You've seen the ads, the catchy jingle, and maybe even a friend bragging about a big win. But you're sitting there wondering: is the 'Best Things in Life' slot just a slick marketing campaign, or is it actually worth your time and bankroll? If you're tired of slots that eat your money without giving you a real shot at the fun stuff, you're asking the right question. This isn't just another generic game; it's a branded experience built around a famous slogan, and whether it pays out is what really matters.
What You Actually Get with This Slot
The 'Best Things in Life' slot, developed by Everi (formerly known as WMS Gaming), takes the classic "Heineken" tagline and turns it into a reel-spinning adventure. It's a video slot you'll find on casino floors and, in some states, within the game libraries of online platforms like BetMGM Casino or DraftKings Casino. The theme is all about luxury and aspiration—think diamonds, private jets, sailboats, and gold bars. The core game is a standard 5-reel, 40-payline setup, which is familiar territory for most players. The real intrigue starts with its two distinct bonus features, which are where you can turn a modest bet into a session-changing payout.
Free Spins and the Progressive Jackpot
The main event is the Free Games Bonus. Land three or more of the yacht scatter symbols anywhere on the reels to trigger it. You'll start with 10 free spins, but here's the good part: during this round, all wins are multiplied by 3x. This is where a decent line hit can suddenly become a massive one. More importantly, this bonus round is your gateway to the progressive jackpot. The game features a must-hit-by jackpot, often set around $10,000, which means it's guaranteed to pay out before it reaches that amount. To be in the running, you need to trigger the Free Games feature. Once inside, if you're lucky enough to fill the entire screen with the special "Best Things" symbol, you'll win the entire progressive prize. It's a long shot, but it's a real possibility that adds a major thrill to every bonus trigger.
How It Stacks Up Against Other Branded Slots
Compared to other slogan or brand-based slots like 'Wheel of Fortune' or 'Price is Right,' 'Best Things in Life' holds its own because of its straightforward bonus structure. There's no complicated second-screen mini-game to learn. The 3x multiplier during free spins is transparent and powerful. The average return-to-player (RTP) for this slot is typically in the range of 94-95%, which is fairly standard for a land-based cabinet game that's been ported online. This means for every $100 wagered over an immense number of spins, the game is programmed to return about $94-$95. It's not the highest RTP out there—some online-only slots exceed 96%—but it's competitive for its type. The volatility is medium to high, so wins might not come constantly, but when they do, they can be significant, especially during the bonus round.
Finding It and Playing for Real Money in the US
If you're in a legal US state, you have two main avenues to play 'Best Things in Life.' First, you can find the physical cabinet in many commercial and tribal casinos across the country. Second, you can play the online version through a licensed operator. States like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia have it in the libraries of major online casinos. For instance, logging into Borgata Online in New Jersey or BetRivers Casino in Pennsylvania might give you access. Before you spin, check the casino's promotions tab. You might be able to use a deposit match bonus, like "100% up to $1,000, 15x wager," on slot play, which effectively gives you extra ammunition to try and trigger the free spins feature. Always remember to check the bonus terms to ensure slots contribute 100% to the wagering requirements.
Betting Strategy and Bankroll Tips
Since the jackpot feature is only accessible during free spins triggered from the base game, your goal is to stay in the game long enough to hit that scatter combination. This means managing your bankroll is key. The bet per spin can usually be adjusted from a minimum of $0.40 (1 cent per line) up to $100 or more. A sensible approach is to set a session loss limit and choose a bet size that allows for at least 200-300 spins. For example, with a $100 bankroll, betting $0.50 per spin gives you 200 attempts to trigger the bonus. Chasing the progressive by max betting can burn through cash quickly; the feature can be triggered at any bet level, so play within your comfort zone.
The Bottom Line: Is It Worth Your Time?
The 'Best Things in Life' slot succeeds because it combines a recognizable, aspirational theme with a simple yet potent bonus round. The allure of the must-hit-by progressive jackpot is real, even if the odds of hitting the full-screen symbol combination are slim. It's not a low-volatility grind-it-out game; it's one where you might experience quieter periods punctuated by exciting bonus triggers with 3x multiplied wins. If you enjoy branded slots with a clear path to a big payout (through the free spins multiplier and the progressive) and you find the luxury theme engaging, it's absolutely worth a session. Just go in with a clear budget, understand that the 3x free spins are the heart of the game, and you might just find that a few of those "best things" land in your casino account.
FAQ
Can I play the Best Things in Life slot for free?
Yes, but your options are limited. Everi doesn't widely offer a free-play demo on their official site. The most reliable way to try it for free is to use the "demo" or "practice" mode on a licensed online casino site that carries the game, like BetMGM or DraftKings, before making a real money deposit. Some third-party slot review sites might also host a version, but the official casino site is your best bet.
What's the biggest win you can get on this slot?
The biggest potential win is the progressive jackpot, which is a standalone prize pool that grows until someone wins it. This jackpot is often configured as a "must-hit-by" amount, commonly set at $10,000. If you fill all 15 symbol positions on the reels with the special "Best Things" symbol during the Free Games bonus round, you win the entire progressive amount. Outside of that, large line wins multiplied by 3x during the free spins can also pay out thousands of dollars on a single spin.
How do I trigger the free spins on Best Things in Life?
You need to land three or more of the scatter symbols, which is the image of a sleek white yacht, anywhere on reels 2, 3, and 4. Three scatters will award 10 free spins. A key detail is that you cannot retrigger more free spins during the bonus round itself. All wins during the 10 free spins are automatically multiplied by 3.
Is the Best Things in Life slot available on my phone?
If you're playing at a licensed online casino in the US, the online version of the slot is almost certainly optimized for mobile play. You can access it through your mobile browser or the casino's dedicated app (for operators like FanDuel or Caesars Palace Online). The gameplay, features, and payouts are identical to the desktop version. The land-based cabinet version, obviously, is not mobile.
What's the difference between this and the "Best Things in Life II" slot?
"Best Things in Life II" is a sequel that builds on the original. It often features updated graphics, a different reel layout (sometimes 5x4 with 50 paylines), and an enhanced bonus feature. The core theme is the same, but the sequel might include additional mechanics like stacked wilds or a different method of triggering the progressive. The original is considered a classic, while the sequel offers a refreshed experience.