If you’ve explored modern online slots at NetBet Casino, you may have noticed games labelled Megaways. But what is Megaways, and how does the mechanic differ from a standard slot?
Megaways is a dynamic slot mechanic originally developed by Big Time Gaming. Rather than using a fixed number of symbols on each reel and a fixed number of paylines, Megaways games can change the number of symbols displayed on reels from spin to spin.
This can create thousands of potential winning combinations on a single spin.
But does having more ways to win mean better odds? Not necessarily. To understand why, it’s useful to look at how Megaways works.
What Is Megaways?
Megaways is a slot mechanic based around changing reel configurations and a dynamic number of ways to win.
In a traditional slot, you might see a fixed grid such as five reels with three symbols visible on each reel. The game may then use a predetermined number of paylines to calculate winning combinations.
Megaways changes this structure.
The number of symbols appearing on individual reels can vary, meaning the number of possible combinations can change between spins.
A common Megaways configuration can offer up to 117,649 ways to win, although not every Megaways game uses exactly the same configuration.
How Do Megaways Slots Work?
The basic concept is straightforward.
Imagine a six-reel Megaways game where each reel can display between two and seven symbols. The number of ways to win is calculated by multiplying the number of symbols on each reel.
If a spin displays different numbers of symbols across the reels, the number of potential combinations changes.
For example, if five symbols are visible on each of six reels, there could be:
5 × 5 × 5 × 5 × 5 × 5 = 15,625 ways
If all six reels display seven symbols, the calculation becomes:
7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 = 117,649 ways
That’s why you’ll often see Megaways games advertised with figures such as 117,649 ways to win.
Big Time Gaming describes its Megaways mechanic as a dynamic reel-modifier system capable of creating up to 117,649 ways to win.
How Many Ways to Win Do Megaways Slots Have?
There isn’t one fixed number.
One of the defining features of Megaways is that the number of ways can change depending on how many symbols appear on the reels.
Some games can offer thousands of ways to win, while certain configurations can reach 117,649 or more during particular features.
For example, Big Time Gaming’s Gold Megaways can increase its number of ways during its Free Spins feature, demonstrating how individual Megaways implementations can go beyond their base-game configuration.
So, how many ways to win Megaways has isn’t necessarily a fixed answer. Check the individual game’s rules to understand its maximum and how its ways are calculated.
What Are Reel Modifiers?
Reel modifiers are features that change the configuration or behaviour of the reels.
In Megaways games, a modifier might increase the number of visible symbols on a reel, add Wilds, alter symbols or introduce another feature that changes the potential combinations.
Different games use different modifiers, which is one reason there isn’t a single formula for every Megaways title.
Some games may use an additional reel or feature that changes symbol counts, while others can add special symbols or transform existing symbols.
What Are Cascading Wins in Megaways?
Many Megaways slots also use cascading, or tumbling, wins.
When a winning combination is created, the winning symbols may disappear from the reels. The remaining symbols move into the empty positions and new symbols appear.
This creates another opportunity for a winning combination on the same paid spin.
The process can repeat as long as new winning combinations are created.
Cascading mechanics can therefore make a single spin develop through multiple stages rather than ending immediately after the first winning combination.
How Do Multipliers Work in Megaways Slots?
Multipliers are another common feature, although they aren’t part of every Megaways game.
A multiplier increases the value of a qualifying win. For example, a 2x multiplier would double the value of the relevant win, while a 5x multiplier would multiply it by five.
Some Megaways games can increase multipliers during Free Spins or after consecutive reactions.
The exact rules vary significantly between titles. Big Time Gaming games, for example, use different multiplier systems and other modifiers across their Megaways portfolio.
This is why reading the individual game’s paytable and feature information is important.
Are More Ways to Win Better Odds?
Not necessarily. A game having more ways to win doesn’t automatically mean that the player has better overall odds or a higher RTP.
The number of ways to win is just one part of the game’s mathematical model.
A game’s RTP, symbol distribution, winning combinations, payouts, volatility and bonus features all contribute to its overall mathematics.
Two games could offer very different numbers of ways to win while having similar RTPs.
How Do RTP and Volatility Affect Megaways Slots?
RTP and volatility are particularly important when comparing Megaways games.
RTP represents the theoretical long-term return of a game. Volatility describes how winning outcomes are distributed.
The dynamic nature of Megaways can make the games feel more eventful, but the mechanic itself doesn’t guarantee a particular RTP or volatility level.
For example, one Megaways game might have a higher volatility profile than another despite both using the same basic ways-to-win mechanic.
Always check the individual game’s information rather than assuming all Megaways slots have the same mathematical characteristics.
Learn more about RTP rates in NetBet’s RTP Explained guide.
Megaways vs Standard Slots: What’s the Difference?
The biggest difference is how winning combinations are calculated.
A standard slot might use fixed paylines, while a Megaways game can change the number of visible symbols and therefore the number of potential ways to form combinations.
| Feature | Standard slot | Megaways slot |
|---|---|---|
| Reel configuration | Usually fixed | Can change |
| Ways to win | Often fixed | Can change |
| Symbol count | Usually fixed | Can vary |
| Cascades | Some games | Common in many titles |
| Multipliers | Game dependent | Often used, but not universal |
| RTP | Game dependent | Game dependent |
| Volatility | Game dependent | Game dependent |
Neither format is automatically better. The difference is primarily in how the game is designed and played.
Do Megaways Slots Require a Different Approach?
There’s no special strategy that guarantees better results on a Megaways slot.
The underlying game remains a game of chance, and individual outcomes cannot be predicted.
However, Megaways games can require a little more attention to the rules because the number of ways, reel modifiers, cascades and bonus features can interact in different ways.
Before playing, check:
- The game’s RTP
- Its volatility
- How ways to win are calculated
- How cascades work
- What the Wild symbols do
- How multipliers are triggered
- How Free Spins work
You can then compare the features of individual games before choosing which one you’d like to explore.
Explore Megaways Slots at NetBet Casino IE
Now that you know the Megaways meaning and how the mechanic works, you can explore the available Megaways slots to see how different developers use the concept.
You can also browse the wider selection of slots available at NetBet Casino IE or explore the wider online casino such as table games and much, much more.
Remember that more ways to win don’t guarantee more frequent or larger wins. Check the individual game’s rules, RTP and volatility information before playing.
Before you begin playing, decide on a budget, take regular breaks and enjoy your gaming responsibly. NetBet Casino also offers a comprehensive range of Safer Gambling tools, including deposit limits, reality checks and cooling-off periods, helping players stay in control while enjoying their favourite games.