This page contains affiliate links and was produced in partnership with our sponsor Playtech. Learn more about our editorial policy.
Fans of slots will find some familiar features in the Playtech slot Lil’ Sphinx. The use of a center reel space as a catalyst to various features like collecting prizes and free games are new. But elements like the ability to double the spaces that can trigger these features, and the fullness of pots having an impact on bonus chances shakes things up a bit.
Let’s dive in to how Lil’ Sphinx works, and where you can play it online for real money in the United States.
Base Game
Lil’ Sphinx features a 5×3 reel set and 40 pay lines. This is one of those slots where every reel spins on its own, so each space is effectively its own reel.
There are 10 core pay table symbols, comprised of six royal symbols (9 through A) and four premium symbols. There is also the Lil Sphinx cat symbol, which serves as a wild symbol, but only appears in a reel that serves as the Cat Zone.
Each spin, one of the premium symbols are selected at random to be featured on the reels (the others don’t appear for that spin), and that helps focus line hits on that selected symbol, since effectively only seven base game pay table symbols are in use on any given spin. That can be an important factor for players who like some line hits on the way to a bonus.
Cash Prize Coin Symbols also appear on the reels, which can award cash prizes under the right circumstances. Special Prize Symbols also can show up on the reels, which are four static jackpot prizes (Mini, Minor, Major and Mega) that can be awarded as well. The values of these appear along side the reels and shift proportionally to your bet, so you have the same odds of winning the prizes at any bet level.
The way Cash Prizes and Special Prizes can be awarded happens within the Cat Zone.
Cat Zone
The Cat Zone defaults to the middle space within the reel set. If Lil Sphinx lands in the Cat Zone, any Cash Prize Coin and Special Prize Symbols are instantly awarded. Lil Sphinx can also throw coins up into one or both of the pots above the reels – anytime that happens, Free Games can be randomly and instantly awarded.
If Lil Sphinx does not appear in the Cat Zone, there is a random chance that the zone can rewind to the space Lil Sphinx is found on the reel, triggering the same feature. And if Lil Sphinx appears in the cat zone, there is a random chance that a random number of reel spaces will also rewind to display Special Prize Symbols.
Free Games
Free Games are awarded randomly when Lil Sphinx throws coins into one or both pots when landing in the Cat Zone. Free Games can be triggered by one or both pots – each pot can award 6 Free Games.
During the free games, Lil Sphinx is locked in the Cat Zone, so all Coin and Special Prizes that land are awarded. Lil Sphinx can potentially enhance the reels during the Free Games on any spin to guarantee Coin or Special Prize symbols to land. Coins can continue to be thrown into pots, allowing for the chance of a retrigger.
Here’s something you also don’t see very often: The more full the pot, the more likely Free Games will trigger. This time, the fullness of the pot does make a difference – very rare on slots.
Extra Bet Mode
If you want a better chance at collecting prizes and triggering free games, you can activate the Extra Bet mode to enable two Cat Zones. That doubles the chances for Lil Sphinx to land in the Cat Zone.
Play Lil’ Sphinx on X
The Tsai Shen’s Gift Fire Blaze Classics slot is one of the hundreds of games available on DraftKings Casino, available in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia! Play some of your favorite casino games online, as well as exclusive games you can’t find anywhere else! And if you’re new to DraftKings Casino, you can receive a new player bonus! To learn more about DraftKings casino, read our review.
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (MI/NJ/PA/WV). 21+. Physically present in MI/NJ/PA/WV only. Void in ONT/AB. Eligibility restrictions apply. Please play responsibly. 1 per new DraftKings Casino customer. Opt-in req. Min. $5 in wagers req. Max. 1,000 Flex Spins issued for choice of Select Games. Spins issued as 50 Spins per day upon login for 20 days. Spins are non-withdrawable, single-use, and expire 24 hours after choosing Select Game. Spins allotment is locked to choice of select game until expired. 100 $0.50-Spins first 2 days, 900 $.20-Spins next 18 days. Game availability may vary. Terms: casino.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 11/22/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
