In This Guide
Introduction
Funky Time Live is the latest and much-anticipated game show from Evolution, following the wildly popular Crazy Time. It features a giant spinning wheel that offers multiplier wins and access to one of four engaging bonus rounds. Set in a vibrant 1970s-themed environment with disco music, glitter balls, and presenters dressed in flared trousers, Funky Time transports players back to the era of disco fever.
The game boasts an array of multipliers, with twenty-four of the 64 segments on the wheel offering payouts of 25:1. With the maximum win capped at $500,000 and multipliers in the Stayin' Alive, Disco, and VIP Disco bonus games reaching up to 10,000x, Funky Time promises thrilling payouts and nostalgic fun.
The DigiWheel & Segments
Funky Time is centered around a large wheel divided into 64 segments, featuring a new type of wheel called the DigiWheel — an LED panel wheel that displays images and multipliers that can be updated in real-time, enhancing the dynamic gameplay.
Random multipliers of up to 50x can enhance individual segment payouts each round. The quantity of multipliers issued varies greatly per round. Players typically bet full words (FUNK, TIME, PLAY) rather than individual letters to get more coverage for an entire segment of the wheel.
Probabilities & RTP
| Bet | Payout | Segments | Probability | RTP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1:1 | 28 | 43.75% | 95.99% |
| Bar | Up to $500,000 | 6 | 9.38% | 95.98% |
| Disco | Up to 10,000x | 3 | 9.39% | 95.51% |
| Letter Bet | 25:1 | 2 per letter | 3.13% per letter | 95.49% |
| Stayin' Alive | Up to 10,000x | 2 | 4.69% | 95.49% |
| VIP Disco | Up to 10,000x | 1 | 1.56% | 95.38% |
The Four Bonus Rounds
Disco
Mr. Funky dances on a 37-square virtual dance floor reminiscent of Saturday Night Fever, collecting multipliers based on the tiles he lands on. The presenter spins a mini wheel to direct Mr. Funky's movements. Multiplier enhancements (marked with X) randomly raise the multiplier values when landed on. The game ends when Mr. Funky falls off the dance floor — all collected multipliers are added together.
37-Square Floor Up to 10,000x
VIP Disco
The same dance floor mechanic as Disco but on a larger 63-square floor with higher multipliers on the board and more multiplier enhancement squares. The highest multiplier values are located on the fringes of the dance floor. The game ends when Mr. Funky falls off, with all collected multipliers added together.
63-Square Floor Up to 10,000x
Stayin' Alive Ladder Multipliers
| Level | Multiplier |
|---|---|
| 20 | 1,000x |
| 19 | 800x |
| 18 | 700x |
| 17 | 600x |
| 16 | 500x |
| 15 | 300x |
| 14 | 250x |
| 13 | 200x |
| 12 | 150x |
| 11 | 100x |
| 10 | 70x |
| 9 | 60x |
| 8 | 50x |
| 7 | 40x |
| 6 | 30x |
| 5 | 25x |
| 4 | 20x |
| 3 | 15x |
| 2 | 10x |
| 1 | 5x |
Betting Strategy
Funky Time is not a game where a player makes an individual bet on one type of segment. It is a game where bets are spread across multiple positions — coverage and hedging are a must. It is easy to over-bet a round with Funky Time and lose money, especially if the Bar segment is hit or if the Disco bonus is a massive dud.
Recommended
Coverage & Hedging Approach
When it comes to letters, bet full words (FUNK, TIME, PLAY) rather than individual letters to get more coverage for an entire segment of the wheel. Mix in bets on the 1 segment — multipliers hit the 1 as well, which means a higher payout when they align. Test out strategies that include 2 out of the 3 words being covered, leaving certain bonuses on and off, and the inclusion of 1 as a possibility. The objective is to create an accuracy score that beats the wheel probability.
Advanced
Machine Learning Strategy
Machine learning is highly recommended for Funky Time and is really the best approach because players cannot cover every non-1 bet and expect a profit. The letters pay 25:1 and that can be depended upon, but the bonuses are volatile and subject to RNG. Leveraging machine learning can refine your strategy by analyzing past game data to identify patterns and trends. Specifically:
- Predictive Analytics: Use algorithms to predict which segments are more likely to hit based on historical data.
- Betting Optimization: Adjust your betting patterns in real-time based on the algorithm's predictions to maximize potential returns.
- Pattern Recognition: Identify streaks and anomalies in game outcomes to inform your betting decisions.
Python's Scikit-Learn and Pandas are well-suited for this. Evolution's API releases the name of the host, allowing you to shape strategies around a particular host's spinning pattern. Mixing up bets is usually the way to go here and the best way is through machine learning — otherwise this is a game that will be frustrating.
Verdict
Approach with Caution
Funky Time Live is a disco-themed adventure that combines nostalgic 70s vibes with modern gaming technology. The RTP is disappointing compared to other live game shows. If you like the Stayin' Alive and Disco/VIP Disco bonus games, you can get something similar in Treasure Island with a much better RTP.
The disco theme is humorous and wins can certainly come here, but strategically you do not want to play a game where there is such a chance of losing while winning. With so many betting options, the game can be a frustrating grind.
Either have a machine learning approach that tells you the bets to make — where a winning selection should not bring upon a loss — or elect to pass on this game, as there are better live game shows to play.