A true revolution in the world of online pokies. Developed and patented by Big Time Gaming (BTG), the Megaways™ technology has taken the industry by storm. Instead of fixed paylines, this mechanic offers a dynamic number of symbols on each reel, resulting in a different number of potential ways to win on every single spin.The result? Up to 117,649 ways to win (or “Megaways”). These are almost always games with extremely high volatility, offering enormous potential for massive, life-changing wins.This guide explains how the Megaways mechanic works, what features make it so popular among Kiwi players, and why it’s not for the faint-hearted.
How Does the Megaways™ Mechanic Work?
The magic of Megaways lies in its unpredictability. Here is how it works:
- Dynamic Reels: Standard Megaways slots have 6 reels. On every single spin, a variable number of symbols lands on each reel (usually between 2 and 7 symbols).
- No Paylines: You don’t need to hit specific lines. You win by landing matching symbols on adjacent reels, starting from the left (Reel 1).
- The Calculation: The number of “Megaways” is calculated after every spin by multiplying the number of symbols on each reel together.
- Example: 7 (Reel 1) x 7 (R2) x 7 (R3) x 7 (R4) x 7 (R5) x 7 (R6) = 117,649 Ways.
- A “bad” spin might look like this: 3 x 4 x 2 x 3 x 5 x 2 = 1,440 Ways.
A counter on the screen shows you exactly how many winning ways are active for that specific spin.
Megaways™ vs. Traditional Pokies
Here is a quick comparison to see how different these games really are.
| Feature | Traditional Video Pokies | Megaways™ Pokies |
|---|---|---|
| Reel Structure | Fixed (e.g., 5×3 grid) | Dynamic (Changing rows per reel) |
| Paylines | Fixed (10, 20, 25, etc.) | Variable (Up to 117,649+) |
| Win Potential | Capped / Moderate | Massive (Often 10,000x – 50,000x) |
| Volatility | Low to High | Extremely High |
| Core Feature | Free Spins / Wilds | Cascading Reels & Multipliers |
| Pacing | Steady | Erratic & Explosive |
Key Features: What Sets Megaways Apart
It’s not just the number of ways to win; it’s the features that are often combined with them.
1. Cascading Wins (Reactions)
Almost every Megaways slot uses this feature. It is the heart of the gameplay.
- Winning Symbols Explode: When you hit a win, the winning symbols are removed from the screen (they explode or vanish).
- New Symbols Drop: New symbols fall from above to fill the empty spaces.
- Chain Reactions: This can lead to new wins, which explode again. A single spin can lead to a long chain of wins.
2. Unlimited Win Multipliers (In Free Spins)
This is where the true “Big Win” potential lies. The Free Spins round (often triggered by 4 Scatter symbols) almost always features an unlimited win multiplier.
- How it works: The multiplier starts at 1x.
- It Grows: After EVERY cascade (win reaction), the multiplier increases by +1 (so 2x, 3x, 4x…).
- No Limit: The multiplier does NOT reset after a losing cascade during free spins. It can theoretically grow infinitely (20x, 30x, and more are not uncommon).
Popular Megaways™ Games You Should Know
- Bonanza (Big Time Gaming): The game that started it all. With its mining theme and the introduction of unlimited multipliers, it is an absolute cult classic.
- Gonzo’s Quest Megaways (Red Tiger/NetEnt): A perfect combination of the beloved NetEnt classic “Gonzo’s Quest” and the Megaways mechanic.
- Fishin‘ Frenzy Megaways (Blueprint): Takes a classic pub pokie favourite and adds the Megaways power.
- Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Megaways (BTG): The first slot to use the full 117,649 mechanic with a gripping “Hot Seat” gamble feature.
Pros and Cons of the Megaways™ Engine
Pros (The Good)
- Enormous Win Potential: Through the combination of cascades and unlimited multipliers, wins of 10,000x to 50,000x your bet are possible.
- Extremely Dynamic Gameplay: No two spins are the same. The constantly changing reels and cascades keep the tension high.
- Chain Reactions: It is incredibly satisfying to watch a long cascade of wins from a single spin.
Cons (The Bad)
- Extremely High Volatility: This is the most important point. You can drain your bankroll very quickly without hitting the Free Spins. These pokies are notorious for long “dry spells.”
- Complexity: For absolute beginners, the display of 117,649 ways can be confusing compared to simple fruit slots.
- Small Base Game Wins: Similar to “Book of” slots, the base game is often designed just to keep you afloat while you wait for the (potentially huge) bonus round.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does Megaways™ mean? A: It is a patented brand name by Big Time Gaming (BTG) for a slot mechanic where the number of symbols on the reels, and thus the number of ways to win, changes on every spin.
Q: Is Megaways™ the same as a Jackpot Pokie? A: No. Megaways refers to the mechanic (how you win). A Jackpot Pokie refers to the prize (a progressive pool). However, there are games that combine both (e.g., Bonanza Megapays).
Q: Are 117,649 ways guaranteed? A: No, that is the maximum number. You will have many spins with 1,000, 5,000, or 20,000 ways. Reaching the full 117,649 is rare and often a winning event in itself.
Q: Is there a strategy for Megaways™ Pokies? A: No. Like all pokies, they are controlled by a Random Number Generator (RNG). The best strategy is good bankroll management: Play with smaller bets than usual because the volatility is so high, to extend your playtime and increase your chance of hitting the bonus round.
Conclusion
Megaways™ was not an evolution, but a revolution. It created a new category of pokies focused on high volatility, chain reactions, and the potential for unimaginable wins. If you are a Kiwi player who loves the ultimate thrill and the hunt for the “Big Win,” then Megaways™ pokies are exactly right for you.