgaming version of Jewel Thief has existed longer, it has been distributed more widely throughout many popular online casinos. It is common to find it under “classic games” or similar titles.

Players interested in testing a free demo prior to betting real money can visit several websites that make demo versions of each of these games available. These include slot catalogue and slots mate, among others.

Who is this slot best suited for? Let’s get serious

If you enjoy playing slots with bonus features, multiple layers of gameplay and modern graphics, then you will want to consider trying the Jewel Thief Slot machine developed by Sigma Gaming. While this slot machine does contain enough complexity to provide interest for seasoned players, it is easy enough to understand for casual players.

However, if your tastes lean towards simple, fast-paced slots with low risks of loss, then you may want to check out the Jewel Thief Slot machine created by Microgaming. In many ways, Microgaming’s Jewel Thief Slot machine represents everything that traditional slot machines represent. They do not require flashy animations or complex bonus structures to create excitement. Instead, sometimes all you really need is a few standard features and a couple of clean pay lines.

Conclusion: What side of the law do you fall under?

While both versions of the Jewel Thief Slot machine share the same theme of jewel thievery, they both deliver vastly different experiences. Sigma Gaming provides a more dramatic and feature rich experience. Conversely, Microgaming offers a very straightforward and no-frills gaming experience for purists.

Regardless of whether you are drawn to drama or discipline in your slot machine gaming experience, there are obviously options within Jewel Thief for everyone.

Your Turn: Have you played either version of Jewel Thief?

We’d love to hear from you. Which version of Jewel Thief is your favorite? Does the dramatic nature of the Sigma Gaming version appeal to you or are you a fan of the simple elegance of Microgaming’s classic design? Please leave us your feedback by commenting below.

Additionally, if you haven’t had a chance to try either version of Jewel Thief yet, now is a perfect opportunity! Just remember that every single bet placed in Jewel Thief brings you closer to pulling off the ultimate heist.

FAQs – Real questions players ask about the Jewel Thief Slot machine

What are the differences between the two Jewel Thief Slot machine versions?

There are two main types of Jewel Thief Slot machine versions: one produced by Sigma Gaming and one by Microgaming. The sigma version contains five reels and fifty paylines and includes elements such as Free Spins and additional bonuses. The Microgaming version is simply a three-reel slot containing three paylines and lacks any special features – essentially a classic slot experience for fans of retro-style slots.

Will I be able to trigger Free Spins in Jewel Thief?

Yes, but only in the Sigma Gaming version. three or more necklace scatters landing on the reels trigger the Free Spins feature. When activated you can potentially earn anywhere from 1-25 spins with opportunities to re-trigger Free Spins and apply bonus features during said round.

Are the Jewel Thief Slot machine versions available for mobile devices?

The Sigma Gaming version of Jewel Thief utilizes HTML5, allowing it to function properly on almost all newer smartphone models and tablet devices. Older Microgaming versions rely heavily upon Flash technology and may be inaccessible on mobile devices unless the casino creates an updated version.

What is the maximum amount I can win playing Jewel Thief?

The highest payout cap listed for the Microgaming version is 6000 coins. While there isn’t an officially listed maximum payout value for the sigma version, based on features such as Free Spins, multipliers and bonus rounds, it appears that potential payouts are comparable or possibly greater than those found in the Microgaming version.

Where can I try Jewel Thief for free?

Multiple online casinos offer demo versions of each game. Some sites where you can test drive each version prior to committing real money include slot catalogue, slots mate and casino near you; offering each title as a free demo.