Big Time Gaming changed everything in 2016 when they launched the Megaways mechanic. Instead of spinning the same 10 or 25 paylines over and over, players suddenly got games where every spin could generate anywhere from a few hundred to over 100,000 ways to win. That's the core appeal - unpredictability built into the math itself.
Traditional slots lock you into fixed patterns. Megaways throws that rulebook out. Each reel displays a random number of symbols per spin, and the combinations multiply across all reels to create the total ways. One spin might give you 324 ways, the next could hit 50,000. This variability keeps sessions engaging even during cold streaks.
What Are Megaways Slots?
Think of Megaways as a reel modifier that operates on every single spin. Rather than showing the same grid layout, these games adjust how many symbols appear on each reel. Most titles run between two and seven symbols per reel, though some developers tweak those ranges.
Big Time Gaming licenses the technology to other providers now, which explains why you'll find Megaways versions from NetEnt, Blueprint Gaming, Red Tiger, and dozens of others. The license ensures the mechanic works the same way across different games, even when the themes and bonus features vary wildly.
Cascading wins pair naturally with this system. Winning symbols vanish after they pay, new ones drop down, and if those create another win, the process repeats. Some games chain together 10 or 15 consecutive cascades from a single paid spin. That's where the big multipliers come into play during bonus rounds.
How Do Megaways Slots Work?
The math multiplies symbols across reels to calculate total ways. A six-reel game showing 5-3-7-4-6-2 symbols works out to 5×3×7×4×6×2, giving you 5,040 ways for that particular spin. Next spin resets everything. You might see 7-7-7-7-7-7 for maximum exposure at 117,649 ways, or hit a low combination around 64 ways.
Some games add extra horizontal reels above or below the main grid. Bonanza pioneered this with a four-position tracker reel running along the top. When you multiply that fourth symbol into the calculation, maximum ways jump from 117,649 to nearly half a million. Not every game needs that complexity, but it shows how developers adapt the core mechanic.
Volatility runs medium-high to high across most Megaways titles because the win potential sits so much higher than regular slots. Base game hits happen frequently enough to keep things interesting, but the real money comes from bonus rounds where multipliers and extra features stack up. Sessions can burn through a bankroll quickly if the feature refuses to trigger.
How to Play Megaways Slots
Pick your bet size and hit spin. That's it for the basics. The game automatically covers all active ways with your stake, so you're not selecting paylines or adjusting configurations. Minimum bets usually start around £0.10 to £0.20, maximums range from £10 to £40 depending on the casino and specific title.
Every spin displays a ways counter showing your active combinations. Paytables live behind an info button, usually marked with an "i" icon. Autoplay functions let you set a number of spins to run automatically, often with stop conditions for big wins or losses. Most players use autoplay to burn through base game spins faster while hunting for the bonus round.
Free spins trigger through scatter symbols in most games. Three scatters gets you in, with each additional scatter adding extra spins. Bonus rounds typically include progressive multipliers that increase with cascading wins. A 1x multiplier becomes 2x after the first cascade, 3x after the second, climbing indefinitely until cascades stop. That unlimited multiplier potential creates the massive win possibilities you see in highlight reels.
Mystery symbols show up in many titles too. These icons all transform into the same matching symbol when they land, guaranteeing wins if enough appear. Expanding wilds cover full reels. Random modifiers add extra wilds during spins. Features stack on top of the base Megaways math to push variance even higher.
RTP & Volatility: What to Check
RTP percentages cluster between 95.5% and 96.5% for most Megaways games. Bonanza sits at 96%, Eye of Horus Megaways reaches 96.31%, Monopoly Megaways hits 96.50%. These numbers represent theoretical returns over millions of spins, not guarantees for your next hundred rounds.
| Game Title | RTP | Maximum Ways | Volatility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonanza | 96.00% | 117,649 | High |
| Gonzo's Quest Megaways | 95.77% | 117,649 | Medium-High |
| Eye of Horus Megaways | 96.31% | 15,625 | Medium |
| Monopoly Megaways | 96.50% | 117,649 | Medium-High |
High volatility translates to longer waits between significant wins. Your balance drops during dry spells, sometimes for 100+ spins before a decent hit brings you back. Medium volatility games spread wins more evenly throughout sessions, making them better choices for smaller bankrolls or players who prefer consistent action over massive jackpot chasing.
Maximum win caps matter when comparing games. Older titles stop at 10,000x your stake, newer releases push toward 20,000x or 50,000x. Higher caps mean higher volatility because the game needs longer losing periods to offset those rare enormous payouts while maintaining its programmed RTP. Players chasing life-changing wins accept the increased risk, while others prefer games with lower caps and steadier performance.
Top Megaways Slots to Try
Hundreds of Megaways titles exist now, but certain games defined the category or brought something genuinely fresh to the mechanic. These five represent different styles and volatility profiles worth exploring.
Eye of Horus Megaways
Blueprint Gaming converted their Egyptian slot into a 15,625-way game that combines Megaways with expanding symbols. Five reels and five rows create the base grid. The eye symbol functions as both wild and scatter, triggering free spins when you land three or more.
Free games select random symbols to expand across full reels whenever enough land to form a win. This expansion mechanic works alongside the variable ways system rather than replacing it. Base game RTP runs at 96.31%, putting it above average for the category. Volatility sits at medium, making it more accessible than ultra-high variance alternatives.
Return of Kong Megaways
Blueprint's jungle adventure delivers 117,649 ways through a six-reel setup with the standard 2-7 symbols per reel range. What separates this game are its multiple bonus modes. Golden Kong Free Spins, King Kong Spins, and two other variants each offer different multiplier patterns and wild placements.
Random Iron Kong features trigger during base play, adding guaranteed wins or instant modifiers. Maximum payout reaches 50,000x, positioning Kong among the highest-paying Megaways releases. Base RTP sits at 96.03%. Expect high volatility and long gaps between features, but the variety in bonus modes keeps things interesting once you trigger them.
Monopoly Megaways
Big Time Gaming partnered with Hasbro to license the board game IP for this release. Six reels generate up to 117,649 ways per spin. Landing on properties, utilities, and railroads during the bonus round awards multipliers and extra spins, mimicking the board game experience.
Houses and hotels clear positions for new symbols when they land. The Monopoly Money feature activates randomly to drop instant prizes onto the reels. RTP runs at 96.50%, making it one of the most player-friendly Megaways options by the numbers. Volatility rates as medium-high, balancing frequent small wins against occasional large payouts.
Bonanza Megaways
This gold mining theme started the Megaways phenomenon back in 2016 and remains massively popular. The free spins round includes an unlimited win multiplier starting at 1x and increasing by one with every cascade. String together enough consecutive wins and that multiplier climbs into double digits.
Four scatter symbols spelling GOLD activate 12 free spins, with each additional scatter adding five more rounds. Landing scatters during the bonus extends the feature. Maximum win stops at 10,000x, lower than modern releases, but the proven formula keeps players coming back. High volatility means many sessions end without triggering the feature, while successful bonus rounds can deliver enormous multiples of your stake.
Gonzo's Quest Megaways
NetEnt and Red Tiger collaborated to transform the 2013 classic into a Megaways version with 117,649 ways. Avalanche mechanics replace traditional spins as symbols fall into position from above. Winning combinations explode and disappear, making room for new symbols to drop.
Free Falls trigger through three scatter symbols, awarding nine initial rounds. An unlimited multiplier starts at 3x during the bonus and increases by one with each consecutive Avalanche, capping at 15x. Base game multipliers run 1x, 2x, 3x for the first three consecutive Avalanches. RTP sits at 95.77%, slightly below average. Medium-high volatility balances the original game's steady pace with Megaways' enhanced win potential.
Licensing & Security
UK Gambling Commission licenses represent the gold standard for player protection. Malta Gaming Authority and Gibraltar Regulatory Authority provide strong oversight as well. Licensed operators display certification logos in website footers, usually linking directly to verification pages on the regulator's site.
Software providers maintain separate licenses from casino operators. Big Time Gaming holds certifications allowing them to supply games across multiple jurisdictions. Licensed venues can only offer games that passed testing for fair play and accurate RTP implementation. Player funds stay segregated from operational accounts by law, protected even if the casino faces financial difficulties.
SSL encryption secures all data transfers between your device and the casino server. Payment processors add another security layer, handling financial transactions without exposing your card details to the casino itself. Modern platforms never store full card numbers, working with tokens instead.
Fair Play: RNG & Game Audits
Random Number Generators undergo testing by independent labs like eCOGRA, iTech Labs, and Gaming Laboratories International. These organizations verify that outcomes remain unpredictable and that advertised RTP figures match actual performance over extended test runs.
Each spin result comes from complex algorithms generating unpredictable sequences. The RNG runs continuously, even between spins. Which millisecond you click determines your result from that ongoing sequence. No patterns exist to predict or exploit. Casinos receive games as sealed packages from suppliers and cannot alter the RNG software.
Test certifications expire after 12 months, requiring retesting to maintain validity. Any code changes trigger mandatory recertification before the modified game goes live. Labs publish summary reports confirming games meet randomness standards, though full technical details stay confidential.
Secure Megaways Slots Login
Strong passwords and two-factor authentication protect account access. Casinos send verification codes to your registered mobile number or email before allowing logins from unrecognized devices. Even if someone steals your password, they still need access to your phone or inbox.
Account verification during signup requires government-issued ID and recent utility bills or bank statements. This KYC process confirms your identity and address before allowing withdrawals. Some players find it invasive, but it's mandatory under anti-money laundering regulations in licensed jurisdictions.
Session management tools let you remotely log out from all devices if you suspect unauthorized access. Password reset functions send temporary links to your registered email rather than displaying your actual password. Regular security audits verify that player data receives adequate protection through encryption and restricted access controls.
Responsible Gaming (21+)
Megaways slots carry the same risks as any gambling product, amplified by high volatility. Setting deposit limits before playing helps maintain spending control. Licensed casinos offer daily, weekly, and monthly caps that prevent additional deposits once reached.
Reality checks interrupt sessions with messages showing time spent and amounts wagered. Self-exclusion programs provide temporary or permanent account closure for anyone needing a break from gambling. GamCare, BeGambleAware, and Gamblers Anonymous offer free confidential support for problem gambling.
Players must be 21 or older depending on jurisdiction, with age verification required during registration. Licensed operators train staff to recognize concerning behavior patterns and provide intervention resources when appropriate.
FAQ
What is a Megaways slots game?
It's a slot with dynamic reels that change symbol count per spin, creating 64 to 117,649 ways to win instead of fixed paylines.
Where can I find a Megaways slots list?
Most casinos group them in dedicated categories. Review sites also maintain lists organized by provider or RTP.
Can I play Megaways slots with GamStop?
No. GamStop exclusion blocks access to all gambling products at participating UK casinos for your chosen period.