Megaways Slots UK: How They Work & Our Top Picks (2026)
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What are Megaways Slots?
Megaways is a reel mechanic created by Big Time Gaming (BTG). It first hit the scene with the launch of Dragon Born, before hitting the big time and striking gold with Bonanza Megaways in 2016.
Instead of the fixed paylines you get on a standard slot, Megaways games randomly vary the number of symbols on each reel on every spin.
That means the number of ways to win changes constantly, sometimes up to 117,649 ways to win.
Megaways slots isn’t a theme or a series – it’s a licensed engine. BTG licences it to other studios, which is why you’ll find Megaways versions of games from Pragmatic Play, Blueprint Gaming, Red Tiger, and dozens of others.
There are now over 500 Megaways titles available to UK players, but not all of them are worth your time (or your money). This guide covers the mechanic, the providers, and the ones we’ve actually rated.
How Do Megaways Slots Work?
Megaways slots changed the game with their dynamic reel setup and changing number of ways to win on every spin – a complete u-turn from fixed paylines:
- On a traditional slot, each reel shows the same number of symbols on every spin – usually 10, 15, or 20 fixed paylines.
- On a Megaways game, each reel can show between two and seven symbols. Multiply those numbers across all six reels and you get the total ways to win for that spin.
At maximum height (7×7×7×7×7×7) that’s 117,649 ways. At minimum (2×2×2×2×2×2) it’s 64. Most spins land somewhere between the two.
Wins don’t use paylines – matching symbols on adjacent reels from left to right count as a win, provided there are at least three in a row.
The more symbols on each reel, the harder it is to land a specific combination, but the bigger the potential payout when you do.
Core Megaways Features:
Cascading Reels / Tumbles / Avalanches
Winning symbols disappear after a win, letting new ones fall in – this can chain together multiple wins off a single spin.
Progressive Win Multipliers
Each cascade in a bonus round raises a win multiplier, which applies to all wins in that chain.
Free Spins
Usually triggered by three or more scatters; the bonus round typically features an unlimited win multiplier.
Megaways RTP and Volatility
Megaways slots are almost always high volatility.
The mechanic is built around infrequent but large wins, particularly in the free spins bonus where cascading multipliers can stack up quickly.
The RTP across Megaways slots tends to vary by title – roughly 94% to 97.5% across the catalogue.
We’ve listed three of the highest RTP slots with Megaways below:
Who Makes Megaways Slots?
There has been tons of providers over the years that have wanted to hop aboard the Megaways hype train, offering their own take on the dynamic reel engine.
The three studios below have dozens of Megaways releases in their portfolio, each with their own features, mechanics, and themes to stand out from the rest.
Big Time Gaming
Blueprint Gaming
Pragmatic Play
More Studios Behind Megaways Slots
Megaways might have started with Big Time Gaming, but the mechanic certainly hasn’t stayed exclusive to its creators!
Since its introduction, Megaways has become a familiar sight across the online slots industry, with both established providers and smaller independent studios getting in on the action.
From familiar reel-spinning formulas to creative new twists on the mechanic, different game developers have put their own stamp on Megaways gameplay.
Below, you can find some more of the leading providers behind Megaways slots, and discover more Megaways games from each studio.
Mega Wins With Megaways Slots
The clue’s in the name – Megaways slots aren’t just known for their thousands of possible winning combinations…
Some boast enormous maximum win potentials, with certain games advertising payouts worth hundreds of thousands of times your original stake.
Of course, these headline figures represent theoretical maximum wins rather than anything you’re likely to encounter during ordinary gameplay.
Below, you’ll find a few of the Megaways slots that can give you the most bang for your buck, offering over 100,000x bet in win potential if the reels align in your favour.
Megaways Slots and Jackpots
And if huge win potential on some regular Megaways slots wasn’t enough, Big Time Gaming has also taken things a step further with the Megapays system.
These games combine Megaways-style gameplay with linked progressive jackpots, giving players another potential prize to aim for alongside the regular slot features.
Examples include Bonanza Megapays and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Megapays, both of which bring the jackpot-focused Megapays format to familiar Big Time Gaming titles.
How to Choose a Megaways Slot
Check the RTP
Return to Player (RTP) tells you the theoretical percentage of wagers a slot returns over a very large number of spins. Megaways games can have different RTP settings depending on the casino, so always check the version you’re playing rather than relying on the advertised default. Anything lower than 95% RTP is on the lower side for this format.
Consider the Betting Range
Megaways slots can vary considerably in their minimum and maximum bets, so it’s worth checking the available stakes before playing. Some games cater to smaller budgets, while others allow much higher wagers. Look for a betting range that suits your budget and lets you enjoy the gameplay without spending more than you’re comfortable with.
Compare the Max Win
Some Megaways slots advertise maximum wins worth thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, of times your stake. These figures can be exciting, but they’re theoretical limits rather than realistic expectations. Consider the max win alongside the game’s volatility, RTP, and other features before spending any real money.
Look Beyond the Number of Megaways
The number of Megaways can change with every spin, depending on the symbols appearing on each reel. While some games offer over 100,000 possible ways to win, a higher number doesn’t automatically mean better odds, a higher RTP, or more frequent payouts.
Explore the Bonus Features
Megaways slots often come packed with cascading wins, expanding wilds, and multipliers. But more features don’t always mean better gameplay! Look for mechanics that complement each other and make the game genuinely enjoyable, such as unlimited win multipliers in the bonus game.
Try the Free Demo First
One of the easiest ways to get a feel for a Megaways slot is to try its free demo. You can explore the changing reel layouts, bonus mechanics, hit frequencies, and overall presentation without risking real money. Just keep in mind you won’t win any real money doing this, and a short demo session won’t reliably demonstrate the game’s long-term RTP or volatility.
Streaming the Best Megaways Slots
The unpredictability of Megaways slots is a big part of their popularity – which makes them even more entertaining to watch!
We’ve featured countless Megaways slots across our YouTube and Kick streams, showcasing everything from old-school classics to the latest releases to use the format.
Between these live sessions, talking to our community, and writing in-depth Megaways slot reviews, we’ve had plenty of time to get to grips with these releases.
This hands-on playtesting helps us separate the standout releases from the rest, so our recommendations are based on our actual experiences, rather than their headline max wins and flashy features.
You can check out the video below, which feature Scotty T, our resident slots wizard, trying his hand at The Dog House Megaways, Beetlejuice Megaways, Machina Megaways, and more!
Megaways Slots FAQs
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What is the difference between Megaways and regular slots?
Unlike traditional slots with fixed paylines, Megaways slots feature changing reel heights and thousands of possible ways to win. The number of winning combinations can change with every spin, with many games also featuring cascading wins, multipliers, and free spins. -
Who invented Megaways?
Big Time Gaming invented the Megaways mechanic in 2016, debuting it with Dragon Born. -
What is the maximum ways to win on Megaways slots?
Classic Megaways slots offer up to 117,649 ways to win on every spin, although some games feature different reel configurations with even more possibilities. -
Can UK players use Bonus Buy on Megaways slots?
No. Bonus Buy features are prohibited at UK-licensed online casinos, meaning players cannot pay to trigger free spins or bonus rounds directly. These features may be available in other markets, but UK players must trigger bonuses through regular gameplay. -
Where can I play Megaways slots?
Megaways slots are available at licensed casinos all over the world. For UK players, there’s even the dedicated Megaways Casino, operated by SkillOnNet. -
Are Megaways slots high volatility?
Usually, yes. Many Megaways slots are high volatility, particularly those with large multipliers and substantial maximum wins. However, volatility varies between games, so not every Megaways slot has the same risk profile. Always check the game’s specifications before playing. -
What was the first Megaways slot?
Dragon Born by Big Time Gaming was the first Megaways slot, released in 2016. However, Bonanza Megaways, launched later that year, helped popularise the mechanic. -
Do Megaways slots have a higher RTP than regular slots?
Not necessarily. A Megaways slot’s RTP depends on its mathematical design, not the number of ways to win. Some games also have multiple RTP settings, so it’s worth checking the version available at your chosen casino. -
Can I play Megaways slots for free?
Yes! Many Megaways slots are available in free demo mode. You can even play Megaways slot demos for free right here on Fruity Slots, with over 200 available to play.
Adam Secker
Slots Reviewer
Maya Sattar
Head of Content