Megaways slots feature dynamic reels where symbol counts change every spin, creating between 324 and 117,649 ways to win. Developed by Big Time Gaming, this revolutionary mechanic replaces fixed paylines with shapeshifting reels that display 2 to 7 symbols per reel. Below, explore how Megaways games work and discover top titles to play.
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Thousands of free slot games: Before we dive in, you can explore hundreds of Megaways slots on our free play demo page. Just use the Megaways filter or search tool to play unlimited free slot and pokie games.
How do Megaways Slots Create Symbol Combinations?
Let’s take a 3-symbol combination win using three diamond symbols as an example. With Megaways, each reel can display between 2 and 7 symbols per spin. As long as there is a diamond symbol anywhere on reels 1, 2, and 3, the slot will register this as a 3-symbol payout. Why? Because Megaways slots use the same adjacent reel technology found in standard ways to win games, but with a dynamic twist. The three diamond symbols in this example are on 3 separate reels that are next to each other. That’s all the game needs to verify a winning combination.
Notice that we emphasize the fact that the diamond symbol can be ‘anywhere’ on its respective reel, which means the positioning of the symbol is irrelevant when calculating winning payouts on Megaways slots.
One additional point we left out, to keep the above example simple, is that the first symbol in a winning Megaways combination must begin on reel 1. Also, to line up a combination win, there can be no gaps between the reels. That is, if the same 3 diamond symbols are on reels 1-2-4, due to the absence of a diamond symbol on reel 3, this is either a 2-symbol win or no win at all.
For example, you can land the following combination wins on Megaways slots:
- 2-Symbol Megaways Combination Win = Same symbols on reels 1-2
- 3-Symbol Megaways Combination Win = Same symbols on reels 1-2-3
- 4-Symbol Megaways Combination Win = Same symbols on reels 1-2-3-4
- 5-Symbol Megaways Combination Win = Same symbols on reels 1-2-3-4-5
- 6-Symbol Megaways Combination Win = Same symbols on reels 1-2-3-4-5-6
One more point worth noting now you understand how the Megaways reel mechanic works is that typically, the symbols must line up from left to right. If you already noticed this in our explanation above, that’s going to make understanding pay both ways Megaways online slots easier for you.
Megaways Slot Machine Player Strategy
No strategy guarantees profits on Megaways slots, but smart bankroll management can help you play responsibly and extend your gaming sessions.
One popular approach is the “spin and bank” strategy. Here’s how it works: set a session budget of $100 and choose a low bet size like $0.20 per spin. This gives you 500 spins to work with. The key is to bank all your winnings rather than reinvest them in the game. This disciplined approach ensures you get a solid hour or more of entertainment (depending on how feature-rich the game is) while preserving any profits you make along the way.
- Variable minimum bets: Unlike traditional slots with fixed paylines, Megaways games use dynamic reel configurations. This means minimum bets vary by game; you might find minimums ranging from $0.10 to $0.50 or higher per spin, depending on the title and provider.
- Variable RTP and volatility: The Megaways mechanic’s dynamic nature means Return to Player percentages and volatility levels differ significantly between games. These factors depend on each game’s feature set and the developer’s design choices, so always check the specific game’s statistics before playing.
| Megaways Type | Reel Set Up | RTP / Volatility |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Megaways | 6 Reels with 2-7 Symbols Per Reel (6 reels variable) |
90% up to 98% (Low to High) |
| Megaways with Extra Reel | 6 Reels + Horizontal Tracker (Up to 117,649 ways) |
90% up to 98% (Low to High) |
| Megaquads | Dual Reel Sets (Up to 16,777,216 ways) |
90% up to 98% (Medium to High) |
Comparison: Bonanza Megaways is a classic 117,649 ways slot with high variance and a 96% RTP, while some newer Megaways games offer slightly higher or lower RTPs. Therefore, the maximum number of Megaways doesn’t always directly correlate with the RTP.
Test Megaways Slots Via Free Play Demos
Your risk-free Megaways playground awaits. We’ve handpicked the hottest Megaways titles and loaded up three demo versions of each for you to explore. Every game runs on virtual credits, which means zero financial risk while you’re learning the ropes. Think of this as your training ground. Crack open any game that catches your eye and dive straight into the paytable, which is where the magic happens. Somewhere in those pages, you’ll discover exactly how the Megaways engine calculates winning combinations. As every online slot machine guide will tell you, it’s worth spending a few minutes in the paytable because understanding the mechanics makes everything click.
Once you’ve got the basics down, hit that spin button and let the reels do their thing. Each Megaways game has its own personality and rhythm. Some are lightning-fast and chaotic, others build tension more gradually. The only way to find your favorites is to actually play them. So go ahead—experiment, explore, and see which games resonate with your style. No pressure, no wallet involved, just pure discovery.
Global Gaming Awards Casino Product of the Year
One Megaways slot has stood out in the awards ceremonies, and that is Red Tiger Gaming’s Gonzo’s Quest Megaways. Although the award was won back in 2021, that still doesn’t take any of the prestige away from this popular game, which is part of a series, include online slots and live casino games.
Award Winning Slot: Gonzo’s Quest Megaways won the Game of the Year in 2021 at the Global Gaming Awards.
Pragmatic Play Buffalo King Megaways
Buffalo King Megaways by Pragmatic Play is a high-volatility slot that takes you to the wild American plains, where cascading symbols and up to 200,704 ways to win deliver massive potential through multipliers and free-spin chains. There are three slot machines in the series, starting with Buffalo King 4,096 Ways to Win, followed by two Megaways slot/pokie titles below.
Pragmatic Play Software Provider: Find out more about the software provider and its games via our Casinoplusbonus Pragmatic Play review.
Jackpot Slots With Megaways
Jackpot Slots with Megaways combine the thrill of progressive or fixed jackpots with the dynamic reel system that can produce thousands of ways to win. These games take entertainment to the next level, offering huge potential payouts through cascading wins, multipliers, and bonus rounds that can trigger life-changing prizes.
Progressive Jackpot Slot: Our fully comprehensive Casinoplusbonus guide to Networked Progressive Jackpots and Stand-Alone Progressive Jackpots guide provides you with more entertaining jackpot games and networks.
More Suggested Megaways Slots & Pokes To Try
The world of Megaways slots extends far beyond the classics. Below, you’ll find a curated selection of Megaways pokies featuring everything from mythological adventures to candy-filled fun, each offering up to 117,649 ways to win and exciting bonus rounds.
Megaways Slot and Pokie Bonus Deals
If you spend some time browsing our in-depth iGaming portal, you will notice that we have put together a large number of bonus offers into lists. We cover several different types of bonuses, and many apply to online slot games. There are free spins bonuses that include payline, ways to win, and Megaways slot games. Alternatively, you may prefer to claim a no deposit bonus deal that gives you a free bonus balance valid to be played on payline, ways to win, Megaways, and other slot games.
Slot and Pokie Bonus Rules Explained: If you are new to online casino bonuses, then we advise that before you claim a bonus deal, take a quick look at our guide to bonus rules. These rules help you increase your chances of converting bonus money into real money!
Are Megaways Slots For You?
Megaways slots give you a completely different way of lining up symbol combinations compared to classic payline slots, pay anywhere, and cluster pay games. Whether it’s 324 ways on a minimum spin or up to 117,649 ways on a maximum configuration, the same dynamic principle stays in place.
Winning combinations form when matching symbols land on consecutive reels, regardless of their vertical position. This flexibility, combined with variable reel configurations on each spin, creates unpredictable gameplay, especially when features like cascading wins and bonus rounds are introduced.
Free demos are your best friend here. They let you experience different Megaways variations without spending a cent, helping you figure out which games match your preferences. Want to understand how a game balances RTP, volatility, and betting limits? A few demo sessions will tell you everything.
Over time, you’ll naturally build your own collection of favorite Megaways titles, games that fit your budget, deliver the RTP you’re comfortable with, and match your risk appetite. Maybe you prefer high-volatility slots with explosive feature wins, or perhaps steady, medium-volatility games with regular payouts suit you better. Either way, the demos help you find your perfect match.
| Software Provider Demo Games | Licensing Certificates Held | Countries Available |
|---|---|---|
| Big Time Gaming Megaways Demo Slots | UKGC / MGA | UK, IE, CA, NZ, SA, IN |
| Red Tiger Megaways Demo Slots | UKGC / MGA | UK, IE, CA, NZ, SA, IN |
| Blueprint Gaming All Demo Slots |
UKGC / MGA / AGCO | UK, IE, CA, NZ, SA, IN |
| Pragmatic Play All Demo Slots | UKGC / MGA / AGCO | UK, IE, CA, NZ, SA, IN |
| Relax Gaming All Demo Slots | UKGC / MGA | UK, IE, CA, NZ, SA, IN |
Alternative reel mechanics: We also cover online slots and pokies that use paylines, ways to win, Megaways, cluster pays, and pay anywhere reel mechanics. To see what’s available in the world of iGaming, take a look at our ‘Slot Machine Reel Mechanics‘ guide.
Megaways Slot Machine FAQ
Do Megaways slots pay out more than standard ways to win slots?
Not necessarily. While Megaways can produce up to 117,649 ways to win, all online video slot machines are governed by a complex mathematical algorithm that adheres to a set return-to-player percentage. This matters because a Megaways slot could have a 95% RTP, while a standard 243-ways-to-win slot might have a 97% RTP. As a result, the answer is no because Megaways slots do not necessarily pay out more than fixed-ways-to-win or even payline slots and police games for that matter.
Can I change the number of Megaways when playing online slots?
No. The number of symbols on each reel changes randomly with every spin, which determines the total ways to win for that particular spin. Unlike some payline slot games, where you can select the number of active lines, Megaways uses a fully dynamic system that cannot be manually adjusted by the player.
Do Megaways slots have better odds than standard Ways to Win slots?
Not necessarily. Both formats use different mechanics to create symbol combinations, but payouts are governed by each game’s set return-to-player percentage. One Megaways title might offer 96% RTP, while a 1,024 Ways to Win game could sit slightly higher or lower, depending on the provider.
Can I use casino bonus spins on Megaways slot machines?
Yes, most free spin deals are linked to specific games, and many providers choose popular Megaways titles for promotions. Always check the bonus terms first, as some offers limit spins to certain slot types or exclude jackpot and high-variance titles.
Do Megaways slots pay both ways?
No. We cannot recall a Megaways online slot that pays both ways. However, if one is released, we’ll be sure to highlight it in our weekly news games report, available on our casino games news page, as well as every week on the Casinoplusbonus homepage news columns.
How many paylines does a Megaways slot have?
Megaways slots don’t use traditional paylines. Instead, they use a dynamic reel system that can display 2-7 symbols per spin. The standard configuration can produce anywhere from 324 to 117,649 different ways to win on a single spin. The exact number changes with every spin based on how many symbols appear on each reel.
Who invented Megaways slots?
Megaways was created and trademarked by Big Time Gaming (BTG) in 2016. While BTG developed the original mechanic, it has since been licensed to numerous other game providers, which is why you’ll find Megaways slots from companies like Pragmatic Play, Blueprint Gaming, Red Tiger, and many others.
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