What is a Megaways slot?
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Megaways is a dynamic reel mechanic developed by Big Time Gaming that changes the number of symbols on each reel with every spin, creating a variable number of ways to win. A standard 6-reel Megaways game can produce up to 117,649 ways to win on some spins.
How the mechanic works
In a Megaways slot, each reel can display 2 to 7 symbols per spin. Since winning combinations pay regardless of position (any matching symbol on adjacent reels counts), the number of active ways to win changes constantly. Spins with maximum symbols on all reels offer the highest way count and the most coverage for wins.
The Megaways formula
Wins in Megaways slots are calculated by multiplying the number of matching symbols across adjacent reels from left to right. Cascading reels are often paired with the Megaways mechanic — winning symbols disappear and new ones drop in, potentially creating chain reactions. Big Time Gaming licenses the Megaways engine to other developers, so the mechanic appears across hundreds of slot titles.
Ben Barber got into the gambling industry through the poker rooms of London in the early 2000s. After building up a solid grounding in casino, sports betting and poker, he made the move to Malta where he spent close to a decade writing for some of the biggest affiliate networks in the region. A few years ago he relocated to Bali, which shifted his focus toward website strategy and affiliate marketing. The casino side never really left, though. He still writes reviews, how-to guides and in-depth pieces on everything from slots and live dealer tables to crypto casinos and sweepstakes sites. His approach is fact-first: help players understand how online gambling actually works before they deposit a cent.