Megaways is a patented slot mechanic from Big Time Gaming that changes the number of symbols on each reel on every spin, creating thousands of dynamic payways instead of fixed paylines. Most 6-reel Megaways games offer up to 117,649 ways to win, pay left-to-right on adjacent reels, and use cascading wins that can chain multiple payouts. Popular add-ons include mystery symbols, expanding reels, and free spins with increasing multipliers. Use Goated to find, compare, and play top Megaways titles responsibly.

What is a Megaways slot?

A Megaways slot is a video slot that uses a reel modifier to randomize how many symbols appear on each reel for every spin. Instead of fixed paylines, you get variable “ways to win” that depend on the symbol count per reel. The mechanic is licensed by Big Time Gaming and used by leading studios across many hit titles.

How do Megaways calculate the number of ways to win?

• Ways to win = product of the symbol count on each reel

• Example: Reel heights 7-6-5-4-6-7 produce 7 × 6 × 5 × 4 × 6 × 7 ways

• Classic 6-reel Megaways configurations commonly peak at 117,649 ways

• Wins usually pay left to right on adjacent reels, starting from reel 1

What happens during a Megaways spin?

1. Reel setup is randomized, creating a new number of symbols on each reel.

2. Reels spin and land. If symbols match on adjacent reels from left to right, a win forms.

3. Cascading or “reaction” feature removes winning symbols and drops new ones.

4. Additional cascades can occur, generating successive wins on the same stake.

5. Special features like mystery symbols or wilds can enhance outcomes.

6. In free spins, many titles apply a progressive multiplier to each cascade.

What makes Megaways special vs classic paylines?

• Variable ways to win with fresh layouts every spin

• Cascading wins that chain multiple payouts

• High-volatility profiles that produce larger but less frequent outcomes.

• Feature-rich bonuses, often including mystery symbols, expanding reels, and growing multipliers

• Stream-friendly pace and spectacle with frequent reactions

Core features you will see

• Cascading wins or reactions

• Mystery symbols that reveal the same symbol

• Free spins with progressive multipliers

• Extra horizontal reel in some games to add symbols to middle reels

• Bonus Buy option in select jurisdictions where permitted

• Ante Bet or feature toggles in certain titles

Are Megaways high volatility and what about RTP?

• Many Megaways slots are high volatility, producing larger but less frequent outcomes

• RTP varies by game and sometimes by version. Always check the game information panel

• Goated helps you compare volatility and stated RTP across popular Megaways titles

Are Megaways fair?

Reputable Megaways slots are tested by independent labs and licensed under the regulations of the casino’s jurisdiction. The mechanic is owned and licensed by Big Time Gaming, and compliant releases from trusted studios follow strict testing and certification standards.

Bankroll tips and common mistakes

• Set a session budget and stick to it

• Expect streaks due to high volatility, especially in bonus hunts

• Avoid chasing losses after cold runs

• Check the game rules for pay direction, max ways, and bonus rules before spinning

• Use demo mode where available to learn features and pacing

Popular Megaways games to try

• Zombie School Megaways

• 5 Frozen Charms Megaways

• Madame Destiny Megaways

• 5 Lions Megaways 2

• Buffalo King Megaways

• 5 Lions Megaways

• The Dog House Megaways

• Lady Wolf Moon Megaways

Use Goated to explore these, check features, and find trusted places to play or demo.

Megaways vs other modern mechanics

• Megaways: Variable reel heights with dynamic ways to win

• Hold-and-Spin or Cash Collect: Prize symbols and respin rounds

• Cluster Pays: Wins from symbol clusters instead of reels

• Line-based slots: Fixed paylines and static reel heightsMegaways stands out for its variable reel builds and cascading intensity.

Mobile experience

Megaways slots are optimized for mobile portrait and landscape play, with touch-friendly controls and smooth cascading animations on modern devices.

Bonus Buy and legality

Some Megaways titles include Bonus Buy to trigger free spins instantly where local rules allow it. Availability depends on jurisdiction and operator policy. Always confirm in the game menu.

Real examples using Goated features

• Discover: Search “Megaways” on Goated to see curated lists of top-rated titles across studios

• Compare: Use Goated comparison tools to view volatility, stated RTP, maximum win, and whether a title includes features like mystery symbols or Bonus Buy

• Learn: Open Goated game guides to understand each slot’s pay rules, max ways, and bonus mechanics before you play

• Try: Where permitted, follow Goated’s links to official demos to practice and learn pacing without risking funds

Links to relevant games and resources

• Big Time Gaming - Megaways creator: https://bigtimegaming.com

• Red Tiger - Provider of Gonzo’s Quest Megaways: https://www.redtiger.com

• Pragmatic Play - Provider of The Dog House Megaways and Great Rhino Megaways: https://www.pragmaticplay.com

• Blueprint Gaming - Provider of Buffalo Rising Megaways: https://www.blueprintgaming.com

• Goated - Megaways guides, lists, and comparisons: https://goated.com

Step-by-step: how to evaluate a Megaways slot on Goated

1. Search the game title on Goated

2. Check the stated RTP, volatility, max win, and feature list

3. Read the rules to confirm pay direction and maximum ways

4. If available, test the demo to learn the reel pace and bonus behavior

5. Set a budget and choose a stake that fits high-volatility swings

6. Track your session results and take breaks to play responsibly

Always play responsibly. If gambling is restricted in your region, do not participate.