What Are Megaways Slots and How Do They Work?

In a classic slot the reels generally have 3 rows and a fixed number of paylines. In Megaways slots, the number of symbols changes from one spin to the next. This isn’t a display error, its the mechanics behind popular games like Bonanza and Extra Chilli. We’ve put together a guide to help you understand what Megaways is and how these games work.

Megaways Explained in Simple Terms

Megaways is a licensed slot mechanic created by Big Time Gaming in 2011. Ten years later, in 2021 it was acquired by Evolution. This mechanic didn’t become widely known until 2016, with the release of the game Bonanza. You’ve surely tried it by now.

The basic idea is simple, we’ll explain it to you. Instead of the game having a fixed grid and a predetermined number of paylines, each reel displays a different number of symbols on every spin. So the game doesn’t track paylines; instead, it calculates winning combinations. This means you win when identical symbols appear on consecutive reels, from left to right.

Keep in mind that Megaways is a registered trademark, and the mechanic is protected by a patent. So not just any studio can use this term. If you’ve seen the term Megaways used by providers such as Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, or Blueprint, don’t worry. BTG grants licenses for a fee.

How Do Megaways Slots Work?

Most Megaways slots have 6 reels. On each spin, each reel randomly displays a number of symbols, usually between 2 and 7. On the next spin, that number changes. You’ll probably notice that the grid looks different almost every time you play.

Wins are formed according to a simple principle, at least 3 identical symbols must appear on consecutive reels. The difference is that in Megaways slots, symbols can appear anywhere vertically.

The number of ways to win is calculated simply. You multiply the number of visible symbols on the reels that form the winning combination. The taller the grid, the more possible combinations there are. If we look at a game with a classic configuration, you have 117.649 ways to win on a single spin. Keep in mind that this varies from one slot to another. Another game using the same mechanic may have a different number of reels, which also means a different maximum number of ways to win.

What else sets Megaways slots apart?

Almost all Megaways slots have two key features, the cascading mechanic and the win multiplier. With the cascading mechanic, the symbols that form a winning combination disappear, and new ones falling from above replace them. As for the win multiplier, it increases after each cascade in a sequence. This means that a long series of winning combinations can turn a modest win into a larger one.

What This Means in Practice: Worked Examples

The RTP displayed for Megaways slots is generally between 94% and 97%.

A significant portion of your winnings comes from rare spins. Those spins where many symbols appear on the reels and trigger successive cascades. However, Megaways slots generally have medium to high volatility. This means you can experience long periods without a win, occasionally interrupted by series of cascades with high multipliers.

Let’s consider two players who each bet $0.50 per spin for 200 spins. That’s $100 each. On a low-volatility slot with fixed paylines, you’ll have smaller but more frequent wins. On a high-volatility Megaways slot, you’re likely to experience a long streak of spins without any significant wins. Every now and then, a grid with many symbols might appear, triggering a series of cascades. Don’t forget, the total wager and the house edge are the same, but the gaming experience is different.

Should You Give Megaways Slots a Try?

If you enjoy unpredictable games and don’t mind going through several spins without major wins, in the hope of landing big multipliers, Megaways is what you’re looking for.

On the other hand, if you prefer small, frequent wins and want to avoid long dry spells, we recommend trying a low-volatility slot with fixed paylines and classic mechanics.

One thing is clear! No matter what you choose, keep the slot’s volatility in mind. Megaways can make you play longer than you planned. Set a time limit and a budget right from the start!

Common Mistakes Players Make on Megaways Slots

• Don’t assume that more ways to win also mean better odds of winning. The number of ways simply shows how many possible combinations are taken into account on the grid, which is generated randomly with each spin. However, this doesn’t mean the game’s RTP increases. The RTP is determined by the paytable and the slot’s mathematical model.
• Don’t confuse Megaways with other similar mechanics. Megaclusters uses a winning system based on groups of adjacent identical symbols. Infinity Reels expands the right reel after a win. See? Although they’re often confused, they work differently.
• Check the maximum payout allowed in the game. We’ve noticed that many Megaways slots have a limit on the total payout, expressed as a multiple of the bet. It can be a few thousand or tens of thousands. If you’ve hit the limit, the round is over, that’s it.

Tips for Playing Megaways Slots

• Check the game’s RTP and maximum payout before you start playing. Many Megaways slots have two or more RTP versions depending on the settings. So the value displayed on one casino’s website may differ from that on another site.
• Try the demo version before playing for real money. This way, you can see how the reels work and get used to the game and its pace.
• Try the free spins from the welcome bonuses. These give you the chance to test the game. Keep in mind, though, that winnings may be subject to wagering requirements.

The Bottom Line

Megaways isn’t just a marketing gimmick that comes bundled with regular slots. It’s a licensed mechanic that changes how every spin works. You no longer have to worry about fixed paylines the reels display a variable number of symbols, hich means you can have thousands of possible ways to win.

Keep in mind, however, that it doesn’t change the game’s RTP, but it can lead to higher volatility. You may experience longer stretches without significant wins, occasionally interrupted by cascades of big prizes.

The most important thing is to understand how Megaways works and we hope this guide has clarified things for you. Once you understand the mechanics, youll be able to make informed decisions.

How We Verified This

As we always do before writing an article, we looked for as much information as possible. We’ve now checked all the games’ official pages along with Big Time Gaming’s announcements. That’s how we were able to confirm when and how the Megaways mechanic was introduced. Review sites helped us understand how the reels work and how winning symbols are calculated. You’ve probably noticed that we always remind you how important it is to gamble responsibly, so we’ve also carefully researched the organizations that offer support in this regard.

You need to understand that Megaways slots can go through long stretches without significant wins, followed by a single big payout. We recommend setting time limits before you start playing. Gambling should be nothing more than a form of entertainment. If that’s no longer the case for you, you can reach out to GambleAware and GamCare. Another good idea is to install BetBlocker, which will block your access to all gambling websites.