Much beloved types of slot games are those based on the luck theme, but few slots follow this line of delving in cultural significance as much as does Lucky Neko by 9JILI. Based on the ancient Japanese tradition of Maneki Neko, the lucky cat, this slot is based on the symbol that may bring you good fortune. This cultural slot adventure has cascading reels, multipliers and a high RTP of 96.73%, making for an engaging gameplay that’s a good start for both casual player and seasoned slot player alike.
However, in this guide, we will be looking at each and every feature, strategy and all about how you could win with this slot game, so you can unleash a max spin.
Lucky Neko from 9JILI introduction
As a Japanese culture, Maneki Neko, or beckoning cat, is a very special one, whose symbol is prosperity and success. Lucky Neko is a visually stunning slot game, but with a modern layout and this feline icon coming to life. This good luck cat slot combines cultural motifs with cutting edge mechanics, offering players an exciting (and entertaining) way to see how lucky (and skilled) they are.
It’s not only luck, since the game has a medium volatility level and there are up to 32,400 dynamic paylines. Now let’s see what this Japanese inspired slot has to provide.

Key game features
There are plenty of casino slot features in this feline themed slot that keep the game interesting and rewarding. Everything is piling into each spin with great possibilities; cascading reels, increasing multipliers, and more.
Basic slot mechanics
With 6×5 reel layout, Lucky Neko fills a lot of space between cascading symbols and dynamic paylines. The slot has up to 32,400 paylines so on any spin you will have many chances to win. Winning combination is formed when at least three same symbols appear adjacent reels from the left most reel.
Payout system
The symbols on this fortune themed slot are rich in cultural meaning and the premium symbols payout very well. Here’s a breakdown of the symbol values:
Symbol | Payout for Six of a Kind |
Cat (Neko) | 8x |
Drum | 5x |
Lucky Charm | 4x |
Fan | 3x |
Salmon & Sushi | 1.5x |
Ace & King | 1x |
Queen, Jack, 10 | 0.4x |
Wild Symbol represented by a golden gong substitutes for all regular symbols, giving a player much better chances to form winning combinations.
Betting range and RTP
This Asian-themed slot game accommodates a wide range of players with its flexible betting options:
- Minimum Bet: €0.20 per spin.
- Maximum Bet: €20 per spin.
With its 96.73% RTP, the game offers good returns over a longer play, and also makes it a game of choice preferred by players that want value.
Base game features
This quirky cat slot has a far more than average base game. Combining cascading reels, wild transformations, and multipliers gives a very enjoyable experience.

Cascading reels system
When you win there is a cascade of winners as the winning combinations each remove winning symbols from the reels and new symbols descend. Once new winning combinations are forming they continue with this chain reaction as long as there are new win combinations from a single spin.
Wilds on the way
Some of the symbols land with silver frames revealing their potential change. If these symbols result in a win, they’ll become a random symbol with a golden frame around it. The golden framed symbol transforms to a Wild Symbol if it is part of another win.
Cat symbol multiplier
Lucky Neko can not be properly played without understanding the Cat Symbol. If and when one or more of the Cat Symbols show during a spin they are multiplied by x2. The multiplier resets after a losing spin in the base game, though during the bonus round, the dynamic is changed.
Bonus features
Then we get the real excitement with the free spins bonus feature where there is already very nice win potential in stacking multipliers.
Triggering free spins
Anywhere on the reels there are 4 Scatter Symbols and you get 10 free spins in bonus round. The more Scatter Symbols you have, more spins you get, and longer your bonus round is.
Free spins mechanics
In Cat Symbols appear more often in Free Spins feature, thus, more frequently increase the win multiplier. Whereas in the base game the multiplier isn’t reset after a losing spin, and can instead be built upon from spin to spin, as such the multipliers increase exponentially over time.
Re-triggering free spins
During the bonus round, the more Scatter Symbols you land, the more spins you get, and the longer you get to play for and the bigger your winning opportunities.
Lucky Neko’s strategies of winning
While luck plays a role, applying these strategies can help you get the most out of this slot game:

Knowing about paylines and multipliers
Attain focus on bigger pays like the Cat and Drum. Cascading reels and multipliers, along with these symbols, are the best to have the big wins.
Optimizing your bet size
Bets should be made with a little risk and a lot of reward. With a flexibility in the range from €0.20 to €20, you can have your play style match your bankroll.
Maximizing cascading wins
Run with cascading reels; that is, go for running wins. However, again, with multipliers combined with this feature you will experience a massive increase in your payouts.
Comparison with similar slots
Combined with innovative mechanics, the cultural theme employed here makes this Maneki Neko inspired game a competitor against other slots.
How Lucky Neko stands out
- Unique theme: It showed the various traditional Japanese cultural elements, which distinguished it away from other slots.
- Persistent multipliers: Unlike other slots we take multipliers in the bonus round that don’t reset.
Pros and cons
Here’s a quick overview of this fortune cat slot’s strengths and limitations:
Pros:
- High RTP (96.73%): Through good returns over time.
- Innovative mechanics: It is kept interesting through cascading reels and wild transformations that take place.
- Persistent multipliers: To increase bonus round win potential.
Cons:
- Limited betting range: May not suit high rollers.
- Difficult bonus trigger: To trigger the free spins feature it requires patience from you.
Conclusion
Lucky Neko from 9JILI is a great mix of culture, luck and innovative mechanics. This one is a slot that will please the casual and the seasoned alike thanks to cascading reels, dynamic multipliers and high RTP. Just to the cultural theme or the gameplay of it, Lucky Neko will be a captivating and beneficial experience.