A Beginner’s Guide to Megaways Slots (2025 Update)

To the naked eye, online slots may appear to encompass a broad, generic set of games. Of course, there are plenty of different themes and genres, but once we strip back all of these modular elements, in essence, the gaming mechanics are exactly the same. You place your bet, select your paylines, and spin. Simple, right?

Well, Megaways sought to shake up that formula. First emerging Down Under as a design born from the creation of Big Time Gaming, the whole ethos of Megaways games was to offer a standout form of slots that set the bar higher. Rather than focusing on innovations in design or user experience, which is what many designers homed in on, Megaways sought to change the very fabric of online slots. It was an ambitious plan, and it wasn’t something that took hold overnight. 

However, by sticking to their guns, the brains behind Megaways soon started to see a return on their ambitious idea. If you’re new to Megaways slots or want to find out a little bit more about them, we’re going to give you an idea of their mechanics today, and showcase what sets them apart from more conventional titles.

The Power of Paylines

In slots gaming, the majority of titles feature paylines that can range from five to 50. In the early days, going back a couple of decades, this was the norm in the industry. It was hard to find any other games that wanted to rock the boat. While it appeared as though innovation was bubbling beneath the surface, the only thing that really changed was the genres. 

The proliferation of various popular themes, such as Egyptian mythology, Irish folklore, candy, film and TV, helped create a blank canvas for innovative game mechanics like Megaways slots to work from. At the time, many of these games followed a similar 5x3 grid, 20 paylines and a basic bonus feature format, such as free spins or wild symbols. 

Once Big Time understood the need for systemic change to the mechanics of this model, the initial move was met with scepticism and not much fanfare. It has been a demand that has increased marginally with each release. In a nutshell, the design of Megaways games is to expand the number of winning ways. Instead of having a fixed number of paylines, each spin on a Megaways game can potentially result in 117,649 different ways to win. 

Capturing an Audience 

Aside from the over 100,000 different ways to win, Megaways still maintains the generic structure of conventional slot games. While it might not seem like it now, back in 2015, when they first wheeled out this idea, there was nowhere near as much innovation in casino gaming as there is today. It feels like no stone is left unturned, with developers spending enormous amounts of capital and resources in the development of fresh ideas. 

Although Megaways often have the exact same blueprint as conventional slots, and bonus rounds like free spins, their original designs opened up new possibilities. They explored ideas like cascading reels and bonus buy options, which are only available in certain jurisdictions. 

Megaways games are simple to find – they will always be included in the thumbnail of the graphic, regardless of the site you are on. The Megaways name will also be included in the slot’s title. There are plenty of slots that were originally created by other providers, but they wanted to revamp their appeal, and they also incorporated the innovative Megaways mechanics. 

Less than a decade since Dragon Born, the first Megaways slot, they have partnered with over two dozen prominent slot providers, allowing them to integrate the same design into some of their most well-known games. Additionally, Megaways games have adapted to the rise of mobile browsers and smartphones, ensuring they can reach as large an audience as possible. 

Understanding the future of Megaways games

VR gaming could be an avenue of exploration for slot game companies over the next decade. However, although VR tech is already making major waves by aiding people in physical recovery, the jury is still out about whether its immersive nature will do enough to sway conventional Megaways gamers who are set on playing their slot games on their smartphones or laptops. 

The impending disruption of AI is being met with as much positivity as it is with suspicion. The future of Megaways and online slots is poised to undergo significant changes due to the growing role of artificial intelligence. Some gaming experts believe that advanced AI models over the next few years could render game design companies largely redundant, as they’ll be able to create games after entering a few simple prompts. 

So, even for big names in the industry and those with decades of experience, the idea that their expertise might prove to be superfluous in the not-too-distant future has got them thinking outside of the box, with a number of Megaways games now delving into multiple different genres, and branching out into the world of alternative payment methods, such as cryptocurrency casinos. 

Final thoughts

The key things to remember about Megaways slots are that they have an incredible number of potential winning ways, and they’re one of the most credible and visible types of gaming mechanics that exist in the online casino world. From a gaming perspective, they do not differ from conventional slots; it’s still a simple case of depositing your funds, choosing your betting amount and then hitting the spin button. 

Although the games themselves may offer a more significant number of winning ways, it’s crucial to understand that this does not mean you are more likely to win. The odds are still in favour of the house. 

While they are designed to be fun and slightly different from what is out there, do not take your eye off the fact that responsible gambling is paramount. Set suitable time and deposit limits, browse around to see what these games have to offer, but ensure you only bet with money that you can afford to lose. 

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not promote gambling. Gambling involves financial risk, and outcomes are never guaranteed. Please gamble responsibly and only with money you can afford to lose. Check the legal regulations in your country before playing.

FAQs About Megaways Slots

1. What are Megaways slots?
They are online slot games that give you thousands of ways to win on every spin.

2. Do Megaways slots mean I win more often?
No. They give more win lines, but the odds still favor the casino.

3. What was the first Megaways slot?
Dragon Born by Big Time Gaming in 2016.

4. Can I play Megaways slots on my phone?
Yes, they work on most smartphones and tablets.

5. Are Megaways slots legal everywhere?
No. It depends on your country’s gambling laws.

6. What is RTP in slots?
It’s the % of money a game pays back to players over time.

7. Do Megaways slots have free spins?
Yes, many of them include free spins and bonus rounds.

8. Can I play Megaways slots for free?
Yes, many casinos let you try demo versions without real money.