What Are the Best Megaways Slots & Where Can You Play Them?
Megaways slots use a random reel system from Big Time Gaming that changes the number of symbols on each reel every spin, creating up to 117,649 ways to win. They are typically high-variance, with cascading reels and big free-spin potential. Popular titles include Bonanza, Gonzo’s Quest Megaways and Fishin’ Frenzy Megaways, playable at most UKGC-licensed casinos.
🔑 Key takeaways
- Megaways is a Big Time Gaming engine offering up to 117,649 ways to win per spin.
- The number of ways changes every spin as reel symbol counts vary.
- They are usually high-variance with cascading reels and strong free-spin rounds.
- Play only at UKGC-licensed casinos, and check each game’s RTP and volatility.
Megaways changed online slots. Instead of fixed paylines, the mechanic reshuffles how many symbols appear on each reel every single spin, so the number of ways to win constantly changes — and can reach into the hundreds of thousands. Here is what that means and where to play.
What are Megaways slots?
Megaways is a random reel system created by Big Time Gaming. On a typical six-reel game, each reel can land anywhere from two to seven symbols. With seven on every reel you get 117,649 ways to win (7⁶), and because the layout changes each spin, so does the number of ways. There are no traditional paylines — matching symbols on adjacent reels from the left simply pays.
The features that define them
Most Megaways slots share a recognisable toolkit: cascading reels (winning symbols disappear and new ones drop in, allowing chain wins), mystery symbols that reveal matching icons, and free-spin rounds with rising multipliers. Many also offer a bonus buy where permitted. The trade-off is volatility — these games are usually high-variance.
Popular titles
Big Time Gaming’s own Bonanza is the game that launched the format and remains a benchmark. Other widely played titles include Gonzo’s Quest Megaways and Fishin’ Frenzy Megaways — licensed versions of classic slots rebuilt on the Megaways engine. Dozens of studios now license the mechanic, so the choice is huge.
Where to play them
Megaways slots are available at most UKGC-licensed casinos, including major operators such as bet365 Casino and Grosvenor. The most important step is to confirm the casino holds a current UK Gambling Commission licence before depositing. Because the games are high-variance, check the RTP of each title, set a budget before you start, and use the tools on our responsible gambling page if play stops being fun.
Frequently asked questions
What does “117,649 ways to win” mean? +
On a six-reel Megaways slot each reel can show two to seven symbols. With seven symbols on all six reels you get 7⁶ = 117,649 possible symbol combinations, and matching symbols on adjacent reels from the left pays — there are no fixed paylines.
Are Megaways slots high risk? +
Most are high-variance, meaning wins are less frequent but can be larger. That makes bankroll discipline and a set budget more important than on low-variance games.
Where can I play Megaways slots in the UK? +
At UKGC-licensed casinos, which carry titles from Big Time Gaming and the many studios that license the mechanic. Always confirm the casino holds a current UKGC licence before depositing.
Matthew is a seasoned iGaming writer contributing to BritishGambler.co.uk with a wealth of experience in crafting engaging casino reviews, how-to guides, and industry news. With a background in Sociology and Criminology, Matthew discovered his passion for writing while teaching English abroad in Spain, Brazil, and Vietnam. Over the years, he has honed his skills and written for platforms such as JeffBet.com, IDNow, and BetinAsia, establishing himself as a trusted voice in the iGaming community.
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