Megaways has become one of those buzzwords in online casinos that you just can’t ignore. Scroll through a slot library and you’ll find rows of them, often plastered with promises of “117,649 ways to win.” At first, it sounds almost too good to be true. But spend a little time with them, and you’ll see why players keep going back. They’re unpredictable, flashy, and at times downright addictive. Let’s take a walk through what makes these slots tick.
What Are Megaways Slots?
Think of Megaways slots as the restless cousins of regular slots. Traditional three-reel fruit machines are tidy, predictable, and sometimes a bit dull. Megaways flips that on its head. Each spin reshuffles the reels, changing how many symbols land in view. The result? A constantly shifting number of possible winning combinations — sometimes a few hundred, sometimes well into six figures.
When Big Time Gaming launched the first Megaways game in 2016 (Dragon Born), it didn’t set the world on fire. But then came Bonanza Megaways. That one exploded. Suddenly everyone was talking about cascading reels and crazy numbers of paylines. Developers like Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, and Relax Gaming quickly licensed the mechanic, and the floodgates opened.
I still remember the first time I stumbled into Bonanza. The screen filled with mining carts and gems, and suddenly the counter flashed that I had 20,000 ways to win. I didn’t win much that spin, but the sheer size of the number was enough to hook me.
How Megaways Slots Work
The magic lies in variable reels. Instead of every reel showing a set number of symbols, each one can display between two and seven (sometimes even more, depending on the game). On a good spin, all reels expand to their max, and the potential win lines skyrocket.
Picture it like this: reel one shows six symbols, reel two shows seven, reel three shows five, and so on. Multiply them together, and you get tens of thousands of win ways. It feels like the slot is alive, constantly changing shape.
It’s messy in the best way — kind of like sitting at a slot where you can’t quite predict what’s coming next.
Dynamic Reels and Paylines
Traditional slots are like highways with fixed lanes: 20 paylines, 25 paylines, nice and orderly. Megaways is more like city traffic at rush hour — chaotic, packed, but with endless possible routes. One spin feels cramped, with short reels giving just a few thousand ways. The next spin blows wide open, showing tall stacks that max out the screen. It keeps you guessing and, honestly, that’s half the fun.
Cascading Reels and Multipliers
Here’s where things get spicy. After you land a win, those winning symbols disappear, and new ones tumble down. The first time it happens, it feels like a bonus feature — but in Megaways, it’s baked into the base game. Sometimes you’ll hit two or three cascades in a row, and just when you think it’s over, the multiplier climbs, and another win drops in.
I once had a chain of five cascades on Extra Chilli Megaways. By the last one, the multiplier was so high that even a modest symbol match paid more than I expected. It’s that snowball effect that makes the format addictive.
Bonus Features in Megaways
On top of the shifting reels and cascades, most Megaways games throw in a handful of extra features. Free spins rounds often come with unlimited win multipliers. Mystery symbols reveal themselves all at once, sometimes turning a dead spin into a screen-filler. Random reel modifiers can suddenly expand reels to their maximum height, and that’s when you start holding your breath.
The bonuses feel theatrical. You don’t just trigger a free spins round — you build up anticipation as the reels stretch taller and taller. When it finally hits, it’s almost cinematic.
A Brief History of Megaways Slots
Credit where it’s due: Big Time Gaming dreamed this up. At the time, they were a relatively small studio in Australia trying to stand out. The Megaways mechanic turned out to be their golden ticket. Once Bonanza hit big, licensing deals rolled in. Soon Blueprint Gaming, Red Tiger, iSoftBet, and others were rolling out their own Megaways takes.
What made it spread so quickly was simple: you could bolt the mechanic onto an existing game. Already love Fishin’ Frenzy? Great, now there’s a Megaways version. Same with Gonzo’s Quest. It was like giving old classics a turbocharged upgrade.
Why Are Megaways Slots So Popular?
It comes down to a cocktail of unpredictability and potential. Seeing “117,649 ways to win” flash on the screen feels like standing in front of a jackpot slot in a Vegas casino. The number is ridiculous, but it’s real. Even if you don’t hit it big, you can’t help but lean in.
And then there’s the sheer variety. You’ll find Megaways slots dressed up in mining helmets, Aztec temples, fishing boats, and even buffalo herds. Whatever your flavor, someone has built a Megaways version for it.
Personally, I think part of the fun is the storytelling. One moment you’re just spinning, the next the reels stretch, multipliers stack, and it feels like you’re about to crack open a fortune.
High Volatility and Big Wins
Here’s the trade-off: Megaways slots are usually high volatility. That means long dry spells followed by potentially massive payouts. Some players love that drama. Others get frustrated watching their bankroll dwindle between big hits.
A buddy of mine swears by Buffalo King Megaways. He once hit a bonus round where multipliers lined up perfectly, turning a $0.40 spin into more than $300. On the flip side, I’ve had sessions where twenty minutes passed without a single exciting feature. That’s volatility for you.
Best Megaways Slot Games
A few titles have earned near-legendary status:
- Bonanza Megaways – the granddaddy of them all.
- Buffalo King Megaways – enormous multipliers, huge potential.
- Fishin’ Frenzy Megaways – simple, nostalgic, with a Megaways twist.
- Gonzo’s Quest Megaways – a classic reimagined, still charming.
- Extra Chilli Megaways – spicy, risky, and loaded with gamble features.
These aren’t just popular because they’re flashy. They’ve stood the test of time in casino lobbies and still draw crowds years after release.
Leading Megaways Slot Providers
Big Time Gaming may have invented the system, but others perfected it in their own way:
- Blueprint Gaming added Megaways to retail classics.
- Pragmatic Play leaned into colorful, feature-packed releases.
- Relax Gaming brought smooth mechanics and polished design.
- Red Tiger merged Megaways with NetEnt’s famous franchises.
Each one feels a little different. Some focus on smoother play, others on bonus-heavy gameplay. That variation is part of the reason the mechanic hasn’t gone stale.
Tips for Playing Megaways Slots
If you’re thinking of giving them a go, keep these in mind:
- Check the RTP – Some casinos lower it, so don’t assume it’s always 96%.
- Budget wisely – The swings can eat through a balance if you’re not careful.
- Try before you buy – Most casinos let you demo games. Use that.
- Chase the bonus, not the base game – That’s where the magic usually happens.
- Know when to stop – Megaways thrives on the “just one more spin” itch.
I’ve learned the hard way that chasing a cold game rarely pays off. Sometimes it’s best to walk away and try another title.
Megaways Slots FAQs
Are Megaways slots better than regular slots?
Depends on what you want. They’re more volatile and more chaotic. If you enjoy unpredictability, they’re fantastic. If you like steady wins, stick with classics.
What’s the maximum number of ways to win?
Most cap at 117,649, though some special features push beyond 200,000.
Can I play them for free?
Yes, demos are everywhere. It’s worth practicing before committing real money.
Do any Megaways games have jackpots?
Some do. Blueprint has released Megaways with fixed jackpots, while others combine the mechanic with progressive pots.
Which developer makes the “best” Megaways slots?
Big Time Gaming invented them, but Blueprint and Pragmatic Play have made some of the most loved titles. It’s subjective — try a few and see what clicks.
