wageringterms.

Definition

Megaways

Also known as Megaway, Big Time Gaming Megaways

By Reviewed Editorial policy

In short

Megaways is a licensed slot mechanic where each reel displays a random number of symbols every spin, producing a variable number of ways to win, commonly up to 117,649.

Megaways is a mechanic invented by Big Time Gaming and licensed to dozens of studios. Its defining feature is that the grid changes shape every spin.

How the number is produced

Each of six reels displays between 2 and 7 symbols, chosen randomly each spin.

Maximum configuration: 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 = 117,649 ways.

Minimum: 2⁶ = 64 ways.

The famous 117,649 figure is the ceiling, not the norm. Most spins produce far fewer, and the number is displayed on screen as it changes.

Many Megaways titles add a horizontal reel above the grid, which can add a seventh symbol position to four of the reels. This is where configurations above 117,649 come from in some games.

Cascades

Almost every Megaways game includes cascading reels: winning symbols are removed, remaining symbols drop, and new ones fill the gaps. Chains can continue while wins keep forming.

In free spins rounds, Megaways games typically apply an unlimited progressive multiplier that increases with each cascade and does not reset. This is where the enormous wins the format is known for come from, the base game is usually unremarkable.

What it is like to play

Megaways games are characteristically high volatility:

  • Base game is often dry, with long unprofitable stretches
  • Almost all of the return is concentrated in the bonus round
  • Max wins are large, commonly 10,000x to 50,000x stake
  • Bonus triggers are infrequent, often 1 in 200 to 1 in 400 spins

The practical implication is that a small bankroll is very unlikely to reach the part of the game where the return actually lives. Matching the format to bankroll matters more here than with almost any other slot type.

RTP varies widely

Megaways is a mechanic, not a quality standard. Licensed titles range from about 94% to 96.5%, and many operators deploy lower-RTP configurations. The figure is in the game info panel and is worth checking for each individual title.

Common questions

How does Megaways work?

Each of six reels shows between two and seven symbols, chosen randomly every spin. Maximum configuration gives 117,649 ways and minimum gives 64. The famous figure is the ceiling, not the norm.

Why does the Megaways base game feel so dead?

Because almost all the return is concentrated in free spins, where an unlimited progressive multiplier builds across cascades. Bonus triggers are often 1 in 200 to 1 in 400 spins, so a small bankroll rarely reaches them.

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