Megaways is a reel-randomizing slot engine created by Big Time Gaming that changed online slots by letting the number of symbols per reel vary on every spin. The format debuted with Dragon Born and exploded in popularity after Bonanza, then spread industry-wide via licensing.
What Megaways actually is (in one minute)
Instead of fixed paylines, Megaways uses dynamic reels where each reel can show a different number of symbols per spin. This shifts the total “ways to win” each time, typically peaking at 117,649 on six reels with up to seven symbols visible. BTG’s own pages and mainstream explainers outline the mechanic clearly.
A quick timeline: from first game to global phenomenon
Dragon Born was BTG’s first Megaways slot and the first public showcase of the patented system. Bonanza launched soon after and popularized the engine with its mining theme, cascading “reactions,” and an unlimited win multiplier in free spins. Evolution has since acquired BTG, and Megaways continues to roll out across many studios under license.
Why players love Megaways
1) Variable ways to win keep every spin fresh
Changing reel heights means your potential combinations evolve constantly, which creates a feeling of momentum and surprise. This variability is central to the engine and is why titles like Bonanza and Gonzo’s Quest Megaways feel lively across long sessions.
2) Cascading wins and escalating multipliers
Most flagship Megaways titles include “reactions” or cascades that remove winning symbols and drop new ones, enabling chains of wins from a single spin. In Bonanza’s free spins, the win multiplier starts at 1 and increases after every reaction with no upper limit, a hallmark of the format’s spike potential.
3) Big ceiling on “ways” and feature variety
Megaways isn’t capped at 117,649. White Rabbit’s extending reels can push the ceiling to 248,832 ways, and many Megaways games layer in extra modifiers like mystery symbols, enhancing variety without sacrificing the core math.
4) Cross-studio adoption and branded hits
BTG licenses Megaways to other providers, which is why you see Megaways on blockbuster IP and studio catalogues from Blueprint, Red Tiger, iSoftBet, and others. That licensing pathway is a major driver of its popularity.
Signature features you’ll see (and what they do)
Cascades (“reactions”)
Winning symbols disappear and new ones fall into place, potentially chaining multiple wins before the next paid spin. This mechanic appears across Megaways catalogs and is core to their pacing.
Unlimited multipliers in bonus rounds
In Bonanza and Extra Chilli, the free-spins multiplier increases by +1 after each cascade, which is where most of the outsize wins come from.
Expanding reels and super-high “ways”
White Rabbit’s free-spins “cake” symbols can extend reel heights to reach 248,832 ways, showing how Megaways can stretch beyond the classic 117,649.
Feature Buy (market-dependent)
Some Megaways titles offer Bonus Buy to jump straight into free spins; availability depends on jurisdiction and operator policy. For example, BTG’s Christmas Bonanza advertises a 12-spin buy at 90× stake where allowed.
Progressive jackpots via Megapays
BTG’s Megapays bolts four progressive jackpots onto Megaways math. Bonanza Megapays is the best-known example, with a separate jackpot feature and four tiers that grow until won.
Popular examples worth knowing
Bonanza Megaways introduced the classic GOLD scatters, 12 free spins, and that unlimited multiplier. It remains the reference point for the format. Gonzo’s Quest Megaways (by Red Tiger under license) fused Avalanche cascades with up to 117,649 ways. White Rabbit demonstrates how extending reels can push “ways” far beyond the standard cap.
RTP, volatility, and regulation: what to check
Many Megaways slots target around 96% RTP but can feel highly volatile because multipliers concentrate a lot of payback in bonus rounds. Always verify the RTP and rules in the game’s help panel and remember that regulators like the UKGC monitor live RTP performance to ensure games are operating as designed and advertised.
Stake and feature availability can differ by market. For example, in Great Britain new online slot stake limits were confirmed in 2025 (£5 for 25+ and £2 for 18–24), and some features (like buys) may be disabled depending on licensing. Check your casino’s local version of each title.
How to choose a great Megaways game (fast checklist)
Confirm the max ways and whether reels can extend in the bonus.
Look for cascades and an unlimited multiplier in free spins if you want higher peak potential.
Scan the help page for RTP, volatility notes, and whether Feature Buy is available in your market.
If jackpots appeal, pick a Megapays variant and read its trigger rules.
FAQs
When did Megaways start?
BTG launched the first Megaways game with Dragon Born, then popularized the engine with Bonanza.
Why do some Megaways games list more than 117,649 ways?
Because certain titles extend reel heights during features. White Rabbit, for example, can reach 248,832 ways.
Is the multiplier really unlimited in some bonuses?
Yes. In games like Bonanza and Extra Chilli, the win multiplier grows by +1 after each cascade during free spins, with no stated cap.
How did Megaways spread to so many studios?
BTG licensed the mechanic to developers such as Blueprint and iSoftBet, and Evolution’s 2021 acquisition of BTG helped scale distribution further.
