What Is Megaways™?

If you've spent any time browsing online slot games, you've almost certainly seen the word Megaways™. It appears on dozens — now hundreds — of games from a wide range of providers. But what exactly is it, and why has it become one of the most talked-about mechanics in modern slot gaming?

Megaways™ is a patented slot engine developed by Big Time Gaming (BTG), an Australian software company. The mechanic was first introduced in 2016 and completely reimagined how winning combinations could be structured in a slot game.

How Does It Work?

Traditional slots use a fixed number of symbols per reel, giving a fixed number of paylines. Megaways™ breaks this convention by making the number of symbols on each reel random on every spin.

In a standard 6-reel Megaways™ game, each reel can display anywhere from 2 to 7 symbols per spin. The number of ways to win is calculated by multiplying the number of symbols showing on each reel:

  • If all 6 reels show 7 symbols: 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 = 117,649 ways to win
  • If reels show fewer symbols: ways to win decrease proportionally

This means the number of ways to win changes on every single spin — fluctuating between a few hundred and over 100,000.

The Cascade (Tumble) Feature

Almost all Megaways™ games include a cascade (also called tumble or avalanche) feature. When a winning combination lands, the winning symbols are removed and new symbols fall into their place. If another win forms, the process repeats — chaining together multiple wins from a single spin.

This cascading system is what makes Megaways™ games feel so dynamic: a single spin can result in a long chain of consecutive wins before the reels finally settle.

Free Spins and Multipliers

Most Megaways™ games feature a free spins bonus round triggered by Scatter symbols. What makes these rounds especially engaging is the inclusion of an increasing multiplier — every cascade during free spins adds to a running multiplier that applies to all wins. This multiplier can climb to 5x, 10x, 50x, or even higher depending on the game, leading to the large wins that Megaways™ slots are famous for.

Why Is Megaways™ So Popular?

  • Huge win potential: The combination of 117,649 ways and escalating multipliers can produce outsized wins during bonus rounds.
  • Dynamic gameplay: The variable reel size keeps every spin visually different and unpredictable.
  • Cascade chains: Multiple wins from one spin give sessions an exciting, momentum-driven feel.
  • Wide availability: BTG licensed the mechanic to other developers, so it appears across many providers and themes.

What to Be Aware Of

Megaways™ games are typically high to very high volatility. This means they can go many spins without a significant win. The huge win potential in the bonus round comes paired with frequent low-value base game spins. Players with smaller bankrolls should factor this in before choosing a Megaways™ title.

Notable Megaways™ Formats

  • Standard Megaways™: 6 reels, up to 117,649 ways
  • Megaways™ with horizontal reel: An additional reel above the main grid adds extra symbols and multiplier functions
  • Licensed Megaways™ remakes: Classic slots reimagined with the Megaways™ engine

Summary

Megaways™ is more than a marketing term — it's a genuine mechanical innovation that transformed slot game design. By making the number of ways to win dynamic and combining it with cascades and multipliers, Big Time Gaming created a formula that dozens of developers have since adopted. Whether it suits your play style depends on your appetite for high-volatility, high-excitement gameplay.