Megaways changes symbol heights on each spin and can reach 117,649 winning ways in a single round on six reels, which lifts volatility compared with fixed 20-line slots. The engine was created by Big Time Gaming and popularised through titles such as Bonanza, which runs at an advertised 96% RTP.
Dynamic Reels Change Symbol Counts
On a Megaways spin, every reel shows a variable number of symbols, often between two and seven per reel, which alters total ways from a few hundred into five-figure counts. At NeoSpin Australia, the info panel lists current ways after each tumble so players can track exposure per spin in real time. This reel modifier replaces fixed paylines and pays on adjacent reels from left to right.
BTG Builds and Licenses the Mechanic
Big Time Gaming built the mechanic and then licensed it to other studios. Blueprint Gaming secured a licence in 2018, with Red Tiger, Pragmatic Play and iSoftBet also releasing Megaways titles under agreement. Early BTG releases included Dragon Born in 2016 and Bonanza later the same year, laying the template for cascading reels and long bonus ladders.
Bonanza Publishes 96 Percent RTP
Bonanza Megaways lists a 96% RTP and up to 117,649 ways to win across six reels, establishing the benchmark specification many later games follow. Review pages and supplier materials consistently document these two figures across multiple sources.
Cascades and Multipliers Lift Swing
Most Megaways games use cascading or “reactions” wins that remove winning symbols and drop new ones in the same paid spin, often paired with rising multipliers during free spins. Extra top reels also appear in many builds, adding symbols that extend ways further on the middle reels. These features increase streak potential and widen bankroll swings within a single spin cycle.
RTP and Volatility Ranges in Practice
Megaways portfolios commonly publish RTP in the mid-90s, often between about 95% and 97% depending on the title and market build. House documents and industry guides cite this band alongside volatility markers such as medium, high or very high, which reflect the spread between dry spells and spike wins.
Core Mechanics
Before spinning, scan the rules page for numeric settings. The table below summarises mechanics that drive variance and the figures typically attached to each item.
| Mechanic or Setting | What It Does | Typical Numeric Range or Fact |
| Reels And Ways | Adjacent-reel wins with variable symbol heights | 6 reels up to 117,649 ways |
| Symbols Per Reel | Changes ways on each spin | Often 2–7 symbols per reel |
| Cascading Wins | Removes winning symbols and refills spaces | Multiple cascades in one paid spin |
| Free Spins Ladder | Grants bonus rounds with progressive multipliers | Multipliers climb by +1 per cascade in many builds |
| RTP | Long-run return measured at the title level | Commonly ~95%–97% |
| Release Benchmarks | Reference titles and dates | Dragon Born 2016 Bonanza 2016 |
| Licensing | Engine used by multiple studios | Licences to Blueprint and Red Tiger |
Reel Height Drives Volatility Directly
Variance increases when minimum symbol heights appear across reels because total ways drop and hits arrive less often; variance falls when reels expand simultaneously and ways spike. For example, six reels each showing seven symbols produce 7×7×7×7×7×7 equals 117,649 ways, while six reels at three symbols each produce 729 ways, a 161-fold difference in coverage within the same bet size. This spread explains why Megaways streaks feel lumpy across short sessions.
Example Titles Show Live Settings
Mainstream releases showcase how publishers tune the model. Deal Or No Deal Megaways from Blueprint lists 117,649 ways, a 95.34% RTP setting and medium volatility with Jackpot King linkage, while Bonanza holds 96% RTP and sticks to six-reel reactions with an additional horizontal reel. These set pieces illustrate how identical engines lead to different pay profiles once RTP and bonus ladders change.
Practical Checks Before You Spin
A short checklist helps match risk to budget. Each point links to a measurable entry in the game rules or lobby.
- RTP displayed in the help file to two decimals such as 96.00%
- Stated max ways of 117,649 on six-reel layouts where applicable
- Volatility tag noted as medium or high on the splash screen
- Free spins description with explicit multiplier behaviour per cascade
- Extra reel presence confirmed on the top row if listed in features
- Bet range shown such as €0.20 to €10 in regulated reviews
- Licensing note stating Megaways by Big Time Gaming
Bankroll Planning Uses Fixed Units
Because ways fluctuate from 729 to 117,649 within the same base stake, unit planning should assume longer droughts than a fixed 20-line slot. A practical cap limits bonus buys or feature gambles to a small share of session budget while base spins remain at a steady unit. Reviews list stake bands such as £0.20–£10 for licensed Megaways titles, giving a concrete range to map into a bankroll plan.
Providers Expand the Catalogue
The Megaways catalogue now covers hundreds of releases across multiple studios due to BTG licensing. Provider lists consistently include Big Time Gaming, Blueprint Gaming, Pragmatic Play, Red Tiger and iSoftBet among the most active contributors. This cross-studio adoption keeps the mechanic standard while leaving RTP and volatility tuning to each release.
