What are Megaways slots?

Megaways is a slot mechanic (licensed from Big Time Gaming) where the number of symbols on each reel changes randomly every spin, so the number of ways to win changes too — commonly up to 117,649 ways on a six-reel game. You win when matching symbols land on consecutive reels from the left, regardless of position.

Do Megaways slots have better odds?

No. More ways to win doesn't mean a better return — the game's RTP is still below 100% and set by the maths, exactly like any slot. The extra ways are balanced by smaller, more frequent hits and rarer big ones, which is why Megaways games tend to be high volatility rather than better value.

Why are Megaways slots so volatile?

Because the huge win potential comes from rare combinations of high reel heights, cascading reels and multipliers in the bonus round. Most spins pay little or nothing while the rare ones can be large, so the swings are big. Treat them as high-variance entertainment and size stakes accordingly.

Megaways slots explained — how the 117,649 ways really work

Last updated: 2026-07-15 · Gamblerfy editorial team

"Up to 117,649 ways to win!" is the headline on every Megaways slot, and it sounds like a better deal than a normal 20-line game. It isn't — it's a different shape of game, not a better-value one. Here's how the mechanic actually works, and why all those ways don't change the maths.

How the mechanic works

Megaways is a slot engine licensed from Big Time Gaming. Instead of a fixed grid, the number of symbols on each reel changes randomly every spin — usually between 2 and 7. You win when matching symbols land on consecutive reels from the left, wherever they sit on the reel. On a six-reel game with up to 7 symbols each, the maximum is 7×7×7×7×7×7 = 117,649 ways. Most spins have far fewer, because most spins don't show 7 symbols on every reel.

The catch: more ways ≠ better odds

This is the part the marketing skips. More ways to win does not mean a higher return. The game's RTP is still set by the maths and still below 100% — the same house edge applies as on any slot. The extra ways are simply balanced by smaller, more frequent wins and rarer big ones. You're not getting better value; you're getting a different distribution of the same losing average.

Cascades, multipliers and the bonus round

Most Megaways games add cascading (tumbling) reels — winning symbols vanish and new ones drop in, giving chained wins from one spin — and a free-spins round with a growing win multiplier. That combination is where the huge max-win numbers (thousands of times your stake) come from. It's also why the base game can feel dry: the value is concentrated in the rare bonus round.

Why they swing so hard

All of that makes Megaways slots high volatility: long stretches of little or nothing, punctuated by rare big hits. That's fine as entertainment if you expect it and size your stakes for a long, swingy session — but it's brutal for a small bankroll or for clearing bonus wagering, where variance can wipe you out before the requirement is met.

A headline like "117,649 ways to win" is a marketing number, not a value one — the house edge is unchanged. Play high-volatility slots for entertainment within a fixed budget, and don't chase the bonus round. Read our responsible gambling guide.

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Related guides

Slot volatility & wagering risk — why Megaways swing hard.
Game contribution & RTP — the return that "ways" don't change.
House edge explained — why the base game is priced against you.
Progressive jackpots explained — another big-win hook with the same maths.
What is wagering (rollover)? — why volatility and wagering are a bad mix.
Casino bonus types — bonuses that these slots often (don't) clear.