How Megaways Slots Work
UK slot guide · SlotCity24
Megaways is a slot mechanic created by Australian developer Big Time Gaming (BTG) and first used in their 2016 game Bonanza. It has since become one of the most widely licensed mechanics in the industry, with hundreds of Megaways titles now available from providers across the UK market.
The defining feature is variable reel height. Instead of showing a fixed number of symbols per reel, each spin randomly determines how many symbols appear on each reel — typically between two and seven. The number of active ways to win changes every spin as a result.
The maths behind Megaways
In a standard six-reel Megaways slot, each reel can show between 2 and 7 symbols. The number of ways to win equals the product of all six reel heights. When all six reels show 7 symbols simultaneously, you get the maximum:
7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 = 117,649 ways
Most spins land somewhere between a few hundred and tens of thousands of ways. The variability is part of the mechanic — the displayed ways count on screen builds anticipation with each spin.
Cascading wins (reactions)
Almost all Megaways titles include a cascade (also called avalanche or reaction) mechanic. When a winning combination lands, the winning symbols disappear and new symbols drop in to fill the gaps. This can create a chain of consecutive wins from a single spin without an additional stake.
In the free spins bonus round, many Megaways games add an increasing multiplier to each successive cascade — starting at 1x and climbing with each win. This is where the largest wins in Megaways games typically occur.
Volatility and bankroll
Megaways slots are almost always high volatility. The base game often pays modestly, with the bulk of the payout potential concentrated in the free spins feature. Getting to that feature — and landing well inside it — may require extended play. Approach Megaways titles with a stake that allows you to absorb dry spells.
Megaways in the UK
Megaways titles are fully available at UKGC-licensed UK casinos. The mechanic itself carries no UK-specific restrictions. However, many Megaways games include a bonus buy option — this feature is disabled for UK players under UKGC rules (see our bonus buy guide). In those games, the bonus round must be reached through natural play.
Providers who have licensed the Megaways mechanic include Pragmatic Play, Red Tiger, Blueprint Gaming, iSoftBet, Relax Gaming, and many others. BTG continues to release their own Megaways titles too.
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Frequently asked questions
Who invented Megaways?
Megaways was invented by Australian developer Big Time Gaming (BTG) and first appeared in the slot Bonanza in 2016. BTG holds the patent and licenses the mechanic to other providers, including Pragmatic Play, Red Tiger, Blueprint Gaming, and many others.
How many ways to win does a Megaways slot have?
The maximum is typically 117,649 ways to win, achieved when all six reels display seven symbols each (7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 = 117,649). The actual number changes randomly on every spin because reel heights are variable.
Are Megaways slots high volatility?
Most Megaways titles are high volatility. The combination of variable ways, cascading wins, and large free-spin multipliers creates the potential for big wins but also long periods without significant payouts. They generally require a larger bankroll relative to stake.
Are Megaways slots available in the UK?
Yes. Megaways titles are widely available at UKGC-licensed casinos. The mechanic itself is not affected by UK-specific restrictions. Note that some Megaways games include a bonus buy feature, which is not available to UK players under UKGC rules — the bonus must be triggered naturally.
18+ only. Gamble responsibly. BeGambleAware.org. Megaways is a registered trademark of Big Time Gaming. All game names are trademarks of their respective owners.