Megaways Slots Guide: How to Play & Best Games to Try

Megaways slots have transformed online slot play by changing the number of symbols on each reel with every spin. This dynamic setup can create a huge number of potential winning combinations and adds a lively, fast-paced feel compared with traditional slots.

In this blog post, we’ll explain how Megaways slots work, clarify common terms, and take you through what a typical session might involve—from choosing a game to understanding the paytable. You’ll also find suggestions for titles that are preferred by some beginners, popular games in the UK, and an overview of how potential payouts and RTPs are generally calculated, helping you make informed decisions if you decide to play.

Read on for more.

What Are Megaways Slots and How Do They Work?

Megaways slots rely on a random reel modifier first introduced by Big Time Gaming. Instead of a fixed reel height, each reel may display a changing number of symbols per spin. This means the total possible combinations may increase very quickly.

Typically, many games have six reels, each showing between two and seven symbols. If the reels all show their maximum, the total ways to win might reach into the hundreds of thousands. Some titles also include cascading wins, where symbols involved in a winning combination disappear and new ones drop in, sometimes creating multiple results from a single spin.

While the layout changes each spin, the basic goal remains matching symbols on consecutive reels from left to right. Understanding this principle can make the rest of the session easier to follow.

Here is an outline of what a Megaways session may involve in practice.

How To Play Megaways Slots: Step-by-Step Guide

Once you are familiar with the rules and paytable, Megaways games usually follow a straightforward rhythm:

  1. Choose a Licensed Casino: If you decide to play, pick an online casino licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), such as 666 Casino. Licence details are usually in the footer or terms section of the site.
  2. Select a Megaways Slot: Look for slots with “Megaways” in the title. The information panel or help section typically explains features, the reel setup, and any bonus rounds.
  3. Set a Budget: Decide on a spending limit before starting. Many sites offer tools to monitor deposits and losses so you may keep track of your session totals.
  4. Adjust Bet Amount: Use the game’s controls to choose your stake per spin. Minimum and maximum bets are shown on screen.
  5. Spin the Reels: When you start, the number of Megaways changes with each spin as the reel heights shift. On games with cascades, winning symbols may drop out and new ones appear, potentially creating further outcomes from the same spin.
  6. Check Game Outcome: Any wins are displayed immediately. The paytable details how each combination pays. You may return to the help section at any point for a refresher on features and rules.

If some of these terms feel unfamiliar, the next section breaks them down more clearly.

What Do Reels, Megaways, and Multipliers Mean?

Reels are vertical columns that spin to reveal symbols. In many Megaways slots, there are six reels, and the number of symbols per reel changes with each spin, which is why the total combinations vary.

The term “Megaway” describes the system that recalculates possible combinations each spin. By multiplying the symbols on each reel together, you get the total number of ways a combination might occur. Winning combinations are read from the leftmost reel across consecutive reels.

Multipliers increase the value of a win by a certain factor, such as 2x or 3x. They often appear in features like free spins or after cascades, and may grow over consecutive wins before resetting in a new spin.

Top Megaways Slots to Try Right Now

Megaways are enjoyed by many players across the UK. If you are new, you might wonder where to start. Below, we outline titles sometimes preferred by beginners and some popular games among UK players.

Best Megaways Games for Beginners

If you are just starting with Megaways slots and want to try titles that are straightforward to follow, these games are worth exploring:

  • Fishin’ Frenzy Megaways: A fishing-themed slot with simple controls and a clear layout.
  • Gonzo’s Quest Megaways: A game following a conquistador on a treasure hunt, with clear features and visuals.
  • The Dog House Megaways: A pet-themed slot with a simple layout and easy-to-understand bonus features.
  • 5 Lions Megaways: An oriental-inspired slot featuring traditional symbols and colourful design.
  • Eye of Horus Megaways: An Egyptian-themed slot set among ancient symbols and treasures.
  • Legacy of Ra Megaways: Another Egyptian-themed game centred on the sun god Ra, with visually clear gameplay.
  • Big Bass Bonanza Megaways: A fishing and outdoor-themed slot with simple rules and clean symbols.

Most Popular Megaways Titles Among UK Players

Among regular UK players, some titles often appear near the top:

  • 9 Pots of Gold Megaways: An Irish-themed slot featuring familiar symbols like pots of gold and rainbows.
  • Primate King Megaways: A jungle-themed slot with extra features and colourful tropical imagery.
  • Ancient Island Megaways: A tropical island-themed slot with distinctive symbols and scenery.
  • Witch Heart Megaways: A dark-themed slot with magical symbols and a mysterious atmosphere.
  • Bandit Megaways: A Wild West-themed slot with bandits, treasure, and classic western visuals.

Popularity is only part of the picture. Understanding how payouts and RTPs operate may help clarify potential outcomes if you decide to spin.

How Do Megaways Payouts and RTPs Work?

Potential payouts are determined by the paytable and the symbols that appear on consecutive reels, starting from the leftmost reel. In Megaways, the number of symbols per reel matters because it multiplies the potential combinations. Symbol size alone does not change a potential payout; it is matching symbols across reels that counts.

Many Megaways games use cascades. If a win occurs, those symbols are removed and new ones drop in, potentially leading to another result from the same stake. Multipliers, if present, adjust the value of a win and may increase during features, depending on the game.

Return to Player (RTP) is a theoretical percentage set by the game developer, showing the average amount of money returned to players over a large number of spins. For instance, a 96% RTP means that, over a very large number of spins, the game is designed to return £96 for every £100 wagered. Individual sessions may differ significantly from this figure. Some games offer multiple RTP settings, so it is worth checking the information panel to see which value applies to the version you are playing.

If you decide to explore Megaways, do so with responsible gambling practices in mind, and never wager more than you are willing to lose.

Play Slots Online at 666Casino

At 666Casino, you will find a wide range of online slot games, including Megaways, Drops and Wins, jackpots, and classic formats. Our site is licensed and regulated by the UKGC, and we follow strict standards for player protection.

We also provide tools to help you manage your play, including deposit limits, time reminders, and account controls, so you can set boundaries that work best for you.

All slot pages offer easy access to game information, including features, paytables, and RTP details. Whether you prefer simple layouts or feature-filled titles, everything is designed to be clear and straightforward.

If you would like to explore the slots we have available at 666Casino, feel free to create an account, deposit some funds to play with and take your time browsing the games. 

*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to these slot games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.

**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.

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