If you have ever scrolled through an online casino and spotted “Megaways”, you might have wondered what it actually means. The mechanic looks different from classic slots, and that changing number on the screen can be puzzling at first.
Once you understand the basics, choosing a game may become easier. Megaways slots can feel more varied from spin to spin, which could be part of their appeal.
This guide explains what the Megaways number shows, how the mechanic works, and how it compares with traditional payline slots, so you know what to expect before you potentially get started.
What Does Megaways Mean In Slots?
Megaways is a slot mechanic created by Big Time Gaming. Instead of fixed paylines, it uses a random reel modifier that changes how many symbols appear on each reel after every spin.
In many Megaways games, each reel can display between two and seven symbols. Because this varies on every spin, the number of possible combinations also changes. Some titles can reach very high totals, often quoted as up to 117,649 ways in a single spin.
This shifting layout makes the base game less predictable from one round to the next. If you want to know the exact set-up for a particular title, the paytable explains reel heights, symbol values, and any special features. UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)-licensed sites must make this information easy to find.
If you do decide to try your hand at Megaways Slots, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
How The Megaways Mechanic Changes Slot Gameplay
Megaways slots replace fixed lines with a dynamic set of reels that expand and contract each spin. The possible combinations rise and fall depending on how many symbols land on each reel, so two spins can feel quite different even in the same game.
Many Megaways titles also include extra mechanics that build on this format. Cascading reels, where winning symbols are removed and new ones drop in, are common. Some games add modifiers such as mystery symbols or expanding reels that can increase the number of ways on the next cascade.
Because every Megaways slot is designed differently, features and payout structures vary from game to game. A quick look at the information panel may show how that specific title works and what to expect.
Megaways Number Explained Simply
The Megaways number shows how many possible winning combinations are available on that exact spin. It is based on how many symbols land on each reel. In simple terms, the total is worked out by multiplying the number of symbols on reel 1 by reel 2, and so on across the reels.
For example, if a six-reel Megaways slot shows 3, 6, 4, 5, 7, and 4 symbols from left to right, that spin offers 3 × 6 × 4 × 5 × 7 × 4 ways. The figure is usually displayed above or near the reels and updates as the reels settle.
Every Megaways game has its own minimum and maximum possible ways. You can find the range, along with symbol values and feature rules, in the game’s paytable. The number itself does not decide outcomes and cannot be influenced by the player.
Megaways Slots Vs Traditional Payline Slots
Traditional payline slots use fixed patterns. Wins are paid when symbols match along set lines, such as 10, 20, or 40 paylines, and that structure stays the same every spin.
Megaways slots do not use fixed lines. Instead, they allow a variable number of symbols on each reel that creates a changing total of possible combinations. The layout is different each round, which affects how wins can form from left to right.
You may also see a difference in features. Traditional slots often keep things simple, while Megaways titles frequently include cascades, modifiers, and bonus rounds. Neither style is better across the board, they simply offer different types of play. It comes down to which format you prefer and how much variety you want between spins.
Does A Higher Megaways Number Mean Better Odds?
Not necessarily. A higher Megaways number means there are more possible combinations on that spin, but it does not automatically make a win more likely. Slot outcomes are random.
Your overall chances on a Megaways slot are shaped by the game’s design. Key factors include the paytable, symbol distribution, Return to Player (RTP), and volatility. RTP is a theoretical average calculated over a very large number of spins, and results in a single session can be quite different. Volatility describes how frequently wins may occur and how varied their sizes can be.
Different versions of the same title can have different RTP settings, which are shown in the game’s information panel. If you compare games, it might be helpful to look at these figures and features rather than relying on the Megaways number alone. Setting a budget and sticking to it could potentially help to keep play manageable and within your limits.
Popular Examples Of Megaways Slots
Many Megaways titles are widely recognised, each with its own mix of features and reel behaviour.
Bonanza Megaways, by Big Time Gaming, helped popularise the format. Its mining theme and high maximum ways per spin made it a reference point for later games.
Fishin’ Frenzy Megaways adapts a familiar slot into the Megaways structure, adding variable reels to the well-known fishing theme and a bonus round that many players look out for.
Gonzo’s Quest Megaways brings cascading reels and the Megaways reel layout to a classic adventure concept, giving each round a fresh set of possibilities.
Buffalo King Megaways, from Pragmatic Play, uses six reels and can reach up to 200,704 ways in certain outcomes, alongside extra spins and multiplier features.
Game libraries vary between sites, so the exact list you see can change. The paytable for each title will show the reel behaviour, features, and maximum possible ways.
Play Megaways Slots Online
If you want to explore Megaways slots, Pay By Mobile Casino brings together a range of titles with different themes and features. New games are added over time, so it could be worth checking back to see what is available.
Registration is straightforward. You can deposit using your mobile, with payments added to your phone bill or taken from your pay-as-you-go balance. Before you play, every game shows its rules, RTP, and key features, so you can choose with confidence.
We provide account tools that help you set deposit limits and reminders, and we are licensed by the UKGC. If you are ready to try Megaways, feel free to browse our selection, pick the features you enjoy, and play within a budget that suits you. Always keep responsible gambling practises in mind.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these slot games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.