MegaWays: How It Works, MegaWays Suppliers and The Best MegaWays Pokies

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Last updated: 15 January 2025

11 min

Megaways pokies have taken online slot gaming to a whole new level, offering exciting gameplay and up to 117,649 ways to win. Unlike traditional pokies with fixed paylines, Megaways shake things up by reshuffling the reels on every spin, creating a dynamic and unpredictable experience that keeps you on your toes.

In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about Megaways pokies. From how they work to what makes them so popular among Aussie players, we’ll also share tips to help you maximise your gameplay. Whether you’re new to Megaways or just looking to uncover their winning potential, you’re in the right place!

What Are Megaways Pokies?

At their core, Megaways pokies are slot games powered by a unique mechanic developed by Big Time Gaming. Unlike traditional slots with fixed paylines, Megaways games use a dynamic reel system where each reel can display between 2 and 7 symbols per spin.

This results in up to 42 symbols on the screen during a single spin if all reels show their maximum number of symbols. To the player, this creates a dynamic and constantly shifting grid where paylines aren’t preset. Instead, adjacent matching symbols on any reel mean a win—no need to set paylines manually.

This flexibility is a double-edged sword. On one hand, the increased number of winning combinations—up to 117,649 ways to win—offers thrilling potential. On the other hand, Megaways pokies are high variance. This means you might experience stretches of smaller wins or no wins at all, but when a lucky spin hits, it can deliver a massive payout.

This combination of unpredictability and big-win potential is what makes Megaways pokies both challenging and rewarding for players.

Key Features:

Dynamic Reels: Each reel can display 2 to 7 symbols per spin.
Up to 117,649 Ways to Win: The number of ways to win varies depending on the symbol count on each reel.
Random Outcomes: Every spin delivers a fresh set of winning possibilities, keeping the gameplay unpredictable and exciting.

Features Commonly Found In MegaWays Pokies

MegaWays pokies draw on the best features from online pokies, and up the tempo with them.

You’ll find massive bonus rounds, tumbling reels, multiplying Wilds and all sorts of other madness – and you’ll absolutely love it!

Bonus Buys

Because of the high variance of MegaWays games, a lot of the potential winnings are locked up in the bonus rounds.

To counter that slightly, MegaWays developers have given the option for casinos to let you buy straight into the bonus free spins round.

This usually costs you 100x or so the usual bet but can potentially pay out in the 1000s. Some bonus rounds will even let you retrigger the bonus round if you come out with 10x or less.

However, because buying access means your essentially betting a large amount these options fall foul of local laws on bet limits.

That means some casinos for Aussie players won’t feature this option – but a lot do.

Cascading

Cascading wins means that some (or sometimes even all, such as in Gonzo’s Quest Megaways) of your winning lines will fall down, or off screen, and be replaced with new symbols – for an extra potential win.

You can chain these cascades to create multiple wins over one spin. The name cascade comes from the word for a repeated waterfall. That makes sense, as a cascading reel is a way to get repeated wins. Easy!

Increasing Win Multiplier

Some cascading reels, often only in the bonus round but occasional every time, will give you a stacking bonus multiplier each time a line falls down.

So, if you chain 2 or 3 or more cascading wins, each one is worth 2x and 3x etc.

This can lead to some massive wins, especially with big MegaWays lines and Wilds in the mix.

Best MegaWays Pokies

The best MegaWays pokies Australian players can try will have 100,000+ winning lines potential, but also not be too complicated.

There’s a certain element of complexity here that can’t be avoided. Still, the best games will keep it fun and interesting without cluttering up your screen with too many mechanics at once.

Having said that, for the best payout potential bonus games and free spins are essential. MegaWays free spins rounds can provide some of the biggest prizes in online casino gaming, outside of dedicated progressive jackpot pokies.

Gonzo's Quest MegaWays

Developer: Red Tiger/NetEnt
Ways to Win: 64 – 117,649
Maximum Win Potential: 21,000x

Gonzo’s Quest Megaways is an absolute staple for anyone who loves pokies. NetEnt’s original game was already a global hit, but when they teamed up with Red Tiger in 2019 to bring Megaways into the mix, they took it to a whole new level.

The jungle explorer theme, Avalanche mechanic, and bonus rounds are all still there, but with Megaways, everything’s dialled up.

Each spin can deliver up to 117,649 ways to win, and the dynamic reels keep the gameplay fresh and unpredictable. Watching those cascading blocks fall into place as the multipliers stack is nothing short of exhilarating. The visuals are stunning too—Gonzo cheering on your wins adds an extra layer of charm.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the original or discovering this gem for the first time, Gonzo’s Quest Megaways is a must-play that delivers on every level. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and cutting-edge slot mechanics.

Piggy Riches MegaWays

Developer: Red Tiger/NetEnt
Ways to Win: 64 – 117,649
Maximum Win Potential: 10,475x

Piggy Riches Megaways turns the original classic into a modern powerhouse. With up to 117,649 ways to win, this game takes dynamic paylines to the next level. Cascading reels ensure that every win creates fresh opportunities, as symbols vanish and new ones take their place. The Mr. Piggy Rich Wilds steal the show, expanding to fill entire reels and applying multipliers of up to 7x. Watching the reels expand and contract while coins rain down is an absolute visual treat.

If you’re a fan of high-stakes gameplay combined with a touch of opulence, Piggy Riches Megaways offers plenty of excitement with its innovative mechanics and potential for enormous payouts.

Primal MegaWays (Blueprint)

Developer: Blueprint Gaming
Ways to Win: 64 – 46,566
Maximum Win: 50,000x

Primal MegaWays is set in the age of prehistoric man with roaring beasts and grunting cavemen on the reels. It doesn’t have as many ways to win as the two NetEnt options above, but it does have the standard Blueprint MegaWays maximum win of 50,000x!

While the maximum ways to win are slightly lower, the inclusion of random wild multipliers more than makes up for it. The free spins round is where this game truly shines, with retriggers and multipliers offering massive win potential. The primal energy of the game, combined with its Megaways mechanics, makes it a thrilling experience for anyone seeking adventure.

As with most MegaWays pokies though, the bonus round is where most of these big wins are found. The cool theme and the slightly less complex paytable might make Primal Megaways the pokies game for you. Good luck!

White Rabbit (Big Time Gaming)

Developer: Big Time Gaming
Ways to Win: 64 – 248,332
Max Win: 50,000 x

This exciting MegaWays pokies game is based on the classic Alice in Wonderland story. It’s expanding Wilds are the smoking caterpillar from the original Lewis Carroll novel, and it features original psychedelic music that will take you on a journey.

Pulling the Queen of Hearts icon on a fully expanded 12-way line will expand the line below and give it another spin. Potentially this can add up to a ridiculous 248,332 ways to win – the most of any game on this list!

Vikings Unleashed Megaways (Blueprint)

Developer: Blueprint
Ways to Win: 64 – 117,659
Max Win: 50,000x

This ancient Nordic themed pokies game has a unique “gamble” feature on the free spins round, and some fantastic period music to top it off.

When you enter the bonus spins round, you start with 10 to 50 free spins and a 1x multiplier. However, before the round starts you can 50:50 gamble your entry – if you win you get double the multiplier and double the free spins. But if you lose, you’re heading back to the main game with nothing.

You can also buy your way into the bonus round with a 100x bet, although this depends on your casino. It may not be available as an option to all Aussie players.

Why Are Megaways Pokies So Popular?

Megaways pokies offer something for everyone. Here’s why they’ve become a favourite among Australian players:

✅ Unparalleled Winning Potential: With up to 117,649 ways to win, Megaways pokies vastly outperform the 243 ways found in many advanced traditional slots.

✅Unpredictable Gameplay: No two spins are alike, making every session unique.

✅High Volatility: These games are known for delivering massive wins, though less frequently than low-volatility slots.

✅Engaging Features: Many Megaways games include cascading reels, free spins, and multipliers to ramp up the excitement.

✅Variety of Themes: From ancient Egypt to outer space, there’s a Megaways slot for every taste.

A Note On Volatility

MegaWays pokies are nearly all, by the nature of the format, highly volatile pokies.

This means a large percentage will get very low wins, and probably won’t break even over a session. However, a lucky few players will eventually win thousands (or tens of thousands even) times their stake. That’s just how these games work!

Only go in with what you can afford to lose, and if you do get lucky and bag a massive MegaWays win – that’s a bonus!

If you’re looking to make smaller consistent wins, traditional slots might be more up your street. Or the ultimate game of low house edge – live blackjack!

A-Z Overview of All MegaWays Pokies

Pokie	Supplier	Max. Payout	Max Megaways	Bonus Buy Feature?	RTP %
88 Fortune	Shuffle Master	10,000x	117,649	❌	96.27%
1 Million Megaways BC	Iron Dog Studios	45,000x	1,058,841	✅	96.2%
Ali Baba's Luck	Red Tiger	20,336x	15,625	❌	96.09%
Bar X Safecracker	Blueprint	50,000x	117,649	❌	95.50%
Battleship Direct	SG/Red7	2,500x	117,649	❌	95.90%
Bonanza	Big Time Gaming	50,000x	117,649	❌	96%
Buffalo Rising	Blueprint	10,000x	117,649	✅	96.50%
Diamond Mine	Blueprint	10,000x	117,649	❌	96.43%
Dragon Born	Big Time Gaming	25,000x	117,649	❌	95%
Dragon's Fire	Red Tiger	10,470x	117,649	❌	95.72%
Dragon's Luck	Red Tiger	10,368x	117,649	❌	95.69%
Extra Chilli	Big Time Gaming	50,000x	117,649	✅	96.41%
Eye Of Horus	Merkur/Blueprint	10,000x	117,649	❌	96.31%
Fishin' Frenzy	Blueprint	10,000x	15,625	✅	96.12%
Flower Fortunes	Fantasma Games	18,840x	531,441	❌	96%
Genie Jackpots	Blueprint	10,000X	15,625	✅	96.52%
Gods Of Olympus	Blueprint	10,000x	15,625	✅	96.03%
Holy Diver	Big Time Gaming	20,000x	586,971	❌	96.39%
Hypernova	Reel Play	8,640x	117,649	❌	96.01%
Irish Riches	Blueprint	10,000x	117,649	❌	95.93%
Kingmaker	Big Time Gaming	10,000x	16,807	❌	96.65%
Legacy Of Ra	Blueprint	50,000x	15,625	❌	96.01%
Leo Vegas	Blueprint	50,000x	117,649	❌	96.5%
Lightning Strike	Blueprint	10,000x	15,625	❌	95.96%
Luck O' The Irish	Blueprint	10,000x	16,807	❌	96.76%
Machina	Kalamba Games	26,000x	46,656	✅	96.59%
Medallion	Fantasma Games	12,331x	46,656	❌	96.23%
Medusa	NYX	50,000x	117,649	✅	96.28%
Monopoly	Big Time Gaming	15,000x	117,649	❌	96.39%
Mystery Reels	Red Tiger	10,000x	117,649	❌	96.18%
Mystery Spin Deluxe	Blueprint	10,000x	117,649	❌	96.00%
Paddy Power Gold	Red Tiger	10,000x	117,649	❌	96.00%
Primal	Blueprint	50,000x	46,656	❌	96.76%
Raging Rhino	SG Digital	10,000x	117,649	❌	96.18%
Rainbow Riches	Barcrest	10,000x	117,649	❌	95.90%
Return Of Kong	Blueprint	50,000x	117,649	✅	96.03%
Safari Gold	Blueprint	50,000x	117,649	✅	96.50%
Slots 'O Gold	Blueprint	10,000x	15,625	❌	96.45%
Star Quest	Big Time Gaming	20,000x	117,649	❌	96.9%
Temple Of Treasure	Blueprint	10,000x	117,649	✅	96.46%
Temple Tumble	Relax	8,000x	46,656	❌	96.25%
The Pig Wizard	Blueprint	10,000x	15,625	❌	95.75%
Tiki Treasures	Blueprint	10,000x	117,649	❌	96.03%
Valletta	Blueprint	10,000x	15,625	❌	96.39%
Vikings Unleashed	Blueprint	50,000x	117,649	✅	96.5%
White Rabbit	Big Time Gaming	10,000x	117,649	✅	97.44%
Who Wants To Be a Millionaire	Big Time Gaming	12,000x	117,649	❌	96.24%
Wish Upon a Leprechaun	Blueprint	50,000x	117,649	❌	95.5%
Wolf Legend	Blueprint	50,000x	117,649	❌	96.21%

Suppliers With a Licence To MegaWays Mechanics

Even though BTG created the MegaWays mechanic, they have now licensed it out to many others in the industry. The following pokies developers now also publish their own MegaWays titles, most of which you can find at Aussie online casinos:

Blueprint Gaming

Pragmatic Play

Playson

Playson is a decent mid-level pokies developer. They don’t break the wheel with any of their games, but they’ve all got solid mechanics and good payout potential.

Playson has only hopped on the MegaWays hype very recently, with their first release in the format: Legend of Cleopatra Megaways.

This MegaWays update of one of their most popular pokies debuted in November 2020. You may have seen the Ancient Egyptian theme a few times before, but the potential prizes on this one are certainly above average.

Stakelogic

Stakelogic is a relatively new developer on the scene, but they’ve already made a bit of a name for themselves with their own quality 3D graphics engine.

In just the past year they’ve release three new MegaWays pokies games:

Black Gold Megaways
Mystical Santa Megaways
Super Wild Megaways

The most interesting of these is Super Wild MegaWays. As far as we know, it’s one of the only MegaWays pokies titles out there that’s based on the classic three-reel fruit machines of days gone by.

Think lemons, blazing 7s, bells – all that good stuff.

A nice option for fans of the old-school style who are thinking about dipping into MegaWays games then – sweet!

Red Tiger

Red Tiger bought the licence to Big Time Gaming’s MegaWays format in 2018. Just over a year later they were bought out by top-tier European pokies developer NetEnt.

However, in that time they still managed to release no less than four MegaWays updates to their existing titles:

Mystery Reels Megaways
Golden Leprechaun Megaways
Dragons Fire Megaways
Dragons Luck Megaways
Paddy Power Gold Megaways

Despite the name, Paddy Power Gold is not actually related to the Paddy Power brand now owned by Flutter Entertainment. Still, all of these games are a lot of fun and offer a lot ways to win.

SG Digital

NetEnt

NetEnt is the biggest provider currently with a MegaWays licence. Their nearest rivals in popularity, Microgaming, don’t have a MegaWays licence at the current time.

This huge European pokies developer is behind some of the most iconic games of the last decade in the scene, including:

Starburst
Gonzo’s Quest
Hall of Gods
Mega Fortune
Dead or Alive

And many, many more! Just recently they released a MegaWays version of their classic jackpot slot Divine Fortune, to add to the Gonzo’s Quest MegaWays that dropped last year. We’re sure there’s much more to come from NetEnt and the Megaways format.

ReelPlay

ReelPlay were one of the first developers to licence the MegaWays system from Big Time Gaming.

They released their first MegaWays game, Hypernova Megaways, in early 2019. Since then, they’ve added:

Atlantis Megaways
Big Bucks Bandits Megaways
Odin Infinity Reel Megaways

The company focuses on creating the “craft beer” of pokies, according to their founders. That means less titles per year but each should be of a higher quality.

Our favourite MegaWays game from ReelPlay is Odin Infinity, which combines their own Infinity reel format with MegaWays for a truly unique experience.

NextGen

NextGen have been around since 1999 but have never really been at the top of the game.

They make decent pokies, and have had some hits, but generally they’re a little late when it comes to innovation and new formats.

So it was surprising to us that they hopped on the MegaWays train in 2019, with Medusa Megaways.

It offers some tidy 3D graphics, a cool theme and the ability to reroll the bonus round should you get less than 10x on your first go – which is always welcome.

So far though, Medusa is NextGen’s only Megaways game to hit the market. Hopefully we’ll see more from them soon!

Relax Gaming

Relax Gaming has three MegaWays pokies games on their books, as well as their two in collaboration with Games INC we looked at above. Their three in-house titles are:

Hypernova Megaways
Temple Tumble Megaways
Machina Megaways

Temple Tumble is the most original of these titles – and it was the first to introduce tumbling or cascading reels to the MegaWays format. That’s been adopted now by almost all new MegaWays games, so some success there for sure!

Relax are known for releasing a lot of pokies each year too, so keep out for new MegaWays titles from them coming soon!

WMS

WMS are one of the oldest developers on this list. The All-American company first started making pinball and pokies machines back in the 1950s.

Today they have two MegaWays games on the market:

Raging Rhino Megaways
Montezuma Megaways

Raging Rhino is a game based upon an old casino-floor pokies machine, so some older players who remember it will have a blast playing this updated version.

Both WMS’ Megaways titles come with 3D graphics, cascading reels and gorgeous sound design. Raging Rhino has an RTP of 97% as well, which is a top score for a high variance Megaways slot.

Games INC

Games Inc are a strange one – this company sign yearly contracts with other studios to make pokies games for them. For example, in 2018 they were with NetEnt and in 2021 there with Relax Gaming.

Their two MegaWays slots since joining with Relax in 2019, are:

Joker Megaways
Megaways Respin

Joker Megaways is a cool because its based on a three-reel classic slot, which is a rarity in the Megaways sector. It also has a fun bonus round with good win potential. We like that!

Megaways Respin however is widely regarded as one of the worst MegaWays slots to come out of any production studio. The graphics, symbols and music are boring to say the least – and the bonus round is extremely high variance, meaning often you’ll get barely anything from it.

One to avoid!

Iron Dog Studio

A fairly small-scale pokies developer, Iron Dog took a big risk paying out for a MegaWays licence. However, their first Megaways game – Pirate Kingdom – was a surprise hit among pokies fans last year.

Their second game, Branded VIP Megaways, is a cool idea, but not the most inspiring as an actual game.

Branded VIP Megaways is designed to let casinos plaster their own branding over the top of the standard design.

This could easily prove popular among smaller operators who want some exclusivity without paying for a whole game. However, we found the general design to be a bit – boring.

Standard slap bass soundtracks and bog-standard visuals aren’t too interesting. But, you can win up to 40,000x your stake on one spin. So there is that!

Conclusion

Megaways pokies have revolutionised the way we play slots, combining innovative mechanics with engaging features. Whether you’re chasing cascading reels, exploring free spins, or just enjoying the dynamic paylines, these games offer endless excitement. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of Megaways and discover why they’ve become a hit among Australian players.

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Ryan Anderson Pokies Expert

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Ryan is our resident pokies expert. Not only does he provide readers with the latest insights, innovations and technology news related to pokies, but he also knows all there is to know about pokies game developers.