When it comes to online pokies that blend charm, simplicity, and serious winning potential, few titles have earned the loyal following of The Dog House. Developed by Pragmatic Play, this 5-reel video slot has become a staple in Australian online casinos thanks to its sticky wilds feature, vibrant graphics, and accessible gameplay.
In this in-depth review, I’ll break down everything Aussie players need to know — from gameplay mechanics and RTP to volatility, bonus features, strategies, and whether it’s worth your bankroll.
First Impressions: A Classic Pokie With Personality
The Dog House greets players with a cheerful suburban kennel backdrop. The reels are framed like a cosy backyard scene, complete with dog bowls, bones, paw prints, and colourful pet-themed symbols. It’s not flashy in a high-tech way, but it doesn’t need to be. The game leans into its fun theme and keeps the focus on gameplay.
The symbol set includes:
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Card royals (A, K, Q, J, 10)
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Dog collars
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Dog bowls
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Bones
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And, of course, a lineup of adorable dogs
The cartoon-style dogs act as the premium symbols, with higher payouts than the standard royals. It’s light-hearted, easy on the eyes, and perfect for players who enjoy straightforward gameplay rather than complicated bonus structures.
Game Overview
Here’s a snapshot of the core mechanics:
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Reels: 5
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Rows: 3
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Paylines: 20 fixed
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RTP: 96.51% (standard version)
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Volatility: Medium-High
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Maximum Win: 6,750x your stake
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Bonus Feature: Sticky Wild Free Spins
For Australian players, the RTP of 96.51% is solid. It sits slightly above the industry average of 96%, giving it respectable long-term value. The medium-high volatility means wins may not come constantly, but when they do, they can be substantial.
How The Dog House Works
The layout is traditional — 20 fixed paylines across five reels. You don’t need to adjust paylines; they are active by default. Your only decision is stake size.
Wins are formed by landing matching symbols from left to right on adjacent reels. Like most modern pokies, the game includes:
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A Wild symbol
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A Scatter symbol
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A Free Spins bonus round
What makes this game special isn’t a complex set of features — it’s how the sticky wild mechanic works inside the bonus round.
The Wild Symbol: The Real Star of the Show
The Wild symbol appears as a dog house logo. During the base game, it substitutes for all regular symbols to complete winning combinations.
However, the magic really happens during free spins.
Sticky Wild Multipliers
When a Wild lands during the bonus round:
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It becomes sticky
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It remains in place for the entire free spins session
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It displays a random multiplier of x2 or x3
If multiple sticky wilds appear on the same win line, their multipliers multiply together — not just add up.
For example:
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Two x3 wilds = 3 x 3 = x9 multiplier
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Three wilds (x2, x2, x3) = 2 x 2 x 3 = x12 multiplier
This multiplier stacking is what gives The Dog House its serious payout potential.
Free Spins Feature
To trigger free spins, you need:
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3 Scatter symbols anywhere on the reels
This awards:
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12 Free Spins
During free spins:
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Wilds become sticky
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Each wild receives a multiplier
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Multipliers multiply when combined
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All wilds remain locked for the entire feature
Unlike some bonus rounds that feel underwhelming, this one can escalate quickly. A single early sticky wild can set the tone. Two or three appearing early can lead to explosive outcomes.
RTP and Volatility Explained for Australian Players
RTP – 96.51%
This is considered strong in the online pokie market. Over the long term, it means the game returns $96.51 for every $100 wagered (theoretically).
However, RTP plays out over thousands of spins. In the short term, anything can happen.
Volatility – Medium to High
This game doesn’t constantly drip-feed wins. Instead:
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Base game wins are moderate
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Bonus rounds carry most of the value
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Big payouts are possible but not frequent
For Aussie players who enjoy some risk with the potential for larger returns, this volatility level hits a sweet spot.
Maximum Win Potential
The maximum win is capped at 6,750x your stake.
To put that into perspective:
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$1 bet = $6,750 max win
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$5 bet = $33,750 max win
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$10 bet = $67,500 max win
While hitting max win is rare, there have been numerous documented big hits during free spins thanks to stacked sticky wilds.
Base Game Performance
In the base game:
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Wins are steady but not massive
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You’ll often hit 2–5x your stake
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Occasional 10–20x hits occur with strong symbol alignment
The base game primarily serves as a pathway to the bonus. It’s not overly volatile but won’t keep your balance climbing dramatically on its own.
Some players appreciate this balance. It allows you to stretch your bankroll while chasing the free spins round.
Bonus Buy Feature
In many online casinos (depending on jurisdiction), a Bonus Buy option is available.
This allows you to:
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Purchase the Free Spins round directly
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Usually for 100x your stake
For example:
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$1 stake = $100 bonus buy
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$2 stake = $200 bonus buy
For Australian players, availability depends on the casino’s licensing rules. Always check local regulations and platform terms.
The bonus buy is high risk. While you skip the waiting, you’re committing a large upfront stake. It can pay off massively — or return far less than the purchase price.
Betting Range and Accessibility
The betting range is flexible, typically:
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Minimum: $0.20 per spin
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Maximum: $100 per spin
This makes it suitable for:
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Casual players
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Mid-level bankroll players
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High rollers
The interface is clean and easy to navigate, especially on mobile devices. It performs smoothly on both desktop and smartphone — a must for Australian players who enjoy spinning on the go.
Graphics and Sound Design
The Dog House doesn’t rely on over-the-top animations. Instead, it focuses on:
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Bright colours
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Clean symbol design
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Fun sound effects
When sticky wilds land during free spins, there’s a satisfying sound cue that builds anticipation. The music is upbeat but not intrusive.
The simplicity works in its favour. It feels classic, not cluttered.
Mobile Performance
For Aussie players, mobile compatibility is essential.
This game runs on HTML5, meaning:
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No downloads required
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Works in mobile browsers
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Compatible with iOS and Android
The reels resize automatically for smaller screens without losing clarity.
Touch controls are smooth and responsive. Free spins animations remain clear even on smaller devices.
Strategy Tips for Playing The Dog House
While pokies are games of chance, there are strategic considerations that can improve your experience.
1. Bankroll Management
Because of the medium-high volatility:
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Avoid staking too high early
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Play within 1–2% of your total bankroll per spin
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Prepare for dry spells before bonus triggers
2. Patience With Bonus Hunting
The free spins feature can take time to trigger. Don’t chase it emotionally.
3. Consider Session Limits
Sticky wild features can create excitement. Set:
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Time limits
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Loss limits
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Win goals
Responsible play keeps the game enjoyable.
Who Will Enjoy This Game?
The Dog House appeals to:
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Players who like traditional 5-reel layouts
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Fans of sticky wild mechanics
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Players who prefer straightforward features
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Those who enjoy medium-high volatility
If you prefer highly complex bonus games with mini-games and multiple stages, this might feel simple. But simplicity here is a strength.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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Strong 96.51% RTP
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Sticky wild multipliers multiply, not add
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Simple, easy-to-understand gameplay
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Solid max win of 6,750x
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Mobile-friendly
Cons
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No progressive jackpot
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Bonus round can take time to trigger
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Limited feature variety
Comparing The Dog House to Other Popular Pokies
Within the wider online pokie landscape, many games try to stand out through:
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Expanding wild grids
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Megaways mechanics
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Complex bonus ladders
The Dog House takes a different route.
It focuses on:
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One strong core mechanic
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Multiplier stacking
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Clean design
This makes it:
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Less overwhelming for new players
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Faster to understand
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Easy to revisit again and again
Sometimes less really is more.
Responsible Gambling for Australian Players
Online pokies are entertainment first and foremost.
If you’re playing in Australia:
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Choose licensed, reputable platforms
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Verify RTP information
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Check bonus terms carefully
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Use deposit limits where available
The excitement of sticky wild multipliers can lead to extended sessions. Staying in control ensures long-term enjoyment.
Is The Dog House Worth Playing?
As a casino expert reviewing countless pokies over the years, I can confidently say The Dog House has earned its popularity.
It’s not revolutionary.
It’s not overloaded with features.
But it executes its core mechanic brilliantly.
The sticky wild multipliers create genuine anticipation. Every wild that lands in free spins can change the outcome dramatically. The potential for multiplier stacking adds real thrill.
For Australian players seeking:
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A balanced RTP
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Manageable volatility
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High upside potential
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Simple, engaging gameplay
This title remains a strong choice.
Final Verdict
The Dog House stands as one of the most recognisable modern online pokies for good reason. It combines:
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Accessible gameplay
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Respectable RTP
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Strong multiplier mechanics
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Entertaining theme
Its medium-high volatility keeps things interesting, and the 6,750x max win ensures meaningful upside.
Whether you’re spinning casually on mobile during downtime or settling in for a longer desktop session, this game delivers consistent entertainment with the possibility of serious payouts.
For Australian players looking for a dependable, fun, and potentially rewarding pokie experience, The Dog House deserves a spot in your rotation.
Just remember — play smart, set limits, and enjoy the chase responsibly.