Megaways is Big Time Gaming’s variable-reel mechanic. In a typical implementation, the number of visible symbol positions on one or more reels changes between spins or reactions, and the game calculates the active Ways to Win from those reel heights.
117,649 is one common Megaways maximum, not the definition of the mechanic. It equals 7×7×7×7×7×7 for a six-reel layout with seven eligible positions on every reel. Other Megaways products can use different reel counts, heights, top reels, feature grids, or maximum Ways.
How the Number of Ways Is Calculated
For a simple all-Ways layout, multiply the number of eligible symbol positions on each participating reel:
7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 = 117,649 Ways
If the same six reels each show two positions, the calculation is:
2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 = 64 Ways
These examples apply only when every displayed position is eligible and the game uses the standard product-of-reel-heights calculation. A top reel, extra symbols, blocked cells, colossal symbols, or feature-specific rules can change the calculation.
How a Megaways Win Forms
Most Megaways games use adjacent-reel Ways wins: matching eligible symbols appear on consecutive reels, commonly beginning from the leftmost reel. Their row positions do not need to match.
The rules still need to specify:
- where a winning sequence starts;
- how many consecutive reels are required;
- whether wins pay both directions;
- which symbols are eligible;
- how Wilds substitute;
- whether several instances on one reel create multiple Ways;
- how top-reel symbols join the calculation.
A spin can display the maximum number of Ways and still contain no qualifying symbol sequence. More Ways also does not establish higher RTP or a larger cash award.
Features Commonly Paired with Megaways
Winning symbols disappear and the reels refill. This is common, not required by the Megaways label.
Can add eligible symbols above the main reels and change the Ways calculation.
Can increase after reactions or wins and may reset or persist according to the rules.
Can purchase feature entry where permitted. It is not present in every Megaways game or market.
Can trade an eligible win for a chance to enter a feature under a displayed probability.
Megadozer, Megapays, Megaclusters, and other labels can add separate systems that should not be treated as Megaways itself.
Cascades are explained separately in Cascading Wins Explained.
Who Created Megaways?
Big Time Gaming created and licenses Megaways. BTG’s official Bonanza page describes its patented Megaways system and up to 117,649 Ways. Licensed studios can build different games around the core mechanic, so branding, RTP, volatility, bonuses, and max-win rules vary.
Does Megaways Mean High Volatility or Better RTP?
No universal conclusion follows from the mechanic alone.
- Variable reel heights can change the number of potential combinations.
- Symbol frequency and paytable values determine how often those combinations occur and what they pay.
- Cascades and multipliers can widen the distribution in some games.
- Feature probability and payout caps can materially change volatility.
- RTP is set by the complete mathematical model, not by the Megaways badge.
Do not prescribe a 500-bet bankroll or another universal number of spins. The suitable monetary exposure depends on stake, budget, volatility, and personal limits.
Official BTG Examples
| Game | Published RTP | Max Ways | Max payout | Additional mechanics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonanza | 96.11% | 117,649 | 26,000x | Dual Reactions, Free Spins multiplier, Bonus Buy on current page |
| Bonanza Falls | 96.52% | 117,649 | 93,540x | Megadozer, Win Exchange, Bonus Buy |
| Christmas Bonanza | Check active version | 117,649 | Check active rules | Free Spins and Bonus Buy |
These values show that even games from the same family can have different RTPs, maximums, and feature structures.
Megaways Checklist
- How many reels participate in Ways wins?
- What is the minimum and maximum reel height?
- Does a top reel add symbols?
- What is the actual maximum Ways count?
- Where must winning sequences begin?
- Are cascades or reactions present?
- Does a multiplier reset or persist?
- What RTP and volatility apply to the active version?
- Are Bonus Buy or Win Exchange modes available?
- What max-win cap terminates the round?
Discover Megaways games, then verify the active reel and feature rules.
Explore Megaways slots →Frequently Asked Questions
The Bottom Line
Megaways changes the number of eligible symbol positions and Ways. Cascades, top reels, multipliers, and Bonus Buy are optional layers. Read the exact game rather than treating 117,649 as a universal specification.
