The History and Evolution of the Rainbow Riches Brand

Now one of the most popular slot games in the UK, Rainbow Riches has gone from strength to strength since its initial launch by Barcrest game studios in 2008. 

This internationally recognized brand stands out with its use of typical Irish luck symbols, such as leprechauns, silver coins, and four-leaf clovers. With a history of enticing players to try their chances in an Irish-themed world, Rainbow Riches has gone from strength to strength since its debut.

The launch of the brand

When Rainbow Riches was first launched, it was in the form of a physical slot machine. Originally named the Road to Riches, it had two screens: one screen for the 5×3 reels, and one for the feature, which was located above the main screen.

Road to Riches slot machines could be found in UK pubs, alongside classic fruit machines. The game, featuring the main character – leprechaun Larry O’Leary – and a whimsical Emerald Isle-themed backdrop soon shot to popularity. Back then, the jackpot for the game was £500. While it was rare that players would win the jackpot, the combination of a good rewards system, the fast-paced nature of the game, and a higher return to player rate than other slot machines ensure that it was a big hit.

Evolution of Rainbow Riches

Source: Unsplash

The initial success of Road to Riches put the game in good stead for growth and evolution. As technology advanced, new Rainbow Riches versions appeared on online casino sites. This made the brand available to players across the world, whether playing from a hammock on holiday, or from the comfort of the sofa in their own front rooms. For the first time, technology made the brand available to all, not just those who frequented UK-based pubs. Over the years, there have been many adaptations of the game, and there are now around nine variations of the original classic:

• 2008 – Rainbow Riches
• 2012 – Rainbow Riches Pick ‘n Mix
• 2017 – Rainbow Riches Free Spins
• 2018 – Drops of Gold, Rainbow Riches Slingo, and Home Sweet Home
• 2019 – Rainbow Riches Megaways and Leprechauns Gold

The wider exposure that online accessibility afforded meant that the revenue generated by Rainbow Riches increased. This allowed for exciting new additions,  with each variation bringing new ways to play, exciting new features, and additional bonuses. Despite all these changes, the original beloved Irish theme remains strong across the board.

What does the future hold?

The rise in popularity of Rainbow Riches over the years has seen the brand go from strength to strength. As technology only continues to advance, it’s likely that there’s plenty in store for Rainbow Riches.

With virtual reality (VR) growing in popularity in the casino world, it’s likely that we will see Rainbow Riches as a popular choice of game in virtual casinos of the future.

From its humble beginnings as a slot machine in pubs to a brand that’s recognizable worldwide, Rainbow Riches continues to offer fans the chance to find their own pots of gold. No matter what the future holds, one thing is sure, Rainbow Riches won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.