Megaways pokies change the reel layout instead of relying only on a fixed set of paylines. The number of symbol positions can vary, so the ways counter can move from one round to the next. That changing grid is the format’s defining feature; the paytable and bonus design still belong to the individual game.
This guide explains the ways calculation, the difference from paylines and how games such as Bonanza and The Dog House Megaways add their own features. General casino welcome packages are kept separate from confirmed game examples.
How Megaways pokies work
Big Time Gaming identifies Megaways as its game system. In the familiar six-reel arrangement, varying the number of symbol positions changes how many combinations can be evaluated. Matching symbols must still satisfy the title’s rules: a large grid does not make every collection of symbols a win.
A fixed-payline game evaluates combinations along specified paths. A ways game generally evaluates eligible matching symbols across consecutive reels without needing one of those drawn paths. The starting reel, minimum match length and treatment of wilds or scatters must be read in the paytable.
Reel positions
The number of eligible positions on each reel contributes to the displayed ways count. A changing reel height can change that number.
Matching rule
The symbols still need to meet the game’s requirements across qualifying reels. The ways count alone does not establish a winning combination.
Prize value
The paytable determines what a qualifying combination pays. Extra positions and wild multipliers do not replace those rules.
Read paylines and ways to win for the broader comparison. The basic pokies guide explains the stake, result and balance changes behind the animations.
Where 117,649 ways comes from
For a six-reel example with seven eligible positions on every reel, multiply the counts together. Seven to the sixth power produces 117,649 potential position combinations across the layout. It is a count of combinations, not a prediction of how many pay.
A changing-grid example
7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 = 117,649 ways
A different illustrative layout gives:
2 × 3 × 4 × 5 × 6 × 7 = 5,040 ways
The count describes the layout. Symbol frequency, matching requirements and the paytable determine the result.
The maximum advertised by a title need not be present on every round. Additional reels, special symbols or feature states can also affect how a particular game counts its combinations. Follow the information screen for that title rather than applying a generic formula without checking the rules.
Why more ways is not a payout guarantee
The number of possible paths through a layout is not the same as the probability that valuable matching symbols occupy them. A larger grid can still produce no qualifying win. Two games with the same maximum ways count can have different paytables, RTP values and result distributions.
A ways counter should therefore be read as a description of the current layout, not a reason to raise the stake. It does not indicate that a feature is due or that the next round has a guaranteed larger prize.
Megaways game examples from provider pages
These descriptions use official provider pages checked on 17 October 2026. They explain game designs rather than establish availability at the casinos in the separate offer table.
Bonanza
Big Time Gaming’s current Bonanza page advertises up to 117,649 ways and describes its Dual Reaction cascading system. It lists mobile and desktop HTML5 availability for the presentation shown.
The practical comparison is the reel evaluation and reaction sequence. Use the exact version’s rules for its features and published return.
Wild West Gold Megaways
Pragmatic Play describes a Megaways version with up to 117,649 ways, wild multipliers and a double-chance feature. Its bonus description includes sticky wilds and retriggers.
The Megaways edition should be checked separately from the original Wild West Gold. A shared theme does not make the rules identical.
The Dog House Megaways
The provider describes wild multipliers and a choice between Sticky Wilds and Raining Wilds bonus games. The modes use different feature behaviour.
Read how each choice operates before selecting it. A different spin count is only one part of the comparison; the wild rules also matter.
Megaways is a mechanic name, not a promise that all variable-reel games use the same system. Nor does it mean that every title carrying a familiar brand uses the same return percentage as its non-Megaways version.
Cascades, multipliers and free-spin rounds
Cascades and reactions
In games with a cascading feature, a qualifying win can remove or change symbols and allow replacements to be evaluated within the round. Titles may call this a reaction, cascade or tumble, but the exact sequence belongs to the game.
Read whether a multiplier changes during the sequence, when it resets and whether free spins use different rules. Several evaluations within one paid round do not necessarily mean several separate stakes were charged. Use the final round breakdown to understand the total return.
Wild behaviour
A sticky wild can remain in place during a feature, while a raining wild can appear in new positions. Other titles use expanding wilds or a multiplier attached to a symbol. Check which reels are eligible and which symbols can be substituted.
These features affect the prize calculation but should not be treated as proof of a particular volatility rating. The same broad feature name can be implemented differently across games.
Feature spins and promotional spins
Free spins triggered inside a game follow its paytable. Promotional spins allocated by a casino follow a coupon and may be limited to a named title at a specified value. A welcome offer mentioning free spins does not automatically let you choose any Megaways game.
Our free spin bonus guide covers account promotions. For respin-style mechanics with locked symbols, see hold-and-spin pokies.
General casino welcome offers
The table compares four existing welcome packages. It does not confirm that Bonanza, Wild West Gold Megaways or The Dog House Megaways is available or bonus-eligible at those casinos. Check the live catalogue for the exact title before choosing an account or coupon.
| Casino | General welcome package | Bonus code | Offer page |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 300% + 50 free spinsCash Bandits 2 · minimum deposit $20 | 300-WELCOME | View offer |
 | 400% up to $4,000 + 20 spinsCash Bandits 3 · deposit bonus | 400CB20 | View offer |
 | 400% up to $4,000 + 100 spins40× rollover · no maximum cashout | BANDIT4000 | View offer |
 | 100% up to $1,000 + 40 spinsFortunate Buddha · min $20 · 30× · 48 hours | RC400 | View offer |
18+. Affiliate links: we may earn a commission from qualifying referrals. Full coupon terms apply. Affiliate disclosure.
Read the individual guides to Fair Go, Ozwin, Uptown Pokies and Ripper Casino for the actual spin games named in their checked offers. Those allocations should not be relabelled as Megaways offers.
Five checks before using a cash balance
- Exact edition: match the title, provider and Megaways wording.
- Total stake: check the full round cost, including any optional mode.
- Matching rules: read the starting reel, required combination length and wild exclusions.
- Return and volatility: use the published information for the version loaded.
- Bonus eligibility: confirm the exact game and feature mode are permitted by the selected coupon.
A mode described as double chance or a feature purchase can change the amount charged and have its own conditions. Read the actual cost before selecting it. The presence of a button is not an instruction to use it, and a larger payment does not guarantee a favourable result.
RTP and volatility are separate from ways
RTP describes the theoretical long-run share of stakes returned. Volatility describes the distribution of potential prizes. The maximum ways count provides neither figure by itself.
Compare published RTP figures, high-volatility pokies and low-volatility pokies for those different measures. A large maximum multiplier is also separate from a progressive pool; see jackpot pokies for that distinction.
Megaways games and bonus wagering
A casino can allow ordinary cash play on a title while excluding it from a promotion. It may also exclude feature purchases, enhanced modes or particular editions. The coupon’s wording matters more than a broad claim that slots contribute to wagering.
At 50% contribution, a $10 stake adds $5 to the qualifying total. A prohibited game can create a terms breach, rather than simply contributing less. Check the maximum stake, expiry, cashout cap and the balance type being used.
The wagering calculator helps with turnover arithmetic. The withdrawal limits guide covers separate cashout conditions, while welcome bonuses explains deposit packages.
Mobile and demo play
On a phone, make sure the changing grid does not obscure the total stake or help button. Try the supported orientation and use the paytable to follow a completed win. A higher ways count can make the screen busier without changing the need to read the same basic information.
A compatible browser version may run without a separate app. See no-download pokies and the mobile hub for device guidance. Availability depends on the exact title and operator.
A demo can help you understand changing reels, cascades and feature choices where one is available. Its virtual balance cannot be withdrawn, and its outcomes do not predict a cash session. Read free pokies for that distinction and real money pokies for account and withdrawal checks.
For Australian readers: game availability or an overseas licence does not establish Australian authorisation. ACMA identifies online casinos and online pokies as prohibited interactive gambling services for customers in Australia. Read the official ACMA guidance. Support information is on our responsible gambling page.
Megaways pokies Australia FAQs
What are Megaways pokies?
Megaways is a game mechanic associated with Big Time Gaming that changes the number of symbol positions on the reels. This can change the number of possible winning combinations between rounds. Each title adds its own paytable and features.
How do 117,649 ways work?
In a six-reel layout with seven eligible positions on every reel, the product is 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 = 117,649. The displayed number counts possible combinations under the game’s rules, not prizes guaranteed on a spin.
Are ways the same as fixed paylines?
No. A fixed payline follows a specified path. A ways system evaluates qualifying matching symbols across eligible reels without requiring one of those fixed paths. Read the title’s matching rules and minimum combination length.
Does every Megaways game have 117,649 ways?
No universal maximum should be assumed. Some games use different layouts or feature states. Even where 117,649 is advertised, it can be the maximum rather than the number active on every round.
Do more ways guarantee a bigger win?
No. The symbol distribution, paytable and feature rules determine outcomes. A larger ways count does not by itself guarantee a prize or establish a higher RTP.
What is a cascade or reaction?
In games with this feature, winning symbols are removed or changed and replacement symbols allow another evaluation within the round. The sequence and any multiplier rules depend on the title.
Are all Megaways pokies high volatility?
Do not assign one rating to the entire mechanic. Read the provider’s rating and game information for the exact title and mode. RTP, volatility and the ways count describe different aspects of a game.
Are the casino offers on this page confirmed Megaways offers?
No. The table compares general welcome packages from four casinos. It does not confirm that the Megaways examples are offered or eligible for those coupons. Check the live catalogue before selecting an account or promotion.
Can a bonus exclude Megaways games?
Yes. A promotion can restrict individual titles, feature purchases or game categories, or assign reduced wagering contribution. Check the exact coupon, maximum stake, expiry and withdrawal conditions.
Can I try a Megaways game in demo mode?
Where a compatible practice version is available, it can help you understand reel changes and features. Demo credits have no cash value, and demo results do not predict cash play. Access can depend on the title, device and location.