How Do Megaways Slots Work? A Complete Guide for UK Players
If you have browsed through an online casino lobby recently, you will have spotted the word “Megaways” attached to dozens of slot titles. It appears on everything from ancient Egyptian adventures to fishing-themed games, and it has fundamentally changed how players think about winning combinations. But what does Megaways actually mean, how does the mechanic function under the hood, and is it genuinely different from a traditional slot? This guide breaks down every detail so you can spin with confidence.
Megaways at a Glance
- Reels: 6 (standard configuration)
- Symbols per reel: 2 to 7 (changes every spin)
- Maximum ways to win: Up to 117,649
- Win mechanism: Cascading (tumbling) reels
- Volatility: Typically high
- Typical RTP range: 95% to 97%
What Is a Megaways Slot?
A Megaways slot is a type of video slot that uses a random reel modifier to change the number of symbols displayed on each reel with every spin. Instead of a fixed number of paylines, the game calculates winning combinations based on adjacent symbols landing on consecutive reels from left to right. The number of possible ways to win shifts constantly, reaching a maximum of 117,649 on a standard six-reel layout.
The mechanic was created by Australian studio Big Time Gaming (BTG). The first Megaways title, Dragon Born, launched in 2015 and introduced the variable reel height concept. However, it was Bonanza Megaways in 2016 that truly popularised the system, combining cascading reels with the random modifier to create a gameplay loop that felt genuinely different from anything else available. So what does Megaways mean in slots? Put simply, it refers to this patented reel system where the number of winning combinations changes dynamically on every single spin.
BTG went on to license the Megaways engine to other studios, and it quickly became an industry standard. Today, providers including Pragmatic Play, Blueprint Gaming, Red Tiger Gaming, and iSoftBet all produce Megaways titles under licence. The mechanic has been applied to hundreds of games, making it one of the most widely adopted slot innovations of the past decade.
How Do Megaways Slots Work?
Understanding how Megaways slots work starts with the reel modifier. On a standard Megaways game, there are six reels. Before each spin resolves, the game engine randomly assigns each reel a symbol count between two and seven. This means Reel 1 might display three symbols while Reel 4 shows seven. The combination is completely random and resets on every spin.
The Random Reel Modifier
The reel modifier is the core of the Megaways engine. Unlike traditional slots where every reel always shows the same number of symbol positions (typically three or five), a Megaways reel expands and contracts. When all six reels land at their maximum of seven symbols each, you reach the full 117,649 ways to win. When reels show fewer symbols, the total drops accordingly. A counter displayed on screen updates in real time to show you exactly how many ways are active for that particular spin.
Adjacent Reel Wins (No Fixed Paylines)
Megaways slots do not use traditional paylines. Instead, wins are formed when matching symbols appear on adjacent reels starting from the leftmost reel. As long as a matching symbol appears anywhere on the next reel to the right, regardless of its vertical position, the combination counts. This is why the mechanic can generate so many more winning combinations than a fixed-payline slot, where symbols must land on specific pre-mapped lines.
Cascading Reels
Most Megaways titles include a cascading (sometimes called tumbling) reels feature. When a winning combination lands, those winning symbols are removed from the grid and new symbols fall into the empty spaces from above. If the new symbols create another win, the process repeats. Cascades continue until no new wins form, all from a single stake. This chain reaction mechanic is central to how Megaways slots generate excitement and, during bonus rounds, can build multipliers with each consecutive cascade.
How to Calculate the Number of Ways to Win
The total ways to win on any given Megaways spin is calculated by multiplying the number of symbols showing on each reel together. With six reels, the formula is straightforward: Reel 1 × Reel 2 × Reel 3 × Reel 4 × Reel 5 × Reel 6.
Worked Example
| Reel | Reel 1 | Reel 2 | Reel 3 | Reel 4 | Reel 5 | Reel 6 | Total Ways |
| Maximum spin | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 117,649 |
| Average spin | 4 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 7,200 |
| Low spin | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 144 |
The maximum of 117,649 comes from 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 (or 7 to the power of 6). You will not hit this on every spin, and many spins will produce totals in the low thousands or hundreds.
The Horizontal Bonus Reel
Some Megaways titles, including Bonanza Megaways, feature an additional horizontal reel that sits above reels two through five. This reel typically adds four extra symbol positions. While it does not directly multiply the ways-to-win counter by four, those extra symbols create additional matching opportunities that effectively increase the number of winning combinations that can form on a given spin. Check the game rules within each title to see whether a bonus reel is included.
Megaways Slots vs Traditional Slots
Knowing how Megaways compare to traditional fixed-payline slots helps you decide which format suits your playing preferences. Here is a side-by-side breakdown of the key differences.
| Feature | Megaways Slots | Traditional Slots |
| Payline structure | No fixed paylines; ways to win change every spin | Fixed paylines (e.g. 10, 20, 50) |
| Reel configuration | 6 reels, 2 to 7 symbols per reel (variable) | 3 or 5 reels, fixed symbol positions |
| Win mechanism | Matching symbols on adjacent reels, left to right | Matching symbols on pre-set paylines |
| Volatility | Typically high | Ranges from low to high |
| Gameplay experience | Dynamic grid, cascading reels, variable action | Consistent, predictable reel layout |
Neither format is objectively better. Traditional slots offer a more predictable experience with consistent reel layouts, while Megaways titles deliver a more variable session where every spin feels different. Are Megaways slots better? That depends entirely on what you enjoy. If you prefer a dynamic, high-energy session with shifting win potential, Megaways may suit you. If you prefer a steadier rhythm, traditional fixed-payline games are worth exploring among the wider range of online slots available.
Key Features of Megaways Slots
Cascading Reels
As mentioned above, cascading reels remove winning symbols after each win and replace them with new ones falling from above. This is not unique to Megaways, but it is built into virtually every Megaways title and creates the chain-reaction gameplay that defines the format. During free spins rounds, each cascade often adds to an unlimited multiplier, meaning consecutive wins become progressively more valuable.
Free Spins with Unlimited Multipliers
Free spins rounds in Megaways slots typically start with a 1x win multiplier. Every cascade within the bonus increases the multiplier by one, and critically, it does not reset between free spins. By the end of a lengthy bonus round, multipliers can reach significant levels. This is where most of the larger payouts in Megaways games occur.
Mystery Symbols
Many Megaways titles include mystery symbols that land on the reels and then all transform into the same randomly selected symbol. This can create large winning combinations across multiple reels simultaneously, especially when several mystery symbols appear during a single cascade sequence.
Bonus Buy (Not Available in the UK)
Some Megaways games offer a feature buy option that lets players pay a premium (often 100x the base stake) to trigger the free spins round instantly. However, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) banned bonus buy features for players in Great Britain in April 2023. If you are playing at a UKGC-licensed operator like Funky Jackpot, the bonus buy button will not be available. You will need to trigger free spins through standard gameplay.
RTP and Volatility in Megaways Slots
Most Megaways slots carry a return to player (RTP) percentage between 95% and 97%. Bonanza Megaways sits at 96.00%, while Buffalo King Megaways is listed at 96.52%. RTP represents the theoretical long-term return across millions of spins and does not predict what any individual session will look like.
Megaways titles are overwhelmingly high volatility. This means wins may be less frequent than in low-volatility games, but when they land, they tend to be larger. A common misconception is that having more ways to win automatically makes a game more volatile. In reality, volatility is determined by the overall maths model, including symbol weighting, hit frequency, and the bonus structure. Two games could both offer 117,649 ways and have very different volatility profiles.
Before playing any Megaways slot, open the game information tab (usually accessed via a menu icon or “i” button within the game). This will show the exact RTP, volatility rating, and maximum win cap for that specific title.
Popular Megaways Titles and Providers
Since Big Time Gaming first licensed the Megaways engine, dozens of providers have built titles using the mechanic. Below are some of the most recognised Megaways games available to UK players.
| Game Title | Provider | Max Ways to Win | RTP | Max Win |
| Buffalo King Megaways | Pragmatic Play | 117,649 | 96.52% | 5,000x stake |
| Bonanza Megaways | Big Time Gaming | 117,649 | 96.00% | 10,000x stake |
| Monopoly Megaways | Big Time Gaming | 117,649 | 96.50% | 14,700x stake |
| Fishin’ Frenzy Megaways | Blueprint Gaming | 15,625 | 95.02% | 10,000x stake |
| Great Rhino Megaways | Pragmatic Play | 200,704 | 96.58% | 20,000x stake |
Big Time Gaming remains the originator and continues to release new Megaways titles. Blueprint Gaming has become one of the most prolific licensees, adapting popular existing brands into the Megaways format. Pragmatic Play has applied the engine to several of its flagship series, including Buffalo King and Great Rhino. Other active licensees include Red Tiger Gaming, iSoftBet, Relax Gaming, and Iron Dog Studio. At Funky Jackpot, you will find a range of Megaways titles from these providers, including Buffalo King Megaways from Pragmatic Play.
How to Play Megaways Slots at Funky Jackpot
Playing a Megaways slot at Funky Jackpot follows the same core steps as any online slot. Set your stake using the controls at the bottom of the screen, then hit spin. The reel modifier will assign a random number of symbols to each reel, the ways-to-win counter will update, and any winning combinations on adjacent reels (left to right) will pay out. If cascading reels are active, winning symbols will disappear and new ones will drop in until no further wins form.
You can browse the full selection of Megaways titles in the Funky Jackpot slots lobby. Buffalo King Megaways is live on the site and is a solid starting point if you want to experience the mechanic firsthand. Set a budget before you start, use the deposit limit tools available in your account settings, and remember that slots are entertainment, not a way to make money.
Please play responsibly. If you feel your gambling is becoming a problem, support is available through BeGambleAware.org or by contacting GamCare on 0808 8020 133.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Megaways mean in slots?
Megaways is a patented reel mechanic created by Big Time Gaming. It uses a random reel modifier that changes the number of symbols on each reel every spin, creating a variable number of ways to win rather than fixed paylines. The maximum on a standard six-reel Megaways slot is 117,649 ways.
Are Megaways slots rigged?
No. Megaways slots at UKGC-licensed sites like Funky Jackpot (UKGC Licence 39335) use certified random number generators (RNGs) that are tested by independent auditing bodies. The outcome of every spin is entirely random and cannot be influenced by the operator or the player.
Can you buy the bonus on Megaways slots in the UK?
No. The UK Gambling Commission banned the bonus buy (feature buy) function for players in Great Britain in April 2023. If you are playing at a UK-licensed casino, you will need to trigger free spins through standard gameplay.
Are Megaways slots better than normal slots?
Neither format is inherently better. Megaways slots offer a dynamic, high-volatility experience with a changing number of ways to win. Traditional slots provide a more consistent, structured format. The right choice depends on your personal preferences and playing style.
What is the maximum win on a Megaways slot?
Maximum win caps vary by game. For example, Buffalo King Megaways caps at 5,000x your stake, while Great Rhino Megaways offers up to 20,000x. Always check the game information tab within the slot for the specific maximum win of the title you are playing.
Do all Megaways slots have cascading reels?
The vast majority do, as cascading reels are a core part of the Megaways gameplay loop. However, the mechanic is not mandatory. Always review the game rules before playing to confirm which features are included.
