Megaways is a slot engine, licensed from Big Time Gaming, that changes how many symbols appear on each reel every spin — producing a variable and often enormous number of ways to win.
Where 117,649 ways comes from
In one hypothetical six-reel layout with seven eligible positions on each reel, the maximum number of ways is 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 = 117,649. Other layouts differ. A way is a potential matching path, not an equally likely lottery ticket; increasing the displayed count does not by itself establish the chance of a net win.
The core mechanic
Instead of fixed paylines, each of the (usually six) reels can show a different number of symbols per spin. Wins are formed by matching symbols on adjacent reels from the left, and the total "ways" can reach 117,649 or more.
Common companion features
Most Megaways titles pair the engine with cascading reels, so winning symbols disappear and new ones drop in, and with increasing multipliers during free spins.
Volatility
Megaways slots are typically high volatility. The huge win potential comes with longer gaps between meaningful payouts, so balance swings can be sharp.
What to check
Look at the RTP and the advertised maximum win, and be aware that the massive "ways" figure describes possibilities, not likelihood. Set a budget suited to a high-variance game before you play.
Why more ways do not guarantee a better result
The displayed ways count describes the current layout, not a collection of equally likely independent bets. Symbols can have different frequencies and values. You still need the required matching sequence, and scatters, wilds or extra reels may follow different rules. A smaller ways count can produce a larger payout than a larger count.
Check the minimum matching reels, direction of payment, whether only the highest combination pays and how cascades change the round. A 10x prize might be expressed against total stake rather than a line stake; Megaways is not a conventional fixed-payline calculation. The engine's name alone does not establish volatility or RTP. Read the exact title and configuration, and include any ante charge or feature purchase in the total cost.
Related guides
What Are Cascading Reels? Tumble Mechanics Explained · How to Read a Slot Paytable Before You Play