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The most influential slot mechanic of the past decade — up to 117,649 ways to win per spin across dozens of providers.
Reviewed by Sam Torres | Published April 2026
Last updated: April 2026
| Slot | Provider | RTP | Max Win | Type | Volatility | Released | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
B Bonanza | Big Time Gaming | 96.00% | 12,000x | Megaways | High | 2016 | Play at Wino Casino → |
E Extra Chilli Megaways | Big Time Gaming | 96.82% | 20,000x | Megaways | High | 2018 | Play at Cosmobet → |
W White Rabbit Megaways | Big Time Gaming | 97.39% | 15,000x | Megaways | High | 2017 | Play at Aphrodite Casino → |
G Great Rhino Megaways | Pragmatic Play | 96.58% | 20,000x | Megaways | High | 2020 | Play at Mad Casino → |
G Gonzo's Quest Megaways | Red Tiger Gaming | 96.00% | 21,000x | Megaways | High | 2020 | Play at Gambiva → |
D Divine Fortune Megaways | NetEnt | 96.09% | 20,000x | Megaways | Medium-High | 2022 | Play at Velobet → |
A traditional slot has fixed reels with a fixed number of symbols — typically 3-4 symbols visible per reel across 5 reels. Megaways changes this by varying the number of symbols per reel every spin. Each reel can show between 2 and 7 symbols on any given spin. The total number of ways to win is calculated by multiplying the symbols on each reel. With maximum symbols (7 per reel across 6 reels), you get 7⁶ = 117,649 ways to win per spin. Because the reel configuration changes every spin, each spin potentially offers a different number of ways to win — distinguishing Megaways from the traditional "same layout every spin" model.
The mechanic creates a specific play rhythm. Base game wins are typically smaller than traditional slots because you need matching symbols on consecutive reels rather than along defined paylines. However, cascade or tumble mechanics (standard in most Megaways) mean one win can trigger follow-up wins as symbols drop in. The bonus rounds typically feature unlimited multipliers that increase with each cascade — this is where Megaways delivers its biggest wins. A bonus round with a large multiplier chain can reach 10,000x+ on a single feature. Base game RTP is typically slightly lower than comparable non-Megaways slots, with more of the overall RTP concentrated in the bonus round. Volatility varies significantly between specific Megaways implementations.
Bonanza (Big Time Gaming, RTP 96.00%, high volatility, 12,000x max win) — The original Megaways slot that defined the mechanic. Mining theme with cascading wins and unlimited multiplier in free spins. Extra Chilli Megaways (Big Time Gaming, RTP 96.82%, high volatility, 20,000x max win) — Chilli farm theme with unique feature of being able to gamble free spin counts. White Rabbit Megaways (Big Time Gaming, RTP 97.39%, high volatility, 15,000x max win) — Alice in Wonderland theme with Mystery Symbols. One of the highest-RTP Megaways flagships. Great Rhino Megaways (Pragmatic Play, RTP 96.58%, high volatility, 20,000x max win) — African savannah theme with Super Free Spins. Gonzo's Quest Megaways (Red Tiger Gaming, RTP 96.00%, high volatility, 21,000x max win) — Megaways conversion of the classic NetEnt Gonzo's Quest. Divine Fortune Megaways (NetEnt, RTP 96.09%, medium-high volatility, 20,000x max win) — Progressive jackpot slot with three jackpot tiers plus Megaways mechanic.
Big Time Gaming created and owns the Megaways patent, licensing it to other providers. Major licensees include Pragmatic Play, Red Tiger Gaming, Blueprint Gaming, NetEnt, Yggdrasil, and many smaller studios. Each licensee implements Megaways with their own twist. Pragmatic Play typically builds Megaways mechanics into existing IP. Blueprint Gaming has released Megaways versions of their biggest traditional slots. Red Tiger and NetEnt have produced new IPs specifically designed around Megaways. The licensing model means "Megaways" is a shared mechanic rather than a provider-specific feature.
Megaways slots are available at every major UKGC-licensed casino. The mechanic is compatible with all UK slot regulations — the £5/£2 stake limits apply, max win caps apply where set by providers, and standard RTP transparency requirements apply. The variable reel configuration doesn't change UK compliance — each spin still produces an RTP-consistent outcome over the long run.
Megaways is a slot mechanic where the number of symbols on each reel changes every spin, creating up to 117,649 ways to win per spin rather than fixed paylines.
Big Time Gaming developed Megaways and owns the patent. They license it to other slot providers, which is why you see Megaways slots from multiple studios.
Most Megaways flagships are high or extreme volatility. The mechanic concentrates wins into bonus rounds with multiplier chains, producing higher variance than traditional slots.
Bonanza remains the most-played original. White Rabbit Megaways has the highest RTP among flagships (97.39%). Great Rhino Megaways is the most-played licensed implementation.
Yes. Megaways slots are available at all UKGC-licensed casinos. Standard UK slot rules apply (£5/£2 stake limits, RTP disclosure, etc.).
A mechanic, not a provider. Big Time Gaming owns the patent and licenses it to many other studios. 'Megaways slot' can refer to any slot using the mechanic regardless of studio.