If you’ve played traditional online slots, you’ll know they have a fixed number of rows for each reel. Now add a random reel modifier that changes symbols each spin, creating thousands of ways to win. For this reason and more, Megaways slots have proven to be a popular slot type at online casinos.
Let’s take a closer look at how these games work, their bonus features and game mechanics, plus how to choose the Best Megaways games to play in Canada for maximum rewards.
First developed by Australian software developer Big Time Gaming, Megaways slots are now licensed by most major gaming providers in Canada. They are defined by a reel mechanic, which randomly changes the number of paylines, creating up to 586,971 ways to win with every single spin.
These adapting reels are combined with features like cascading wilds, mystery symbols, and increasing multipliers to provide a superior gameplay and big payouts not seen in other slot games.
Cascading Reels
Winning symbols disappear and new ones tumble down to fill the gaps. This feature can keep triggering until no winning combinations remain on the grid.
Mystery Symbols
These transform into a random symbol, adding unpredictability and the chance of hitting more winning combinations.
Scatter Symbols
These special symbols activate the bonus round when enough appear, often activating free spins or other unique features tied to the game's mechanics.
Free Spins
A common slot feature, free spins are often part of the rewards in Megaways games. Additionally, some of these slots offer unlimited spins and re-triggers.
Unlimited Win Multiplier
In some slots, each cascade win boosts the multiplier by 1x, allowing the multiplier to grow infinitely.
Wild Multipliers
These substitute for other symbols to form winning combinations and can also multiply the win by a certain factor.
Maximum Megaways
This randomly triggered feature allows the maximum number of symbols on each reel, enabling the highest possible number of payways on that spin.
Orphaned Reels
These reels display fewer symbols than the others, creating gaps that can affect potential combinations and increase payouts.
Bonus Wheel
Players spin a randomly activated wheel for a shot at free spins, multipliers, or instant access to other bonus features within the game.
Bonus / Feature Buy
Allows players to instantly trigger at a fixed cost, usually around 100x the total bet.
Especially for beginners, the payouts of Megaways slots can be confusing if you don’t know how they work. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. The number of payways is calculated by multiplying the maximum number of visible symbols by the total number of reels:
| Max No. of Symbols Landed | Specific Reel | Ways to Win (Payways) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 7 | 1 | 7 |
| 2 7 | 2 | 49 |
| 3 7 | 3 | 343 |
| 4 7 | 4 | 2,401 |
| 5 7 | 5 | 16,807 |
| 6 7 | 6 | 117,649 |
The layout and mechanics are different from traditional slots. So, for beginners, learning how to play slots in the Megaways format can be a little bit confusing. Thankfully, understanding the gameplay gets easier with every spin. 
Step 1
Register with Joker8 Casino that offers plenty of Megaways slots.Step 2
Deposit funds into your account and claim the welcome bonus of up to $750 + 200 free spins.Step 3
Visit the slots lobby and find the Megaways section in the top navigation of the site.Step 4
Select Great Rhino Megaways (or something else with the right theme, RTP, and volatility)Step 5
Click the relevant icon to launch the game.Step 6
Set your preferred bet amount at the bottom of the playing grid.Step 7
Push the spin button to turn the reels as you try to land winning combinations.Step 8
Remember to always gamble responsibly, setting limits on your play and spend if necessary.Whether you love the unpredictability of cascading reels, the thrill of mystery symbols, or unlimited win multipliers, these games offer something for every type of player. With up to 586,971 ways to get paid, Megaways slots have set a new standard for excitement at online casinos. So why not give them a spin and see what the hype is all about?
To compare Megaways slot casinos, leading gaming providers, how the top titles stack up, and even where to play Megaways progressive jackpots, read more here about Megaways slots.
Most reputable Canadian online casinos have these slots, as they are licensed by leading software providers like NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, and Playtech.
Yes, though the format may seem confusing initially, the gameplay is easy to understand after a few spins. Many games also offer tutorials or demo modes to help new players
Many online casinos offer demo versions of Megaways games, where you can play free slots to get familiar with the mechanics before betting real money.
Look for games with themes you enjoy, a high RTP (above 96%), suitable volatility, and features like cascading reels or mystery symbols. Reading slot reviews can also help you decide.
High volatility slots provide bigger but less frequent wins, while low volatility slots offer smaller, more frequent payouts. Choose based on your playing style and risk tolerance.
Payouts depend on the number of payways, which is calculated by multiplying the number of symbols on each reel. For example, 7 symbols across 6 reels create 117,649 payways.
Common features include cascading reels, free spins, mystery symbols, unlimited win multipliers, and wild multipliers. Some games also include a bonus wheel or a bonus buy option.
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