Gambling terms, explained straight

Not to be confused with megaways, which is the name of the mechanic itself; Megaways slots are the games that use it.

Slots & Gaming Machines

Megaways slots

A type of slot game where the number of symbols on each reel varies from spin to spin, so the total number of winning ways is never the same twice.

Also called
MegaWays, Megaways3
Applies to
Slots and slot-style games, including online slots and some live-dealer or game-show variants23
Maximum ways
Up to 117,649 ways to win in some games3
Key feature
Each spin can produce a different reel layout, so winning ways change dynamically23

Key points

  • The term refers to the mechanic, not a specific payout rate or stake structure.23
  • Megaways slots are a subtype of slots, which is the broader category of reel-based casino games.12
  • No single universal figure defines the term; the mechanics vary by game.3

How Megaways Slots Work

On each spin, the reels display a random number of symbols, so the number of ways to win is not fixed. For example, a game might offer up to 117,649 ways to win, but the actual count changes every spin.3 This dynamic layout is what distinguishes Megaways slots from traditional slots with fixed paylines.

Where this term is used

Not the same as

  • Slots spin — a broader category of reel-based games, not limited to the Megaways mechanic
  • Casino slots — the general class of slot machines, which includes but is not defined by variable ways
  • Bingo slots — a different type of slot that combines bingo elements, not variable reels
  • Gambling slots — a generic term for any slot machine used for gambling, not a specific mechanic
Slots Megaways The mechanic itself that Megaways slots use. Slots Slots spin A single play of a slot machine, including Megaways slots. Slots Casino slots The broader category of slot games found in casinos. Slots Bingo slots Slots that incorporate bingo-style gameplay, distinct from Megaways. Slots Gambling slots Any slot machine used for gambling, including Megaways slots. Slots RTP slots RTP slots are slot games

Sources

  1. Definitions of terms - Gambling Commission gamblingcommission.gov.uk Defines slots as a broader category, used to distinguish Megaways slots.
  2. Live Slots ᐈ Review On How To Play Live Slot Machines wizardofodds.com Explains the Megaways mechanic and its application to slots.
  3. Best Payout Slots for Swiss Players | High RTP Games 2026 wizardofodds.com Provides the example of up to 117,649 ways to win and alternative names.

Sources are drawn from regulators, universities and published research, and each one is labelled with what it actually is — a preprint is not called a paper. Bookmaker and affiliate pages are never cited here, because a page that sells betting is not a neutral authority on it.

Written and maintained by Ellis Warrender, writer and maintainer.

Last updated 28 July 2026. Spotted an error? Tell me and it gets fixed and logged on the corrections page.