What Is Megaways?
Megaways is a licensed slot mechanic in which each reel shows a random number of symbols on every spin. The changing reel heights create different numbers of ways to win, with up to 117,649 ways possible.
What is Megaways?
The Megaways meaning is straightforward: it is a licensed mechanic that changes how many symbols appear on each reel from spin to spin. This changes the number of possible symbol combinations that can form winning ways.
The maximum is up to 117,649 ways to win. That figure describes the mechanic’s potential ways, not a promise that a spin will produce a win. For a specific slot’s rules and symbol payouts, check its paytable.
Common misconceptions
Megaways does not mean a slot has a fixed number of symbols on every reel or the same number of ways on every spin. The number changes, so the available ways can vary between spins. The maximum figure is not the number of ways guaranteed on each spin.
How Megaways works
Each reel displays a random number of symbols for a spin. The combination of reel heights determines how many ways to win are available for that result. As the reels change, that number can change too.
This is how Megaways slots differ from games with a fixed reel layout. To understand how a particular game applies the mechanic, read its paytable and game information: the licensed mechanic explains the changing ways, while the game’s own rules provide the details.
Simple example
Imagine that one spin shows a different number of symbols on each reel than the next spin. The reel arrangement can then create a different number of possible ways to win. This illustrates the basic idea without assuming a particular game’s reel sizes or payout rules.
Examples in popular slots
The following games are examples from the database. RTP can differ between casino versions, so check the in-game information screen for the version you are viewing.
| Game | Provider | RTP |
|---|---|---|
| Gonzo’s Quest Megaways | Not listed | Not listed |
| Merlins Madness Megaways | Not listed | Not listed |
| Mystery Reels Megaways | Not listed | Not listed |
Provider and RTP details are not listed here. Check each game’s in-game info screen for those details. For a broader set of titles, browse games with Megaways.
Related terms
- Paytable: The place to check a slot’s symbol payouts and game rules.
- Ways to win: The possible symbol combinations counted by a game’s rules. With Megaways, the number of ways can vary as reel heights change.
- Glossary: See the site’s glossary of slot terms.
FAQ
What is Megaways in slots?
Megaways is a licensed mechanic where each reel shows a random number of symbols per spin, creating up to 117,649 ways to win.
Which slots use Megaways?
Examples from the database include Gonzo’s Quest Megaways, Merlins Madness Megaways and Mystery Reels Megaways.
Does every Megaways spin have 117,649 ways to win?
No. The mechanic can create up to 117,649 ways; the number of symbols on each reel changes between spins, so the number of ways can vary. Explore the changing reel layouts.
Where can I check a Megaways slot’s rules?
Check the game’s paytable and in-game information screen for its rules and details.
18+ only. Play responsibly; demos use virtual credits and no real money.
