Cash Lab Megaways Slot

Cash Lab Megaways Slot Review

iSoftBet have built a reputation for creating Megaways slots that go beyond simply licensing Big Time Gaming’s mechanic. Rather than producing another generic Megaways clone, the studio have taken the time to develop unique features and mechanics that create a distinctive playing experience. Cash Lab Megaways, released on March 3, 2023, continues this approach with an innovative take on wild symbols and multipliers that sets it apart from the crowded Megaways market.

Set within a whimsical mad scientist laboratory filled with bubbling vats, cogs, and batteries, this 6-reel slot delivers up to 200,704 ways to win – notably higher than the standard 117,649 ways found in most Megaways games. With high volatility gameplay, an RTP of 96.47%, and a maximum win potential of 20,000x stake, the game positions itself firmly in the space for experienced players seeking substantial win potential rather than frequent small payouts.

Base Game & Features

Cash Lab Megaways operates on a 6-reel configuration with dynamic rows – reels 1 and 6 display 2-7 symbols whilst reels 2-5 show 2-6 symbols per spin. This structure creates the expanded ways-to-win mechanic, with cascading reels removing winning symbols and dropping new ones from above to create consecutive wins on a single paid spin.

The game adds sliding reels (tracker reels) above and below the main grid, creating additional horizontal positions that contribute to winning combinations. These sliding reels become particularly important during the Wild Link feature, which represents one of the game’s most distinctive mechanics.

Wild Link Feature

The Wild Link feature triggers when wild symbols land opposite each other on the top and bottom sliding reels above the same vertical reel. When this alignment occurs, the entire reel between the wilds transforms into a stacked wild reel, significantly increasing win potential across all active paylines passing through that position.

Golden wild symbols upgrade this mechanic to the Gold Link feature, which awards a multiplier wild instead of a standard stacked wild. The multiplier value applied is always higher than the number of symbols displayed on that reel, creating enhanced win potential when combined with other winning symbols. This feature functions as an interesting alternative to the standard cascading multiplier systems found in many competing Megaways slots.

Max Megaways Feature

The Max Megaways feature activates randomly during base game spins, guaranteeing the maximum 200,704 ways to win for that particular spin. All reels expand to display their maximum symbol count, creating optimal conditions for landing significant wins even during standard gameplay. Whilst activation frequency remains unpredictable, the feature adds variance to base game pacing and maintains engagement between bonus triggers.

Cash Lab Megaways Free Spins

The free spins round triggers when 4, 5, or 6 scatter symbols (Bonus symbols) land anywhere on the reels during a single game round. The number of scatters determines the initial allocation:

• 4 Scatters: 10 Free Spins
• 5 Scatters: 15 Free Spins
• 6 Scatters: 20 Free Spins

The bonus round begins with 1 Sticky Wild positioned on the top sliding reel. The L.I.N.K feature collects specific symbols during the free spins sequence – each collection awards +1 additional Sticky Wild to the tracker reels and +2 extra spins to the remaining count. These sticky wilds remain locked in position throughout the entire bonus round, creating increasing win frequency as more wilds accumulate on the sliding reels.

The Wild Link and Gold Link features remain active during free spins, with sticky wilds on the tracker reels increasing the probability of wild alignments that trigger full-reel wild transformations. This combination of sticky wilds, collection mechanics, and the Link features creates the primary route to substantial wins during the bonus round.

Bonus Buy & Ante Bet

Players in eligible jurisdictions (excluding the UK and other restricted markets) can purchase direct access to the free spins round using the Bonus Buy feature. The cost is 100x the base stake, guaranteeing that a minimum of 3 scatter symbols will land to trigger the bonus. The exact number of scatters (4, 5, or 6) remains variable, meaning the number of awarded spins can differ between purchased bonus rounds.

For UK players and others in restricted markets, standard gameplay requires landing the scatter symbols organically through base game spins. The high volatility nature means patience and bankroll management become essential when waiting for bonus triggers.

Our Honest Verdict

Cash Lab Megaways positions itself as an above-average entry in iSoftBet’s Megaways portfolio, with genuine innovation in its Wild Link and Gold Link mechanics that distinguish it from standard Megaways implementations. The 20,000x maximum win potential compares favourably against competitors – notably superior to games like Power of Thor Megaways which cap at 5,000x – though achieving this requires optimal conditions with cascades, multiplier wilds, and sticky wild accumulation during free spins.

The game’s high volatility profile creates thrilling gameplay with less frequent winning spins but more generous payouts when they occur. The 96.47% RTP sits above the industry average, providing good long-term value for players with the bankroll to handle significant swings during extended sessions. The Wild Link feature has been consistently highlighted by players as possibly the best addition to the game’s mechanics, creating interesting dynamics as players watch for wild alignments on the tracker reels.

This slot suits experienced players who enjoy high-volatility gameplay and have tolerance for risk-taking and bankroll fluctuations. The mix of classic cascading mechanics and innovative wild features creates engagement, though the game may not attract players unfamiliar with or uninterested in typical Megaways releases. Those seeking consistent, frequent wins should look elsewhere – Cash Lab Megaways is designed for players willing to weather dry spells for the possibility of substantial payouts.

The visual execution deserves mention, with sharp cartoon graphics creating an immersive laboratory atmosphere that rivals professional animation production quality. The mad scientist theme with bright blue, green, purple, and red symbols creates a distinctive visual identity that enhances the overall playing experience.

Rating: 8.0/10 – A solid Megaways implementation with genuinely innovative features that justify its place in a crowded market. The 20,000x potential is hard to complain about, and the Wild Link mechanics provide meaningful differentiation. Best suited for volatility-tolerant players seeking feature-rich gameplay with substantial win potential.

Cash Lab Megaways FAQs