Megaways Pokies Explained – How They Work and Best Titles to Play
Pokies Guides
By Jake Mitchell
What Are Megaways Pokies?
Megaways is a revolutionary reel mechanic originally developed by Big Time Gaming (BTG) that has completely transformed the online pokies landscape. Unlike traditional pokies where each reel displays a fixed number of symbols, Megaways pokies feature a dynamic reel system where the number of symbols on each reel changes randomly with every spin.
A standard Megaways pokie has six reels, and each reel can display between 2 and 7 symbols per spin. This creates a variable number of ways to win on every spin — up to a staggering 117,649 ways to win (7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7). Compare that to a traditional 25-payline pokie, and you can see why Megaways has taken the industry by storm.
The Megaways mechanic is now licensed to dozens of game providers, including Pragmatic Play, Red Tiger, Blueprint Gaming, and iSoftBet, resulting in hundreds of Megaways titles available to play at VOLT. For a broader overview of everything available, see our complete casino guide. Fans of high-volatility action should also explore Hacksaw Gaming and No Limit City pokies.
How the Megaways Mechanic Works
Understanding how Megaways pokies work under the bonnet will help you appreciate what makes them so exciting:
- Variable symbols per reel: On each spin, a random number of symbols (typically 2–7) appears on each reel. More symbols means more ways to win on that particular spin. When all six reels show 7 symbols, you hit the maximum 117,649 ways.
- Tumble/Cascade mechanic: After every winning combination, the winning symbols are removed from the reels and new symbols “tumble” down to fill the gaps. This can create chain reactions of consecutive wins from a single spin — and it keeps going until no new wins are formed.
- Multiplier trails: Many Megaways pokies feature an increasing multiplier during tumble sequences. Each consecutive tumble during free spins often increases a global multiplier by 1x, meaning your fifth or sixth tumble in a row could be paying at 5x or 6x the base value.
- Top reel: Some Megaways games include an additional horizontal reel above the main grid (commonly 4 symbols wide), adding extra symbols that contribute to winning combinations.
The combination of variable ways, cascading wins, and escalating multipliers creates an electrifying gameplay loop where a single spin can produce enormous payouts — which is why Megaways pokies are among the most popular titles at VOLT.
Best Megaways Pokies to Play in 2026
Here are our top picks for Megaways pokies available at VOLT this year:
| Title | Provider | RTP | Max Ways | Max Win |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonanza Megaways | Big Time Gaming | 96.00% | 117,649 | 12,000x |
| Buffalo King Megaways | Pragmatic Play | 96.55% | 200,704 | 5,000x |
| Big Bass Bonanza Megaways | Pragmatic Play | 96.50% | 46,656 | 5,000x |
| White Rabbit Megaways | Big Time Gaming | 97.72% | 248,832 | 13,000x |
| Gonzo’s Quest Megaways | Red Tiger / NetEnt | 96.00% | 117,649 | 21,000x |
| Starlight Princess Megaways | Pragmatic Play | 96.50% | Up to 40,960 | 5,000x |
| Sweet Bonanza Megaways | Pragmatic Play | 96.50% | 117,649 | 5,000x |
| Piggy Riches Megaways | Red Tiger / NetEnt | 96.13% | 117,649 | 10,474x |
All of these titles are available to spin right now at VOLT. Use our Live RTP Tracker to see which ones are running hot today.
Megaways vs Standard Pokies
So how do Megaways pokies stack up against their traditional counterparts? Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Standard Pokies | Megaways Pokies |
|---|---|---|
| Ways to win | Fixed (e.g., 25, 243, 1,024) | Variable (up to 117,649+) |
| Volatility | Low to high | Typically medium–high |
| Cascade mechanic | Sometimes | Almost always |
| Multiplier trails | Occasional | Very common |
| Win potential | Varies widely | Generally very high (5,000x–20,000x+) |
| Best for | All player types | Thrill-seekers, experienced players |
Megaways pokies tend to be higher volatility, meaning wins are less frequent but can be substantially larger. If you prefer steady, smaller wins, a traditional low-volatility pokie might suit you better. If you love the adrenaline rush of chasing big multipliers and chain reactions, Megaways are hard to beat.
Where to Play Megaways Pokies
VOLT hosts a massive collection of Megaways pokies from all the top providers. Head to our Games page and filter by game mechanic to find all available Megaways titles in one place. Whether you’re after the classic Bonanza experience, the fishing fun of Big Bass Megaways, or the Greek mythology of Gates of Olympus, we’ve got you covered.
New to VOLT? Sign up today and claim your 200% welcome bonus up to $5,000 to start exploring Megaways pokies with a boosted bankroll.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Megaways pokies high volatility?
Most Megaways pokies are medium to high volatility. The variable reel system and cascading mechanics mean that while small wins can be frequent, the biggest payouts come from extended tumble sequences with multipliers during free spins. This makes them better suited to players who can handle bankroll swings.
Who invented Megaways?
The Megaways mechanic was invented by Big Time Gaming (BTG), an Australian game studio. They patented the system and later licensed it to other providers, which is why you’ll see Megaways games from Pragmatic Play, Red Tiger, Blueprint, and many others.
Can I play Megaways pokies for free?
Yes! Many Megaways titles on VOLT offer a free demo mode. This lets you experience the tumble mechanics, multipliers, and bonus features without risking any real money. Simply visit our games library and look for the demo play option on your chosen Megaways title.
