Why “Megaways” Slots Took Over the Online Casino

Megaways slots have become one of the most popular kinds of online slots in recent years. These games, developed by Big Time Gaming and licensed to other providers, offer enhanced gameplay features and high volatility that many players find appealing. Their expanded reels and thousands to millions of ways to win also set them apart.

Unique Reel Structure Allows For More Winning Combinations

One of the defining features of Megaways slots at HellSpin and other websites is their unique reel structure. Unlike classic slots that have a fixed number of symbols per reel, Megaways games have variable rows on every spin. Using an RNG, the number of symbols on each reel changes randomly on each bet. This allows for more – or sometimes less – possible winning combinations each round.

Some Megaways titles have up to 117,649 ways to win! With more ways to make winning combinations compared to fixed 10 or 20-payline slots, many players enjoy the heightened anticipation that comes with Megaways. The potential for bigger wins with more paylines resonates strongly with players looking for high variance slots.

Math Models Behind Megaways Lead to Bigger Payouts

In addition to the variable symbol rows, Megaways slots also rely on sophisticated math models to increase payout potential. The Megaways mechanic was patented by inventor David Reynolds in 2014 and then licensed exclusively to developer Big Time Gaming.

Big Time Gaming’s mathematicians optimized the ways different reel sizes and winning combinations would pay out over thousands of spins. By fine-tuning the math, Megaways slots pay out more frequently on average than classic slots, part of their universal appeal to players.

Bonus Features Add Layers of Excitement

On top of the base Megaways engine, individual Megaways releases also integrate engaging bonus features. These can include free spins, instant bonuses, progressive jackpots and more. For example, the popular Megaways Jack slot has exciting wheel bonuses and even a progressive jackpot payout.  

Bonus features layered on top of the Megaways reel mechanic add even more anticipation and payout potential. Players may trigger different bonuses that offer the chance to win instant prizes or launch more lucrative play modes.

Key Traits of Megaways Slots

Megaways Provider Big Time Gaming Leads the Charge

While games with expanding ways to win existed before, Big Time Gaming popularized the “Megaways” brand starting with slots like Bonanza in 2016. Their patented math models created a new category of slot that dozens of providers have since replicated.

Big Time Gaming still releases new Megaways titles regularly, many of which immediately rise to popularity. But realizing the appeal of the mechanic, they also license Megaways to partner studios. This enables other providers to launch Megaways versions of their own hit slots.

Some of the most played Megaways slots are licensed versions of classic games revamped with cascading reels. These include Megaways editions of famous titles like Deal or No Deal and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.

Players Drawn to New Experiences and Big Winnings

While the Megaways blueprint has remained popular for over five years now, players show no signs of tiring of these games. Part of the sustained popularity comes from the novelty and variety inherent in Megaways slots. The mechanics of the games make each spin feel different, keeping the gameplay fresh.

At the same time, chasing huge winnings also motivates fans of Megaways slots. While playing with over 100,000 ways to win doesn’t guarantee bigger payouts, the potential is always there. When progressive jackpots also come into play, possible winnings can reach record-setting sums.

Streaming Content Drives More Interest

Another part of what keeps Megaways titles in the spotlight is streaming content. When popular streamers and YouTube channels feature big wins on Megaways slots, fans take notice. Viewers tune in to see bonus rounds with insane payouts or a lucky player hitting a jackpot live.

Seeing others win keeps motivation and interest high in the games. Streaming has greatly benefited Megaways providers who receive free publicity from featured slots content. Players discover new titles and then try playing themselves in hopes of their own jackpot moment.

The sustained popularity of Megaways slots derives from the base appeal of more winning potential mixed with bonuses and progressive jackpots. Giving players new experiences with every spin sustained by mathematical excellence keeps players coming back. Add to that a ubiquitous presence across casinos and streaming sites, and Megaways have cemented themselves as leaders of player-favorite slots.