Narcos
Narcos is NetEnt’s branded slot based on the crime series about Pablo Escobar and the Medellin cartel. It uses a 5×3 grid with 243 ways to win and packs in four features: Walking Wilds, the random Drive-by, a coin-collecting Locked Up bonus and a free spins round in which high-value symbols can turn wild. Characters from the show appear on the reels, and the presentation leans on the gritty 1980s Colombian setting.
NetEnt rates the game as medium volatility, lists a 96.23% RTP and quotes a maximum payout of 1,000x the bet. With a bet range that runs up to 400 per spin, it is also one of the more flexible NetEnt titles for higher stakes. This review explains each feature, the official numbers and how to plan a session.
Where to Play Narcos
Narcos is available at many casinos that carry NetEnt games, although branded titles are sometimes missing from certain markets because of licensing. The casinos below offer NetEnt slots, accept players from Australia and are reviewed on BetsAuthority. Check the RTP in the game rules at the casino before you play.
Quick Facts About Narcos
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Slot | Narcos |
| Provider | NetEnt |
| Release | 19 May 2019 (NetEnt listing) |
| Layout | 5 reels / 3 rows |
| Ways to win | 243 |
| RTP | 96.23% (NetEnt figure) |
| Volatility | Medium (NetEnt rating) |
| Hit frequency | 27% |
| Bet range | 0.20 to 400 per spin (casino limits may differ) |
| Maximum win | 1,000x the bet |
| Features | Walking Wilds, Drive-by, Locked Up, Free Spins |
| Free spins | 10 spins for 3 scatters on reels 1, 3 and 5 |
How Narcos Works
Narcos has no paylines. With 243 ways, any matching symbols on adjacent reels, starting from the leftmost reel, form a win regardless of row. Characters from the series make up the premium end of the symbol set, and the paytable in the game shows every value at your current stake. NetEnt quotes a hit frequency of 27%.
The four features overlap in interesting ways. Walking Wilds and the Drive-by both create wilds, Locked Up is a separate coin bonus, and free spins combine several of these elements. Knowing which feature does what makes the game much easier to follow.
Walking Wilds
When a wild is part of a winning combination, it becomes a Walking Wild. It moves one position to the left with each spin and keeps walking as long as it is involved in wins; the feature continues until no winning wilds remain on the reels. Walking Wilds can appear in the main game and in free spins, and if another feature is triggered while one is active, the wild stays on the reel after that feature finishes.
Drive-by Feature
The Drive-by is a random feature. A car rolls up behind the reels, a gunman opens fire and the bullet holes transform some of the high-value symbols into wilds. Because it arrives at random rather than through a trigger symbol, it adds unexpected wins to the base game and can combine with Walking Wilds for longer sequences.
Locked Up Feature
Locked Up is the game’s coin bonus. It starts when 3 or more Locked Up symbols land on the same row. During the feature only Locked Up and Golden Locked Up symbols appear, and you begin with 3 spins. Every time a new Locked Up symbol lands and adds to an existing cluster or creates a new winning cluster, the spin counter resets to 3.
Golden Locked Up symbols are the key to bigger results. Each one can reveal one of three boosts:
- Multiplier: all symbol values are multiplied by 2x or 3x.
- Upgrade symbols: symbol values are raised in steps of 1x the total bet.
- Big starting value: an extra amount is added to the Golden Locked Up symbol’s own value.
Free Spins
Three scatter symbols appearing on reels 1, 3 and 5 in the main game award 10 free spins. On every free spin there is a chance that one or more high-value symbols turn into wilds. At the end of the round, if any Walking Wilds are still on the reels, you receive an extra spin, and this repeats until no Walking Wilds remain, so the bonus can run longer than the initial ten spins.
RTP Versions: Check Before You Play
NetEnt quotes 96.23% for Narcos. Operators can be offered other RTP configurations of NetEnt slots, and nothing on screen reveals which one a casino has chosen. The game rules at your casino show the RTP for that version, so check it before you start, especially if you plan to play at higher stakes.
Worked Example: A Locked Up Round
Imagine you play at A$1 and three Locked Up symbols land on the middle row, triggering the feature with 3 spins. On the first spin nothing new lands, leaving 2 spins. On the second spin a Golden Locked Up symbol lands next to the cluster, so the counter resets to 3 and the golden symbol reveals a 2x multiplier. Over the following spins two more symbols land, each resetting the counter.
When no new symbols land for three spins in a row, the round ends and the values of the winning clusters are paid, with the multiplier applied. The exact amounts depend on the values shown on each symbol, which is why Locked Up results range from small to substantial.
Who Narcos Suits
Narcos suits players who like plenty happening on screen. With Walking Wilds, random Drive-by wilds, a coin bonus and free spins, there is rarely a long stretch where nothing at all happens, and NetEnt’s medium volatility rating keeps the swings within reason. Fans of the series will also appreciate the cut-scenes and character artwork.
It suits bonus hunters less well. There is no feature buy, and the 1,000x ceiling means even the best sessions have a firm limit. If you want a branded NetEnt slot with a higher top end, other titles in the catalogue may fit better, but for balanced, feature-rich play Narcos does the job.
Bankroll Tips for Narcos
- Budget for at least 200 spins per session to see a fair spread of the four features.
- The 400 maximum stake is high; choose a stake that suits your bankroll, not the game’s upper limit.
- Do not expect every Locked Up round to pay well; many end after a few resets.
- Set loss, time and deposit limits before you start.
- Remember that features are random and a long wait does not make one more likely.
Pros and Cons of Narcos
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Four features including Walking Wilds and Drive-by | Maximum win of 1,000x is modest |
| 243 ways to win | Branded slot may be missing from some casinos |
| Locked Up bonus with multiplier boosts | Locked Up rounds can end quickly |
| Wide bet range up to 400 per spin | Lower RTP versions may be offered |
| Medium volatility rating from NetEnt | Official free play is geo-restricted in Australia |
Demo Play vs Real Money
A demo uses the same maths as the real game, so you can use it to learn how the four features interact. At the time of writing, the free-play launcher on NetEnt’s own site is not available to visitors from Australia, so there is no official demo on this page. Some licensed casinos offer a play-for-fun mode where their licence allows it.
For real money play, choose a casino that discloses the RTP in the game rules, pays out reliably after verification and offers deposit and session limits. You can compare options in our casino reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
NetEnt lists Narcos with a 96.23% RTP. Casinos can use other configurations, so check the rules screen at your casino.
Land 3 scatter symbols on reels 1, 3 and 5 in the main game to receive 10 free spins.
Three or more Locked Up symbols on the same row start the feature with 3 spins. Every new Locked Up symbol that lands resets the spins to 3, and Golden Locked Up symbols can reveal multipliers or value boosts.
A car pulls up behind the reels and fires at the grid, randomly turning some high-value symbols into wilds.
NetEnt states a maximum payout of 1,000x the bet.
The free-play launcher on NetEnt’s own site is not available to Australian visitors at the time of writing. Some licensed casinos offer a demo where their licence allows it.
Responsible Gaming Note
Narcos is entertainment, not a way to make money. Only play if you are 18 or older, set limits before you start and stop when you reach them. If gambling stops being fun, free and confidential support is available 24/7 from Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858.
Final Verdict
Narcos is a well-built branded slot with more going on than most. Walking Wilds and the Drive-by keep the base game busy, Locked Up adds a coin bonus with multiplier boosts and free spins can extend themselves through leftover Walking Wilds. NetEnt’s medium volatility rating and 96.23% RTP make it a balanced choice, though the 1,000x cap limits the top end. Confirm the RTP at your casino and pick a stake that suits your budget.
