What Are Megaways Slots?
Megaways is a patented slot engine developed by Big Time Gaming (BTG), first introduced in 2016 with the release of Dragon Born. Since then, it has been licensed to dozens of other developers and applied to hundreds of games, making it one of the most influential mechanical innovations in modern slot design.
The core concept: instead of a fixed number of paylines, Megaways slots use a dynamic reel system where the number of symbols on each reel changes randomly with every spin — creating a constantly shifting number of ways to win.
How the Megaways Engine Works
In a standard Megaways game with 6 reels, each reel can display a variable number of symbols — typically between 2 and 7 per reel per spin. The total number of "ways to win" is calculated by multiplying the number of symbols showing on each reel simultaneously.
For example:
- If all 6 reels show 7 symbols each: 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 = 117,649 ways to win
- If reels show 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 symbols: 2 × 3 × 4 × 5 × 6 × 7 = 2,520 ways to win
This variability is what makes Megaways both exciting and volatile — the potential paylines shift dramatically from spin to spin.
Megaways vs. Traditional Payline Slots
| Feature | Traditional Slot | Megaways Slot |
|---|---|---|
| Paylines/Ways | Fixed (e.g. 10, 20, 25) | Dynamic (up to 117,649) |
| Reel Size | Fixed (e.g. 3x5) | Variable per spin |
| Volatility | Low to High | Typically Medium-High to High |
| Max Win Potential | Moderate | Often very high (10,000x+) |
| Complexity | Simple | Moderate to Complex |
Common Features Found in Megaways Games
While each Megaways title is unique, several features appear frequently across the format:
- Cascading Reels (Avalanche): Winning symbols disappear and are replaced by new ones, potentially creating chain wins from a single spin.
- Free Spins with Increasing Multipliers: Each cascade or free spin adds to a running multiplier, which can reach extraordinary levels.
- Scatter Pays: Some Megaways games pay for symbols appearing anywhere on the reels rather than requiring left-to-right sequences.
- Bonus Buy: Many Megaways titles offer a feature purchase option to instantly trigger the bonus round (where permitted by regulation).
The RTP and Volatility Profile of Megaways Slots
Most Megaways games carry an RTP in the 95%–97% range, which is in line with the broader online slot market. However, their volatility profile tends to be high to very high. This means:
- Long periods without significant wins are common.
- When the bonus triggers and multipliers stack, wins can be enormous — often 10,000x to 50,000x stake or more.
- A proportionally larger bankroll buffer is recommended compared to low-volatility games.
Popular Megaways Titles to Know
Some well-known Megaways slots that demonstrate the format's range include:
- Bonanza Megaways (Big Time Gaming) — the original flagship Megaways game
- Extra Chilli (Big Time Gaming)
- Gonzo's Quest Megaways (Red Tiger / NetEnt)
- Deadwood Megaways (No Limit City)
Is Megaways Right for You?
Megaways slots are best suited to players who:
- Enjoy high-variance gameplay with big win potential
- Have a bankroll that can absorb dry spells
- Like dynamic, fast-paced games with layered features
If you prefer more predictable, frequent payouts, lower-volatility classic or video slots may be a better fit. Understanding the mechanics behind Megaways helps you make that choice with confidence.