Jenny Mason: 17+ years in online gambling, top UK brands. Expert in sports betting, slots, and bingo.
The first Megaways slot game to make it big was Bonanza Megaways, which was released back in 2016. It was an instant success among slot players, making it one of the greatest slot games of all time. Megaways was created by an Australian company called Big Time Gaming and Megaways slots are now licensed by all major slot providers. Its distinguishing feature is its innovative reel mechanic, which randomly gives thousands and sometimes millions of ways to win on each spin. They've caused such a stir that most UK slot sites have dedicated Megaways sections.
The average number of ways to win on each spin is an astounding 117,649, and each game comes with a range of unique bonus features. In this in-depth guide, I'm going to tell you about the best Megaways slots games, how to play them, which ones have the highest RTP and max win, plus much more. Sit tight while I get started on exploring these exciting slot games.
Best 10 Megaways Slots
Here at OLBG, we have a wealth of experience with slot games. Our expert panel includes several slot connoisseurs who have years of experience in the betting industry and in playing slots. This means you can rest assured that we have test-driven thousands of slot games between us to be able to give you the best and most up to date info.
We've played the hundreds of Megaways games that are out there and included only the best games in this in-depth slot guide, so pull up a pew and enjoy. You'll find detailed reviews and free slot demos too.
| Position | Megaways Slot Name | Provider | Max Megaways | RTP | Max Win | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bonanza Megaways | Big Time Gaming | 117,649 | 96% | 26,000 x | 07/12/2016 |
| 2 | Rasputin Megaways | Big Time Gaming | 2,985,984 | 96.68% | 68,180 x | 05/12/2022 |
| 3 | Blood Suckers Megaways | Red Tiger Gaming | 117,649 | 97.66% | 20,500 x | 26/01/2023 |
| 4 | Royale with Cheese Megaways | iSoftBet | 117,649 | 95.98% | 50,000 x | 17/05/2021 |
| 5 | White Rabbit Megaways | Big Time Gaming | 248,832 | 97.24% | 17,420 x | 25/10/2017 |
| 6 | Max Megaways | Big Time Gaming | 117,649 | 96.37% | 139,200 x | 21/09/2022 |
| 7 | Primal Megaways | Blueprint Gaming | 46,656 | 96.76% | 50,000 x | 22/11/2018 |
| 8 | Wheel of Fortune Megaways | IGT | 1,000,000 | 96.46% | 82,700 x | 25/02/2021 |
| 9 | King of Cats Megaways | Big Time Gaming | 117,649 | 96.72% | 56,620 x | 20/05/2021 |
| 10 | Curse of the Werewolf Megaways | Pragmatic Play | 46,656 | 96.50% | 40,976 x | 03/09/2020 |
1. Bonanza Megaways (Big Time Gaming)
The game that launched a thousand other games (well... hundreds for now), this absolute slot classic Bonanza Megaways has a 6 reel and up to 117,649 ways to win. It offers a 96% RTP rate and 26,000 x bet max wins. With a gold mining theme where vivid-coloured gemstones represent the higher-paying symbols, carts that appear on top of the grid transport symbols across the screen and form an extra symbol to the reels below, meaning more winning opportunities.
The Reactions feature involves cascading reels that allow the reels to cascade in both directions and is a superb mix blended with the Megaways paylines. Every winning symbol that forms a win will disappear from the reels and be replaced with new symbols. There's also a Free Spins feature, which is triggered by spelling out the word GOLD in the base game. Here, you'll receive up to 22 free spins. Every Reaction/win increases the unlimited win multiplier with no limits. There's also the chance to win infinite additional free spins.
- 10% Cashback always
- Filter games by provider or theme
- Exclusive All British games
2. Rasputin Megaways (Big Time Gaming)
Released in 2022 by Big Time Gaming, Rasputin Megaways is based on the shadowy Rasputin, albeit with a bit of artistic licence showing him as a disco-loving muscly dancer. *Warning* the Boney M song will be stuck in your head while you play this game! It has 6 reels and up to 1 million ways to win in the base game. There are Rasputin Wilds which display a number of symbols that are added to the reels (with up to 48 in the base game and 60 during the free spins).
Rasputin Megaways has 2 free spins features. The Big & Strong free spins has extending reels for up to 2,985,984 Megaways. The Ecstasy & Fire free spins comes with increasing multipliers. Offering a very high 96.68% RTP rate, Russia's greatest love machine can deliver max wins of 68,180 x your total bet.
3. Blood Suckers Megaways (Red Tiger Gaming)
If vampires are your thing, the high-volatility Blood Suckers Megaways from Red Tiger Gaming will be right up your street. It comes with 6 reels and up to 117,649 ways to win. The game is packed with features, including cascades and randomly-triggered base game extras including multipliers and Super Wild reels.
Pick from coffins in the Free Spins feature where you can win extra free spins, random wilds, Super Wild reels and win multipliers. This can lead to 20,521.9 x bet wins. Blood Suckers Megaways also offers an extremely high 97.66% RTP rate making it one of the highest RTP Megaways slots.
- Exclusive Monopoly Themed Slots
- No Withdrawal Fees
- Zero Wagering Free Spins
4. Royale with Cheese Megaways (iSoftBet)
Powered by iSoftBet, Royale with Cheese Megaways has 6 reels and up to 117,649 ways to win. Set in an American diner, it comes with cascades and a randomly-triggered Max Megaways feature. Successive wins or bonus symbols will whet your appetite and you enter the Build your Burger Bonus feature.
Picks reveal burger ingredients including more free spins, a higher starting multiplier, removal of symbols and a minimum number of Megaways. With an unlimited win multiplier in play and the ability to win unlimited extra free spins, Royale with Cheese Megaways comes with 50,000 x bet max wins. The RTP rate is 95.98%.
- Over 3,000 Casino Games
- Top Slot Studios Featured
- Daily Challenges and Spin offers
5. White Rabbit Megaways (Big Time Gaming)
The White Rabbit Megaways slot game is based on one of the most classic books of all time, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The magic takes place on 5 reels and up to 16,807 ways to win in the base game. Look out for Caterpillar Wilds which sees the Caterpillar blow smoke rings to award wild multipliers.
In the Down the Rabbit Hole free spins, you begin with 15 free spins. When a Cupcake symbol lands, you expand the reels resulted in up to 12 reels and up to 248,832 Megaways. There's also more free spins to be won (up to 75 in total) With 17,420 x bet max wins, White Rabbit Megaways comes with a high 97.24% RTP rate. Non-UK players can use the Feature Drop which benefits from a 97.77% RTP rate.
6. Max Megaways (Big Time Gaming)
A cross between Austin Powers and James Bond, Max Megaways is a spy/secret agent-themed slot that's set in a tropical secret lair. Play takes place on 6 reels with up to 117,649 ways to win. There's an abundance of bonus features including cascades and 4 randomly-triggered base game features such as Max Megaways, Wild Bombs and Horizontal/Vertical Wilds.
In the Free Spins feature, you choose up to 3 Power-Ups which award modifiers including simpler retriggers, duplicating wilds, doubling multipliers, extra ways to win and removal of low-value symbols. With a Win Exchange element and a 96.37% RTP rate, Max Megaways is one of the highest-paying Megaways slots with 139,200 x bet max wins.
- 10% Cashback always
- Filter games by provider or theme
- Exclusive All British games
7. Primal Megaways (Blueprint Gaming)
The Primal Megaways slot from Blueprint Gaming has a prehistoric theme, so expect to see plenty of extinct animals on the reels. The primaeval action takes place on 6 reels and has up to 46,656 ways to win. With a high 96.76% RTP rate, there are mystery transforming symbols in the base game.
The Free Spins feature is where the game shines. Look out for wild multipliers up to 6x which can combine on each reel for a multiplier up to 7,776x! This can lead to 50,000 x bet max wins on each free spin.
- Extremely Speedy Withdrawals
- Microgaming, NetEnt, BTG and other huge slot providers
- Fantastic Progressive Slot Selection
Wheel of Fortune Megaways (IGT)
Based on the famed TV show Wheel of Fortune, the high-volatility Wheel of Fortune Megaways game is bags of fun. Created by IGT and Big Time Gaming, the gameshow action takes place on 6 reels and up to 117,649 ways to win. With an RTP of 96.46%, the base game comes with Wild Megastacks (which are 7 wilds high) that can cover up to 3 reels with wilds.
During the Free Spins feature, you will begin with up to 18 free spins as well spin the iconic Wheel of Fortune to begin with up to 117,649 ways to win. During this round, the special Expansion symbol is replaced by 2 new symbols increase the number of Megaways up to 1 million. This can lead to 82,700 x bet max wins.
- Full Range of Live Casino Options
- Free Spins Bonuses for Regular Players
- Easy Switching from Sports to Casino and Vice Versa
King of Cats Megaways (Big Time Gaming)
This big cat-themed King of Cats Megaways slot game is fronted a a noble lion and a majestic puma. With a high 96.72% RTP, you play on the usual Megaways 6-reel setup, with up to 117,649 ways to win.
A standout feature is the PLAYERSELECT functionality where you can choose which setting you want: either the lion in an African savannah or the Puma in a dark and dense rainforest. Both offer different features including Lion Wilds and Puma stacked Wilds as well as their own Free Spins feature. In the Puma free spins, there are max wins of up to 56,620 x your total bet.
- Fully Licensed and Regulated in the UK
- 24/7 Support and Live Chat
- Massive Range of Games
Curse of the Werewolf Megaways (Pragmatic Play)
Curse of the Werewolf Megaways is a high-volatility game centred around canine shapeshifters, who are famous in folklore. With 6 reels, you’ll discover 46,656 ways to win. With a 96.5% RTP rate, it comes with a Mystery symbol which transforms into the same paying symbol. There are 2 spin modifiers where a Super Spin is randomly triggered and you’ll see stacks of higher-value symbols on the grid. There is also a random Guaranteed Win Spin, so this is certainly one to look out for.
In the Free Spins feature, unlimited free spins are up for grabs. There is an Attacking Yellow Wolf symbol which substitutes for the Red Wolf symbol. When the Yellow Attaching Wolf hits, it takes away lives from the higher-value symbols on the grid which results in higher value werewolves. This can lead to 40,976 x bet max wins.
Jenny Mason
Slots Content Manager
What is Megaways?
Megaways was created by the Australian software company Big Time Gaming. The selling point of Megaways is its clever reel mechanic. Rather than have a few winning paylines the innovative reels give players thousands and sometimes millions ways of winning on each spin. And the amount of winning ways changes randomly on each spin.
Usually, with online slot games, you are given a set number of wining lines/paylines and most of the time these are non-adjustable. With Megaways games, each spin gives a different number of winning ways and you will see this number displayed at the top of the screen when you play.
A winning combination is possible when you match symbols, in any position, on adjacent reels starting from reel 1, for example: you would need to land identical symbols on reels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
Chris Taylor
The King of Slots
History of Megaways Slots
As mentioned previously, Big Time Gaming are the Australian software company that invented the Megaways mechanic. The first game was Dragon Born Megaways (in February 2016) but it wasn't until the release of Bonanza later that year that Megaways was put firmly on the map. The innovative reel mechanic which provides players with a huge amount of ways to win, was an overnight success in the slots world. Big Time Gaming then licenced Megaways to other slot studios, allowing them to create their own Megaways slot games. This led to a surge in popularity.
Big Time Gaming has continued to develop Megaways games in addition to other studios such as Blueprint Gaming, Red Tiger Gaming, and Playtech. Over time, there have been innovations to the Megaways formula, such as the addition of innovative bonus features.
Additionally, themed Megaways slots based on popular franchises, have been released, attracting new fans to these superb slot games. Examples include:
- Monopoly Megaways: based on the iconic board game
- Rick & Morty Megaways: inspired by the popular adult cartoon series
- Who Wants to be a Millionaire Megaways: the official slot of the television game show
Megaways Slot Providers
The following slot game providers hold Megaways licences with Big Time Gaming to produce new and exciting Megaways slot games:
- Relax Gaming: Known for its innovative features and gameplay mechanics, Relax Gaming has produced several Megaways slots, including The Great Pigsby Megaways and Temple Tumble Megaways.
- Blueprint Gaming: This studio is well known for its bright and fun games as well as its branded slot games, such as its portfolio of Deal or No Deal slot games. Megaways games from Blueprint Gaming include Rick and Morty Megaways, The Goonies Megaways, and Primal Megaways.
- Red Tiger Gaming: You’ll find a huge list of games when playing with Red Tiger Gaming, which covers all genres and styles. Its Megaways games include Gonzo’s Quest Megaways, Blood Suckers Megaways and Big Cat Rescue Megaways.
- Pragmatic Play: Again, Pragmatic Play has a huge list of games, including the player's favourite Big Bass games, a series of fishing-themed games. Its Megaways games include Curse of the Werewolf Megaways, Madame Destiny Megaways, Wild Celebrity Bus Megaways, and 5 Lions Megaways.
- NetEnt: This studio is renowned for its branded slot games, such as Narcos, and its NetEnt Rocks series of band-branded slot games, which includes Guns N’ Roses and Jimi Hendrix. Its Megaways games include Dazzle Me Megaways, Divine Fortune Megaways, and Fruit Shop Megaways.
- Playtech: Known for the Age of the Gods series as well as favourites such as Buffalo Blitz and Great Blue, Playtech added the mechanic to create Buffalo Blitz Megaways, Age of the Gods: King of Olympus Megaways and many more.
- Microgaming: One of the first slot studios established, Microgaming is an innovative organisation which has created the Box of Oz, Links of Ra and a popular Lara Croft series. Its Megaways games include Megaways Moolah Megaways, Shamrock Holmes Megaways and Forgotten Island Megaways.
New Megaways Slots
If you're a Megaways enthusiast, the good news is that new games are released every month, so there is a constant stream of entertaining slot games. Due to the number of slot studios creating new games, you can be assured of a variety of genres.
Studios are also giving older slot games a Megaways makeover to keep them fresh and exciting for players. Some recent examples of this are:
- Big Time Gaming added both the Megaways and Megadozer mechanics to Danger High Voltage 2.
- NetEnt released Gonzo’s Quest Megaways, The Wish Master Megaways and Wild Turkey Megaways.
- Playtech released Age of the Gods: King of Olympus Megaways and Buffalo Blitz Megaways.
- Quickspin released Big Bad Wolf Megaways
- Light & Wonder/NextGen Gaming released Medusa Megaways.
Megaways Sequels Spin-Offs
Due to the popularity of Megaways slot games, the studios are constantly creating spin-offs and sequels to capitalise on their success. Some examples of these are:
- Bonanza Falls and Max Megaways 2 by Big Time Gaming.
- Diamond Mine 2 Megaways by Big Time Gaming.
- Big Bass Bonanza Megaways and Book of Tut Megaways by Pragmatic Play.
Megaways with Jackpots
If jackpots are your thing, then good news: there’s a selection of Megaways slot games with progressive jackpots. These games have been listed below, as well as the studio name that has developed them. Megapays games are essentially Megaways games which include progressive jackpots.
| Megaways Slot Name | Provider |
|---|---|
| Mega Moolah Megaways | Microgaming |
| Age of the Gods: King of Olympus Megaways | Playtech |
| Bonanza Megapays | Big Time Gaming |
| Millionaire Megapays | Big Time Gaming |
| Bonanza Megapays | Big Time Gaming |
| The Great Pigsby Megapays | Relax Gaming |
| Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Megapays | Big Time Gaming |
Best Megaways Slots by RTP & Max Win
RTP is an important factor when deciding which slot game to play and which slots site to play at, so here are the top 5 Megaways games by RTP across the hundreds of Megaways games that are available. In position 1 is Madame Mystique Megaways with an impressive 98.03% which is way above the usual 96%.
| Position | Megaways Slot Name | Provider | RTP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Madame Mystique Megaways | Pragmatic Play | 98.03% |
| 2 | Blood Suckers Megaways | Reg Tiger Gaming | 97.66% |
| 3 | White Rabbit Megaways | Big Time Gaming | 97.24% |
| 4 | Buffalo Rising Megaways All Action | Blueprint Gaming | 97.01% |
| 5 | Gorilla Gold Megaways | Blueprint Gaming | 97% |
Max win is another element to consider when deciding which slot games to play. The table below shows the top 5 Megaways games across the full portfolio of games. Number 1 on the list is both Golden Goose Megaways and Fireworks Megaways which offers a very impressive amount of 150,335 times your total bet. Second is Max Megaways 2 with 147,620 times bet.
| Position | Megaways Slot Name | Provider | Max Win (x Bet) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Golden Goose Megaways | Big Time Gaming | 150,335 |
| 1 | Fireworks Megaways | Big Time Gaming | 150,335 |
| 3 | Max Megaways 2 | Big Time Gaming | 147,620 |
| 4 | Max Megaways | Big Time Gaming | 139,200 |
| 5 | Bonanza Falls | Big Time Gaming | 93,540 |
Typical Megaways Bonus Features
Megaways slots not only have the invention of innovative reels but they also packed with superb bonus features. I've included the main features to look out for:
- Cascading Reels/Tumbles: Most Megaways games have this functionality. It means that winning symbols will be removed from the grid, and replacement symbols will cascade/tumble and fill their spaces. Meaning another chance for symbols to create a winning combination. This process keeps repeating until there are no more winning combos. Some Megaways games have an increasing multiplier in addition to this functionality.
- Mystery Symbols: When a Mystery symbol lands, these symbols transform into a randomly chosen symbol, which can pave the way for more wins.
- Free Spins: Pretty much all slots games include a Free Spins element, usually, it forms the bonus round of the game. However, some Megaways games give you the chance to land unlimited free spins and retriggers which is a nifty function. An example of this is Red Tiger Gaming’s Mystery Reels Megaways.
- Unlimited Win Multiplier (in free spins): You can sometimes find this feature during the Free Spins bonus round. It involves each cascade win increasing the multiplier by 1x. Here there is no maximum set on how big the multiplier can grow.
- Wild Multipliers: These are special symbols found in Megaways slot games. They substitute for other symbols to form winning combos, and they multiply the winnings of those combos. A good example is Primal Megaways. Here, you can get wild multipliers up to 6x on each reel. If 1 appears on every reel, they will multiply each other to give you a potential 7,776x multiplier.
- Max Megaways: This feature appears in modern Megaways games and is randomly triggered. It shows the maximum number of symbols per reel, which gives you the maximum number of ways to win on that spin.
- Bonus Buy: Only certain regions allow this feature, it is banned in the UK due to regulations set by the Gambling Commission. It allows you to buy your way into the bonus feature for a set price, which is usually around 100 x your total bet.
Megaways Pros & Cons
Megaways slot games offer several advantages and disadvantages, so you can read this list and weigh up if they are for you or not:
Pros
- More ways to win: The dynamic reels mean that there are thousands and even millions of ways to win.
- High win potential: The numerous ways to win in Megaways slots, combined with features like cascading reels and multipliers, can lead to significant payouts.
- Innovative mechanics: Megaways slots often incorporate innovative features, such as cascading reels, mystery symbols, and free spins with increasing multipliers. These features provide new and exciting ways to win.
- Choice of themes: There is something for everyone with Megaways slots, ranging from traditional fruit machines to well-known TV shows.
Cons
- High volatility: Megaways slots are known for their high volatility, meaning that wins can be infrequent but large.
- Complexity: The dynamic nature of Megaways slots can be overwhelming for some players, particularly those who prefer simpler gameplay.
- High minimum bets: Due to the higher than average number of paylines, the minimum bets tend to be higher.
FAQs
FAQ
Megaways FAQs
Are Megaways slots good?
Yes, the Megaways games are popular due to their dynamic reels, which keep the base game engaging. There are many Megaways games available and they have more winning potential due to the sheer number of ways to win.
How do you win Megaways slots?
You win Megaways slot games by matching symbols on the grid. Winning combinations occur when 3 or more matching symbols land left to right on adjacent reels. The first symbol must be on the leftmost reel.
What is the most popular Megaways game?
The most popular game is the original Megways slot that made these games famous - Bonanza Megaways. Even though it was released back in 2016, it has stood the test of time.
Is Megaways better than normal slots?
Whether you prefer Megaways slot to standard slots is a personal preference. Megaways gives a different gameplay experience to standard slot games.
What was the first Megaways slot?
The first Megaways slot was Dragon Born Megaways, but it was Bonanza Megaways that put the Megaways games on the map. It's one of the most popular slot games of all time.
Who created Megaways?
Megaways was created by an Australian company called Big Time Gaming back in 2016, they are based in Sydney.
Where can I play Megaways slots?
You can play Megaways slot games at many UK casino and slot sites. Many slot studios have the license to create Megaways games, and examples of these studios are IGT, Pragmatic Play and Red Tiger Gaming.
