Megaways explained
Big Time Gaming created Megaways, a reel system with a variable number of symbols on each reel. The number of ways to win can change on every spin. The standard six-reel format can show up to 117,649 ways. The Megaways name identifies a licensed mechanic used by games from many studios.
The math of 117,649
A ways-to-win game multiplies the visible symbol positions on all reels. The standard Megaways layout uses six reels with two to seven symbols on each reel. Six reels with seven symbols give 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7. The same calculation is 76, or 117,649. Six reels with two symbols give 64 ways. The game selects the reel height for each spin. Some versions also use cascading reels. A cascade removes winning symbols, adds replacement symbols and evaluates the new layout.
A shared mechanic with separate game math
The Megaways label appears on titles from several studios in our database. The label describes the variable-reel mechanic. Each title can have a different RTP, hit frequency, volatility and maximum win. RTP Ledger does not provide a complete Megaways licensing registry. The label alone cannot establish a current legal relationship or a global title count. Check the recorded fields and source status for each game.
Megaways and volatility
Variable reel heights change the number of combinations evaluated on a spin. The Megaways label alone does not establish a game's volatility. Volatility depends on the full paytable and probability model. RTP Ledger does not reconstruct a paytable or probability model from a feature label. A 96% Megaways slot has the same theoretical long-run return per amount wagered as another 96% game. Our RTP guide explains the long-run calculation.
Megaways and bonus buys
Some tracked titles sell direct access to a feature round. The purchase is called a feature buy or bonus buy. One purchase can place a large wager. A separate feature-buy RTP is necessary to compare its theoretical cost with the base game. Our bonus buy guide explains the calculation. The bonus-buy calculation also applies to a Megaways title.
Reading a Megaways title before you play
Studios can implement the licensed mechanic in different ways. Check the RTP in the game's paytable. Some titles have more than one recorded RTP value. A recorded range does not prove which builds remain current or which value a casino uses. Check the maximum win and recorded volatility label separately. The phrase "up to 117,649 ways" describes the maximum layout and gives no payout promise. Compare tracked Megaways titles in our slot database.
Quick summary
- Megaways uses a variable number of symbols on each reel.
- The standard maximum is 76, or 117,649 ways.
- Big Time Gaming owns and licenses the mechanic. Evolution has owned Big Time Gaming since 2021.
- Each studio sets the RTP, volatility and other rules for its game.
- Check each title's paytable and the source status for its recorded values.
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