Megaways™ Slots – What are They and Where to Play?
Megaways slots are a new and exciting way to play online slots. This win-any-way game mechanic was invented by the team at Big Time Gaming. You might already know some slots from Big Time Gaming. Two popular titles are Bonanza and White Rabbit which are both Megaways Slots.
Slots are constantly evolving and that’s what has happened with the Megaways game mechanic. This all started with “No Pay Line” slots. The game mechanic from Big Time Gaming derived from ‘243 Ways to Win’ games and ‘1024 Ways to Win’’.
Big Time Gaming trademarked the Megaways™ game mechanic and now licenses it to other game providers. This means that you can find new Megaways Slots not only from Big Time Gaming but many other suppliers too.
The key element to the mechanic is the shape-shifting reels which can give you between 2 and 7 symbols on each reel. So, with every spin, you’ll have a different number of ways to win. In most Megaways games you can win up to 117,649 times your stake size. There are some exceptions to this though.
Keep reading to see which slot sites have the best selection of Megaways slots. Plus, a more in-depth look at the difference between this slot type and classic slots.
Best Megaways Slot Sites
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This list is updated monthly as we add new slot sites with Megaways titles.
What are Megaways Slots?
Megaway slots are the latest tech expanding on the original no pay line concept. This was found first in 243 Ways to Win slots and 1024 Ways to Win slot games.
By using shape-shifting reel technology the number of symbols on each spin differs. Usually, Megaways slots have 6 reels, but there are some with 5 and others with 7. Megaways reels can now hold a random number of symbols, between 2 and 7 per spin. This is different from being limited to 3, 4, or 5 symbols on a normal payline slot.
Using this new dynamic reel technology slots can now offer ‘Mega Ways to Win’. So, instead of the 1024 ‘Ways to Win’ limit, there are now online slots with 10,000, 30,000, and over 115,000 ‘Ways to Win’. This means you can win a huge amount as the number of ways you win is multiplied by your stake.
Megaways slots use dynamic shape-shifting reel tech
They originate from the 243 and 1,024 ways to win ‘No Pay Line’ slots
Players can form combinations via 10,000 up to 200,000+ ‘Ways to Win’
How do Megaways Slots work?
The easiest way to explain how Megaways Slots work is to look at the similarities with other slots.
When you open a Megaways video slot, it will look similar to any other slot game. The only big difference is the larger grid system. You spin the reels in the same way as any other slot game, have the same menu, paytable, and auto spins options.
Placing bets is also the same as any traditional slot game. Any variations you find will depend on each slot developers’ preferred betting functions. Some Megaways slots have coins, while others allow you to set the ‘Spin Bet’. So far, so good!
The key differences Megaways have compared to traditional slots are:
- The way the symbols hit the reels
- The size of the grid system
- Most are 6 reel slots instead of 5
- Not every spin produces the same number of ‘ways to win’
- Cascading reels
Larger Grid Systems Used by Megaways
The larger grid system extends the number of possible ‘ways to win’. So, the fact that you can get between 2 and 7 symbols per reel can give a larger number of ways to win.
6 Reel Slots
Megaways slots also extend the number of ‘Ways to Win’ by using more reels. Some Megaways slots have over 200,000 ‘Ways to Win’ as they have a 7th reel, instead of 6. One of these is Pragmatic Play’s Great Rhino Megaways slot. This uses a horizontal line with 4 fixed reels above the main 6 reel grid.
Shape-shifting Reel Grids
Each reel traditionally fits 3 or 4 symbols on any slot game. However, on Megaways slots, each reel can hold between 2 and 7 symbols. The number of symbols on each reel changes every spin across all reels. For example, reel 1 = 2 symbols, reel 2 = 7 symbols, reel 3 = 4 symbols and so on. It’s completely random.
Random ‘Ways To Win’
Even though a Megaways slot may show 117,649 ‘Ways to Win’ each spin produces a different number of ways to win. This is because it depends on how many symbols land on each reel. To gain the max 117,649 ‘Ways to Win’ every reel would need 7 symbols on each.
How to win on Megaways Slots?
Megaways slot technology uses an ‘adjacent reel’ algorithm to determine symbol combination wins. This is the same tech used by all ‘No Pay Line’ slots.
Rather than symbols landing on a designated pay line, symbols only need to be on an adjacent reel. The first symbol in the combination must also begin on reel 1 and run from left to right on consecutive reels.
- 3-Symbol Combination: An alike symbol must be on reels 1-2-3
- 4-Symbol Combination: An alike symbol must be on reels 1-2-3-4
- 5-Symbol Combination: An alike symbol must be on reels 1-2-3-4-5
- 6-Symbol Combination: An alike symbol must be on reels 1-2-3-4-5-6
So, if the same symbol lands on reels 1-3-4 or 1-2-4, this is not counted as a combination win. This is because there is a gap between reels 1 and 3 in the first example and a gap between reels 2 and 4 in the second example. But, you will win if the missing symbol is a wildcard symbol that substitutes for any other symbol.
As for scatter and bonus symbols, these work in the same way as any other video slot. As long as 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 are visible anywhere on the reels, you win.
Features such as free spins, bonus rounds, and multipliers all work the same way as all other online slots.
Lastly, you will find that most Megaways slots use the tumbling reels feature a.k.a. Cascading reels. That means after a winning combination, the winning symbols are replaced with new symbols which gives you an extra chance to win. This doesn’t cost a spin, it’s part of the same bet.
Best Megaways Slots List
Right now, our best Megaways slots list comes from many respected slot developers. Not only Big Time Gaming!
Here is our current top 5 Megaways slots list:
- Bonanza Megaways by BTG – (96% RTP + 117, 649 MegaWays)
- Gonzo’s Quest Megaways by Red Tiger – (95.77% RTP + 117,649 MegaWays)
- Fishin’ Frenzy Megaways by Blueprint Gaming – (95.02% RTP + 15,625 MegaWays)
- The Dog House by Pragmatic Play – (96.55% RTP + 117,649 MegaWays)
- Rainbow Riches by Barcrest – (95.9% RTP + 117,649 MegaWays)
As we mentioned, Big Time Gaming has trademarked the Megaways mechanic. So, whenever you see a Megaways slot game from another provider they’re using the BTG licence. Apart from Big Time Gaming other brands that have created Megaways slots include:
- Pragmatic Play
- Blueprint Gaming
- Reel Play
- Red Tiger
- Barcrest
- Inspired
- Iron Dog Studio
- iSoftBet
- Storm
- Relax gaming
- Red 7 Mobile
- Fantasma
- Stakelogic
NetEnt has also released a range of MegaWays slots so keep your eyes peeled. They’ve started with Twin Spin Megaways, Divine Fortune Megaways, and Fruit Shop Megaways. As well as a Megaways version of the hugely popular Starburst slot.
Difference between Megaways Slots and Fixed Payline Slots
Fixed pay lines slots can come with 6 reels, but more commonly you will find them using 3 and 5 reel systems. They also generally use 3, 4, or 5 symbols per reel. The number of symbols on each reel will never change on a fixed pay line slot. While on Megaways slots, you could land between 2 and 7 symbols on each reel. Plus, 6 reels is the standard for Megways slots, although you can find a few exceptions.
One of the key differences is the way that fixed pay lines slot pay. These slots will only pay when symbols land directly on a pay line. The line runs from left to right through the slot’s reels. Megaways slots use the ‘adjacent reels’ concept so there are no paylines required. As a result of the ‘adjacent reel’, Megways slots tend to offer the chance to land higher max payouts.
When it comes to betting, fixed pay line slots require that you set a ‘Bet Per Line. While with Megways slots you set your ‘Total Spin Bet’ as there are no lines to stake.
- Symbol combinations must land on fixed pay lines
- Megaway slots use a more flexible symbol combination indicators
- Fixed pay lines slots usually require a ‘Bet Per Line’
Benefits of playing Megaways slots
Megaways slots offer similar RTPs to 243 and 1,024 ways to win as well as many fixed pay line slots. Therefore, you generally don’t gain a higher RTP just because Megaways slots have so many pay lines. However, there are still some key benefits to Megaways slots.
- These slots give you yet another variant of online slot to play
- Ability to unlock a wider range of winning combinations
- Megaways slots and the dynamic reels make gameplay more interesting
- In general, Megaways slots pay out more often than other slot variants
- With 6 reels and tons of ways to win, you increase your chances of big wins
Branded Megaways Slots
With the rise of Megaways slots, some top UK online casinos have partnered with providers to create branded Megaways slots. The fact that they are exclusive to the brand makes it a good selling point for them.
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Below you can see which brands have decided to jump on the Megaways bandwagon.
- LeoVegas Megaways with Blueprint – (95.5% RTP + 117,649 MegaWays)
- bgo Megaways with Iron Dog Studio – (96.2% RTP + 117,649 MegaWays)
- BetVictor Branded Megaways with Iron Dog Studio – (96.1% RTP + 117,649 MegaWays)
- Paddy Power Gold Megaways – (96% RTP + 117,649 MegaWays)
- Party Casino Megaways – (96.06% RTP + 117,649 MegaWays)
- Sky Vegas Megaways – (93% RTP + 15,625 MegaWays)
Megaways Slots FAQs
Did Big Time Gaming create Megaways Slots?
Yes. Big Time Gaming (BTG) is an Australian software provider founded in 2011. BTG released the first line of MegaWays slots in 2016. These included titles such as Dragon Born, Queen of Riches, and StarQuest. One of the developer’s most played slots titles Bonanza Megaways.
Big Time Gaming has gone from strength to strength since it launched this game type. It was even acquired by Evolution Gaming in 2021.
Can I get free spins on Megaways Slots?
Yes. Most Megaways slots come with a free spins game activated via a bonus free spins scatter symbol. On top of this, some have re-spins, and the majority of Megaways slots have the cascading reels feature.
Due to the success of this slot variant, many casinos now include Megaways slots in the welcome bonus.
What are the best Megaways slots?
The best Megways slots for us include:
- Bonanza Megaways
- Gonzo’s Quest Megaways
- Fishin’ Frenzy Megaways
- The Dog House
- Rainbow Riches
Do all online casinos offer Megaways Slots?
Not every online casino offers Megaways Slots, but the majority nowadays do.
The fact that many providers now use this feature means you’ll find games available at UK casinos. Most online casinos have a slot search feature. You can search “megaways” in this search bar to see if they offer this slot type.