The History of Megaways
How Big Time Gaming created the Megaways mechanic, the role of Bonanza, and how the licence model spread it across the industry.
Megaways is everywhere now, but it started with a single studio and a single game. Here is how the most successful slot mechanic of the last decade came to be.
Big Time Gaming and Bonanza
Australian studio Big Time Gaming developed the Megaways engine and launched it in 2016 on Bonanza, a mining-themed slot. The variable-reel idea — different numbers of symbols each spin — was genuinely new, and Bonanza became a huge hit that is still widely played today.
The licensing model
Rather than keep the mechanic to itself, BTG licensed Megaways to other studios. That decision is why the format spread so fast: Blueprint, Pragmatic Play, Red Tiger, Relax Gaming, iSoftBet and many more have all released Megaways titles, often reworking their own popular slots into the format. Our studios guide covers the main players.
Why it took over
The combination of an exciting, unpredictable mechanic and big-win potential through cascading multipliers made Megaways slots enormously popular with players — and the licensing model made them ubiquitous across casinos. Today, a Megaways version exists of most major slot franchises.
Keep learning
This guide is part of our wider library. To go deeper, read what are Megaways slots, how Megaways works and volatility explained. Every term is defined in our Megaways glossary, and you can put it all to work on our best Megaways casinos ranking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this guide specific to UK players?
Yes. Everything here reflects UK Gambling Commission rules as they stand in 2026, including the 2025–2026 changes to stake limits and player protection. We only cover UKGC-licensed casinos.
What are Megaways slots?
Slots using Big Time Gaming's variable-reel mechanic, giving up to 117,649 ways to win that change every spin. See our full explainer.
How many ways to win do they have?
Up to 117,649 on a maximum spin, when all six reels show seven symbols. The number changes each spin. See ways to win explained.
What RTP do Megaways slots have?
Typically 94% to 96.5%, but many ship in several RTP versions and the casino picks which to run. Always check the game info. See Megaways RTP explained.
Why are Megaways slots so volatile?
The huge number of ways to win and escalating bonus multipliers concentrate the return into rare big wins. See volatility explained.
Are Megaways slots fair?
Yes — at UK-licensed casinos they run on independently tested RNGs that cannot be altered. They carry a house edge, so they are fair but favour the casino over time. See are Megaways slots rigged.
Who invented Megaways?
Big Time Gaming, which launched it on Bonanza in 2016 and licenses it to other studios. See our history of Megaways.
What is the best Megaways slot?
Bonanza is the original; Fishin' Frenzy, Big Bass, Gonzo's Quest and Rainbow Riches Megaways are also hugely popular. It depends on the features and volatility you want. See best Megaways slots.
Can I play Megaways slots for free?
Yes — most casinos offer demo mode, a good way to learn a title before staking real money. See Megaways free play.
Did UK rules on slots change recently?
Yes — stake limits of £5/£2 a spin, independent testing and fund protection all apply to Megaways slots. See our 2026 rules guide.
How do you stay independent?
We earn affiliate commission on sign-ups, but it never affects our rankings, which follow the published method in our methodology. We only list licensed casinos and publish every correction.
How do I play Megaways responsibly?
Treat them as high-volatility entertainment, play at affordable stakes, set a deposit limit and never chase losses. Free help is on 0808 8020 133. See responsible gambling.