Megaways slots change the number of symbol positions on their reels, so the number of available ways to win can change from one spin to the next. A compact layout can open into taller reels, while a winning combination may lead into a sequence of reactions within the same paid round.
The changing reel display is the defining feature, but it does not make every Megaways game the same. Paytables, multipliers, free spins, feature purchases and volatility vary by title. This guide explains how to read the layout, what the ways counter means and which details matter when comparing games.
How Megaways slots work
Megaways is a game mechanic developed by Big Time Gaming and licensed to other developers. Instead of using one unchanging reel height, a game can vary how many symbol positions appear on each reel. The resulting layout determines the possible ways for that spin.
1. The layout changes
Each reel displays a permitted number of positions. The combination of reel heights determines the ways counter for that result.
2. Symbols are evaluated
Matching symbols must meet the game’s paytable rules, including the required number of adjacent reels and the direction of payment.
3. Reactions may follow
In games with reactions, winning symbols are removed and replacements appear. Further qualifying combinations can pay within the same round.
The word Megaways identifies the underlying format rather than a complete set of rules. A developer can combine it with a particular theme, reel arrangement or bonus feature. Read the information panel of the exact title instead of transferring assumptions from another game with the same branding.
Big Time Gaming describes its mechanic and licensed games on its official website. Our wider slots guide covers other formats, including classic slots and video slots.
What does 117,649 ways to win mean?
A ways count describes possible combinations of reel positions. For a simplified six-reel layout, multiply the number of positions on each reel. Six reels with seven positions each produce 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 = 117,649 possible combinations.
A smaller layout example
Reel heights of 3, 4, 5, 3, 4 and 2 give 3 × 4 × 5 × 3 × 4 × 2 = 1,440 ways. This is an illustration of position combinations, not a promise of 1,440 winning combinations.
The actual symbols still need to match. A high ways counter can accompany a losing result, while a smaller layout can contain a qualifying win. The maximum advertised number is a ceiling available under that game’s design, not the number reached on every spin. Some Megaways games use different maximums or additional rules.
Ways are different from paylines
A payline follows a defined route across positions. A ways game generally evaluates eligible matching symbols on adjacent reels without requiring one fixed line through them. Check where a combination must begin, the minimum number of reels and the treatment of wilds.
For example, if the rules pay a particular symbol across three adjacent reels, two eligible instances on the first reel, one on the second and three on the third can create multiple combinations. The full paytable determines how those combinations are counted and whether additional reels extend them.
Do not read the ways counter as a percentage chance of winning. It does not reveal the symbol distribution, frequency of features or expected return. The paylines guide explains fixed routes, while how slots work covers the broader distinction between presentation and outcome rules.
Official Megaways game examples
These examples show how one mechanic can support different features. The links below lead to developer information. They do not confirm that a listed casino carries the title or that a specific version is available to an Australian account.
Bonanza
Big Time Gaming’s mining-themed Bonanza combines Megaways with reactions and advertises up to 117,649 ways. It is a useful example of changing reel heights and consecutive outcomes within one round. Its paytable explains the symbols, feature trigger and payouts.
Extra Chilli
Extra Chilli combines Megaways and reactions with a free-spins feature. Its developer information also describes Feature Drop and a free-spins gamble. These are separate choices with their own costs or risks, rather than extra value implied by the ways count.
Extra Chilli More Chilli
This later title uses Megaways alongside Chilli Bonus respins. It illustrates why a familiar name is not enough to establish feature rules: related games can change their bonus structure, available options and payout distribution.
When searching a lobby, match the complete title and developer. Similar themes and sequel names can conceal important differences. Our new slots guide explains how to assess newly listed games without treating a release date as evidence of better returns.
Casino welcome offers
These are general casino welcome packages. Megaways availability has not been confirmed for these four casinos. Check the actual game lobby before choosing an account for a particular title, and check promotion eligibility separately.
18+ · We may earn affiliate commission through these links. Read our affiliate disclosure.
| Casino | Welcome bonus | Bonus code | Offer page |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 300% + 50 free spinsWelcome offer · Minimum deposit $20 | 300-WELCOME | View offer |
 | 400% up to $4,000 + 20 free spinsWelcome offer · Cash Bandits 3 spins | 400CB20 | View offer |
 | 100% up to $1,000 + 40 free spinsFortunate Buddha · Minimum deposit $20 · Wagering 30× · Cashout cap 20× bonus · Expires 48h after redemption | RC400 | View offer |
 | 400% up to $4,000 + 100 free spinsWelcome package · 40× rollover · No maximum cashout stated · Full terms apply | BANDIT4000 | View offer |
Wagering, maximum bets, game restrictions, expiry and cashout conditions apply. Confirm the account and promotion currency; $ does not automatically mean AUD.
Reactions, multipliers and free spins
Reactions and cascading symbols
Reactions can continue after a qualifying win removes symbols and replacements form another winning result. Several payments can therefore belong to one original stake. Check the round total rather than treating every animation as a new paid spin.
Some games apply a multiplier during these sequences. Establish when it starts, what increases it, which payments it affects and when it resets. A multiplier used in a bonus round may follow different rules from one in the base game. See cascading reel slots for a wider explanation.
Game free spins
A game’s free-spins feature is triggered under its own rules, often through a stated scatter result. The feature may change reel heights, multipliers or retrigger conditions. It can still return less than the money spent reaching it; the word free describes the spins inside the feature.
Casino-issued promotional spins are different. They are an account offer tied to selected games, eligibility, expiry and withdrawal conditions. A promotion that awards spins on one title cannot automatically be used on another Megaways game. Our free-spins features guide and casino free-spins guide explain the two meanings.
Feature purchases and gambles
Where a feature purchase exists, its quoted multiple normally represents a cost based on a defined stake. Verify the amount that will leave the balance before confirming it. Buying entry to a feature does not guarantee that its winnings will cover the purchase price.
A gamble option can risk an awarded feature or its spins. Read what is at stake and whether a loss removes the entire feature. Declining an optional gamble is different from abandoning a normal paid round. For the wider mechanics and cost arithmetic, see bonus-buy slots.
How to compare Megaways slots
Start with the rules you can verify rather than ranking games by their largest ways number. A useful comparison separates total stake, return information, prize distribution and the features that affect the cost of a round.
- Total stake: identify the complete cash cost, including any optional enhanced mode.
- Maximum ways: check the actual title’s limit and whether it differs between base play and features.
- Paytable: read symbol values, minimum adjacent reels, wild behaviour and scatter conditions.
- RTP configuration: use the figure shown in the version being played.
- Volatility: consider the distribution of outcomes separately from theoretical return.
- Feature costs: check purchases, gambles and enhanced-bet options individually.
RTP does not predict a session
Return to player is a theoretical long-run measure. It does not promise that a starting balance will retain that percentage or that a session will last a particular length. Different configurations of a title may display different figures, so a number quoted elsewhere is not enough.
For a purely mathematical illustration, $100 of total wagers at a stated 96% RTP corresponds to a theoretical $96 return across the model. Actual short-run results can be far above or below that amount. Total wagers also differ from the opening deposit when winnings are wagered again. Use our RTP calculator to explore that distinction.
Volatility is a separate question
The Megaways name alone does not establish volatility. Read the developer’s information for the exact game. A game with infrequent substantial wins can produce long losing stretches, and neither a large layout nor a near-miss guarantees the next result.
Compare high-volatility slots with low-volatility slots, and read the volatility guide before assuming frequent animations mean frequent net profit.
Demo play, mobile screens and bonus conditions
Use practice mode to understand the controls
A virtual-credit demo can help you locate the help panel, read the paytable and follow a reaction sequence. It cannot establish future cash results or create withdrawable winnings. The ability to reset a virtual balance also makes practice sessions a poor guide to affordable real-money spending.
Use the free slots guide for the differences between practice credit, game features and promotional offers. For account balances and withdrawal basics, see real-money slots.
Read changing layouts on a phone
On a small screen, taller reels and multiplier animations can occupy much of the game area. Check that the full stake, balance and information controls remain readable. Rotate the screen if the game supports landscape, and check the confirmation step for optional purchases.
A different display does not improve the odds. It should make the same version’s rules and controls usable. Our mobile hub, iPhone guide and Android guide cover device-specific checks.
Separate game access from promotional eligibility
A title in the lobby may be excluded from a particular bonus or contribute differently to wagering. Maximum-bet rules may also treat feature purchases differently. Confirm all three points before assuming ordinary slot contribution applies.
Check the wagering calculator for turnover arithmetic and bonus withdrawal limits for cashout caps. Megaways is not automatically a jackpot category either; changing ways and a growing prize pool are separate mechanics covered in our progressive jackpot guide.
Set time and spending limits independently of a feature trigger or ways counter. Do not increase bets to recover a losing run. Our responsible gambling page and Gambling Help Online provide support information. Send factual corrections to John Weekes through the contact page.
Megaways slots: frequently asked questions
What are Megaways slots?
Megaways is a mechanic developed by Big Time Gaming in which changing reel heights alter the possible ways to win. Individual titles have their own paytables, features and maximum ways.
Do all Megaways slots have 117,649 ways?
No. That is a familiar maximum in some titles, including Bonanza, but other games can use different limits. The maximum is not reached on every spin.
How are the ways calculated?
In a simplified layout, multiply the number of symbol positions on each reel. Six reels with seven positions each give 117,649 possible combinations. Actual wins still require symbols that meet the paytable rules.
Does a larger ways counter guarantee a win?
No. The symbols must form an eligible combination. The counter is not a probability figure and does not establish the payout or whether a spin will win.
What is a reaction in a Megaways game?
In games that use reactions, winning symbols are removed and replacements appear. Further qualifying wins can form within the same paid round. Multipliers and reset rules depend on the title.
Are Megaways slots always highly volatile?
The format alone does not establish volatility. Check the developer information for the exact game and configuration rather than assuming every Megaways title has the same payout distribution.
Are game free spins the same as casino promotional spins?
No. Game free spins are a feature awarded under the paytable. Promotional spins are a casino account offer with selected games, eligibility, expiry and possible wagering or cashout conditions.
Does buying a Megaways feature guarantee a return?
No. A purchase pays for access to a feature under the stated rules. The resulting winnings can be less than the cost, and optional gambles can risk an already awarded feature.
Do the casino offers on this page confirm Megaways availability?
No. They are general welcome packages. Megaways availability has not been confirmed for the four listed casinos. Check the actual lobby and promotion rules for the title you want.
Are demo Megaways winnings withdrawable?
No. Virtual-credit demo winnings have no cash value. Practice mode can explain controls and features, but it does not predict cash results or create a withdrawal entitlement.