Santa’s Stack Dream Drop Slot Review
Slot Provider: Relax Gaming
RTP: 94% | Variance: High | Maximum Win: 20,000x
Our Score: 8.0
WHY YOU CAN TRUST THIS REVIEW: The information and opinions on this page are the result of an comprehensive process of information gathering and live game testing by the gambling experts who work at allslotsites.com. Find out more here.
About Santa’s Stack Dream Drop
Reviewed by:
Claudia Hartley
Published Date: 25th June 2024
How We Review Slot Games
We test and rate all slot games across 5 criteria, assigning a score out of 10 for each and an overall score that is an average of the 5. To build an accurate assessment of each game we gather information from the supplier and play in real play or demo mode. Find out more.With Santa’s Stack Dream Drop by Relax Gaming, you really can feel like it’s Christmas every day. The 8×8 grid uses a cluster pays mechanic, offering wins of up 20,000x your bet, whilst the progressive jackpot offers you the chance to shoot for life-changing sums with a minimum bet of just £0.20.
8-bit artwork will appeal to fans of Stardew Valley, Super Mario and other classic Gameboy titles. And whilst the Christmas theme might try to relegate this game to popularity only during December, the free spins and re-spins features could drag it back into contention year-round.
Santa’s Stack Dream Drop Game Information
- Release Date: 01.12.22
- RTP: 94%
- Variance: High
- Maximum Win: 20,000x
- Progressive Jackpot: Yes
- Reels: 8
- Rows: 8
- Paylines: Cluster Pays
- Minimum Stake: £0.20
- Theme: Christmas
- Features: Free Spins, Re-Spins, Multipliers, Mystery Symbols, Progressive Jackpot
Where To Play Santa’s Stack Dream Drop
Play Santa’s Stack Dream Drop at these UK slot sites which have been hand picked by our team, reviewed and rated to help you choose where to play. Each one is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission.
8.5
18+. New players only. Min. deposit £20. Max. bonus bet is £5. Bonus spins on selected games only and must be used within 72 hours. Winnings from Bonus spins credited as bonus funds and capped at £100. Bonus funds expire in 30 days, unused bonus funds will be removed. Welcome Offer is 100% match up to £200 plus 50 bonus spins on your 1st deposit, 50% match up to £50 on your 2nd deposit. Bonus funds are separate to Cash funds, and are subject to 35x wagering the total bonus & cash. Only bonus funds count towards wagering contribution. Affordability checks apply. Terms apply. BeGambleAware.org. FULL TERMS IN FOOTER BELOW
7.8
18+ new players only. Minimum deposit: £20. Maximum £100 bonus. Max bet with an active bonus: £2. Wagering requirement 100% match bonus: 30 times sum of deposit + bonus. Max redeemable from welcome bonus: £500. 100 Free Spins are given out 20 per day on Book of Dead for 5 days in a row, log in each day is required. Max Free Spins winnings: £100. Winnings from Free Spins are credited as bonus money with a wagering requirement of 45 times. Free Spins expire after 3 days. Some games may not be played with a bonus. Games may contribute differently when wagering a bonus. Play Responsibly!
8.1
New Players Only. Min. deposit £20. Max. bonus bet is £5. Bonus spins on selected games only and must be used within 72 hours. Winnings from Bonus spins credited as bonus funds and capped at £20. Bonus funds expire in 30 days, unused bonus funds will be removed. Welcome Offer is 100% match up to £300 plus 50 bonus spins on your 1st deposit. Bonus funds are separate to Cash funds, and are subject to 40x wagering the total bonus & cash. Only bonus funds count towards wagering contribution.
7.4
18+ new players only. Maximum £50 bonus. Minimum deposit: £20. Deposit Bonus wins are capped at £500. Max bet with active bonus: £2. Wagering requirement 100% match deposit bonus: 30 times sum of deposit + bonus. Winnings from Free Spins are credited as Real Money without wagering requirement. Some games may not be played with an active bonus. Games may contribute differently when wagering a bonus. Deposit Bonus expires after 30 days if wagering requirement has not been met. Free Spins expire after 3 days. One bonus allowed per person, address, device, IP. www.begambleaware.org. Full bonus terms apply
7.5
18+, New players only. Min deposit £10. 20 Bonus Spins valid on Book of Dead. Bonus funds are 100% up to £100. Bonus funds + spin winnings are separate to cash funds and subject to 35x wagering requirement. Only bonus funds count towards wagering contribution. £5 bonus max bet. Bonus funds must be used within 30 days, spins within 10 days. Affordability checks apply.
8.3
First deposit only. Min deposit & spend £20. Max 100 spins on Fishin’ Bigger Pots of Gold at 10p per spin. Spins credited upon spend of £20. 18+.
8.2
18+. New Players only. One bonus offer per player. Min deposit £10. Max bonus bet £5. Bonus funds expire within 30 days & bonus spins within 10 days. Spins valid on Starburst only. 1st dep: 100% up to £300 & 100 spins, 2nd dep: 75% up to £300 & 75 spins, 3rd dep: 50% up to £300 & 50 spins, 4th dep: 25% up to £300 & 25 spins, 5th dep: 100% up to £100. The 100 spins on 1st dep are credited at a rate of 25 spins per day over 4 days. Bonus spins winnings credited as bonus funds & capped at £50. For the 1st dep offer, this winning cap shall be applied to each set of 25 spins. Bonus funds separate to Cash funds, 35x wagering.
9.0
18+. New customers only. 100% Deposit Bonus up to £100 on the first deposit. 30x wagering on Deposit and Bonus (game weighting applies) + 50 Bonus Spins (Big Bass Bonanza) of £0.10. Min. deposit £20. T&Cs apply. Play responsibly.
8.4
First deposit only. This offer is only available for first time depositors. Min deposit is £10. 80 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza. Spin Value: £0.10. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. This offer is only available for specific players that have been selected by PlayOJO. If you have arrived on this page not via the designated offer via PlayOJO you will not be eligible for the offer. OJO’s Rewards and Game Play policy applies.
8.4
18+. new players only. min. dep £20. max. bonus bet £5. 150% match up to £300 + 75 bonus spins on Big Bass Bonanza on your 1st deposit. Winnings from all spins credited as bonus funds and capped at £100. Bonus funds are separate to cash funds & subject to wagering requirement (35x deposit plus bonus). Only bonus funds contribute towards wagering requirement. Bonus funds must be used within 30 days, spins within 72hrs. Affordability checks & terms apply.
8.4
Min. dep £20. Max. bonus bet £5. 200 Bonus Spins on Book Of Dead on your 1st deposit. Winnings from all spins credited as bonus funds and capped at £20. Bonus funds are separate to Cash funds & subject to wagering requirement (40x deposit plus bonus). Only bonus funds contribute towards wagering requirement. Bonus funds must be used within 30 days, spins within 72hrs. Affordability checks & Terms apply. BeGambleAware.org.
7.8
Automatically credited upon deposit. Cancellation can be requested. First Deposit Only. Max. Bonus £50. Maximum amount of Free Spins is 50. Game: Book of Dead, Spin Value: £0.10. WR of 30x Deposit + Bonus amount and 60x Free Spin winnings amount (only Slots count) within 30 days. Max bet is 10% (min £0.10) of the free spin winnings and bonus amount or £5 (lowest amount applies). Spins must be used and/or Bonus must be claimed before using deposited funds. Deposit/Welcome Bonus can only be claimed once every 72 hours across all Casinos. Bonuses do not prevent withdrawing deposit balance. Bonus Policy applies.
7.5
First Deposit Only. Min. deposit: £10. Game: Ninja Master, Spin Value: £0.2, Max Free Spins:25. WR 60x Free spin winnings amount (only Slots count) within 30 days. Max bet is 10% (min £0.10) of the Free spin winnings amount or £5 (lowest amount applies). Spins must be used and/or Bonus must be claimed before using deposited funds. First Deposit/Welcome Bonus can only be claimed once every 72 hours across all Casinos. Bonus Policy applies.
7.9
Automatically credited upon deposit. Cancellation can be requested. First Deposit Only. Max. Bonus £50. Maximum amount of Free Spins is 50. Game: Book of Dead, Spin Value: £0.10. WR of 30x Deposit + Bonus amount and 60x Free Spin winnings amount (only Slots count) within 30 days. Max bet is 10% (min £0.10) of the free spin winnings and bonus amount or £5 (lowest amount applies). Spins must be used and/or Bonus must be claimed before using deposited funds. Bonuses do not prevent withdrawing deposit balance. Deposit/Welcome Bonus can only be claimed once every 72 hours across all Casinos. Bonus Policy applies.
7.7
18+, New customers only. Deposit and wager £20 on Midnite Casino to get 100 Free Spins at 10p per spin, valid for 7 days on selected games.
8.5
Gamble Responsibly. Gambleaware.org. The Welcome Bonus is only available to newly registered players who make a minimum initial deposit of £ 10. You must make a deposit of £ 10 to be eligible for 50 Welcome Spins. Your 50 Welcome Spins must be activated in your account within seven (7) days and used within 24 hours of activation.In order to receive the maximum of £ 100 bonus, you will need to wager an amount equal to 35 times the value of your first initial deposit within 60 calendar days from the date on which the Welcome Bonus option has been activated under the ‘My Bonuses’ section of your account.
7.7
Automatically credited upon deposit. Cancellation can be requested. First Deposit Only. Min. deposit: €10, max. Bonus €100. Maximum amount of Free Spins is 50. Game: Book Of Dead, Spin Value: €0.10. WR of 30x Deposit Plus Bonus amount (Slots count 100% and any other game 10%) within 30 days. WR 60x free spin winnings amount (only Slots count) within 30 days. Max bet is 10% (min. €0.10) of the free spin winnings and bonus amount or €5 (lowest amount applies). Spins must be used and/or Bonus must be claimed before using deposited funds. Deposit/Welcome Bonus can only be claimed once every 72 hours across all Casinos. Games are subject to availability.
7.6
18+. New players only. Min. deposit £20. Max. bonus bet is £5. Bonus spins on selected games only and must be used within 72 hours. Winnings from Bonus spins credited as bonus funds and capped at £100. Bonus funds expire in 30 days, unused bonus funds will be removed. Welcome Offer is 100% bonus match up to £300 plus 50 Bonus spins on Starburst your 1st deposit. Bonus funds are separate to Cash funds, and are subject to 35x wagering the total bonus & cash. Only bonus funds count towards wagering contribution. Affordability checks apply. Terms apply. Please gamble responsibly.
Testing Notes: Here’s What Happened When We Played Santa’s Stack Dream Drop
IMPORTANT: To give you an accurate assessment of the games we review our writers play 200 spins. Whilst this is a useful tool to help us review games and to give an example of what might happen when you play, keep in mind that 200 spins is only a very small sample and cannot be used to accurately predict what might happen over another 200 spins. The outcome of all slots play is always random.
Boom Or Bust? Our Session By The Numbers
I played 250 spins with real money on Santa’s Stack Dream Drop at Casumo. This is what happened.
- Stake Size: 0.2
- Start balance: £990.39
- End balance: £971.33
- Win Rate: 18% (45 winning spins in 250)
- Biggest Win: 40x
- Free Spins Round: 0
This is a fairly tight slot game. It came in with a win rate of just 18% which is relatively low. Most wins were in the range of the stake or less. The best moments came from the Wild Re-Spins feature which triggered 8 times in 250 spins – that’s 3.2%. This is a nice feature and it gets more powerful if you can trigger extra re-spins by landing another win next to the mystery symbol cluster. That helps you build a super-cluster of mystery symbols that all convert back into the same pay symbol. The best win from this was a 40x, form 20 top premium Santas shown in this screenshot. I also picked up a 27x and a 13.5x win from this feature.
Some good moments then but the lesson is … unless you get VERY lucky you’re not going to see big wins from a standard base game spin, you need the wilds to activate that re-spins / mystery symbols feature.
As for the free spins and Dream Drop game, neither of these features dropped. Further proof of the volatility of this game and the need for patience and good bankroll management.
What We Liked
- Multi million GBP jackpot to play for
- Fun re-spins feature with mystery symbol clusters
- 20,000x non-progressive jackpot
- Cool retro arcarde design style
What We Didn't like
- Very volatile and frustrating at times
- No cascades which unususal for a cluster pays slot
Santa’s Stack Dream Drop Review Scores
- Theme and Design 9
- RTP and Variance 7
- Maximum Win 9
- Symbols and Paytable 7
- Features and Gameplay 8
What Our Reviewer Says ...
"One of the better festive slots is deserving of its Dream Drop version. The re-spins feature is fun but beware the volatility!"
Overall Score: 8.0
Theme & Design
Our Score 9
A Fun Retro Arcade Design With 80s Bleeping Sound Affects
There are a whole bunch of Christmas-themed slot games, Wonders of Christmas, Christmas Bonanza, Santa vs Aliens, every major slot provider seems to have one. However, when was the last time you saw an 8-bit winter wonderland slot? We’re betting it was the original non-Dream Drop version of this very game!
In terms of originality, Relax Gaming have taken a popular theme and given it their own twist. From the cozy winter wonderland background, to the symbols: elves, reindeer, Mrs Claus, Santa himself and even fairylights as the low-value symbols, everything has been polished to perfection.
RTP and Variance
Our Score 7
What is RTP?
RTP (Return to Player) refers to the amount a game will pay out in cash prizes expressed as a percentage of all the money wagered on that game. For example, a 96% RTP means a game will pay out £96 for every £100 wagered. This is an average number and will vary from one session to the next. Read more here.What is Variance?
Variance refers to how far a game will deviate from its RTP over time. High variance games deviate a lot and produce uneven win distributions and unexpected windfalls. Low variance games provide a more stable and even distribution of wins. Read more here.With a 94% RTP this slot can’t really score higher than a 7. However, it’s key to the mechanics of this game that 12% of every spin goes directly to the jackpot pool. So, while you are settling for a slightly reduced RTP, you’re gaining a bigger jackpot too.
The variance is high. We experienced a few slow streaks whilst playing. So, either lessen your bet (you can still shoot for the jackpot with a £0.20 stake) or prepare your bankroll accordingly!
Maximum Win
Our Score 9
What Is Maximum Win?
Maximum win refers to the maximum amount a player can win from one spin. It is expressed as a multiple of the stake. For example, where the maximum win is 100,000x, from a £1 stake, the maximum win would be £100,000.With any progressive jackpot slot, the top payout is going to be impressive and this one is no different. The Mega Dream Drop jackpot doesn’t pay out until at least €1,000,000, so if you land that, you really will feel like all your Christmases have come at once.
The fun doesn’t stop with the progressive jackpot though, there’s also the huge 20,000x your bet non-progressive max win. This is one of the highest max wins in the whole Dream Drops network. So if you land 60 Santas and a multiplier, you’ll be laughing.
Explore Games With Similar RTP, Variance and Maximum Win
Like the numbers? Here are some more games you might want to try.
| Slot Site | Supplier | RTP | Variance | Top Payout | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midnight Marauder Dream Drop | Relax Gaming | 94% | High | 31,605x | Play Here |
| Neko Night Dream Drop Jackpot Slot | Relax Gaming | 93.98% | High | 20,000x | Play Here |
| Templar Tumble 2 Dream Drop Jackpot | Relax Gaming | 94% | High | 20,000x | Play Here |
| TNT Tumble Dream Drop | Relax Gaming | 94% | High | 10,000x | Play Here |
| Space Miners Dream Drop | Relax Gaming | 94% | High | 50,000x | Play Here |
Symbols and Paytable
Our Score 7
The play grid is 8 reels by 8 rows and there’s a cool Cluster pays mechanic. This means that in order to win, you just need to match five symbols and for them all to be next to each other.
If you’re into cluster pays slots then there are a couple of others on the same Dream Drops Network: Midnight Marauder Dream Drop (31,605x) and Dueling Jokers Dream Drop (50,000x) both have higher max wins too.
There are seven pay symbols in total, plus a Scatter and a Wild. There are three low value symbols, all fairylights paying from 0.2x your bet for 5 lights, up to 2000x your bet for 60+ lights. The remaining symbols are the premium ones: Rudolf, Elf, Mrs Claus, and Santa, all pay higher, from 0.5x the bet for 5x symbols, up to 10,000x the bet for 60+ symbols.
Wilds can be substituted for any of the symbols on the grid to complete clusters. There’s also a Christmas Tree scatter symbol.
Features and Gameplay
Our Score 8
With a feature as outstanding as the Dream Drops jackpot, you’d be forgiven for thinking Santa’s Stack wouldn’t bother with much else – but you’d be wrong! Let’s take a look at all of the different features.
Secret Santa Re-Spin Feature
If you use a wild symbol as part of a cluster then it triggers the Secret Santa Re-Spin feature. The whole cluster is converted into mystery symbols and you’re awarded a re-spin with those symbols stuck in place. Each time a win happens next to the mystery symbols the new winning cluster is also converted into mystery symbols.
When no more winning clusters land next to mystery symbols the re-spins end and all mystery symbols reveal the same pay symbol. If you can build a big cluster this way there is a lot of potential in this feature.
Free Spins
If three or more of the Christmas Tree scatter symbols land then you’re awarded free spins, you get 5 free spins for 3 symbols, plus an additional spin for every other scatter on the grid.
You can score Secret Santa Re-Spins while playing the free spins and you’re guaranteed to get at least one wild symbol at the start of each free spin. The number of wilds you get increases by one each free spin. If the scatter symbol lands on a free spin then you get a free spin and a +1 multiplier.
Dream Drop Jackpot
At any time during normal play the Dream Drop Bonus can trigger. Once it’s activated, 15 gift boxes appear on the screen. You need to click the boxes until you reveal three of the same jackpot type. The types of jackpot that you can reveal are seen below:
- Rapid (seeded at €1)
- Midi (seeded at €5)
- Maxi (seeded at €100)
- Major (seeded at €25,000)
- Mega (seeded at €500,000 with a minimum payout of €1,000,000)
The Final Verdict
Fans of the original Santa’s Stack game who always wished for a bigger jackpot will love this new Dream Drops version. The 20,000x non-progressive max win is super generous and when combined with the progressive jackpot, it’s a big-win chaser’s dream. Meanwhile, the Christmas theme is cute and the 8-bit rendering helps to make this game stand out from the rest.
We also like the free spins and re-spins mechanic and the fact you can win such large sums just off the standard pay table. Being able to shoot for the progressive jackpot with the minimum bet is a nice touch too.
Useful Tips When Playing Santa’s Stack Dream Drop
Remember, online slots are games of chance, there is NO strategy that can improve your odds of winning. However, reading our review and following these tips will help you get the most out of your time playing this slot game.
1. Look Out For Wilds
The wilds are powerful symbols here because they are guaranteed to trigger a re-spin when they form part of a cluster.
2. Christmas Tree Wilds Are Powerful Too
These will trigger free spins AND increase a win multiplier during the round itself when they land.
3. Choose A Sensible Stake
Use bankroll management strategy and choose a low stake relative to your balance because this is a volatile slot that can burn you fast!
4. Play At Our Recommended Slot Sites
We have chosen the sites on this page because they all scored high in our reviews and they are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. That makes them fair and safe places to play slots.
Who Made Santa’s Stack Dream Drop?
- Name: Relax Gaming
- Established: 2010
- UK License: Remote 037462-R-319357-014
- Total Games: 100 +
- Known For: High variance, high max win, progressive jackpots, innovative game mechanics
- Popular Slots: Money Train, Temple Tumble, Dream Drop Jackpots, Hellcatraz
Like The Sound of Santa’s Stack Dream Drop? Here are 4 more games chosen for you...
Neko Night Dream Drop Jackpot Slot
Variance: High | RTP: 93.98%
Max Win: 20,000x
Our Score 8.4
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