What Are Megaways Slots?
Megaways slots are a type of online slot developed by Big Time Gaming (BTG) that use a unique dynamic reel mechanic. Unlike traditional slots with fixed paylines, Megaways games vary the number of symbols on each reel with every spin — creating up to 117,649 ways to win, or even more in some titles.
With their high-volatility gameplay, cascading reels, and feature-packed bonus rounds, Megaways slots have redefined what players expect from modern online slots. Whether you’re a casual spinner or a seasoned slot veteran, these games offer exciting unpredictability and massive win potential.
In this guide, we’ll cover how Megaways slots work, which ones pay the best, the games with the biggest max wins, and the top titles to play in 2025 — plus expert tips, strategies, and live demos to help you get the most out of every spin.
Key Features of Megaways Slots:
- Dynamic Reels: Each reel can display a different number of symbols, typically between 2 and 7.
- Ways to Win: With varying reels, the number of possible winning combinations can reach up to 117,649 ways to win.
- Cascading Reels: Many Megaways slots feature cascading reels, where symbols in winning combinations disappear and are replaced by new symbols, potentially forming additional wins.
- High Volatility: Megaways slots often offer high volatility, meaning they have the potential for large payouts but might not pay out as frequently.
How Megaways Slots Began
Megaways slots were first developed by Big Time Gaming (BTG) in 2015, with Dragon Born being one of the first games to introduce this innovative pay mechanic.
However, Bonanza Megaways (2016) truly revolutionized the iGaming industry. The Megaways mechanic offers a dynamic reel structure where each spin produces a different number of symbols on each reel, allowing for up to 117,649 ways to win.
This new pay style quickly gained popularity, leading to licensing deals with other developers, who began using BTG’s engine to create their versions of Megaways slots.
These days, you’ll find more than 450 Megaways slots listed at online casinos from a considerable range of providers, with many classic games offering a Megaways variation of the title, including hits like Big Bass Hold & Spinner Megaways, Mega Moolah Megaways and Reel Lucky King Megaways.
How Do Megaways Slots Work?
Megaways slots are defined by a variable reel structure, where each reel can display between 2 to 7 symbols per spin, resulting in thousands of potential ways to win. The exact number of ways is calculated by multiplying the number of symbols on each reel together. For instance, in a game with 6 reels, each displaying up to 7 symbols, you could have up to 117,649 Megaways. Winning combinations form when matching symbols appear on adjacent reels starting from the leftmost reel.
Megaways vs Classic Slots: Key Differences
Not sure whether to spin a classic slot or try out a Megaways title? Here’s a quick comparison of the two formats:
| Feature | Megaways Slots | Classic Slots |
|---|---|---|
| Paylines | 243 – 117,649 (or more) | Fixed (usually 3–25) |
| Volatility | Medium to High | Low to Medium |
| Bonus Features | Cascading reels, multipliers, free spins, mystery symbols | Wilds, free spins, simple bonus rounds |
| Gameplay | Dynamic reels, unpredictable | Predictable, often nostalgic |
| Best For | Thrill-seekers, bonus hunters | Casual players, fast sessions |
- Megaways Pros: Massive win potential, more exciting features, and constant variety
- Classic Slots Pros: Simpler gameplay, lower variance, great for quick play sessions
Both have their place. Megaways might suit you if you want explosive features and big wins, while classic slots are great if you’re chasing consistency and simplicity.
Megaways Slots Volatility
Megaways games are generally known for their high volatility. This means that while payouts may be less frequent, they tend to be larger when they do occur.
The variance in Megaways slots is often amplified by features like cascading reels, progressive multipliers, and expanding reels, which can lead to long dry spells followed by massive wins. Games like “Bonanza” and “Primal Megaways” are classic examples of high-volatility slots.
Megaways Slot Game Features
Megaways slots come with a variety of bonus features that enhance gameplay. Some of the most common include:
- Cascading Reels: Symbols in a winning combination disappear, allowing new symbols to drop in, potentially creating additional wins.
- Progressive Win Multipliers: These multipliers often increase after every win during free spins or cascades.
- Mystery Symbols: Certain slots feature symbols that transform into matching symbols, increasing the chances of a win.
- Wild Multipliers: Wild symbols that come with attached multipliers, boosting the payouts on any winning lines they complete.
Types of Megaways Slots Explained
Not all Megaways slots follow the same formula. While they all use the signature dynamic reel system, developers have experimented with new mechanics and mash-ups to keep things fresh. Whether you’re looking for straightforward spins, jackpots, multiple reel sets, or bonus-heavy formats, there’s a Megaways style that fits.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of Megaways slots you’ll come across:
- Classic Megaways Slots Traditional 6-reel format with up to 117,649 ways to win, cascading reels, and a free spins bonus. Examples: Bonanza Megaways, Diamond Mine Megaways
- All Action Megaways No base game — every spin is a bonus round. Perfect for players who want instant thrills. Examples: Buffalo Rising All Action, Diamond Mine Extra Gold All Action
- Hold & Win Megaways Combines the Megaways engine with Hold & Win respins and sticky symbol mechanics. Examples: Aztec Gold Megaways, Eagle Power Megaways
- Multi-Reel Set Megaways (Grid Split) Games that use multiple Megaways reels simultaneously, offering even more win potential or different modifiers. Examples: Majestic Megaways Extreme 4, Gladiator Extreme Megaways
- Super Megaways / Over-Megaways These go beyond the 117,649-way limit, expanding up to 1 million+ possible ways to win. Examples: 1 Million Megaways BC, Desperados Wild Megaways
- Jackpot Megaways Slots Includes fixed or progressive jackpot features alongside the Megaways mechanic. Examples: Mega Moolah Megaways, Queen of Alexandria Megaways
- Branded Megaways Slots Licensed themes or remakes of popular slots using the Megaways format. Examples: Rick and Morty Megaways, Gonzo’s Quest Megaways, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Megaways
Super Megaways Features Explained
Some games take the Megaways format even further by offering Super Megaways, Power Reels, or other expanded mechanics. These titles can offer over 1 million ways to win, pushing the format to its absolute limits.
What does “Super Megaways” mean? It typically refers to a format where more reels and more symbol rows are unlocked — either permanently or via bonus rounds — greatly increasing the number of win combinations.
Examples include:
- 1 Million Megaways BC (Iron Dog Studio): Can expand to over 1 million ways during free spins.
- Desperados Wild Megaways (Inspired Gaming): Offers up to 117,649 ways, plus exploding wins and modifiers.
- Majestic Megaways Extreme 4 (iSoftBet): Combines four reel sets for massive payout potential.
These supercharged versions are great for high-volatility thrill-seekers looking to push the boundaries of what a slot can offer.
Megaways Slots With Jackpots
While most Megaways slots focus on win multipliers and big bonus rounds, there are several titles that also feature jackpot mechanics. These can either be fixed jackpots or progressive, where the prize pool grows over time.
Popular Megaways jackpot slots include:
- Aztec Gold Megaways (iSoftBet): Features the Hold & Win bonus with mini, major, and mega jackpots.
- Mega Moolah Megaways (Games Global): Combines the classic progressive jackpot system with the Megaways engine — life-changing wins are possible.
- Queen of Alexandria Megaways (Microgaming): Tied to a progressive jackpot that regularly pays six figures.
If you’re the kind of player who dreams big, these games offer the best of both worlds: dynamic gameplay plus the chance to land a giant jackpot.
What are the Newest Megaways Slots?
The Megaways format is constantly evolving, with new games being released frequently. So, let’s take a look at some of the most recent games that use this feature;
| Game Name | Developer | Paylines | Max Win | Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dragon Queen Megaways | BGaming | Up to 200,704 | 6,000x | June 2025 |
| Majestic Fury Megaways Unleashed | Blueprint Gaming | 15,625 | 10,000x | June 2025 |
| The Goonies Quest For Riches | Blueprint Gaming | 15,625 | 10,000x | May 2025 |
| Bass Boss Megaways | Red Tiger | Up to 117,649 | 25,539x | April 2025 |
| Max Megaways 3 | Big Time Gaming | Up to 117,649 | 101,830x | February 2025 |
Which Game Providers Offer Megaways Games?
While Big Time Gaming is the originator of the Megaways mechanic, many other providers now offer Megaways games, including:
- Blueprint Gaming: Big Money Megaways, Slots O’ Gold Megaways, and Into The Wild Megaways.
- Red Tiger Gaming: Risque Megaways, Egypt Megaways, and Magic Powers Megaways.
- Iron Dog Studio: Halloween Horrors Megaways, Solar Nova Megaways, and Apex Strike Megaways.
- Pragmatic Play: Release The Kraken Megaways, Anime Mecha Megaways, and Sumo Supreme Megaways.
- BGaming: Aztec Magic Megaways, Sweet Rush Megaways, and Book of Panda Megaways.
- Yggdrasil: Atlantis Megaways, Big Bucks Bandits Megaways, and Tiki Infinity Reels Megaways.
- Relax Gaming: Atlantis Megaways (ReelPlay), Megaways Mob (Storm Gaming), and Payday Megaways (Storm Gaming).
- Booming Games: Blockchain Megaways, Megahops Megaways, and Howling Wolves Megaways.
- NetEnt: Dazzle Me Megaways, Divine Fortune Megaways, and Twin Spin Megaways.
- Others include NextGen Gaming, Games Global, SYNOT Games, and Booongo Gaming.
Best RTP Megaways Slots
Return to Player (RTP) is a key statistic for slot players, showing the percentage of total bets a slot machine pays back to players over time.
In Megaways slots, RTP is vital due to the dynamic gameplay and high volatility these slots often feature. For example, if a Megaways slot has a 96% RTP, the game is expected to return $96 for every $100 wagered, on average, over a long period. This theoretical return helps players assess which games may offer better value.
The house edge, which is the inverse of RTP, represents the casino’s advantage—if a Megaways slot has a 96% RTP, the house edge is 4%. Megaways games can have highly variable outcomes, and a higher RTP means better chances of balancing out the volatility, making it an essential factor when choosing a slot.
To help you get the most out of your gameplay, here are the Megaways slots with the highest RTP, which can improve your odds:
| Megaways Slot Name | Provider | RTP | Demo |
| Madame Mystique Megaways | Pragmatic Play | 98.03% | |
| White Rabbit Megaways | Big Time Gaming | 97.72% | |
| Blood Suckers Megaways | Red Tiger Gaming | 97.66% | |
| Buffalo Rising All Action Megaways | Blueprint Gaming | 97.01% | |
| Gorilla Gold Megaways | Blueprint Gaming | 97.00% | |
| Slots O’Gold Megaways | Blueprint Gaming | 96.96% | |
| 8 Golden Skulls of Holly Roger Megaways | Microgaming | 96.86% | |
| Primal Megaways | Blueprint Gaming | 96.76% | |
| Diamond Mine Extra Gold Megaways: All Action | Blueprint Gaming | 96.70% | |
| Dwarven Gems Megaways | Iron Dog Studio | 96.70% |
Megaways Slots to Avoid: Low RTP Megaways Games
While many Megaways games offer high RTPs, some have relatively lower RTPs. Slots with RTPs below 95% can be less favorable for players in the long run. Some low RTP Megaways games include:
- The Dog House Megaways (Pragmatic Play) – RTP: 96.55%
- Gonzo’s Quest Megaways (Red Tiger) – RTP: 95.77%
It’s also important to know that the RTP rates can vary where you play these games. For instance, when we look at Bison Moon Megaways by Northern Lights Gaming, this slot typically features a 96.10% RTP when playing at good online casinos. Which is already on the lower side; however, three other game variations are available to casinos: 94.17%, 92.12%, and 86.86%!
So, where you gamble will dictate how much of an edge the casino has over you. It’s crucial you play slots at a casino with the best RTP possible; that’s why we are dedicated to finding the best value online casinos.
Megaways Slots with the Biggest Max Wins
So now we’ve looked at the best and worst Megaways slots when it comes to long-term returns; which games will offer you the chance of the biggest wins? In this section we focus on showing you Megaways slots with the highest maximum win caps;
| Megaways Slot Name | Provider | Maximum Win | Demo |
| Fireworks Megaways | Big Time Gaming | 150,335x | |
| Max Megaways 2 | Big Time Gaming | 147,620x | |
| Max Megaways | Big Time Gaming | 139,200x | |
| Max Megaways 3 | Big Time Gaming | 101,830x | |
| Wheel of Fortune Megaways | IGT | 82,700x | |
| Rasputin Megaways | Big Time Gaming | 68,180x | |
| Beef Lightning Megaways | Big Time Gaming | 56,000x | |
| Primal Megaways | Blueprint Gaming | 50,000x | |
| Royale with Cheese Megaways | iSoftBet | 50,000x | |
| Rock the Reels Megaways | Iron Dog Studio | 50,000x |
Best Features in Megaways Slots
While high RTP and immense maximum win potential are important factors when choosing a Megaways slot, other game features can significantly enhance your gameplay experience. Here are some of the most engaging features to look for, along with an example of a Megaways slot that uses each feature:
Bonus Buy Options
The Bonus Buy feature allows you to pay a fixed price to instantly access the bonus round or free spins without waiting for it to be triggered through regular gameplay. This is ideal if you want to dive straight into the high-reward features without relying on base game luck. However, it comes at a cost, usually calculated based on the slot’s volatility and the potential value of the bonus feature.
Try the White Rabbit Megaways (Big Time Gaming). This game offers a Bonus Buy option where you can instantly access the feature-rich Free Spins round by paying a premium, skipping the base game and diving straight into the action.
Unlimited Multipliers
Have you ever had a winning streak and wished your multiplier kept growing? With Unlimited Multipliers, it can! This feature kicks in during free spins or cascading wins; with every win, the multiplier increases by 1x or more. There’s no cap, so you can rack up massive wins if you’re on a roll.
Dog House Megaways (Pragmatic Play) has a free spins bonus in which the multiplier increases with each consecutive win. This feature has the potential to lead to huge payouts, especially when combined with the sticky wilds feature.
Free Spins with Retriggers
Free spins are always a highlight in any slot game, but they’re even better when you can retrigger them. This means that while you’re in the middle of your free spins, you can land more free spins—prolonging the bonus round and giving you more shots at big wins.
Great Rhino Megaways (Pragmatic Play) offers re-triggerable free spins. You can keep adding more spins during the bonus round by landing more scatter symbols, extending your playtime and chances for a big payout.
Expanding Symbols or Reels
Want to maximize your chances of landing a winning combination? Look for games with Expanding Symbols or Reels. In some Megaways slots, the number of symbols or the size of the reels can grow during a bonus round, giving you even more ways to win. The more symbols, the better your odds of hitting a big payout.
Gonzo’s Quest Megaways (Red Tiger Gaming). During the free spins bonus in Gonzo’s Quest Megaways, the avalanche feature expands the reels, increasing the number of ways to win as symbols cascade down, leading to larger winning combinations.
Best Megaways Slots for Beginners
If you’re new to Megaways slots and feeling a little overwhelmed by the cascading reels, shifting paylines, and wild bonus features, don’t worry — not all Megaways games are built to be brutally volatile. Some titles are perfect for beginners who want to ease into the action with lower volatility and simpler mechanics.
Look for Megaways slots that offer:
- Fewer high-risk features
- Clear bonus triggers
- Auto-play and quickspin modes
- Lower minimum bets
Here are a few beginner-friendly options to try:
- Big Bass Hold & Spinner Megaways – A straightforward fishing-themed slot with regular free spins and clean visuals.
- Gonzo’s Quest Megaways – Red Tiger’s classic combines the excitement of the avalanche mechanic with mid-range volatility.
- Dazzle Me Megaways – With a light theme and user-friendly layout, this slot is ideal for casual spins.
If you’re just starting out, try these in demo mode first to get used to how Megaways slots flow before betting real money.
Keep It Responsible While Enjoying Megaways Slots
Megaways slots are undeniably exciting, with their massive win potential, cascading reels, and thousands of ways to win. However, these games’ fast-paced, high-volatility nature can sometimes lead to long stretches without wins, followed by large, unexpected payouts. It’s essential to approach these games with a responsible mindset.
Always set and stick to limits on how much time and money you’re willing to spend. Megaways slots are designed for entertainment, so maintaining that perspective is crucial. Many online casinos offer responsible gambling tools, such as time limits, deposit caps, and self-exclusion options, to help you manage your gaming experience.
If you ever feel like your gaming is becoming more than just a fun pastime, plenty of resources are available to support you. You can find valuable tips and tools in our Responsible Gambling Guide, where we outline strategies for safe play.
Here are some organizations that can provide help and support if you need it:
- GambleAware – www.begambleaware.org
- Gamblers Anonymous – www.gamblersanonymous.org
- GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) – www.ncpgambling.org
By practising responsible gambling, you’ll be able to enjoy the excitement of Megaways slots while keeping your gaming healthy and balanced. Play smart, set limits, and always remember to gamble for fun, not for profit.
Summary: Everything You Need to Know About Megaways Slots
Megaways slots have transformed online gaming with dynamic reel structures, offering thousands of ways to win and thrilling features like cascading reels and free spins. Slotspod.com hosts over 20,000 slot game demos with hundreds of Megaways titles. This allows you to explore these innovative games risk-free before deciding to play for real money.
When you’re ready to switch to real-money play, we also provide access to the best bonuses from top online casinos, helping you get the most value out of your gaming experience. With so many options available, you’re sure to find a Megaways slot that suits your style and keeps the excitement going with every spin!