Whether you’ve played a slot machine in a bustling Vegas casino or spun the reels from your phone right here in Canada, chances are you’ve encountered a game featuring buffalo or bison. These thundering beasts are the stars of some of the most beloved slot games in history. But what exactly makes buffalo and bison slots so wildly popular – both online and in brick-and-mortar casinos?
At CanPlay Casino, we’ve noticed that Canadian players love these games too. That’s why our lineup includes titles like Buffalo King Megaways, Buffalo Blitz, and Bison Moon Megaways – each offering big win potential and a distinctly North American wilderness vibe.
In this article, we’ll dive into:
Why buffalo and bison are such powerful themes in the world of slots.
The subtle difference between bison and buffalo.
The top buffalo/bison-themed slots available at CanPlay Casino.
What makes these games resonate with players in Canada and beyond.
Are Buffalo and Bison the Same Animal?
Let’s clear up a common misconception: buffalo and bison are not the same animal, even though the terms are often used interchangeably especially in North America.
Bison are native to North America and Europe. They’re the animals featured on coins, national parks, and many slot machines.
Buffalo, like the water buffalo or African buffalo, live in Asia and Africa.
The shaggy, horned creatures seen in most casino games – like the mighty beast charging across the plains – are technically American bison, but the name “buffalo” stuck, especially in pop culture and gaming.
So whether it’s Buffalo Blitz or Bison Moon, you’re essentially spinning reels inspired by the same powerful North American icon.
Why Are Buffalo and Bison Slot Games So Popular?
There are several reasons why these games have become legendary among slot players both online and offline, and particularly with Canadian players who appreciate nature, wildlife, and wide-open spaces.
1. Symbol of the Wild West and North American Freedom
Bison have long represented the untamed power of the North American wilderness. Their image evokes themes of:
Freedom
Strength
Natural beauty
The vast open prairie
This rugged, majestic imagery works beautifully in slot design, making players feel like they’re part of something epic with every spin.
2. Massive Herds = Massive Wins
One of the key reasons players love these games is that buffalo/bison-themed slots often feature high symbol counts, expanding reels, and Megaways mechanics – all of which mirror the idea of a vast herd stampeding across the screen.
Games like Buffalo King Megaways let players trigger 117,649 ways to win, often with multiplier wilds and free spins that can snowball into big wins. The symbolism aligns with the gameplay: more animals = more chaos = more chances to win.
3. Nostalgia and Casino History
Buffalo-themed slots have been a staple of land-based casinos for over a decade. The original Buffalo slot by Aristocrat debuted in 2008 and became a massive hit. It set the stage for dozens of spin-offs and online adaptations.
For many players, especially in Canada and the U.S., these games offer a touch of nostalgia – reminding them of their first casino experience or a lucky night in Vegas.
4. Immersive Audio and Visuals
Buffalo slots typically come with:
Thundering hoof sounds
Majestic howling winds
Expansive prairie landscapes
Stunning animal animations
These elements combine to create a deeply immersive experience, keeping players engaged for longer sessions.
Top Buffalo and Bison Slot Games at CanPlay Casino
Here’s a closer look at the most popular buffalo/bison-themed games available at CanPlay Casino, all playable on desktop or mobile across Canada.
🦬 1. Buffalo King Megaways
Provider: Pragmatic Play
Volatility: High
Max Win: Over 5,000x your stake
This modern take on a classic theme combines Megaways mechanics with buffalo multipliers and free spins. Every spin has a different number of ways to win – up to 117,649 – with wild symbols and chain reactions keeping the action fast-paced.
Why players love it:
High win potential
Free spins with increasing multipliers
Incredible animations of the buffalo in motion
Perfect for high-risk, high-reward players who love the thrill of chasing a big stampede-style win.
🌕 2. Bison Moon Megaways
Provider: iSoftBet
Volatility: Medium to High
Features: Cascading wins, Free Spins, Mystery Symbols
Bison Moon Megaways stands out with its dreamy, moonlit theme and mystical atmosphere. Think of it as the spiritual cousin of Buffalo King—more serene but just as powerful.
Why players love it:
Beautiful design and soundtrack
High-quality animations
Unique night-time take on the bison theme
Canadian players particularly love the northern-lights vibe, which feels right at home.
⚡ 3. Buffalo Blitz
Provider: Playtech
Volatility: High
Paylines: 4,096 ways to win
Buffalo Blitz was one of the early online hits in this genre. With its expanding wilds and x2 to x5 multipliers during free spins, it still packs a punch years after release.
Why players love it:
Huge number of ways to win
Potential for epic free spin runs
Classic feel with modern payout structure
This game appeals to both traditional slot fans and bonus hunters alike.
Why Canadian Players Especially Love These Games
At CanPlay Casino, we cater specifically to Canadian players—and that makes buffalo and bison games an even more natural fit. Here’s why:
🏞️ Connection to Canadian Nature
With our country’s vast landscapes, protected bison reserves, and love for wildlife, it’s no surprise that these games resonate with Canadians. The bison is even featured on the Canadian nickel – a symbol of our heritage.
🎰 Availability in Land-Based Casinos
Many Canadian players first encountered buffalo slots at land-based casinos across provinces like Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. These same players now enjoy the upgraded versions online at CanPlay Casino – with no drive or dress code required.
💸 High Volatility + Local Appeal
Canadian players often appreciate value for money, and buffalo-themed slots tend to offer high volatility – meaning the potential for bigger wins from smaller bets, which is ideal for players who play for both fun and strategy.
Tips for Playing Buffalo/Bison Slots
To get the most out of your buffalo or bison slot session, keep these tips in mind:
Watch your budget – High volatility games like Buffalo King Megaways can go through dry spells.
Trigger free spins – Most of the biggest wins come from free spin bonuses, so aim for those.
- Stay consistent – Buffalo games often reward longer sessions with higher return potential over time.
Will Buffalo Slots Stay Popular?
Absolutely. Buffalo and bison-themed slots have become a genre of their own, not just a passing trend. As long as players continue to enjoy immersive wildlife experiences, thrilling gameplay, and high reward potential, these games will remain a fixture in both online and offline casinos.
In fact, game developers are constantly refreshing the theme with new features – like Megaways, hold-and-win mechanics, and cinematic intros – to keep things exciting.
Final Thoughts: Play Buffalo and Bison Slots at CanPlay Casino
At CanPlay Casino, we’re proud to offer Canadian players the best selection of buffalo and bison-themed slots, all from top providers and optimized for your favourite devices.
Whether you’re in the mood for a thunderous charge across the reels or a peaceful moonlit prairie, there’s a buffalo game waiting for you.
Sign up or log in today to play fan favourites like:
🦬 Buffalo King Megaways
🌕 Bison Moon Megaways
⚡ Buffalo Blitz
Let the stampede begin – only at CanPlay Casino.
