Megaways revolutionised slot gaming when Big Time Gaming introduced this innovative mechanic in 2016, replacing fixed paylines with variable ways to win that change every spin. This breakthrough technology spawned hundreds of Megaways slots from dozens of developers, fundamentally altering how modern slots function and creating new gameplay experiences impossible with traditional reel structures.
This comprehensive guide examines Megaways mechanics thoroughly, exploring how the system works, its advantages and disadvantages, top Megaways slots, and whether this revolutionary format delivers genuine player value or primarily serves as marketing innovation.
What Are Megaways Slots?
Megaways slots use variable reel structures where each reel displays 2-7 symbols randomly on every spin, creating between 324 and 117,649 possible winning combinations per spin.
The Core Innovation
Traditional Slots:
- Fixed reel structure (typically 5 reels, 3 rows)
- Predetermined paylines (10, 20, 50, etc.)
- Consistent ways to win every spin
Megaways Slots:
- Variable reel heights (2-7 symbols per reel)
- Ways to win calculated dynamically each spin
- Dramatically different screen configurations continuously
Example Megaways Configuration:
Spin 1: [3]-[7]-[2]-[6]-[4]-[7] = 3×7×2×6×4×7 = 7,056 ways to win
Spin 2: [7]-[4]-[7]-[2]-[7]-[5] = 7×4×7×2×7×5 = 13,720 ways to win
The number of symbols per reel changes randomly, recalculating ways to win constantly.
How Megaways Calculate Winning Ways
The Mathematical Formula
Ways to Win = Reel 1 Symbols × Reel 2 Symbols × Reel 3 Symbols × Reel 4 Symbols × Reel 5 Symbols × Reel 6 Symbols
Minimum (2 symbols per reel): 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 = 64 ways
Maximum (7 symbols per reel): 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 = 117,649 ways
Typical Spin Average: Most spins produce 10,000-40,000 ways to win
Why 117,649 Maximum?
Big Time Gaming trademarked “Megaways” specifically for mechanics offering up to 117,649 ways to win. This number comes from 7^6 (seven symbols across six reels), creating the signature maximum that defines authentic Megaways slots.
Some newer variations exceed this (Megaways™ Plus can reach 200,000+), though traditional Megaways caps at 117,649.
Additional Megaways Features
Beyond variable reels, most Megaways slots include complementary features:
Cascading Reels (Reactions/Avalanches)
After winning combinations pay, winning symbols disappear and new symbols cascade down filling empty positions. If new wins form, the process repeats until no new combinations appear.
Advantages:
- Multiple consecutive wins from single spin
- Feels more action-packed than static spins
- Creates exciting chain-reaction potential
How It Works with Megaways: Each cascade can change the number of symbols per reel, recalculating ways to win continuously throughout the cascade sequence.
Horizontal Reels
Many Megaways slots feature additional horizontal reels above the main reels (typically above reels 2-5), adding extra symbols that count toward ways to win calculations.
Example: Main reels: 7-6-5-6-7-4 = 35,280 ways Horizontal reel adds: 4 more symbols Total calculation: (7+1)×(6+1)×(5+1)×(6+1)×(7+1)×(4) = 107,520 ways
Horizontal reels dramatically increase average ways to win beyond what base 6 reels achieve alone.
Progressive Multipliers
Common in Megaways free spins features:
Unlimited Multiplier Progression:
- First win: 1x multiplier
- First cascade: 2x multiplier
- Second cascade: 3x multiplier
- Continues infinitely…
Each consecutive win or cascade increases the multiplier by +1, with no maximum cap. Extended cascade sequences can push multipliers to 20x, 30x, or even higher, turning modest wins into substantial payouts.
Why It’s Powerful: Late cascade wins benefit from massive accumulated multipliers, creating exponential win potential that traditional slots cannot match.
Mystery Symbols
Certain positions randomly display mystery symbols that transform into matching symbols simultaneously, creating instant winning combinations across multiple reels.
Example: Mystery symbols appear on reels 1, 3, and 5. All transform into matching high-value symbols, dramatically improving win probability for that spin.
Megaways Advantages
Extreme Volatility and Excitement
Variable ways to win from 64 to 117,649 creates dramatic variance:
- Low-ways spins feel disappointing
- High-ways spins build anticipation
- Constant configuration changes maintain engagement
This volatility appeals to thrill-seekers enjoying dramatic swings over predictable patterns.
Massive Win Potential
The combination of:
- Up to 117,649 ways to win
- Cascading mechanics creating consecutive wins
- Unlimited multipliers during features
Creates maximum win potential of 10,000x-50,000x+ stake on many Megaways slots, far exceeding traditional slots’ typical 1,000x-5,000x maximums.
Visual and Mechanical Innovation
Megaways feel genuinely different from traditional slots:
- Dynamic screen configurations
- Cascading sequences creating action
- Constantly changing gameplay patterns
This innovation refreshes the slot experience for players bored with static reels.
Replayability
Even the same Megaways slot feels different each session due to:
- Random reel configurations
- Unpredictable cascade sequences
- Varied bonus round experiences
Greater variety within single games compared to traditional slots’ repetitive patterns.
Megaways Disadvantages
High Volatility Challenges
Bankroll Requirements: Megaways’ extreme variance demands substantial bankrolls—200x-500x your bet size minimum for reasonable session duration.
Frustrating Dry Spells: Extended losing sequences (50-100+ spins) occur regularly, testing patience and depleting funds rapidly.
Feast or Famine: Sessions feel either extraordinarily lucky or disappointingly barren, with less middle-ground consistency than medium-volatility traditional slots.
RTP Concerns
Many Megaways slots offer 96% RTP or lower, with some configurations as low as 94% depending on casino settings. This matches or falls below traditional slots despite marketing suggesting innovation equals value.
Feature Buy Options: Many Megaways include “buy feature” options allowing direct bonus purchase for 50x-100x stake. These often reduce RTP to 95% or below, creating poor value despite guaranteed feature access.
Complexity Overload
For some players, Megaways’ constant changes, cascades, and multiple simultaneous features create overwhelming experiences:
- Difficult tracking wins across thousands of ways
- Confusion about what triggered which payouts
- Sensory overload from constant animation
Traditionalists preferring straightforward gameplay find Megaways exhausting rather than entertaining.
Repetitive Despite Innovation
Ironically, Megaways’ success spawned hundreds of mechanically identical slots differing only in theme:
- Same cascade mechanics
- Identical progressive multipliers
- Standard bonus structures
After initial novelty, Megaways slots feel repetitive across different titles, with innovation becoming standardised template.
Top Megaways Slots
1. Bonanza Megaways (Big Time Gaming)
RTP: 96%
Max Win: 10,000x
Theme: Gold mining
The original Megaways slot that launched the revolution. Features:
- 6 reels with 2-7 symbols each
- Up to 117,649 ways to win
- Free spins with unlimited multipliers
- Remains enormously popular despite age
Why It’s Great: The blueprint all others follow, perfectly balanced volatility and features.
2. Extra Chilli Megaways (Big Time Gaming)
RTP: 96.82%
Max Win: 20,000x
Theme: Mexican market
Improved successor to Bonanza featuring:
- Feature Drop allowing direct bonus purchase
- Gamble feature for more free spins
- Similar mechanics with enhanced win potential
Why It’s Excellent: Better RTP than Bonanza with higher maximum wins.
3. Gonzo’s Quest Megaways (Red Tiger/NetEnt)
RTP: 96%
Max Win: 21,000x
Theme: Conquistador adventure
Modern Megaways update of NetEnt’s classic Gonzo’s Quest:
- Earthquake feature adding wilds
- Free falls (free spins) with 15x multiplier maximum
- Beloved character and theme
Why Choose It: Combines nostalgia with modern Megaways mechanics.
4. Rainbow Riches Megaways (Barcrest)
RTP: 95.05-96.05%
Max Win: 10,000x
Theme: Irish leprechauns
Megaways adaptation of Britain’s most beloved slot:
- Familiar Rainbow Riches aesthetic
- Cascading reels with multipliers
- Appeals to traditional Rainbow Riches fans wanting innovation
5. Rick and Morty Megaways (Blueprint)
RTP: 96.55%
Max Win: 50,000x
Theme: Rick and Morty animated series
Licensed Megaways slot with exceptional specifications:
- Highest maximum win on this list
- Multiple random modifiers
- Excellent RTP for Megaways format
6. Genie Jackpots Megaways (Blueprint)
RTP: 96.52%
Max Win: 10,000x
Theme: Arabian genies
Feature-rich Megaways with:
- Multiple bonus types
- Progressive jackpot opportunities
- Good RTP combined with familiar theme
7. White Rabbit Megaways (Big Time Gaming)
RTP: 97.24% (exceptional)
Max Win: 10,000x
Theme: Alice in Wonderland
Highest RTP Megaways slot:
- Extending reels mechanic (can reach 248,832 ways)
- Excellent 97.24% RTP
- Unique reel expansion feature
Why It’s Top Choice: Best RTP available in Megaways format.
8. Buffalo King Megaways (Pragmatic Play)
RTP: 96.52%
Max Win: 5,000x
Theme: North American wildlife
Pragmatic Play’s Megaways entry featuring:
- Tumble feature (cascades)
- Free spins with multipliers
- Buffalo-themed gameplay
9. Legacy of Dead Megaways (Blueprint)
RTP: 96.58%
Max Win: 50,000x
Theme: Ancient Egypt
High-maximum-win Megaways with:
- Expanding symbols during free spins
- 50,000x potential
- Popular Egyptian theme
10. Monopoly Megaways (Big Time Gaming)
RTP: 96.5%
Max Win: 14,700x
Theme: Monopoly board game
Licensed Megaways featuring:
- Branded Monopoly elements
- Multiple bonus types
- Nostalgia factor from beloved board game
Megaways Licensing and Variations
Big Time Gaming’s Licensing Model
Big Time Gaming licenses Megaways mechanics to other developers for fees, creating widespread adoption whilst maintaining trademark control.
Major Licensees:
- Blueprint Gaming
- Red Tiger
- Pragmatic Play
- iSoftBet
- Many others
This licensing created explosion of Megaways slots whilst generating revenue for BTG without requiring them developing every game personally.
Megaways Variations
Megaquads: Four separate reel sets operating simultaneously with shared features.
Megaways Plus: Extended Megaways offering 200,000+ ways through additional mechanics.
Megapays: Focus on increasing multipliers rather than pure ways to win.
These variations attempt iterating on original formula with mixed success—most players still prefer standard Megaways structure.
Megaways Strategy and Tips
Bankroll Management
Minimum Recommended: 300x your bet size for single session
Example:
- £0.20 bets: £60 session bankroll
- £0.50 bets: £150 session bankroll
- £1 bets: £300 session bankroll
Megaways’ high volatility demands deeper reserves than medium-variance traditional slots.
Feature Buy Considerations
Many Megaways offer feature buy options (50x-100x stake for instant bonus).
Pros:
- Guaranteed bonus access
- Bypasses frustrating base game
- Concentrates volatility
Cons:
- Often reduces RTP to 95% or below
- Expensive (£50-100 for £1 base bet)
- Can deplete bankrolls rapidly
Recommendation: Avoid feature buys unless you fully understand reduced RTP and can afford multiple purchases if early attempts disappoint.
Choosing Between Megaways Slots
Prioritise:
- High RTP (96%+ minimum, 96.5%+ ideal)
- Themes you enjoy
- Reasonable volatility for your bankroll
- Proven track records (established games)
Avoid:
- Unknown developers with questionable certification
- 94-95% RTP configurations
- Overly complex feature sets you don’t understand
Realistic Expectations
Don’t Expect:
- Consistent profits (house edge ensures losses)
- Regular maximum wins (10,000x+ hits are extremely rare)
- Smooth, steady gameplay (volatility creates dramatic swings)
Do Expect:
- Extended losing sequences between bonuses
- Occasional exciting bonus rounds with big wins
- High entertainment value from constant mechanical variation
Are Megaways Worth Playing?
For High-Volatility Enthusiasts: Yes
If you enjoy:
- Dramatic swings and excitement
- Chasing substantial wins
- Innovative mechanics
- Visual and gameplay variety
Megaways deliver unmatched entertainment within high-variance category.
For Steady, Predictable Play: No
If you prefer:
- Consistent, balanced sessions
- Predictable outcomes
- Simple, straightforward mechanics
- Lower variance
Traditional low-medium volatility slots better suit your preferences.
The Mathematics Question
Megaways don’t inherently offer better mathematics than traditional slots—many have comparable or worse RTP than high-quality traditional games. The innovation is mechanical and entertainment-focused rather than mathematical improvement.
Best Traditional Slot: 98% RTP, 1,000x max win
Typical Megaways: 96% RTP, 20,000x max win
Which is “better” depends whether you prioritise optimal returns or maximum win potential and entertainment variety.
Conclusion
Megaways revolutionised slot gaming through genuine mechanical innovation creating dynamic, exciting experiences impossible with traditional payline structures. The format’s success spawned entire slot generation whilst establishing Big Time Gaming as industry innovator.
However, Megaways isn’t universally superior—high volatility, comparable RTP to traditional slots, and complexity overload for some players mean traditional formats retain legitimate appeal.
Choose Megaways if you enjoy high-variance excitement, substantial win potential, and mechanical innovation. Stick with traditional slots if you prefer steadier play, simpler mechanics, and potentially better RTP options.
The “best” slot type remains entirely dependent on individual preferences around volatility tolerance, entertainment priorities, and mathematical considerations. Megaways expanded options rather than rendering traditional slots obsolete—both formats offer legitimate value for different player preferences.