The online slot world is being shaken to its very foundations by the arrival of a game-changing innovation: Megaways slots. With their almost unlimited paylines and tumbling reels creating new winning combinations after every spin, Megaways titles from developers like Big Time Gaming and Red Tiger are capturing the imagination of slot enthusiasts everywhere. But what exactly are Megaways slots, and why are they so incredibly popular?
What Are Megaways Slots?
Megaways slots derive their name from the mega-sized number of possible paylines they offer. While a typical online slot may have just 10, 20, or 50 paylines, Megaways slots available at Slotum Casino and other platforms can have up to 117,649 ways to win!
This astronomical number is achieved via the ingenious Megaways mechanic of tumbling reels and horizontal symbol expansion. Every time you spin, a random number of symbols between 2 and 7 land on each reel position. New symbols then tumble down to replace any winning combinations, which disappear from the reels. This creates practically limitless payline potential and keeps the excitement going on every spin.
The first Megaways slot, called Bonanza and released by Big Time Gaming in 2016, sparked a revolution in slot design. Dozens of software studios have now adopted the Megaways formula for their slots, each applying their own unique twists.
Why Are Megaways Slots So Popular?
So what is it about Megaways slots that makes them such a phenomenon with slot enthusiasts? There are several key reasons:
Huge Win Potential
The sheer number of paylines in Megaways slots means that when that elusive big win does strike, it is often mega-sized. Games like Bonanza, Extra Chilli, and Reel King Megaways frequently pay out jackpots of over 10,000x stake or more.
Even smaller wins occur more regularly, thanks to the thousands of ways to hit winning combinations.
Gripping Gameplay
The tumbling reels that are intrinsic to Megaways slots add whole new dimensions of drama and anticipation to every spin. Seeing symbols cascade down, setting off multiple reactions, keeps players glued to the edge of their seats. Achieving a max Megaways spin, where every position is filled with 7 symbols, is particularly thrilling.
Diverse Themes
From blockbuster movies like Jurassic Park to classic fruit machines to Ancient Egypt, the variety of themes Megaways developers are exploring is huge. Yet, the core appeal always lies in the sheer potential of those tumbling, expanding reels.
Major Jackpots
On top of their own mammoth payouts, many Megaways slots are now linked to progressive jackpot networks for even more prize potential. Games like Divine Fortune Megaways and Wheel of Fortune Megaways offer both the Megaways excitement and life-changing progressive jackpots in the millions.
Megaways Slot Popularity – By the Numbers
The runaway success of Megaways slots becomes clear when you look at some statistics:
- Number of Megaways slots currently available: 150+
- Average RTP of Megaways slots: 96%
- Biggest Megaways jackpot win to date: €17.5 million on Bonanza
- Number of casinos offering Megaways slots: 400+
Future of Megaways Slots
Almost six years after the original Bonanza kickstarted the phenomenon, Megaways slots show no signs of declining in popularity. Top developers like Big Time Gaming continue to reinvent the formula with new releases like San Quentin xWays. And the Megaways mechanic has expanded beyond slots to casino games like roulette and bingo.
With their unrivaled gameplay innovation, epic win potential, and sheer variety, these behemoth slots look set to dominate online casinos for the foreseeable future. Their ability to keep players hooked spin after tantalizing spin seems irresistible. So, if you haven’t experienced the magic of Megaways for yourself yet, it’s high time you gave them a spin!
