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, multiplier wilds and all sorts of other mechanics that keep gameplay exciting.
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, many MegaWays developers have given casinos the option to let you buy straight into the bonus free spins round. This usually costs roughly 100x your 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 you’re essentially betting a large amount, these options can fall foul of local bet limit laws. That means some casinos for Aussie players won’t feature this option—but many still do.
Cascading
Cascading wins mean that winning symbols are removed and replaced by new ones, potentially creating additional wins on the same spin. You can chain these cascades to create multiple wins from one spin.
Increasing Win Multiplier
Some cascading reels, often in the bonus round, give you a stacking multiplier each time a line cascades. Chain several cascades and multipliers can rapidly increase, especially combined with big Megaways lines and Wilds.
Best MegaWays Pokies
The best MegaWays pokies Australian players can try will have very high maximum ways to win but keep gameplay straightforward. Bonus games and free spins are essential for payout potential—MegaWays free spins rounds can provide some of the biggest prizes in online casino gaming.
1. Bonanza (Big Time Gaming)
Bonanza is a pioneering slot that introduced many players to the Megaways mechanic, offering an exhilarating mining adventure with up to 117,649 ways to win.
| Logo | Max Megaways | Reel Structure | Key Features | Volatility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
117,649 | 6 reels with varying symbol heights | Cascading reels, unlimited multipliers in free spins | High |
Feature Mechanics
Each spin presents a varying number of symbols per reel, creating a dynamic number of ways to win. Winning combinations trigger cascading reels, where winning symbols explode to allow new ones to fall into place, potentially creating consecutive wins. Landing four scatter symbols spelling “GOLD” activates the free spins feature, starting with 12 free spins and an unlimited win multiplier that increases with each cascade.
Why It Stands Out
Bonanza’s innovative use of the Megaways mechanic, combined with its engaging cascading reels and unlimited multipliers during free spins, set a new standard for online slots. Its dynamic gameplay keeps each spin exciting, making it a favourite among players seeking high volatility and big win potential.
2. The Dog House Megaways (Pragmatic Play)
The Dog House Megaways brings the Megaways mechanic to a playful canine-themed environment with up to 117,649 ways to win.
| Logo | Max Megaways | Reel Structure | Key Features | Volatility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
117,649 | 6 reels with varying symbol heights | Sticky Wilds, Raining Wilds | High |
Feature Mechanics
Players can choose between two free spins modes:
- Sticky Wilds Free Spins: Wilds remain in place for the duration of the feature, increasing the potential for significant wins.
- Raining Wilds Free Spins: Wilds are added randomly on each spin, offering a more unpredictable but exciting experience.
The Megaways system dynamically changes the number of symbols per reel, making every spin unique. Free spins add stacked or randomly placed wilds depending on the mode.
Why It Stands Out
Ever-changing paylines and enhanced wild mechanics, plus the choice of Sticky or Raining Wilds, make the game strategic and varied.
3. Extra Chilli Megaways (Big Time Gaming)
Extra Chilli Megaways adds a spicy twist to the classic Megaways formula with up to 117,649 ways to win and an innovative gamble feature for free spins.
| Logo | Max Megaways | Reel Structure | Key Features | Volatility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
117,649 | 6 reels with dynamic symbol heights | Cascading reels, gamble feature for free spins | High |
Feature Mechanics
The cascading reels feature means that every win removes the winning symbols, allowing new ones to drop in, potentially leading to chain reactions of wins. The free spins round is triggered by landing three or more scatter symbols, with an option to gamble for additional free spins before starting the round. During free spins, an unlimited win multiplier increases after each cascade.
Why It Stands Out
The gamble feature adds an extra layer of risk and reward. Cascading reels and increasing multipliers create huge payout potential for players who enjoy high volatility.
4. The Goonies Megaways (Blueprint Gaming)
Based on the cult classic 80s film, The Goonies Megaways combines nostalgia with the ever-changing reel setup of Megaways to create a thrilling adventure.
| Logo | Max Megaways | Reel Structure | Key Features | Volatility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
117,649 | 6 reels with variable symbols per spin | Mystery symbols, multiple bonus rounds | Medium to High |
Feature Mechanics
The Megaways system ensures that no two spins are ever the same. Random modifiers such as Mikey’s Hidden Treasure or Sloth’s Win Spin can trigger at any time, adding extra wilds, multipliers, or mystery symbols. The free spins feature can award one of six unique bonus rounds, each with its own Megaways-enhanced twist.
Why It Stands Out
The Goonies Megaways amplifies random bonuses and interactive features, creating a varied and entertaining experience beyond pure multipliers.
5. Wheel of Fortune Megaways (Big Time Gaming)
Wheel of Fortune Megaways takes the iconic game show and supercharges it with up to 1,000,000 ways to win, offering one of the highest Megaways reel expansions in any slot.
| Logo | Max Megaways | Reel Structure | Key Features | Volatility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
1,000,000 | 6 reels with expanding symbols | Wild Megastacks, expanding reels | High |
Feature Mechanics
The base game operates with up to 117,649 Megaways, but free spins bring the excitement: a spin of the Wheel of Fortune determines the starting number of Megaways. During free spins, special expansion symbols can increase reel heights up to 10 symbols high and unlock up to 1,000,000 ways to win.
Why It Stands Out
This title pushes the limits of the Megaways mechanic by offering one of the largest maximum ways-to-win setups, making it ideal for fans of huge potential payouts and classic game show nostalgia.
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, by nature, highly volatile. This means many sessions will produce small or no wins, while a lucky spin can result in payouts thousands of times the stake. Only play with what you can afford to lose. If you prefer smaller, more consistent wins, traditional slots or lower-volatility games (or live blackjack) may be better options.
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
Blueprint is one of the most respected slots developers in the game. Just a few of this UK-based developer’s popular titles include:
- Cleopatra’s Riches
- Eye of Horus
- Gods of Olympia Megaways
In recent years Blueprint have gone all out on franchised titles, including Ted Megaways, Deal or No Deal and Rick and Morty Megaways. They feature favourite characters from pop culture, with massive win potential and the latest graphics.
Pragmatic Play
Pragmatic Play grew rapidly in the mid-2010s and is now one of the fastest growing pokies developers. You’ll find MegaWays titles such as:
- Starz Megaways
- Curse of the Werewolf Megaways
- The Doghouse Megaways
Playson
Playson is a solid mid-level developer. Their first MegaWays release was Legend of Cleopatra Megaways, an Ancient Egyptian-themed update with above-average prize potential.
Stakelogic
Stakelogic is relatively new but notable for its 3D graphics engine. Recent MegaWays titles include:
- Black Gold Megaways
- Mystical Santa Megaways
- Super Wild Megaways
Super Wild Megaways is notable for mirroring classic three-reel fruit machines within the MegaWays format.
Red Tiger
Red Tiger bought a MegaWays licence in 2018 and released several MegaWays updates:
- Mystery Reels Megaways
- Golden Leprechaun Megaways
- Dragons Fire Megaways
- Dragons Luck Megaways
- Paddy Power Gold Megaways
SG Digital
Scientific Games (SG Digital) owns many classic developers and publishes popular MegaWays games including:
- 88 Fortunes Megaways
- Beetlejuice Megaways
- Raging Rhino Megaways
- Spartacus Megaways
NetEnt
NetEnt is a major provider with a MegaWays licence. They’ve produced MegaWays versions of classics like Divine Fortune and Gonzo’s Quest.
- Starburst
- Gonzo’s Quest
- Hall of Gods
- Mega Fortune
- Dead or Alive
ReelPlay
ReelPlay were early licensees of MegaWays, releasing titles such as Hypernova Megaways, Atlantis Megaways, Big Bucks Bandits Megaways, and Odin Infinity Reel Megaways.
NextGen
NextGen released Medusa Megaways and offers tidy 3D graphics with some unique bonus round options such as rerolling the bonus if initial payout is low.
Relax Gaming
Relax Gaming has several MegaWays titles including Hypernova Megaways, Temple Tumble Megaways and Machina Megaways. Temple Tumble introduced tumbling/cascading reels to the MegaWays format.
WMS
WMS, an established developer, offers MegaWays titles such as Raging Rhino Megaways and Montezuma Megaways, both featuring high-quality graphics and cascading reels.
Games INC
Games INC partners with other studios to produce titles and has released Joker Megaways and Megaways Respin (the latter has been criticised for high variance and lacklustre presentation).
Iron Dog Studio
Iron Dog Studio produced Pirate Kingdom Megaways and Branded VIP Megaways, the latter designed for casinos to overlay branding.
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. Dive into the world of Megaways and discover why they’ve become a hit among Australian players.