Well... I've had plenty of non-max wins after a 250 dropped or even after a 500 dropped. I never hit a max on Gates. I never saw a max win starting with 4 dead spins and only one 250x bomb. Very unusual.
Down on my luck, and decided to use my last $160 on a No Limit City True Grit bonus buy. Max win! WTF lol
https://fan-o-nolimitcity-o-com.live.envoygateways.com/replay/kukobabuzedudanogosenekuwaupizige?device=desktop&language=en