The phrase identifies a category of casino-style games centered around the historical event of the 19th-century North American gold rushes. These games, typically found in online and physical casinos, utilize spinning reels with various symbols, and winning combinations result in payouts. An example is a five-reel game featuring symbols like gold nuggets, miners, and tools, where lining up three or more similar symbols on a payline yields a reward.
The popularity of these games stems from several factors, including the romanticized view of the gold rush era as a period of opportunity and potential wealth. The games offer engaging visuals and sound effects designed to create an immersive experience. Historically, the gold rushes represented significant periods of economic and demographic shifts, and these games capitalize on that historical narrative, presenting a modern interpretation of the pursuit of fortune.