This is an educational guide. RTP, house edge and bonus figures are typical industry values and vary by game and operator. No game can be beaten in the long run — play for entertainment, not as a way to make money.
What Are Megaways Slots?
Megaways slots are among the most popular formats in online gaming, known for offering a huge, changing number of ways to win on every spin. Here's what makes them different.
The variable-reel mechanic
On a standard slot, each reel shows a fixed number of symbols and there's a set number of paylines. On a Megaways slot, the number of symbols on each reel changes every spin. On a typical six-reel game where each reel can show up to seven symbols, that creates up to 117,649 ways to win — and the figure shifts spin to spin.
Where it came from
The Megaways mechanic was created by the studio Big Time Gaming and is now licensed to many other developers, which is why you'll see Megaways versions of lots of popular slots.
What to know before playing
Megaways games are often higher volatility, with big potential wins but more variance. For how that works, see slot volatility, and for the return figure, what RTP means.
Frequently asked questions
What are Megaways slots?
Slots with a variable number of symbols per reel, creating up to 117,649 ways to win on a six-reel game.
Who created Megaways?
The mechanic was developed by Big Time Gaming and licensed to many studios.
Do ways-to-win change each spin?
Yes — the number of symbols per reel changes every spin, so the ways to win vary.
Related guides: slot volatility, what RTP means and what a jackpot slot is.