How do Megaways™ Slots Work?

Article by : Max Bet Sep 20, 2023

• 
• 

Updated: Mar 26, 2025

Megaways slots are a popular online slot machine known for their dynamic and ever-changing winning ways. They were created by Big Time Gaming and have been licensed to several other game developers.

Here’s how Megaways slots work:

• Dynamic Reels: In a typical slot, you have a fixed number of reels and rows. Megaways slots, on the other hand, feature a variable number of symbols on each reel. This means that with every spin, the number of symbols per reel changes, leading to varying ways to win on each spin.
• Ways to Win: The primary feature of Megaways slots is the “Ways to Win” system. Instead of traditional paylines, you win by landing matching symbols on adjacent reels from left to right, regardless of their exact position on the reels. The number of ways to win can vary greatly, with some Megaways slots offering hundreds of thousands of possible winning combinations.
• Cascading Reels: Many Megaways slots incorporate a cascading reels feature. When you land a winning combination, the winning symbols disappear, and new symbols fall from above to replace them. This can lead to consecutive wins on a single spin, known as “chain reactions.”
• Buy a Bonus: Some Megaways slots allow you to buy access to the free spins feature. This typically involves paying a set amount in exchange for a certain number of free spins or a better chance at triggering the feature.
• Variance and RTP: Megaways slots often have high variance, meaning that while wins may be less frequent, they can be substantial when they occur. The Return to Player (RTP) percentage varies from game to game but is generally competitive with other slot machines.
• Themes and Graphics: Megaways slots come in various themes, and their graphics and animations are typically high quality. Themes can range from ancient civilizations to popular culture.

Some of the most popular titles are:

• Bonanza Megaways™ – One of the earliest Megaways™ slots, known for its cascading reels and up to 117,649 ways to win.
• Gonzo’s Quest Megaways™ – A Megaways™ version of the iconic Gonzo’s Quest, offering the familiar avalanche feature with up to 117,649 ways to win.
• Mega Fortune Megaways™ – A luxurious slot with a progressive jackpot, offering the Megaways™ mechanic for exciting gameplay.
• Star Clusters Megaways™ – A visually stunning slot with cluster pays and up to 117,649 ways to win.
• Extra Chilli Megaways™ – Another Megaways™ title from Big Time Gaming, known for its free spins feature with unlimited multipliers.
• Primal Megaways™ – This slot takes you back to prehistoric times with an impressive 46,656 ways to win.
• Genie Jackpots Megaways™ – Offers a magical Arabian theme with various bonus features and up to 15,625 ways to win.
• White Rabbit Megaways™ – Based on Lewis Carroll’s classic tale, it offers an extended reel set and the potential for over 200,000 ways to win.
• Dragon Born Megaways™ – A medieval-themed slot with expanding wilds and up to 117,649 ways to win.
• Spartacus Megaways™ – Combines the Megaways™ mechanic with the Colossal Reels feature, offering unique gameplay.

Megaways slots offer a dynamic and exciting gaming experience due to their changing reel configurations and the potential for big wins through cascading reels and free spins. However, they also require patience, as big wins may only come on some spin due to their high volatility.