What Is Megaways
Megaways was introduced by Australian studio Big Time Gaming with Bonanza in 2016. Unlike a fixed grid, the number of symbols per reel changes randomly on every spin — typically between two and seven. The total ways to win is the product of those symbol counts. With six reels each landing seven symbols, you get 7×7×7×7×7×7 = 117,649 ways. The format was so successful that BTG now licenses it to nearly every major studio.
How a Megaways Spin Works
A Megaways game shows a base 6-reel grid plus a horizontal reel above (sometimes called the "extra reel" or "carriage"). After a spin, each reel reveals 2-7 symbols, and the extra reel adds one more symbol to four of the reels. Wins pay left-to-right starting from the leftmost reel using ways-to-win logic — match consecutive reels regardless of position. Most Megaways slots include a tumbling reels mechanic too: winning symbols disappear, new ones drop in, and the spin keeps going until no new wins land.
Math Profile
Megaways games tend to be high or very-high volatility. Hit frequency is moderate (the huge way count helps small wins), but the meaningful payouts come from the unlimited multiplier mechanic typically built into the free spins round. Base-game RTPs usually sit between 96% and 96.7%; bonus-buy variants often sit lower because the cost-to-bonus ratio bakes in the studio edge.
Defining Titles
Bonanza Megaways (BTG, 2016) is the original. White Rabbit Megaways and Extra Chilli built the cult following. Pragmatic Play (Power of Thor Megaways, Big Bass Megaways), Blueprint (Buffalo Rising Megaways) and Red Tiger all run their own Megaways catalogs under license. The format also pairs naturally with cascading reels and increasing-multiplier free spins.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ways to win does a Megaways slot have?
Up to 117,649. The actual number changes every spin based on how many symbols land on each reel.
Are Megaways slots high volatility?
Most are. The unlimited multiplier in free spins drives the variance up — you can hit a 5,000x bonus or burn through 50 spins with nothing meaningful.
Do all studios make Megaways slots?
They license the mechanic from Big Time Gaming. Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, Blueprint, Red Tiger and others all have official Megaways titles.
All Megaways Slots in Our Catalog (10)
Below is the full list of Megaways slots covered on SlotInsight, sorted alphabetically. Click any title for full RTP, volatility, max-win and feature details.