What Are Megaways Slots? How the 117,649-Ways Mechanic Works

Megaways is a patented reel mechanic created by Big Time Gaming in 2016 that replaced fixed paylines with variable reel heights, producing up to 117,649 ways to win on every spin. After Evolution acquired BTG and the Megaways patent in 2021, the mechanic has been licensed to dozens of providers and now powers over 100 slot titles worldwide.

How Megaways Slots Work

Traditional slots use a fixed number of paylines — typically 10, 20, or 50 lines that never change. Megaways slots throw that concept out entirely. Instead, they use six reels where each reel randomly displays between 2 and 7 symbols on every spin. The total number of ways to win is calculated by multiplying the symbol count across all six reels.

When every reel shows the maximum 7 symbols, you get 7 x 7 x 7 x 7 x 7 x 7 = 117,649 ways to win. When reels show fewer symbols, the ways drop significantly — a spin showing just 2 symbols per reel produces only 64 ways. This variability is what makes every spin feel different and creates the high-volatility profile that defines Megaways games.

Winning combinations form when matching symbols land on adjacent reels from left to right, regardless of their vertical position on the reel. There are no fixed paylines to track — if the symbols are on neighboring reels, they count. Some Megaways games also feature a horizontal “top reel” above reels 2 through 5, adding extra symbol positions and even more ways to win. For a deeper understanding of how return percentages factor into these games, see our RTP and house edge guide.

Key Features of Megaways Games

Beyond the variable reel system, Megaways slots share several signature features that separate them from standard slot games. These mechanics work together to create the high-volatility, high-reward profile the format is known for.

The cascading reels mechanic is the engine that drives Megaways payouts. In the base game, cascades provide additional winning opportunities from a single bet. During free spins, they become critical because each cascade increases the progressive multiplier. A free spin that triggers 8 consecutive cascades means your 8th win pays at 8x the base value — and the multiplier keeps climbing if cascades continue. Use our variance survival calculator to understand how this volatility affects your bankroll over time.

The Math Behind Megaways

Understanding the math helps set realistic expectations. The “117,649 ways” figure is the theoretical maximum — it only occurs when all six reels display 7 symbols simultaneously. Most spins produce far fewer ways.

Since each reel randomly shows between 2 and 7 symbols, the average is roughly 4.5 symbols per reel. That means a typical spin produces around 4.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 = approximately 8,300 ways — not 117,649. The maximum is an outlier, not the norm.

Most Megaways games have an RTP between 95% and 97%, with the majority clustering around 96.0%–96.5%. This means that for every $100 wagered over an extended period, the game theoretically returns $96–$96.50. Individual sessions will vary dramatically due to the high volatility. Use our RTP reality check tool to see what these percentages mean in practice.

Most Popular Megaways Slots

Since the original Bonanza Megaways launched in 2016, over 100 titles have adopted the mechanic. Here are some of the most well-known Megaways games, each bringing a different theme and feature set to the format. You can find individual game breakdowns in our slot reviews archive and track new releases on our upcoming slot releases calendar.

Megaways vs Standard Slots

The fundamental trade-off is volatility versus predictability. Megaways games deliver longer dry streaks between wins but offer significantly larger payouts when cascading multipliers align during free spins. Standard payline slots provide more consistent, smaller returns. Neither format is inherently “better” — the right choice depends on your risk tolerance and session budget. Use our bankroll management lab to plan your sessions around the volatility profile of whichever format you prefer.

Tips for Playing Megaways Slots

Set a session budget before you start. High volatility means fast bankroll swings in both directions. Decide on a loss limit before your first spin and stick to it. For Megaways games, consider budgeting for at least 200–300 spins at your chosen bet size to give the variance room to play out.

Understand the bonus buy trade-off. Paying 100x your bet gives instant access to the free spins feature, but it does not guarantee a profit. The bonus buy is a convenience feature, not an edge. Some games even have slightly lower RTP on the bonus buy round compared to triggering it naturally through base game scatters.

Focus on games with strong cascade multiplier potential. The progressive multiplier during free spins is where Megaways games generate their largest payouts. Games with unlimited multiplier growth and retrigger mechanics offer the highest ceiling for big wins.

Check the specific game’s RTP. Not all Megaways slots are created equal. Some have RTP as low as 94%, while others exceed 97%. A 3% difference in RTP has a meaningful impact on your expected returns over time. Titles like Medusa Megaways (97.0%) and Return of Kong Megaways (97.0%) sit at the higher end.

Try demos first. Most online casinos offer free demo versions of Megaways games. Playing the demo lets you experience the volatility profile, trigger rates, and feature mechanics before committing real money. It costs nothing and gives you a realistic sense of how the game behaves.

History of Megaways

The Megaways mechanic didn’t appear out of nowhere — it was the product of a small studio’s decision to rethink how slot reels work. Here’s how the timeline unfolded.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

Megaways redefined slot mechanics by replacing fixed paylines with a dynamic variable-reel system that produces up to 117,649 ways to win. Combined with cascading reels, progressive multipliers, and feature-rich bonus rounds, the format delivers an experience that is fundamentally different from traditional slots. Since Big Time Gaming introduced it in 2016, the Megaways license has spread across the industry, and over 100 titles now use the mechanic.

For players who enjoy high-volatility gameplay with cascade-driven multiplier potential, Megaways delivers a distinct experience. But the math doesn’t change — the house edge still applies, the 117,649 maximum is an outlier rather than the norm, and the volatility demands disciplined bankroll management. Understand the mechanic, check individual game RTPs, and try demos before committing real money.

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