Blueprint Gaming is the most British slot studio operating at scale. Founded in Newark, UK in 2001, they built their reputation making slots for pub fruities and betting shop terminals before migrating their most popular titles online. Their games look familiar to UK players because many of them were physically in pubs and Ladbrokes shops before they appeared on casino websites. Eye of Horus, Fishin’ Frenzy, and the fruit machine cabinet aesthetic are part of the cultural DNA of British gambling in a way no Swedish or Maltese studio can replicate.
Two things set Blueprint apart from every other provider in this guide: the Jackpot King progressive network (the only proprietary jackpot system run by a mid-size UK studio, with over £200 million paid out and 30+ millionaires created since 2016), and the Fisherman collect mechanic — invented in Fishin’ Frenzy, which Pragmatic Play’s Big Bass Bonanza later borrowed wholesale to become one of the most-played slot series in the UK market.
There’s an important consumer caveat on Jackpot King worth covering upfront: Jackpot King versions of Blueprint games run at materially lower RTPs than their standard counterparts, because a portion of every bet funds the progressive jackpot pool. Fishin’ Frenzy standard: 96.12% RTP. Fishin’ Frenzy Jackpot King: 93.32% RTP. That’s a 2.8 percentage point difference — meaningful across extended sessions. This guide covers it in detail.
Blueprint Gaming — Provider Snapshot
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2001, Newark, UK |
| Parent company | Gauselmann Group (German gaming conglomerate, also owns Merkur brand) |
| UKGC Licence | Yes |
| MGA Licence | Yes |
| Catalogue size | 450+ games; 20+ new releases per year |
| Distribution | Online AND land-based (pubs, arcades, betting shop terminals) |
| Megaways licence | Yes — first external studio to license Megaways from BTG |
| Jackpot system | Jackpot King (proprietary progressive network); also Rapid Fire Jackpots (smaller, faster-paying) |
| Standard RTP range | 96%–97% (standard games); 93%–95% (Jackpot King versions — lower to fund jackpot pool) |
| Signature mechanics | Fisherman Collect (Blueprint original), Megaways, Fortune Play (4-screen simultaneous play), Cash Collect trail |
| Key franchises | Fishin’ Frenzy series, Eye of Horus series, Genie Jackpots series, branded IPs (The Goonies, Ted, Rick and Morty) |
| UK casino availability | Universal — all major UK operators carry Blueprint, including all five in our sidebar |
The Jackpot King System — How It Works and the RTP Trade-Off
Jackpot King is Blueprint’s proprietary progressive jackpot network. It launched in September 2016 and now spans 70+ games. The structure: three prize tiers (Royal Pot, Regal Pot, Jackpot King), funded by a percentage contribution from every bet placed across all participating games at all participating casinos.
The three tiers work differently from most progressive systems:
- Royal Pot — must be won before it reaches approximately £3,500. Triggers frequently.
- Regal Pot — must be won before it reaches approximately £35,000. Triggers less frequently.
- Jackpot King — no cap. Grows until won. Has exceeded £5 million on multiple occasions. The April 2021 Deal or No Deal Megaways winner took €8,133,445.
How to enter: landing 5 or 6 Jackpot King overlay symbols on any spin triggers the Wheel King bonus. The wheel determines which prize tier is won. This can trigger on any spin regardless of stake — the minimum 10p bet is eligible for the Jackpot King prize. Nine of the confirmed millionaire winners were betting under £1/spin at the time.
The critical RTP issue: Every Jackpot King game has a lower RTP than the equivalent standard version because a portion of each bet is redirected into the jackpot pool rather than returned through base game wins. This is disclosed in the game information and is a UKGC requirement. The numbers:
| Game | Standard RTP | Jackpot King RTP | RTP reduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fishin’ Frenzy | 96.12% | 93.32% | −2.8% |
| Eye of Horus Megaways | 96.28% | 95.00% | −1.28% |
| The Goonies | 96.00% | ~93–94% | ~−2–3% |
Playing Fishin’ Frenzy Jackpot King rather than standard Fishin’ Frenzy means losing an expected £2.80 more per £100 wagered in base game returns. Over 1,000 spins at £1/spin, that’s approximately £28 in additional expected losses. In exchange, you’re contributing to and eligible for the Jackpot King prize pool.
The mathematical trade-off: you’re paying a premium for jackpot exposure. That’s a legitimate choice — but it should be a conscious choice. Always check whether you’re on the standard or Jackpot King version of a game before extended sessions. If you want the jackpot exposure, play Jackpot King. If you want the best base game RTP, play the standard version.
Blueprint also offers Rapid Fire Jackpots — a smaller, more frequently paying jackpot system where prizes range from approximately £250 to £7,500. These have a smaller RTP reduction and pay more often. For players who want jackpot exposure without the extreme rarity of Jackpot King, Rapid Fire versions are the more practical option.
The Fisherman Collect Mechanic — Blueprint’s Most Influential Invention
Fishin’ Frenzy (2014) introduced the Fisherman Collect mechanic. During free spins, a Fisherman symbol appears and collects all the monetary values shown on Fish symbols visible on the reels in that moment — adding them all to your win simultaneously. Multiple Fisherman symbols collect multiple times; four Fisherman symbols trigger an upgrade that raises all Fish symbol values before the collect happens.
This mechanic is the structural foundation of Pragmatic Play’s Big Bass Bonanza (2020) — which uses an identical system (fisherman symbol collecting fish values during free spins) and became one of the most-played slots in the UK market. Pragmatic’s Big Bass series now includes a dozen variants. Blueprint’s Fishin’ Frenzy series predates all of them by six years and has now expanded to its own extensive franchise.
The collect mechanic matters beyond just fishing slots. It influenced a generation of “cash collect” games across the industry where special symbols accumulate displayed money values — Blueprint’s own Cash Collect trail mechanic (in games like The Flintstones and Ted) is a direct evolution of the same principle.
Best Blueprint Gaming Slots for UK Players — 2026
#1 — Fishin’ Frenzy (The Big Catch)
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| RTP | 96.12% (standard) — Jackpot King version: 93.32% |
| Volatility | Medium |
| Max Win | 50,000× stake |
| Grid | 5 reels × 3 rows, 10 paylines |
| Released | Original 2014; The Big Catch 2020 |
| Key mechanic | Fisherman Collect (free spins); Big Catch meter upgrades fish values over 7 tiers; up to 20 free spins + 35 extra |
| Min Bet | 10p |
Fishin’ Frenzy The Big Catch is the current flagship in the franchise — an upgrade on the original with a progressive meter (the Big Catch counter) that upgrades the lowest-value Fish symbols each time it fills, raising the potential payout of each Fisherman Collect across up to seven tiers. Starting with basic small fish and working up to the highest-value catch, the Big Catch mechanic transforms a good free spins session into a potentially extraordinary one.
The combination of medium volatility, 96.12% standard RTP, and the collect mechanic’s capacity to produce large win spikes (multiple Fisherman symbols on a reel full of upgraded Fish values) makes this the most accessible high-ceiling Blueprint game. Budget: 40–60× stake for meaningful sessions.
Fishin’ Frenzy Megaways (Megaways licensed version) adds up to 117,649 ways to win if you prefer the Megaways format with the same collect mechanic. Our Top Megaways Slots guide compares Blueprint’s Megaways titles against BTG originals.
#2 — Eye of Horus
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| RTP | 96.31% (standard) |
| Volatility | High |
| Max Win | 10,000× stake |
| Grid | 5 reels × 3 rows, 10 paylines |
| Released | 2016 (online migration of Reel Time Gaming land-based original) |
| Key mechanic | Horus expanding wild (reels 2, 3, 4 only); Upgrading Tablets during free spins; 12 free spins + up to 5 additional per Horus Wild |
| Min Bet | 10p |
Eye of Horus carries the weight of British pub gambling history. The original game was a physical cabinet in betting shops and arcades before Blueprint migrated it online. Its persistent popularity — second only to Fishin’ Frenzy in long-term Blueprint play volume — comes from that familiarity: UK players encountered it in physical venues before they played it online, creating a brand recognition no advertising spend can replicate.
The Upgrading Tablets mechanic is the free spins differentiator. Six symbol tiers (Fans → Ankhs → Scarabs → Falcons → Jackals → Eye of Horus) sit in a tablet strip above the reels. Each time a Horus Wild lands during free spins, it upgrades the current tablet tier — gradually replacing lower-value symbols with higher ones across subsequent free spins. A full tablet sequence with Horus Wilds landing repeatedly transforms the reels into high-value combinations that make the 10,000× ceiling achievable.
Eye of Horus Megaways and the Eye of Horus series now spans 16+ games. The original remains the purest version of the concept; Megaways adds variable reel mechanics at slightly lower RTP (95.49%).
#3 — The Goonies
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| RTP | 96.00% (standard) |
| Volatility | Medium–High |
| Max Win | 50,000× stake |
| Grid | 5 reels × 3 rows, 20 paylines |
| Released | 2020 |
| Key mechanic | Six character-specific bonus rounds (Chunk’s Truffle Shuffle, Sloth’s Free Spins, One-Eyed Willy’s Treasure, Fratelli’s Hideout, Data’s Gadgets, Mikey’s Adventure); random bonus modifier on any spin |
| Min Bet | 10p |
The Goonies is Blueprint’s most impressive branded slot — licensed from the 1985 cult film and built with authentic character identities, each with a distinct bonus mechanic. The six bonus rounds aren’t just reskins of the same feature: they operate differently, have different volatility profiles, and create genuine variety across sessions. One-Eyed Willy’s Treasure (multipliers stacking through free spins) and Sloth’s Free Spins (sticky wilds accumulating across the round) are the highest-ceiling bonuses. Chunk’s Truffle Shuffle and Data’s Gadgets are more modest but trigger more frequently.
Random bonus modifiers can trigger on any base game spin — adding wild reels, extra multipliers, or symbol upgrades without requiring scatter triggers. This keeps the base game engaged between feature rounds. The 50,000× max win ceiling is among the highest for a medium-volatility branded slot.
The Goonies Return (2022 sequel) adds updated mechanics and is also worth exploring if you exhaust the original’s variety.
#4 — Genie Jackpots Megaways
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| RTP | 96.00% (standard) |
| Volatility | High |
| Max Win | 50,000× stake |
| Grid | 6 reels, up to 117,649 Megaways |
| Released | 2019 |
| Key mechanic | Genie random modifier (Wild Megaways, Bonus Megaways, Genie Wilds, Genie Win Spins); Megaways variable reel heights |
| Min Bet | 20p |
Genie Jackpots Megaways was one of the first external Megaways games (Blueprint was the first studio to licence Megaways from BTG) and remains one of the best licensed Megaways implementations. The Genie’s four random modifiers add a layer of base game variety that pure BTG Megaways games don’t have — the Wild Megaways modifier randomly expands the symbol count on specific reels, Bonus Megaways triggers free spins directly, Genie Wilds adds stacked wilds, and Genie Win Spins produces an immediate win. This modifier system gives the base game engagement between bonus triggers that most Megaways games lack.
#5 — Ted
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| RTP | 95.81% (standard) — below Blueprint average; check before extended play |
| Volatility | Medium |
| Max Win | 500× stake (modest) |
| Grid | 5 reels × 3 rows, 20 paylines |
| Released | 2016 |
| Key mechanic | Thunder Buddy bonus (6 random modifiers: Wheel of Fortune, Beer Can Bingo, Laser Gun, Psychedelic Spin, TV Streak, Psychedelic Colossal Spin) |
| Min Bet | 20p |
Ted is Blueprint’s most recognised UK branded slot — the bear from the 2012 Seth MacFarlane film. Its appeal is the Thunder Buddy bonus round, where six distinct mini-games play out with authentic film visuals and audio. The 95.81% RTP is below Blueprint’s typical range — worth noting for extended sessions. The 500× max win is modest. Ted Cash and Lock (sequel) drops to 93.9% RTP; avoid for regular play unless you specifically want that game’s mechanics.
Ted’s cultural recognition drives continued play, but mathematically it’s not the best Blueprint choice. Fishin’ Frenzy and Eye of Horus have better RTPs for comparable or superior session experiences.
Blueprint’s Three-Product Approach
Blueprint operates across three distinct product categories that other providers don’t combine:
Pub Fruit machines (online versions): Games like Cop the Lot, Wheel of Fortune, and the original Eye of Horus are digital versions of UK pub cabinet slots. They carry the ladder/trail mechanics, holds, nudges, and feature structures that UK players grew up with. No other online provider has this heritage. If you’ve played physical pub slots, Blueprint’s fruit machine catalogue will feel immediately familiar.
Modern video slots: Fishin’ Frenzy, The Goonies, Rick and Morty, Genie Jackpots — contemporary game designs with current production values, competitive RTPs, and full Megaways or Fortune Play variants.
Progressive jackpot network: Jackpot King and Rapid Fire Jackpots — the only mid-size UK studio running its own network progressive. Unlike Microgaming’s Mega Moolah (which requires specific game sessions to enter), Jackpot King can trigger on any spin of any participating game.
Fortune Play is also worth understanding: a Blueprint-proprietary mechanic where selecting Fortune Play mode transforms the single-screen game into a four-simultaneous-screen experience at a higher stake (typically 4× the normal bet). The same base game plays across all four screens simultaneously. Any feature triggered on one screen shows only on that screen. This is essentially a stake multiplier that creates higher session variance — four times the bet, potential for four independent feature outcomes per “spin.” Available on Eye of Horus Fortune Play, Fishin’ Frenzy Fortune Play, and others.
Honest Assessment
Where Blueprint genuinely excels:
- The deepest UK cultural heritage of any provider — pub fruities, Land-based cabinet origins, British betting shop DNA
- Fisherman Collect mechanic (Fishin’ Frenzy) is the most influential collect system in UK slots — Pragmatic’s entire Big Bass series exists because Blueprint proved this mechanic works
- Jackpot King network — the only proprietary progressive jackpot network run by a UK studio at this scale. Over 30 millionaires since 2016. Legitimate life-changing prize exposure at minimum stake
- Broad volatility range — from low-medium (Fishin’ Frenzy) through high (Eye of Horus) to Megaways extreme (Rick and Morty Megaways)
- Licensed IP quality — The Goonies is one of the best branded slots ever made, with genuinely distinct character bonus rounds rather than reskins
Where Blueprint has limitations:
- Jackpot King games have significantly reduced RTPs. Fishin’ Frenzy at 93.32% Jackpot King vs 96.12% standard is a 2.8% gap. Always check which version you’re playing and make an informed choice
- Some branded titles have below-average RTPs — Ted at 95.81%, Ted Cash and Lock at 93.9%. The licence costs come out of the player return
- Blueprint’s average max win at ~50,000× looks impressive but most titles cap much lower (10,000× for Eye of Horus, 5,000× for Fishin’ Frenzy standard). The 50,000× figures are mostly Jackpot King or Megaways variants
- Fortune Play (4-screen mode) significantly increases stake — worth understanding before accidentally activating it
Frequently Asked Questions — Blueprint Gaming
Is Blueprint Gaming a UK company?
Yes. Blueprint Gaming was founded in Newark, UK in 2001 — one of the few major slot developers actually based in the UK rather than Sweden or Malta. They are part of the Gauselmann Group, a German gaming conglomerate that also operates the Merkur brand. Blueprint’s UK roots explain their cultural familiarity with pub fruities, betting shop terminals, and the British gambling aesthetic — their physical presence in UK venues preceded their online products.
What is Jackpot King and how does it affect RTP?
Jackpot King is Blueprint’s proprietary progressive jackpot network spanning 70+ games. Three prize tiers: Royal Pot (must pay before ~£3,500), Regal Pot (must pay before ~£35,000), and the uncapped Jackpot King prize that has exceeded £5 million multiple times. To enter, land 5–6 Jackpot King overlay symbols on any spin. The critical trade-off: every Jackpot King version of a game has a lower RTP than the standard version because a portion of each bet funds the jackpot pool. Fishin’ Frenzy Jackpot King RTP: 93.32% vs standard 96.12%. This is a 2.8 percentage point gap — real additional cost per session. Always check whether you’re on a Jackpot King or standard version before extended play.
Did Blueprint Gaming invent the fishing collect mechanic?
Yes. The Fisherman Collect mechanic — where a Fisherman symbol collects the displayed monetary values of all Fish symbols visible on the reels during free spins — was introduced in Fishin’ Frenzy in 2014. Pragmatic Play’s Big Bass Bonanza (2020) uses the same mechanic structure (fisherman character collecting fish values during free spins) and became one of the most-played UK slots. Blueprint’s Fishin’ Frenzy predates Big Bass Bonanza by six years. The collect mechanic has since become standard across dozens of games from multiple providers.
What is Blueprint’s best slot by RTP?
Fortunes of Sparta leads at 97.04% RTP, followed by Diamond Mine Big Bet at 97.03%. For popular mainstream titles: Eye of Horus at 96.31%, Fishin’ Frenzy The Big Catch at 96.12%, Genie Jackpots Megaways and The Goonies both at 96.00%. Avoid Ted Cash and Lock at 93.9% and be cautious with any Jackpot King version where the RTP is reduced by 2–3% from the standard.
What is Fortune Play?
Fortune Play is Blueprint’s proprietary multi-screen mode. Selecting it converts the game into four simultaneous screens, each playing independently at the same base game settings. The total stake is typically 4× the normal bet. Each screen operates independently — a feature trigger on screen 1 plays out on screen 1 only, while screens 2–4 continue base game play. This effectively multiplies your bet size while giving four independent shots at feature triggers per “round.” Available on Eye of Horus Fortune Play, Fishin’ Frenzy Fortune Play, and several other titles. Worth understanding before selecting it — the 4× stake increase is automatic.
Was Blueprint the first to license Megaways?
Yes — Blueprint Gaming was the first external studio to licence the Megaways mechanic from Big Time Gaming. This happened in 2019, with Genie Jackpots Megaways among the first licensed implementations. Blueprint’s early access to the mechanic produced some of the best-performing licensed Megaways titles, including Fishin’ Frenzy Megaways and Eye of Horus Megaways. See our Top Megaways Slots guide for a full comparison of BTG originals vs licensed Megaways including Blueprint’s titles.
What are Blueprint’s Rapid Fire Jackpots?
Rapid Fire Jackpots are Blueprint’s second jackpot tier — smaller, more frequently paying prizes ranging from approximately £250 to £7,500. They have a smaller RTP reduction than Jackpot King versions and pay out much more often. For players who want jackpot exposure without the extreme rarity (and RTP cost) of Jackpot King, Rapid Fire versions of games like Eye of Horus Rapid Fire Jackpots offer a more practical jackpot experience with a lower session cost.
