What Are Megaways Slots?
Megaways is a patented slot mechanic developed by Big Time Gaming (BTG) that fundamentally changed how slot machines work. Unlike traditional slots with a fixed number of paylines, Megaways games feature dynamic reels — the number of symbols on each reel changes randomly with every spin.
Because winning combinations are calculated based on the number of symbols visible on each reel, the number of ways to win changes constantly. In a 6-reel Megaways game where each reel can show 2 to 7 symbols, the maximum number of ways to win can reach 117,649.
How the Mechanic Works
Here's a simplified breakdown:
- Each spin, every reel randomly displays between 2 and 7 symbols.
- Ways to win are calculated by multiplying the symbol count across all reels (e.g., 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 = 117,649).
- Wins occur when the same symbol lands on adjacent reels from left to right.
- Most Megaways slots also include a cascade/avalanche feature — winning symbols disappear and new ones fall in, allowing for chain reactions in a single spin.
Why Megaways Became a Phenomenon
Big Time Gaming launched the mechanic with Bonanza in 2016, and it became one of the most played slots globally. The reasons for its explosive popularity include:
- Excitement of variable reels: Players never know how many ways to win they'll get on the next spin.
- High volatility appeal: Megaways slots typically offer high variance with massive potential multipliers during free spin features.
- Unlimited win multipliers: Many Megaways free spin rounds include multipliers that increase with each cascade — no cap on how high they can go.
- Wide licensing: BTG licensed the Megaways engine to dozens of top developers including NetEnt, Red Tiger, and Pragmatic Play.
Notable Megaways Titles That Shaped the Genre
| Game Title | Developer | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Bonanza Megaways | Big Time Gaming | The original; unlimited free spin multiplier |
| Extra Chilli Megaways | Big Time Gaming | Buy Feature option; spicy reel modifier |
| Gonzo's Quest Megaways | Red Tiger / NetEnt | Combines avalanche mechanic with Megaways |
| Buffalo King Megaways | Pragmatic Play | Retrigger feature; high max win potential |
| Fruit Party 2 | Pragmatic Play | Cluster pays hybrid with Megaways elements |
The Criticism: Is Megaways Oversaturated?
With hundreds of licensed Megaways games now on the market, some players and industry analysts have raised concerns:
- Many titles feel formulaic — similar free spin mechanics with different themes.
- Extremely high volatility means long losing streaks are common, which can be frustrating.
- The sheer volume of Megaways releases has diluted the novelty of the format.
In response, developers have begun experimenting with hybrid mechanics — combining Megaways with cluster pays, hold-and-win features, and unique bonus structures to differentiate their offerings.
What's Next: Beyond Megaways
The success of Megaways inspired competing mechanics. Players can now explore:
- Infinireels (NetEnt) — Reels that keep expanding with each cascade.
- DoubleMax — A mechanic built around multiplier wilds.
- Cluster pays — Wins from groups of matching symbols rather than lines or ways.
The Megaways mechanic remains a cornerstone of modern slot design, and understanding how it works helps players choose games that match their risk appetite and play style.