Last updated: 9 June 2026
If you have spent any time browsing online casinos, you have almost certainly seen the word “Megaways” stamped across dozens of slot titles. It is one of the most popular mechanics in modern online slots, yet many players are not sure what it actually means. This beginner’s guide explains exactly what Megaways slots are, how they work and whether they might suit your style of play.
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What are Megaways slots?
Megaways is a slot game mechanic created and licensed by the Australian studio Big Time Gaming (often abbreviated to BTG). Rather than being a single game, Megaways is a patented engine that other developers license from Big Time Gaming to build their own slots around. That is why you will find Megaways titles produced by many different studios, all sharing the same core feature set.
The defining characteristic of a Megaways slot is its variable reel layout. On a traditional slot, each reel shows a fixed number of symbols and the number of paylines never changes. On a Megaways slot, the number of symbols on each reel changes randomly with every spin, which in turn changes how many ways there are to win. This constant variation is what gives the mechanic its distinctive, unpredictable feel.
How do the variable reels and ways to win work?
Most Megaways slots use six reels. On each spin, every reel can display anywhere between two and seven symbols. Because the symbol count changes independently on each reel, the total number of ways to win shifts from spin to spin.
To calculate the ways to win, you multiply the number of symbols showing on each reel together. When all six reels land on their maximum of seven symbols, you get the famous headline figure:
- 7 x 7 x 7 x 7 x 7 x 7 = 117,649 ways to win
This is where the “Megaways” name comes from. Instead of fixed paylines running across the reels, wins are formed by ways: landing matching symbols on adjacent reels from the leftmost reel, regardless of their position. As long as the symbols appear on consecutive reels starting from the left, they count towards a win. The maximum of 117,649 ways is the most commonly advertised figure, although the exact number varies depending on how a particular game is configured.
Typical Megaways features
Beyond the variable reels, most Megaways slots share a recognisable bundle of features. While not every game includes all of them, these are the ones you will encounter most often.
Cascading reels
Also known as tumbling or avalanche reels, this feature removes winning symbols from the screen after a win and lets new symbols fall down to fill the gaps. If those new symbols form another winning combination, the process repeats. This means a single spin can produce a chain of consecutive wins, which is one of the most exciting aspects of the mechanic.
Free spins rounds
Free spins are a staple of Megaways slots and are usually triggered by landing a set number of scatter symbols. These rounds frequently come with extra perks, such as an increasing or unlimited win multiplier that climbs with every cascade. Because the multiplier often does not reset between spins during the bonus, free spins are typically where the biggest wins occur. If you want to understand the true worth of a bonus before you play, our free spins value calculator can help you weigh it up.
Extra reels and modifiers
Many Megaways games add a horizontal reel above the main grid, sometimes called a reel of fortune or a top reel, which adds even more symbols and ways to win. Random modifiers, symbol upgrades and other twists are also common as studios look to differentiate their titles.
Volatility and RTP of Megaways slots
Megaways slots are widely regarded as high volatility games. The combination of an enormous number of ways to win, cascading reels and escalating multipliers means wins can be infrequent, but those that do land have the potential to be substantial. In practice, this often translates to longer stretches without a meaningful win, punctuated by occasional larger payouts.
This high-variance nature will not suit everyone. If you prefer steadier, smaller wins and longer playing sessions on a fixed budget, you may be better served by gentler games. You can browse our guide to the best low-volatility slots for alternatives that are kinder to your bankroll.
As for return to player (RTP), Megaways slots vary considerably from title to title. There is no single fixed RTP for the mechanic, and figures are set by each individual game. It is always worth checking a slot’s information panel for its stated RTP before you play, as the same game can sometimes be offered at different RTP settings depending on the casino.
Pros and cons of Megaways slots
Like any slot format, Megaways games come with clear advantages and trade-offs.
Pros
- High win potential: large maximum payouts and big multipliers in the bonus rounds.
- Engaging gameplay: the changing reels and cascading wins keep each spin unpredictable.
- Huge variety: many studios license the engine, so there is an enormous catalogue to choose from.
- Exciting free spins: bonus rounds with climbing multipliers offer real edge-of-the-seat moments.
Cons
- High volatility: wins can be infrequent, which can be tough on a smaller budget.
- Faster bankroll swings: the variance means your balance can move sharply in both directions.
- Not for everyone: players who enjoy frequent, steady wins may find the dry spells frustrating.
Who do Megaways slots suit?
Megaways slots are best suited to players who enjoy excitement, big win potential and unpredictable gameplay, and who are comfortable with the higher risk that comes with high-volatility titles. They reward patience, as the most rewarding moments tend to arrive in the free spins. If you have a larger bankroll or simply enjoy the thrill of chasing a big hit, they can be hugely entertaining. If, on the other hand, you prefer your sessions to last longer with more frequent small wins, a lower-volatility game may be a better fit.
Whatever you choose, remember to play responsibly. Set a budget before you start, treat any winnings as a bonus rather than an expectation, and never gamble more than you can afford to lose. You must be 18 or over to gamble. For free, confidential support and advice, visit begambleaware.org.
Frequently asked questions
Who invented Megaways slots?
The Megaways mechanic was created by Big Time Gaming, an Australian games studio. Other developers can license the engine from Big Time Gaming to create their own Megaways titles, which is why so many different studios offer them.
How many ways to win do Megaways slots have?
The number of ways to win changes on every spin because the symbol count on each reel varies. Most Megaways slots can offer up to 117,649 ways to win when every reel lands on its maximum number of symbols.
Are Megaways slots high or low volatility?
Megaways slots are generally high volatility. This means wins can be less frequent, but they have the potential to be larger when they do land, especially during the free spins rounds.
What is the RTP of Megaways slots?
There is no single RTP for all Megaways slots, as it is set individually by each game. Always check the slot’s information panel for its stated RTP, since the same title can sometimes be offered at different RTP settings.
What are cascading reels?
Cascading reels, also called tumbling or avalanche reels, remove winning symbols after a win and let new symbols drop in to replace them. If the new symbols form another win, the process repeats, allowing a single spin to deliver several consecutive wins.
