Dr Watts Up Slot Review by Microgaming
A mad scientist slot with a wild reel in every free spin and a lab bonus
Dr Watts Up Ratings
Dr Watts Up has been rated by our slots review team and scores an awesome 80% based from the category ratings overall.
Play Dr Watts Up At These Top Rated Casinos
T's & C's Apply. New Depositors Only
UK players only: 18+. New players only. Welcome offers, minimum deposits, maximum bonus bets, wagering requirements, Zee Spins conditions and expiry periods may change. Check the current Playzee UK promotion and full terms before opting in. Terms Apply. Play Responsibly. BeGambleAware.org Full T&C apply.
T's & C's Apply. New Depositors Only
18+. New customers only. Register, deposit & spend a minimum of £10 on Casino to receive 200 free spins (accept within 48hrs & wager winnings 10x within 7 days). Selected games only. Debit cards only. Offer Ends 30.04.26.T&Cs Apply GambleAware.org Full T&C apply.
Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus money within 30 days / 50x Wager any winnings from the free spins within 7 days. Contribution varies per game. Available on selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus offer and any winnings from the offer are valid for 30 days / Free spins and any winnings from the free spins are valid for 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3 times the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Limited to 5 brands within the network. Withdrawal requests void all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full T&C apply.
T's & C's Apply. New Depositors Only
T's & C's Apply. New Depositors Only
Dr Watts Up Slot Overview
Dr Watts Up is a mad scientist slot from Microgaming. You step into the lab of the wild-haired Dr Watts, where test tubes bubble and lab mice scurry around. A glamorous lab assistant is on hand to help with his experiments.
The game plays on 5 reels with 243 ways to win. It has two bonus features: free spins with a random wild reel, and a pick-and-win Laboratory Bonus. Our original review listed a top prize of 480,000 coins.
It’s one of Microgaming’s older video slots. Even so, our original review found it was still popular with players at the time.
Dr Watts Up at a Glance
| Developer | Microgaming (now Games Global) |
| Theme | Mad scientist laboratory |
| Layout | 5 reels, 243 ways to win |
| Wild | Dr Watts Up logo |
| Free spins scatter | Nexus symbol |
| Bonus scatter | Lab mouse |
| Free spins | 10, 15 or 20, with a random wild reel on every spin |
| Bonus game | Laboratory Bonus pick game |
| Top prize in our original review | 480,000 coins |
| Current status | Not confirmed by Games Global |
Theme and Design
Dr Watts Up has a fun, cartoon-style lab theme. Dr Watts himself is the star, surrounded by bubbling test tubes, brains in jars, lab mice and monkeys. His glamorous lab assistant adds a bit of sparkle.
The look reflects its age. The graphics are simpler than modern slots, but the theme is light-hearted and easy to enjoy.
How 243 Ways Works
Dr Watts Up doesn’t use fixed paylines. Instead, it has 243 ways to win. You need matching symbols on neighbouring reels, starting from the leftmost reel. They can land in any position on each reel.
This makes wins easier to spot than on a game with many zigzag lines. It also means more combinations can pay on each spin.
Dr Watts Up Symbols
Our original review listed these symbols:
- Dr Watts Up logo: the wild, which replaces most other symbols.
- Nexus symbol: the scatter that triggers the free spins.
- Lab mouse: the scatter that triggers the Laboratory Bonus.
- Dr Watts and the lab assistant: the main character symbols.
- Test tubes, brains, lab mice and monkeys: the other themed symbols.
The wild substitutes for every symbol except the Nexus and lab mouse scatters.
Dr Watts Up Bonus Features
Dr Watts Up has two bonus rounds in our original review.
Free Spins with a Wild Reel
Land three or more Nexus symbols to trigger the free spins. You win 10, 15 or 20 free spins, depending on how many Nexus symbols land.
On every free spin, one whole reel turns wild at random. With 243 ways to win, a full wild reel can create several wins at once. Our original review said the free spins can’t be retriggered.
Laboratory Bonus
Land three or more lab mouse scatters to trigger the Laboratory Bonus. You choose test tubes to reveal cash prizes.
Our original review said you pick two test tubes. You may then be offered the chance to pick again. It’s a simple, fun pick-and-win game.
How to Play Dr Watts Up
- Check your casino’s lobby: make sure the game is still available.
- Read the help screen: check the RTP and bet options.
- Spin the reels: wins pay on 243 ways from left to right.
- Find three Nexus symbols: this starts 10 to 20 free spins with a wild reel.
- Find three lab mice: this starts the Laboratory Bonus.
Who Is Dr Watts Up Best For?
Dr Watts Up suits players who enjoy classic Microgaming slots. The rules are simple, and there are two different bonus rounds to aim for.
It’s a good fit if you:
- Like retro slots: it has the charm of an older video slot.
- Enjoy two bonuses: free spins and a pick game.
- Prefer simple gameplay: no complicated features to learn.
If you want modern graphics or big multipliers, a newer slot may suit you better.
Tips for Playing Dr Watts Up
- Check the RTP: older games can have different settings at different casinos.
- Keep stakes steady: this helps your budget last through quiet spells.
- Enjoy both bonuses: the free spins and the Laboratory Bonus pay in different ways.
- Set a time limit: simple games are easy to play for longer than planned.
About Microgaming and Games Global
Microgaming was one of the first online casino software companies. Its slot catalogue is now supplied by Games Global. Many older Microgaming games have been retired over the years, while others are still available. Our Microgaming page explains the move to Games Global.
Where to Play Dr Watts Up
Our original review named Zodiac Casino as a casino where Dr Watts Up was popular. Older games may no longer be in every lobby, so search for the game before you deposit.
Playing on Mobile
Older Microgaming games were not always built for mobile. If your casino offers Dr Watts Up on a phone, it should run in your mobile browser. Check the lobby on your device to be sure.
What We Changed in This Review
- Status note: we’ve added a note that Games Global doesn’t publish a public game list.
- Supplier: we’ve added that Microgaming’s games are now supplied by Games Global.
- Figures: we’ve marked the free spins, bonus and top prize details as coming from our original review.
How the Wild Reel Works
The wild reel is the key to the free spins. On every free spin, one whole reel turns wild at random. With 243 ways to win, a wild reel connects with matching symbols on the reels either side.
For example, a wild on reel 2 can link wins from reel 1 across to reels 3, 4 and 5. A wild on reel 3 sits in the middle, so it can link many combinations. That’s why the free spins can pay well, even without multipliers.
Older Slots vs Modern Slots
Dr Watts Up comes from an earlier era of online slots. Here’s how it compares with many modern games:
| Feature | Dr Watts Up | Many modern slots |
|---|---|---|
| Ways to win | 243 | Often Megaways or cluster pays |
| Bonus rounds | Free spins and a pick game | Often one main bonus with multipliers |
| Graphics | Simple cartoon style | Detailed 3D animation |
| Volatility | Not published | Often high |
Older slots can still be fun. They’re usually simpler, which suits players who don’t want to learn complex features.
Who Should Skip Dr Watts Up?
If you want big multipliers or modern 3D graphics, Dr Watts Up will feel dated. It’s best for players who enjoy simple, classic slots.
Understanding 243 Ways to Win
With 243 ways, you don’t need symbols on a specific line. You just need matching symbols on neighbouring reels from the left. On a 5×3 grid, that gives 3 x 3 x 3 x 3 x 3 combinations, which equals 243. That’s why the number is the same across many games that use this format.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Two different bonus rounds
- Random wild reel on every free spin
- 243 ways to win
- Fun, light-hearted theme
Cons
- Current status not confirmed
- Free spins can’t retrigger
- Dated graphics
- RTP not published
Our Verdict
Dr Watts Up is a fun piece of Microgaming history. The wild reel in every free spin and the Laboratory Bonus give it extra variety for its age. We couldn’t confirm it’s still offered, and the graphics are dated. If you find it in your casino’s lobby, it’s a cheerful trip back in time.
Similar Slots to Try
For a modern mad scientist slot, read our Dr Winmore review. It’s a low volatility RTG game with a cluster pays grid and a high RTP.
Dr Watts Up FAQs
Who made Dr Watts Up?
Microgaming made Dr Watts Up. Its games are now supplied by Games Global.
How many ways to win does Dr Watts Up have?
It has 243 ways to win on 5 reels.
How do I trigger the free spins?
Land three or more Nexus symbols for 10, 15 or 20 free spins.
What happens in the free spins?
One whole reel turns wild at random on every free spin.
Is Dr Watts Up still available?
We couldn’t confirm it with Games Global. Check your casino’s lobby.
What is the Laboratory Bonus?
It’s a pick game triggered by three or more lab mouse scatters. You choose test tubes to reveal cash prizes.
Can the free spins be retriggered?
No. Our original review said the free spins can’t be retriggered.
Retro slots are fun, but always set a budget before you play.
18+. New customers only. Register, deposit & spend a minimum of £10 on Casino to receive 200 free spins (accept within 48hrs & wager winnings 10x within 7 days). Selected games only. Debit cards only. Offer Ends 30.04.26.T&Cs Apply GambleAware.org Full T&C apply.
T's & C's Apply. New Depositors Only
LeoVegas
Welcome Bonus Offer
100% up to CA$1,500+ Up to 100 Free SpinsCA$250 / Second Chance Free Bet
18+. New players outside Ontario. Max stake $250. Free bet on 2+ leg combo. T&Cs apply.
T's & C's Apply. New Depositors Only
Comments are closed.