The online casino world has changed a lot over the years — but not much has managed to shake things up quite like Megaways. First introduced by Australian developer Big Time Gaming (BTG), this has completely changed what we expect from slot games. With dynamic, constantly changing gaming grids, massive win potential, and the chance to hit win after win, Megaways games are taking over the industry.
But what exactly are they? How do they work? And why have they become so popular?
What Is a Megaways Slot?
Essentially, a Megaways slot is a type of online slot game that uses a random reel modifier system. Unlike regular slots that have a fixed number of symbols per reel and keep the same number of paylines, Megaways games change the number of symbols that appear on every reel with every spin – meaning a different number of paylines each time you hit the spin button.
Megaways slots usually have six reels, with each one able to display between two and seven symbols at a time and this value changes on every spin. This means that the number of possible winning combinations — or “ways to win” — can vary massively from one spin to the next. And, if all six reels land the maximum of seven symbols, you could end up with a huge 117,649 ways to win (7x7x7x7x7x7).
That’s the beauty of Megaways — every spin is different.
Main Features of Megaways Games
Although the fluctuating reels are the game’s main feature, they usually throw in a few extra mechanics that ramp up the action even more:
- Cascading Reels: Whenever you land a winning combination, the winning symbols will be removed from the grid and new ones will drop down to take their place — meaning the potential for lots of wins from one single spin.
- Multipliers: Some also come with progressive multipliers that get bigger and bigger with each cascading win – offering serious win potential.
- Reel Lock: Some also lock their reels for a few spins when they reach their maximum size (6×7), so you’ll get 117,649 ways to win again, again… and maybe even again!
How Megaways Is Changing the Industry
It’s fair to say that the rise of Megaways has had a huge impact on both the design of new interactive games and player expectations:
- Game Variety: More and more developers are starting to move away from fixed reels, so there are even more flexible and inventive slots to choose from.
- Keeping Players Coming Back: Because Megaways games make every spin feel different and are rammed with features, they never get boring – so they tend to keep players spinning longer than normal slots.
- Brand Revivals: Some of the old, classic slots like Gonzo’s Quest, Ted, and Fishin’ Frenzy have been re-released – but with a Megaways twist, giving them a new zest of life and attracting even more players.
- Great on Mobile: The changing reel sizes work really well on mobile screens, making them great for Android and iOS devices.
Ultimately, Megaways games are a lot more than a trend — it’s expected.
The Best Megaways Titles to Try
Looking to find the best Megaways slots? Then here are some of our favourites:
- Bonanza Megaways (Big Time Gaming) – This is the one that started it all, still hugely popular thanks to its bonus round and unpredictable reel action.
- Gonzo’s Quest Megaways (Red Tiger) – This one is a cool, modern update of the iconic NetEnt slot with avalanche wins, expanding multipliers – and literally thousands of potential winning ways.
- Great Rhino Megaways (Pragmatic Play) – With high volatility, wilds, scatters, and a solid free spins feature, this one takes you on a wild ride.
- Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Megaways (BTG) – Combining the popular TV show with the chance for enormous payouts, this is the ultimate gaming collaboration.
A Mega Change to the Industry
Megaways slots have changed the online casino landscape as we know it. With their innovation, dynamism and massive win potential, they’ve raised the bar for what players expect from their gaming experience.
Whether you’re an expert slot player or you’re new to the world of online gaming, it’s fair to say that Megaways games bring with them a unique experience that’s hard to beat.
