Megaways is one of the most recognisable mechanics in modern slots: its logo appears on dozens of games from different providers. The format was invented by Big Time Gaming (BTG), which licenses it to other studios, so Megaways versions exist from Pragmatic Play, Red Tiger, Blueprint and many more.
Let's go through what it is, where the well-known figure of up to 117,649 ways to win comes from, and why such slots are considered volatile — neutrally and without promises.
Key takeaways
- Megaways is a mechanic with a variable number of symbols per reel; it was invented by Big Time Gaming.
- The number of ways changes each spin: usually 2-7 symbols across 6 reels.
- The maximum of up to 117,649 ways is 7 to the power of 6 (six reels of up to seven symbols).
- The format is usually highly volatile, often paired with cascades and rising multipliers in free spins.
- More ways is not a promise of winning, but a different risk profile. 18+.
What Megaways is
The main difference from a classic slot is variable reels. In an ordinary game the number of paylines is fixed (for example 20 or 243). In Megaways each reel shows a random number of symbols on each spin — usually from 2 to 7.
Wins are counted as ways: a win pays when matching symbols land on adjacent reels from the left, regardless of their vertical position. Because the symbol count changes, the number of ways changes from spin to spin.
Where 117,649 ways come from
It is simple arithmetic. In a classic 6-reel Megaways game each reel can show up to 7 symbols. The maximum is reached when all six reels show 7 symbols: 7 x 7 x 7 x 7 x 7 x 7 = 7 to the power of 6 = 117,649.
If a reel shows fewer symbols, the number of ways that spin is lower too. So 117,649 is an upper limit, not a constant value.
Classic paylines vs Megaways
A brief look at the key differences between the formats:
| Feature | Classic paylines | Megaways |
|---|---|---|
| Number of ways | Fixed | Variable, up to 117,649 |
| Risk profile | Varies | Often high (high volatility) |
| Common mechanics | Usually simpler | Cascades and rising multipliers |
What a player should understand
A large number of ways does not by itself improve the odds and does not promise payouts — it is only a way of counting combinations. The key statistical figure is still the RTP, not the number of ways.
High volatility is about risk: long runs without a win are common here. Operators sometimes use a lower-RTP version of the same game, so check the figure on the specific game page. You can explore titles in Jetton casino games, and play within a budget.
This material is informational, 18+. Gambling carries a risk of losing the full amount staked and is not a way to earn money. The number of ways and high volatility do not increase the chance of winning. Play responsibly and use self-limitation tools.
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Frequently asked questions
Who invented Megaways?
Big Time Gaming (BTG); it also licenses the mechanic to other providers.
Why up to 117,649 ways?
It is 7 to the power of 6: six reels with up to seven symbols each.
Are Megaways slots better than regular ones?
No. It is a different risk profile, not a guarantee of higher payouts.
Why are Megaways so volatile?
Variable ways combined with cascades and multipliers produce rare but potentially large outcomes.
Sources
- Bigwinboard — every Megaways slot (Big Time Gaming) — www.bigwinboard.com
- Racing Post — what are Megaways slots — www.racingpost.com