What is Megaways?
Megaways is a revolutionary slot mechanic developed by Big Time Gaming in 2015 that fundamentally changed how online slots work. Unlike traditional slots with fixed paylines, Megaways slots feature variable reel sizes that change with every spin, creating anywhere from hundreds to 117,649 ways to win.
How Megaways Works
Variable Reels
Each reel displays between 2 and 7 symbols on every spin. With 6 reels, this creates a massive number of potential winning combinations:
- Minimum ways: 64 (2x2x2x2x2x2)
- Maximum ways: 117,649 (7x7x7x7x7x7)
The number of ways to win changes dynamically with each spin, making every play unique and exciting.
Cascading Wins
Most Megaways slots include cascading wins (also called Reactions or Avalanches):
- Winning symbols are removed from the reels
- New symbols drop down to fill the gaps
- If new wins form, the process repeats
- Continues until no new winning combinations appear
This feature allows for multiple wins from a single spin, dramatically increasing win potential.
Key Features
Random Reel Modifiers
Megaways slots often include additional features:
- Extra horizontal reel: Some games add a 4-symbol reel above the main reels
- Mystery symbols: Transform into matching symbols
- Wild multipliers: Increase win values
- Free spins: Often with progressive multipliers
High Volatility
Megaways slots are typically high to very high volatility:
- Less frequent wins
- Potential for massive payouts
- Exciting, unpredictable gameplay
- Can result in extended dry spells
Maximum Win Potential
Many Megaways slots offer extraordinary maximum wins:
- Bonanza: 12,000x stake
- Extra Chilli: 20,000x stake
- Holy Diver: 50,000x stake
Popular Megaways Slots
Big Time Gaming Originals
- Bonanza Megaways: The game that popularized the mechanic
- Extra Chilli: Feature-rich with bonus buy
- White Rabbit: Alice in Wonderland theme with extending reels
- Danger High Voltage: Music-themed with dual bonus features
Licensed Megaways
Big Time Gaming licenses the Megaways mechanic to other providers, resulting in hundreds of variants:
- Gonzo’s Quest Megaways (Red Tiger)
- Piggy Riches Megaways (Red Tiger)
- Rick and Morty Megaways (Blueprint)
- Fishin’ Frenzy Megaways (Blueprint)
Megaways vs Traditional Slots
| Feature | Traditional Slots | Megaways Slots |
|---|---|---|
| Paylines | Fixed (10-100) | Variable (64-117,649) |
| Reels | Static size | Dynamic (2-7 symbols) |
| Gameplay | Predictable | Highly variable |
| Volatility | Low to High | Usually High to Very High |
| Max Win | Varies | Often 10,000x+ |
Strategy Tips
Bankroll Management
- Set a budget and stick to it
- Megaways are high volatility - expect dry spells
- Consider smaller bet sizes for longer sessions
Understanding RTP
- Most Megaways slots: 96-97% RTP
- Some offer multiple RTP versions (check game info)
- Bonus buy features may have different RTP
Bonus Features
- Free spins often offer the biggest wins
- Progressive multipliers (unlimited in some games)
- Bonus buy options let you trigger features instantly
Where to Play Megaways Slots
Megaways slots are available at most modern online casinos. Look for casinos that offer:
- Games from Big Time Gaming
- Licensed Megaways from Blueprint, Red Tiger, Pragmatic Play
- Demo play mode to test games
- Responsible gambling tools
The Future of Megaways
Since its introduction, Megaways has become one of the most popular slot mechanics in the industry:
- 300+ Megaways titles available
- Licensed to dozens of game providers
- Inspired similar mechanics (Megaclusters, Megaquads, etc.)
- Continues to evolve with new features
Big Time Gaming’s innovation has permanently changed the online slot landscape, making Megaways a must-try for any slot enthusiast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Megaways mean?
Megaways refers to the variable number of ways to win on each spin, ranging from 64 to 117,649 winning combinations.
Who invented Megaways?
Megaways was created by Big Time Gaming (BTG) and first appeared in Dragon Born in 2015, but became famous with Bonanza in 2016.
Are Megaways slots rigged?
No. Licensed Megaways slots use certified Random Number Generators (RNGs) and are regularly audited for fairness.
What’s the best Megaways slot?
Popular choices include Bonanza, Extra Chilli, and Gonzo’s Quest Megaways, but the “best” depends on personal preference and play style.
Can you win big on Megaways?
Yes! Megaways slots often offer maximum wins of 10,000x to 50,000x your stake, though these are rare occurrences.