Megaways changed online slots. Since Big Time Gaming invented the mechanic in 2016, it’s been licensed to dozens of providers and used in hundreds of games. But how does it actually work — and should you care? Here’s the full breakdown.
Megaways is a reel mechanic where the number of symbols on each reel changes randomly on every spin. A standard 6-reel Megaways setup can produce anywhere from 64 to 117,649 different ways to win per spin. More symbols = more ways = more potential winning combinations.
What Makes Megaways Different from Standard Slots
In a traditional slot, the layout is fixed. A 5×3 grid always shows 15 symbols. A game with 20 paylines always has 20 paylines. Nothing changes spin to spin.
Megaways throws that out. Each reel independently shows between 2 and 7 symbols per spin (in the standard configuration). The total ways to win is calculated by multiplying the symbol counts across all reels.
6 reels, each showing between 2 and 7 symbols.
Minimum ways: 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 = 64 ways
Maximum ways: 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 = 117,649 ways
Every spin lands somewhere between these extremes. More ways = more chances for winning combinations to form.
Wins are calculated using an “all ways” system: matching symbols on consecutive reels from left to right count as a win, regardless of position. There are no traditional paylines to track — if three matching symbols appear on reels 1, 2, and 3 in any row positions, it’s a hit.
Key Features in Most Megaways Slots
The variable reel size is the core mechanic, but most Megaways games package it with additional features that amplify the volatility and win potential:
Winning symbols are removed and replaced by new symbols falling from above. Cascades continue as long as new wins form. One spin can chain multiple wins.
During free spins, the win multiplier increases with each cascade. Start at 1x, and after 10 consecutive cascades you’re at 11x. This is where the massive payouts come from.
Many Megaways games add a horizontal reel above the main grid, creating extra symbols and additional ways to win on each spin.
Bonus rounds typically award 10–20 free spins with unlimited multiplier growth. Retriggers add extra spins, extending the multiplier climb.
The cascading reels plus unlimited multiplier combination is the signature of Megaways. It’s what creates the potential for five-figure wins: a cascade chain of 15+ wins during free spins with a growing multiplier can multiply modest base payouts into extraordinary totals.
Who Created Megaways?
Megaways was invented and patented by Big Time Gaming (BTG), an Australian game studio. Their first Megaways title, Bonanza, launched in 2016 and became one of the most influential slot games ever released.
BTG licenses the Megaways mechanic to other providers. This is why you see Megaways games from Pragmatic Play, Red Tiger Gaming, iSoftBet, Blueprint Gaming, and many others. Each provider puts their own spin on it, but the core variable-reel mechanic remains the same.
Some notable Megaways variants have emerged: Pragmatic Play’s “Megaways” versions of existing games (like Sweet Bonanza Megaways), Red Tiger’s Gonzo’s Quest Megaways, and Blueprint Gaming’s extensive catalog of Megaways titles built on licensed brands.
Megaways: Volatility and RTP
Almost all Megaways games are high volatility or above. The variable reel mechanic combined with cascading wins and multipliers creates a naturally volatile payout distribution.
The base game in most Megaways slots returns a relatively small portion of the total RTP. The bonus round — with its unlimited multiplier — is where the majority of the theoretical return is concentrated. This means long dry spells in regular play are normal and expected.
RTP varies by game and by casino. Big Time Gaming’s original Bonanza has an RTP of 96.00%. Pragmatic Play’s Megaways titles typically range from 94.5% to 96.5% depending on the operator’s chosen configuration. Always check the in-game info menu to verify.
Many Megaways games also offer Bonus Buy, letting you skip the base game entirely and jump straight into free spins — where the multiplier mechanic makes the biggest difference.
Best Megaways Slots by Provider
| Slot | Provider | Max Win | RTP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonanza | Big Time Gaming | 26,000x | 96.00% |
| Extra Chilli | Big Time Gaming | 20,000x | 96.15% |
| Bonanza Falls | Big Time Gaming | 93,540x | 96.56% |
| Gonzo’s Quest Megaways | Red Tiger Gaming | 21,000x | 96.00% |
| Big Bass Bonanza Megaways | Pragmatic Play | 5,000x | 96.50% |
| Gates of Olympus 1000 | Pragmatic Play | 15,000x | 96.50% |
| Big Bad Bison | Big Time Gaming | 67,640x | 96.58% |
| Cyberslot Megaclusters | Big Time Gaming | 30,000x | 96.45% |
Bonanza remains the gold standard — the original that defined the genre. Extra Chilli refined the formula with its gamble feature for additional free spins. Among newer releases, Bonanza Falls pushed the max win ceiling to over 90,000x.
Should You Play Megaways Slots?
Play Megaways if you enjoy high-volatility gameplay with long build-up and explosive potential, you have a bankroll that can sustain extended dry spells (500+ bet minimum recommended), and you find the cascading mechanic and growing multipliers exciting.
Avoid Megaways if you prefer steady, frequent wins and don’t enjoy watching your balance drop for 100+ spins, you have a limited budget and want to maximize playtime, or you find the visual complexity of 117,649 ways overwhelming.
The label “Megaways” only refers to the variable reel mechanic. Everything else — RTP, volatility level, max win, bonus features — varies enormously between games. A Megaways slot from Pragmatic Play and one from Big Time Gaming can feel completely different. Always check the specific game’s stats, not just the Megaways label.
Megaways games are tagged with a dedicated badge in our randomizer. Spin and see which Megaways title comes up — you might find your next favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Bottom Line
Megaways is the most influential slot mechanic of the last decade. The variable reel system combined with cascading wins and unlimited multipliers creates a gameplay loop that’s uniquely exciting — and uniquely volatile.
It’s not for every player. But if you enjoy high-risk, high-reward gameplay where a single bonus round can transform your balance, Megaways games deliver that experience better than almost any other mechanic.
Just remember: the huge max win numbers come with equally huge variance. Budget accordingly.
