Established in 2011, Big Time Gaming started its journey to success with Nik Robinson at the forefront, Founder and CEO. With up to 117,649 ways to win on each spin, Dragon Born was BTG’s first-ever Megaways™ creation, released in 2015. However, it was not until 2016 that the studio presented its Bonanza slot, which sent ripples of excitement across the whole gambling industry.
Other famous Megaways™ releases that followed in Bonanza slot’s footsteps include White Rabbit Megaways™, Extra Chilli Megaways™, and Who Wants to be a Millionaire, to mention a few. The groundbreaking Megaways™ formula behind them was such a huge success, leading the company to turn it into a franchise and enable other game developers to incorporate it into their slots.
In this publication, we will walk you through the nuances of Megaways™ slots along with a list of Top 10 Megaways™ releases. Slot enthusiasts are about to embark on a high-risk, action-packed gaming adventure, with the opportunity to pocket massive prizes.
How do Megaways™ Slots Work?
Megaways™ Slots have remained popular to this day, with numerous releases produced by BTG and the industry’s leading game developers who have obtained the necessary licenses. Instead of fixed paylines, the Megaways™ engine usually produces up to 117,649 winning ways owing to its variable reels that can contain from 2 to 7 symbols every single spin. Usually, the leftmost reel contains two symbols, whereas the rest offer a variable number of symbols. The number of symbols on each reel changes with each new spin. Consequently, this generates a varying number of paylines.
Usually, Megaways™ Slots’ grids are built around six reels, with an additional horizontal reel located on top of the inner vertical ones. For Megaways™ Slots to return payouts, players must align a minimum of three identical symbols on successive reels, starting from the leftmost reel. The payout size depends on the type of symbol and the number of copies, which have appeared on adjacent reels.
Game studios have tried out a different number of total paylines formulas over the years, with some games producing as many as 576,981 ways to win. Other game developers have opted for a smaller number of ways to win, for instance, 15,625. Fewer payline numbers, say 243 or 512 are also an option.
Megaways™ Slots always display the number of winning ways for each game round. Although high-paying symbols are what Megaways™ slots enthusiasts should be looking for, low-paying symbols can generate some worthwhile returns too.
Megaways™ Slots Features and Mechanics
Besides the groundbreaking Megaways™ mechanic, the slots from this intriguing genre attract many casino enthusiasts due to their additional features. Game studios have come up with various innovations to the formula, adding a unique flavour to their games. In the following lines, we will look at several most commonly encountered features that boost players’ engagement and winning potential.
Some slots offer incrementing multipliers (usually by +1), with each subsequent cascade. Cascading reels were the missing ingredient in Dragon Born and the secret to Bonanza’s tremendous success.
The Visual Appeal of Megaways™ Slots and Gameplay Experience
Utilizing the random reel modification system, Megaways™ Slots offer unprecedented levels of excitement and player engagement. The fluctuating number of paylines coupled with the above-mentioned features invariably enhance the gameplay experience. However, Megaways™ Slots garner players’ favour also due to their mesmerizing artwork and acoustic environment.
With a wide variety of engaging themes to choose from, Megaways™ Slots players will revel in a great diversity of settings and symbols. Whether they prefer themes that draw inspiration from ancient Egypt, pirates, fishing, fairytales, or movies, gaming studios come up with original characters and plots to keep players engaged.
Megaways™ Slots’ graphics are stunning, rendered with attention to the smallest detail, especially those designed by high-end gaming studios. Their sound effects are equally engaging, setting the tone for an enthralling gaming session. Many slots offer animations that make the gameplay even more immersive.
Megaways™ Slots RTP and Volatility
As we mentioned above, we will provide a list of the 10 best payout Megaways™ slots. Before this, however, we will provide detailed information on Megaways™ slots RTP and volatility.
Slots’ RTP, or ‘Return to Player’, denotes the percentage of wagered funds that players can expect to get back from a particular game in the long term. Therefore, figures closer to 100% denote better payouts that players can expect over time from playing a given slot game. To make a profit, casinos cannot offer an RTP of let’s say, 100%, but games with higher RTP inevitably attract players’ attention and engagement.
The first Megaways™ slot on our list, White Rabbit Megaways™ by BTG offers an RTP that is as high as 97.77%.
Besides RTP, players should be aware of another aspect of Megaways™ slots – their volatility. Most players confuse both terms and use them interchangeably, when, in fact, they denote different concepts. While a slot’s RTP indicates how much a player can win back over time, its volatility denotes the frequency of wins.
Low volatility slots offer more frequent and less substantial wins. High volatility slots, on the other hand, provide less frequent but more substantial wins. Medium volatility slots strike a fine balance between the frequency and size of wins.
Players should bear in mind that very often the possibility of substantial wins from Megaways™ Slots is accompanied by high risk and high volatility. While select players may be lucky enough to win thousands and even millions from a single game round, most of them will not achieve such high wins. Megaways™ Slots should be approached responsibly, with the idea of entertaining oneself, and potential winnings being just a bonus.
Megaways™ Slots Vs. Classic Slots
Many casino enthusiasts are torn between the high payout potential of Megaways™ Slots and the lower risk levels of fixed payline slots. There are some key differences between the two slot genres, which must be considered before opting for one or the other.
As mentioned above, cascading wins are an added benefit of Megaways™ Slots, removing winning symbols from the grid and adding new ones in the empty slots, thus enabling players to potentially enjoy several consecutive wins. Fixed payline slots, on the other hand, offer a single win per spin.
As far as payout potential is concerned, Megaways™ Slots far exceed fixed payline slots. That said, when it comes to volatility, the former are more volatile and unpredictable as compared to the latter, which offer more stability. Megaways™ Slots’ high volatility attracts players who seek substantial winnings and the thrill of the unknown.
Ultimately, the choice would depend on the gaming preferences of players and their risk tolerance. They should give both genres a try and decide for themselves.
Megaways™ Slots Vs. Jackpot Slots
Megaways and Jackpot slots are two different concepts, which can be combined, although rarely. When comparing Megaways™ Slots with Jackpot slots, one should be aware of the different methods by which wins are calculated.
Megaways™ Slots carry the potential for big wins, with up to hundreds of thousands of paylines and possible wins. To win, players should not hope for identical symbols to land on specific spots in the playing grid. They just need to appear on successive reels.
Jackpot slots, on the other hand, offer either progressive or fixed jackpots, dropping on lucky players at random. Progressive jackpots accumulate over time, with players placing bets, while fixed jackpots feature predetermined prizes.
Best Payout Megaways™ Slots
We are now pleased to bring to your attention our list of best payout Megaways™ Slots, ranked by RTP. We have included quick facts about each of the games, containing information about game developers, RTP, maximum ways to win, top wins, and the most prominent bonus features and special symbols.
White Rabbit Megaways™
- Game Developer – Big Time Gaming
- RTP – 97.24% – 97.77%
- Ways to win – 16,807 – 248,832
- Maximum wins – 13,000x the bet
- Special Symbols and Bonus Features – Two Wild symbols, Free Spins, Cupcake symbol, Feature Drop
Inspired by Lewis Carol’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Big Time Gaming’s White Rabbit Megaways™ transports players to a world of wonder and very good winning potential. The artwork of this release is gorgeous, as is the audio background. As the title suggests, the White Rabbit is a much sought-after symbol, unlocking the slot’s bonus round.
There are ten regular pay symbols, including 9-A royals, three precious stones, and a Queen of Hearts. She pays even when players reveal two matching symbols on adjacent reels while a six-of-a-kind combination generates a return of 25x the stake.
The base game features a 5-reel arrangement and 2 to 7 symbols per reel, with the maximum ways to win being 16,807. The stake selection starts from 10 p/c and reaches $/€20 per spin. As for the RTP, it stands at 97.24% during the base game and rises to 97.77% if players purchase the Feature Drop.
This Megaways™ release enables slot enthusiasts to enjoy an action-packed adventure with the unique Feature Drop system in place. As players launch the game, the designated price for the feature can be reduced by landing a “BTG” coin. It is up to them to decide if they can wait for a value bet or try out their luck right away. When BTG’s Extending Reels is triggered, up to 248,832 Megaways come into play.
Genie Jackpots Megaways™
- Game Developer – Blueprint Gaming
- RTP – 97.13%
- Ways to win – up to 15,625
- Maximum wins – 10,000x the bet
- Special Symbols and Bonus Features – Wilds, Free Spins, Multipliers, Power Spin Bonus Round, Jackpot
With the words ‘Jackpots’ and ‘Megaways’ in its title, this Blueprint Gaming release never fails to attract attention. There is the potential to hit the jackpot, which can produce winnings of up to 10,000x the bet. With dynamic gameplay and a wealth of bonus features, along with the Megaways mechanic and growing jackpot, it is worth trying out.
Released in 2018, the slot’s action unfolds across six reels and five rows, producing a total of 15,625 paylines. Bets fall within the broad range of £0.10 and £100. As for the RTP, it stands at 97.13% and the volatility is medium to high.
Players need three to six Scatter symbols to unlock from 10 to 20 free spin rounds. Four random modes are possible: Mystery Wishes, Unlimited Multipliers, Genie Streak, and Locking Wilds.
With each spin of the reels, the genie can make an appearance at random and trigger the Power Spin bonus. One of four random modifiers will come into play: Wild Megaways, Genie Wilds, Genie Wild Spin, and Bonus Megaways.
Buffalo Rising All Action Megaways™
- Game Developer – Blueprint Gaming
- RTP – 97.01%
- Ways to win – up to 117,649
- Maximum wins – 10,000x the bet
- Special Symbols and Bonus Features – ‘All Action’ feature, Cascading reels, Mystery Symbols, Unlimited Multipliers
Buffalo Rising All Action Megaways™ is Blueprint Gaming’s remake of the original title Buffalo Rising Megaways, with the ‘All Action’ feature being added and removing the base game. All symbols, along with the Megaways mechanic have been kept, making fans of the original feel right at home.
The available betting options start from €/$10 per spin and reach as much as €/$1,000, making the slot ideal for high rollers. Placing a wager at Buffalo Rising All Action Megaways™ is equivalent to unlocking a round of free spins in the original release. The batch of spins is equipped with unlimited multipliers and is powered by the Megaways’ Cascading Reels feature. As players land winning symbols along the grid, they are removed and their places are taken by new cascades, potentially triggering several wins with a single spin.
There are six low-paying symbols in play, represented by 9-A royals, and four high-paying symbols depicted as a buffalo, bear, coyote, and moose. While the buffalo pays for two matches along adjacent reels, the rest produce returns when players land a minimum of three copies. Overall, the slot offers exciting, action-packed gameplay, with the great North American plains in the background.
Gorilla Gold Megaways™
- Game Developer – Blueprint Gaming
- RTP – 97%
- Ways to win – Up to 470,596
- Maximum wins – 20,000x the bet
- Special Symbols and Bonus Features – Cascading Symbols, Wilds, Scatters, Mystery Symbols, Free Spins with Unlimited Multipliers, Power 4 Play, Gorilla Gold Bonus, Super Spins, Bonus Guarantee, Gamble Feature
Blueprint Gaming has once again captured the admiration of fans with its jungle-inspired release Gorilla Gold Megaways™. The slot instantly attracts attention thanks to its Power 4 Play feature, utilising 4 sets of 6-reel grids at once, each producing up to 117,649 ways to win or a total of 470,596 Megaways™. Consequently, the chances to win free spins or trigger the Super Spins are increased. Players can adjust their bets anywhere between £0.50 and £100.
To win, slot enthusiasts need to land combinations of two to six matching symbols on adjacent reels, starting from the leftmost one. All winning symbols disappear and give way to new ones, thus increasing the chances of scoring several wins with just a single spin. The cascades remain active while there are no more winning combinations.
The slot is equipped with mystery Symbols, which transform into any symbol from the paytable, except for the Wild and Scatter.
Whenever players land at least four Scatter symbols on one of the grids, the Gorilla Gold Bonus will be activated. They get a chance to spin a wheel and win a particular number of Free Spins or Super Spins. Four to seven Scatters produce from 15 to 30 Super Spins. The latter enables players to collect Golden Monkey symbols to activate additional windows, where cascades raise the win multiplier by one in each active reel set. 5, 15, or 30 Golden Monkeys unlock one, two, or respectively three extra windows, and award 5 extra Free Spins.
Slots O’Gold Megaways™
- Game Developer – Blueprint Gaming
- RTP – 96.96%
- Ways to win – 15,625
- Maximum wins – 10,000x the bet
- Special Symbols and Bonus Features – Wilds, Free Spins, Progressive Multiplier, Rainbow Re-Spins, Jackpot King Progressive network
Slots O’Gold Megaways™ is yet another hit release from Blueprint Gaming powered by the Megaways™ engine. The game draws inspiration from Irish folklore and upgrades the original title, Slots O’Gold, using the same colourful graphics and pleasant audio background but adding a wealth of bonus features.
Most importantly, it raises the number of win lines to up to 15,625. The game uses a 6-reel format and offers an RTP of 96.96% and top wins of 10,000x the bet. Bets start from 0.10 p and reach an upper threshold of £50 per spin.
The Rainbow Gold symbols also play a pivotal role. A minimum of two such symbols transform into other matching symbols and create winning lines. Last but not least, five Jackpot King Deluxe symbols are needed to unlock the Jackpot King game, introducing players to a new reel set where they collect crowns. To trigger the Wheel King, where three progressive jackpots await, players need 15 crowns in total.
Queen of Riches Megaways™
- Game Developer – Big Time Gaming
- RTP – 96.90%
- Ways to win – up to 117,649
- Maximum wins – 77,800x the bet
- Special Symbols and Bonus Features – Full Reel Wilds, Reel Clone feature
Big Time Gaming’s Queen of Riches Megaways™ takes slot enthusiasts on an exciting adventure to ancient Egypt. The game’s metrics include six reels, with two to seven symbols on each. The RTP stands at 96.90% and maximum wins reach as much as 77,800x the bet. Players can wager anywhere between 0,20 and 20,00 per spin.
Much like the rest of the studio’s slot creations, Queen of Riches Megaways™ features captivating graphics, set amid a traditional Egyptian background. As for the symbols, they perfectly complement the theme, with playing cards for the lower-value payouts and traditional Egyptian-themed imagery for the high-value payouts.
Besides its trademarked Megaways™ mechanic, generating up to 117,649 ways to win, the slot is equipped with the Full Reel Wilds feature and the Reel Clone feature. The Full Reel Wilds symbol is, as one may easily guess, depicted as Cleopatra. Once she shows up on reels two through six, she can fully cover them, substituting for all other symbols. While the feature is on, multipliers can reach 49x. Last but not least, the Reel Clone feature is the central attraction of the game. It triggers at random and can produce two to six identical reels. The Full Reel Wilds can be cloned as well, ultimately boosting players’ winning potential considerably.
8 Golden Skulls of Holly Roger™ Megaways™ Firepot
- Game Developer – Microgaming
- RTP – 96.86%
- Ways to win – 64 to 117,649
- Maximum wins – 6,000x
- Special Symbols and Bonus Features – Rolling Reels feature, Mystery Symbols, the Firepot, and Free Spins with Multipliers
8 Golden Skulls of Holly Roger™ Megaways™ is yet another Megaways-powered slot, developed by emerging studio Buck Stakes Entertainment, in partnership with Microgaming. It takes slot mavens on a marine adventure, with the symbols being skulls, treasure chests, diamonds and pirate women. The game offers an RTP of 96.86%, high volatility and top wins of 6,000x.
The pirate action unfolds across six reels with two to seven symbols on each, producing from 64 to 117,649 ways to win. With every winning combination, cascades occur, removing winning symbols from the grid and adding new ones, thus triggering potentially several wins from a single spin of the reels.
As far as the bonus features are concerned, they include Free Spins, Mystery Symbols, and the Firepot. The Free Spins are activated as soon players land at least four Diamond Scatters anywhere on the reels. Spinning a prize wheel before the Free Spins rounds commence determines the number of Free Spins rounds (a maximum of 30) and the respective win multiplier for the round (up to 3x).
The Mystery Symbols are instrumental in enhancing players’ engagement and winning potential. Represented by treasure chests, they land randomly on the reels and transform into the same symbol to produce payouts. The Firepot is a symbol-collecting feature, whereby 8 skull symbols yield the top Firepot return of 2,000x the stake.
Lucky Lady Moon Megaways™
- Game Developer – BGaming
- RTP – 96.84%
- Ways to win – 324 – 200,704
- Maximum wins – 6,000x
- Special Symbols and Bonus Features – Wilds with Multiplier 2x, Free Spins with up to 25x Multiplier
Lucky Lady Moon Megaways™ is a release by prominent gaming studio BGaming, powered by BTG’s Megaways™ engine. The grid configuration includes six horizontal and one vertical reel, located above reels two to five. The game offers up to 200,704 ways to win, with the number of Megaways appearing on top of the playing grid after each spin.
The slot offers the traditional Wild and Scatter symbols. The Wild symbol substitutes for all symbols, except the Scatter, and can appear anywhere on reels 2 to 5, plus the extra horizontal reel. The Wild carries extra value to wins, as it is always accompanied by a 2x Multiplier. The Scatter symbols trigger the Free Spins mode.
The low-value payouts in this luck-inspired slot are provided by 9-A royals. The high-value returns come from a four-leafed clover, horseshoe, coin, wolf, and ladybug.
Besides the Cascading Reels feature, the slot offers Free Spins mode, which is activated whenever players land at least three copies of Scatters. To determine the number of Free Spins, they spin a Wheel of Fortune. They can win from 5 to 15 Free Spins with Multipliers from 2x to 25x. Best of all, the feature can be retriggered, by landing three Scatters.
Slot Vegas Megaquads™
- Game Developer – Big Time Gaming
- RTP – 96.59%
- Ways to win – 256 – 65,536 – 4,096 – 16, 777,216
- Maximum wins – 25,200x the bet
- Special Symbols and Bonus Features – Symbol Multipliers, Rainbow Wild Bonuses, and Free Spins
Following the introduction of Megaways™ and Megaclusters™ formats, Big Time Gaming presented yet another one, the Megaquads™ genre, through its 2020 release, Slot Vegas Megaquads™.
Gaming enthusiasts can play four slots simultaneously against a fixed minimum fee of 0,20. The upper threshold stands at $/€20. With this newly introduced mechanic, slot enthusiasts can merge the lines both horizontally (during the base game) and vertically and horizontally (during the Free Spins mode). There will never be a quiet moment, from 256 ways to win during regular play to potentially 16,777,216 ways to win during the bonus modes.
The four grids have a 4×4 configuration during the base game, whereas during the features they merge. The game is a highly volatile one, with an RTP of 96.59%. The paytable includes six low-paying symbols and 4 high-paying symbols represented by green, blue, and red Lucky Seven symbols. Two Wild symbols come into play, one regular and one Rainbow Wild.
The slot’s bonus features include the Symbol Multiplier, the Rainbow Wild Bonus, and the Free Spins mode. Overall, Slot Vegas Megaquads™ is a lustrous game, drawing inspiration from Sin City, with expertly implemented bonus features and enthralling gameplay.
Starz Megaways™
- Game Developer – Pragmatic Play
- RTP – 96.48%
- Ways to win – 117,649
- Maximum wins – 10,000x the bet
- Special Symbols and Bonus Features – Expanding Wild Symbols, Expanded Sticky Wilds in Free Spins
Starz Megaways™ is a space-themed slot by Pragmatic Play, offering the Megaways™ mechanic under license from BTG. The cosmic plot unfolds across 6 reels, with up to 7 symbols on each, producing a maximum of 117,649 ways to win. The number of ways to win for each spin of the reels is within easy view on top of the grid.
Slot fans can adjust their wagers anywhere between 0.20 and 100.00. The game offers an RTP of 96.48% and high volatility.
Identical symbols pay in both directions starting from the leftmost or the rightmost reel, on condition they land on adjacent reels. Six-of-a-kind combinations are paid twice, once for each direction. The slot’s Wild symbol appears on reels 2 to 5 and substitutes for all other symbols except the bonus symbol. The Wilds expand vertically with symbols of the same size and cover the reel entirely.
Three to six Bonus symbols are needed to activate from 6 to 15 Free Spins. During the free Spins rounds the expanded Wild symbols remain sticky. Maximum wins in both the base game and Free Spins rounds are capped at 10,000x the bet.
Megaways™ Slots Pros and Cons
Megaways™ Slots Pros | Megaways™ Slots Cons |
---|---|
Dynamic Megaways™ mechanic, delivering an abundance of ways to win and big wins potential. | Not all players fancy the dynamic and unpredictable gameplay. |
A plethora of bonus features, including cascading wins, free spins, unlimited multipliers, and mystery symbols. | Big wins are not guaranteed and players must manage their gaming budget wisely. |
Stunning visual and audio effects and a wide variety of themes. | Most Megaways™ Slots feature high variance, meaning they offer big but less frequent payouts. |
Most Megaways™ Slots are available for mobile play. |
Megaways™ Slots FAQ
Now that we have thoroughly examined all aspects of Megaways™ Slots, along with some of the industry’s most attractive titles, it is time to turn our attention to some frequently asked questions about this intriguing slot genre.
Are Megaways™ Slots safe and legal?
Similar to standard slots, the outcomes of Megaways™ Slots are determined by a Random Number Generator, guaranteeing the fair conditions of each game round. Accredited testing and certification companies, such as iTech Labs and eCogra serve the important purpose of ensuring the outcomes are truly random. Additionally, UK players are advised to look for a remote gambling software license from the UK Gambling Commission, further enhancing their security.
Are Megaways™ Slots accessible for mobile play?
Yes, the majority of Megaways™ Slots are accessible across mobile devices, giving iGaming enthusiasts the flexibility to play while out and about. The easy access contributes to the widespread popularity of the genre.
How to calculate the number of winning combinations in a single spin?
Let’s say, we play a 6-reel Megaways™ slot with a varying number of ways to win per every single spin. As the reels stop spinning, we spot the following number of symbols, contained in each reel: 5, 3, 2, 2, 3, and 4. To calculate the maximum attainable winning combinations for this particular spin, we should multiply the number of symbols on each reel, producing a result of 720 ways to win. This calculation, however, is for information only, as the ways to win for each spin are visualized, usually, above the reels.
Can Megaways™ slots’ features affect the RTP?
Megaways™ Slots usually offer a diverse range of features, including cascading wins, Bonus Buy, and Gamble options, which can affect the game’s RTP. There can be fluctuations in the RTP, based on the games’ modes and the size of wagers. The Bonus Buy option ensures a shortcut into slots’ free spins and bonus games, against a predetermined premium.
Which iGaming studios offer Megaways™ slots?
The formula for Megaways™ slots was created and later franchised by Big Time Gaming, enabling other gaming studios to use it in their portfolios. Some of the other developers who create Megaways™ slots are Playtech, NetEnt, Thunderkick, Yggdrasil, Bally, iSoftBet, Pragmatic Play, Red Tiger, and Stakelogic, among others.