Money Train 3 pokie review: Relax Gaming's high-volatility heist

Money Train 3 comes from Relax Gaming, a provider known for polished and mechanically deep pokies. The theme is a futuristic train heist, with bandits and steampunk touches. The game uses a 5x4 layout with 40 fixed paylines, so wins are paid left to right on active lines.

What sets this apart from a standard 5x3 pokie is the reel expansion: during the bonus round, the grid can grow to include up to two extra columns. This changes the playing field mid-feature and can significantly increase the number of ways to form wins.

The base game includes a respin feature with sticky symbols, which can lead to the main bonus. The bonus round itself is where the game's identity lives, with a range of modifier symbols that keep the action going.

To play Money Train 3, set your bet using the controls at the bottom of the screen. The minimum bet is $0.10 and the maximum is $10 per spin. The game uses a 5x4 grid with 40 fixed paylines, so wins are paid when matching symbols land on active lines from left to right. Before spinning, check the paytable and info panel via the buttons next to the reels to see symbol values and feature rules. The spin button starts a round, and you can adjust your bet at any time. If you want to access the bonus round directly, use the Bonus Buy options, which cost 100x or 500x your stake and give you a 1-spin, 2-spin, or Persistent version of the Money Cart feature. These options are available from the main game screen, and they change the cost of your next spin accordingly. For a standard spin, simply press the spin button with your chosen bet.

The default RTP is 96.1%. The game also comes in versions ranging from 90.00% to 96.50%, with the 96.50% version tied to the Bonus Buy feature. If you play a version with a lower RTP, the house edge is higher. For example, at 90% RTP, for every $100 wagered you'd expect to get back $90 on average, compared to $96.10 at the default.

The maximum win is 100,000x your stake. If you bet $1, a full win would return $100,000. The game is very high volatility, meaning wins are less frequent but larger when they hit.

Always check the RTP version in the game's info panel before you play, as it can vary by casino.

The key features are:

• Respin feature with sticky symbols in the base game: when certain symbols land, they stick and trigger respins, giving you more chances to fill the grid.
• Money Cart Bonus Round: a hold-and-win style feature where persistent symbols stay in place during respins. The round ends when no new symbols land.
• Modifier symbols: these can appear during the bonus and change how it plays:
• Collector: gathers values from other symbols.
• Payer: adds a value to all symbols on screen.
• Sniper: removes a symbol and replaces it with a new one.
• Necromancer: brings back previously removed symbols.
• Absorber: collects values from adjacent symbols.
• Shapeshifter: changes into another modifier.
• Tommy Gun: shoots symbols to add values.
• Reel expansion: the bonus can add up to two extra columns, increasing the grid size.
• 4 Bonus Buy options: you can purchase the bonus directly at 100x your stake for a 1-spin or 2-spin version, or 500x for a Persistent version.

For example, if a Collector lands next to a Payer, the Collector might gather the Payer's added values, building a larger total.

Given the very high volatility, your bankroll needs to handle long dry spells. With a $50 session, a sensible bet is around $0.50 per spin, giving you 100 spins. For a $200 session, you could bet up to $2 per spin, which still gives you 100 spins but with higher potential returns.

The Bonus Buy options cost 100x or 500x your stake. At a $0.50 bet, a 100x buy costs $50, and a 500x buy costs $250. These are expensive, so they suit larger bankrolls.

No betting system changes the RTP; the game's math is fixed. The best approach is to pick a bet that lets you play for a reasonable number of spins and to set a loss limit before you start.

The demo mode at any casino uses play credits but runs the same maths and RTP version as the real-money build. For a very high volatility game like this, a demo session is useful for seeing how often the respin feature and Money Cart bonus trigger, and how the modifier symbols behave. You can also test how different bet sizes across the $0.10 to $10 range feel, though the demo won't reflect real bankroll pressure. With real AUD, your bets are actual money and limits matter, so use the demo to learn the game's rhythm before committing funds.

You can play Money Train 3 at Coincasino Just Casino, which offers AUD. A demo mode is available there, so you can try the game for free before betting real money. As with any casino, check which RTP version is in use before you deposit. Remember to play responsibly. If gambling becomes a problem, call Gambling Help Online at 1800 858 858.

Razor Shark — Both are high-volatility games from different studios with a 5x4 layout and big max wins (50,000x vs 100,000x). Razor Shark has a nudge and reveal feature, while Money Train 3 focuses on hold-and-win with modifiers.

Wild West Gold — Shares a western heist theme and 5x4 grid with high volatility. Wild West Gold has sticky multiplier wilds in free spins, while Money Train 3 uses a hold-and-win bonus with persistent symbols and modifiers.

Sweet Bonanza — Both are high-volatility games with large max wins (21,100x vs 100,000x). Sweet Bonanza uses a 6x5 scatter-pay format with cascades, while Money Train 3 is a 5x4 payline game with a hold-and-win bonus.