Loading page content
Multi-award-winning mobile casino. UKGC + MGA licensed.
Megaways slots use Big Time Gaming's random reel modifier for up to 117,649 ways to win. We rank the best Megaways slots at UK casinos and explain the mechanic.
Megaways is the most successful slot mechanic of the last decade. Created by Big Time Gaming, the random reel modifier gives each spin up to 117,649 ways to win. The mechanic has been licensed to dozens of other providers, creating hundreds of Megaways slots at UK casinos.
This guide explains how Megaways works, ranks the best Megaways slots at UK casinos, and covers where to play them in 2026.
The Megaways mechanic uses a random reel modifier that changes the number of symbols on each reel on every spin. A standard 6-reel Megaways slot can have 2-7 symbols per reel, giving:
ā¢ 2 Ć 2 Ć 2 Ć 2 Ć 2 Ć 2 = 64 ways (minimum)
ā¢ 7 Ć 7 Ć 7 Ć 7 Ć 7 Ć 7 = 117,649 ways (maximum)
Each spin randomly determines the reel configuration. The number of ways to win is displayed on every spin.
The mechanic was originally patented by Big Time Gaming. Other providers now license the Megaways name and mechanic, creating a wide range of games from multiple studios.
The mechanic delivers:
ā¢ Variable gameplay. Every spin is different. The number of ways to win changes constantly.
ā¢ High volatility. Most Megaways slots have high volatility, meaning rare but big wins.
ā¢ Frequent small wins. The high number of ways to win creates frequent small payouts even on losing spins.
ā¢ Cascading reels. Most Megaways slots include cascading/tumbling reels, where winning symbols disappear and new ones fall in.
The result is a slot experience that feels different from traditional slots. Every spin has a different number of ways to win, and the cascading reels can create chain reactions of consecutive wins.
The original Megaways slot. Bonanza introduced the cascading reels mechanic and the unlimited multiplier in free spins. High volatility. 117,649 ways to win.
The follow-up to Bonanza. Extra Chilli adds the "Feature Drop" mechanic where players can buy the bonus round. Free spins with unlimited multipliers.
The Megaways version of the classic Gonzo's Quest. Includes the Avalanche feature and free falls with increasing multipliers. Combines the Megaways mechanic with a beloved original.
The Megaways version of the Ted slot franchise. Includes the Ted bonus rounds and the Megaways mechanic. The British humour translates well to slot play.
The Megaways version of the Monopoly board game. Includes Monopoly board features, free spins with increasing multipliers, and the chance to "land on" board properties.
The Megaways version of the popular Great Rhino slot. Includes the Megaways mechanic and Pragmatic's standard free spins features. Solid mid-tier volatility.
The Megaways version of the classic Rainbow Riches. Includes the standard bonus features plus the Megaways mechanic. Familiar to UK players.
The Megaways version of Piggy Riches. Lower RTP than competitors but the high max win and Megaways mechanic make it engaging.
The Megaways version of Divine Fortune with progressive jackpot. Combines Megaways with jackpot play. Lower volatility than most Megaways slots.
The Megaways version of the classic Eye of Horus. UK-favourite Egyptian theme with the Megaways mechanic. Free spins with expanding wilds.
Megaways slots typically have lower RTP than their non-Megaways counterparts. The mechanic's variability comes at a cost:
ā¢ Standard Eye of Horus: 96.3% RTP
ā¢ Eye of Horus Megaways: 95% RTP
ā¢ Standard Piggy Riches: 96.4% RTP
ā¢ Piggy Riches Megaways: 94.7% RTP
The 1-2% RTP reduction is typical. Players who prefer the Megaways mechanic accept this trade-off; players who prioritise RTP should stick with the original versions.
A few factors:
Higher is better. Extra Chilli (96.4%) and Monopoly Megaways (96.5%) are the highest-RTP Megaways slots we've measured.
Most Megaways slots are high volatility. Be prepared for long losing streaks. Manage your bankroll accordingly.
The biggest max wins are in Bonanza (12,000x), Extra Chilli (20,000x), and the Big Time Gaming slots. Higher max wins = rarer but bigger payouts.
Big Time Gaming is the original. NetEnt/Red Tiger and Pragmatic Play have solid Megaways catalogues. Blueprint Gaming has the most UK-licensed Megaways slots.
Megaways covers most themes: ancient Egypt, mythology, branded, mining, fishing, fruit machines. Pick a theme that appeals to you.
Most major UK casinos have Megaways slots in their libraries. The best Megaways collections are at:
The largest slot library in the UK. Around 80+ Megaways titles from multiple providers. The slot filtering lets you browse by mechanic.
Around 60+ Megaways titles. Strong mobile experience for Megaways play. The app handles the cascading animations well.
Around 50+ Megaways titles. The casino's slot library focuses on quality Megaways slots from top providers.
Around 40+ Megaways titles. Curated selection of the most popular Megaways slots.
Around 60+ Megaways titles. New in 2026 with strong Megaways focus.
117,649 ways to win doesn't mean you'll win 117,649Ć more often. The number of ways affects payout size when you do win, not win frequency.
Megaways slots are high volatility. You can go hundreds of spins without significant wins. Don't play Megaways with money you can't afford to lose.
Some Megaways slots allow you to buy the bonus round (Feature Drop). The cost is typically 50-100Ć your bet. The expected return is often negative.
Megaways slots have lower RTP than their standard counterparts. Always check the RTP before playing.
Try Bet365 Megaways: 80+ Megaways titles with RTP filtering.
For the best Megaways slot in 2026, Bonanza Megaways. The original is still the best.
For maximum RTP, Extra Chilli (96.4%) or Monopoly Megaways (96.5%).
For mobile play, LeoVegas. The mobile app handles Megaways cascading animations well.
For jackpot play, Divine Fortune Megaways. Combines Megaways with progressive jackpot.
Megaways slots are high volatility. The big wins are rare and the small losses are frequent. Set deposit limits before playing, take regular breaks, and self-exclude through GAMSTOP if gambling stops being fun.
Free confidential help is available 24/7 from GamCare (gamcare.org.uk) and the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133).