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Megaways Slots, Explained

Jason Green Jason Green
Megaways Slots, Explained

Megaways slots have become very popular since Big Time Gaming introduced the mechanic in 2015.

So, what are Megaways slots? The explanation is in the name: Megaways offer a mega number of ways to win. Many Megaways titles have a maximum of 117,649 win ways, while others have fewer, and others can have hundreds of thousands. 

In this article, we dive into how Megaways slots work, how they stack up against the top traditional slots in April, how to calculate the Megaways, and reveal the most popular titles.  

How Megaways slots work 

Megaways slots use a mechanism where the number of symbols varies on each spin. This will continually create different ways to win with many potential winning combinations. There are usually 2-7 symbols on each reel, which vastly increases the number of ways to hit a win.

The win potential in Megaways slots is increased, not just because there are more ways to win. In Megaways slots, cascading reels are often used. This is when the symbols that create a winning combination leave the reels and are replaced by additional symbols, giving the chance of more wins. Like typical slots, win chances are also increased with various features such as wild symbols, free spins, multipliers, and bonus games. 

Megaways vs. typical slots: The differences 

The main difference is pretty obvious: Megaways slots offer many more winning combinations. They have a number of paylines that vary from spin to spin, while traditional slot games have a fixed number of paylines. Reels of Megaways titles usually feature two to seven symbols on them, while for every spin in typical slots, there is a fixed number of symbols. 

You usually won't see a cascading feature in typical slot games, as they have a fixed payline for matched wins. Megaways slots offer additional winning combinations when symbols for a winning combination disappear, and others take their place. 

Megaways slots often have a higher volatility than typical slots with a set number of reels. The different reel configurations and many paylines lead to fewer wins, but when they do hit, they are more significant. The gameplay experience may also be more exciting for players on Megaways slots. This is because every spin has a different configuration, unlike a typical slot, which has fixed paylines and symbols. 

The calculation 

You may think that, with up to hundreds of thousands of winning ways, the calculation is difficult, but it is not. Often, Megaways titles will have six reels, so you simply multiply the reels by the number of symbols on each reel to get the win ways. For example, if on the six reels the number of symbols (2-7) increases by 1 on each reel, it would be 2 x 3 x 4 x 5 x 6 x 7, which equals 5,040 ways to win. 

Many titles offer an extra horizontal reel, increasing the win ways. Often, titles have a maximum of 117,649, and that is calculated by all six reels having seven symbols (7 x 7 x 7 x 7 x 7 x 7 = 117,649). 

A few of the more popular Megaways titles at online casinos are: 

We also break down the top Sportzino slots to play this spring and highlight Legendz slots to check out if you're looking to join the action at a sweepstakes casino.