Megaways Slots in 2024: How the Mechanic Works and What's New This Year
Megaways slots change the number of ways to win on every spin. How the mechanic works, which features arrived in 2024 and what to check before you play.
Megaways slots have become one of the most popular slot formats of 2024, known for unpredictable spins and big win potential. Big Time Gaming developed the mechanic, and other leading providers, including Red Tiger, Blueprint and Pragmatic Play, have since adopted it. Here is how it works and what is new this year.
What Megaways slots are
On a standard slot, the number of paylines is fixed. On a Megaways slot, the number of symbols on each reel changes with every spin, so the number of ways to win changes too, up to a maximum of 117,649.
Every spin produces a new reel layout, which is what keeps these games feeling fresh. Recent versions often add tumbling reels, where winning symbols disappear and new ones drop in, plus bonus buys and unlimited multipliers.
Features gaining ground in 2024
- Bonus buy options. Pay a set price to skip straight to the free spins round, where the high-volatility action is.
- Unlimited multipliers. During free spins, the multiplier rises with each cascade, which is where the largest wins come from.
- Gamble feature. Some recent releases add a gamble wheel that lets you risk your free spins for more spins or a higher multiplier.
All three increase volatility. They make big wins possible and make quick losses more likely, so size your stake with that in mind. Our Megaways slots hub covers individual games.
Choosing a casino for Megaways promotions
This year has brought plenty of offers aimed at Megaways players, including boosted welcome bonuses, weekly tournaments and VIP cashback.
Tip: look for casinos running Megaways-specific promotions. These often come with lower wagering requirements and higher payout caps than general slot offers. Confirm this in the terms rather than assuming it.
Trends in 2024
It is not only new titles. Cross-provider tournaments are appearing, and some blockchain casinos are adding provably fair mechanics to Megaways slots, which let you verify that results were not altered.
One title getting a lot of attention is Buffalo Megaways Extreme, known for its high volatility and a 26,000x maximum win. That max win is the top of what the game can pay, and very few players will ever see it. Pragmatic Play's Megaways titles are also covered on our Pragmatic Play hub.
How to play Megaways slots sensibly
No slot offers a guaranteed way to win. What helps is understanding three things before you spin:
- Volatility: most Megaways games are high-volatility, so expect long quiet spells between bigger wins.
- RTP: check the return-to-player figure in the game's info screen, and note whether the bonus buy has a different RTP.
- Bonus mechanics: know how the free spins trigger and how the multiplier grows before you pay for a feature.
Set a budget for the session, keep your stake small enough to survive a dry run and stop when the budget is gone.
Should you try Megaways slots?
If you like unpredictable games with large win potential, Megaways slots are worth exploring. The ever-changing reels and bonus features make them some of the more entertaining slots around, as long as you accept the swings that come with them. When you are ready, you can play Megaways slots on 12Win. The Telegram channel and live chat can point you to new titles.
Questions readers ask
How many ways to win does a Megaways slot have?
It changes on every spin, because the number of symbols on each reel varies. The maximum is 117,649 ways.
Who created Megaways?
Big Time Gaming developed the mechanic. Providers such as Red Tiger, Blueprint and Pragmatic Play now use it in their own games.
Is buying the bonus in a Megaways slot worth it?
Bonus buys take you straight to the free spins round, but they cost a large multiple of your stake and are high-volatility. Only use them if the price fits your budget.
