Big Time Gaming casinos provide players with access to the patented Megaways slots mechanics, the variable reel system that has set BTG apart from other casino game providers for many years. However, in recent years, the biggest names in the industry have also gained the licence to use the Megaways mechanic, making a casino’s Megaways library grow beyond Big Time Gaming’s games alone. This article explains the Megaways mechanic, covers original BTG games, identifies common misconceptions, and shows how to register at casinos with the large Megaways libraries.
After testing and verifying BTG’s original and Megaways titles, here are a few standout Big Time Gaming casinos handpicked by our experts:
Hugo Casino integrates a strong selection of BTG Megaways slots, including Vegas Megaways, Rasputin Megaways, Danger High Voltage Megaways, and Max Megaways.
Trickz Casino has over 70 BTG games in its library; some of the top ones include Bonanza, White Rabbit, Star Clusters, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Golden Catch, and Darger! High Voltage.
Traditional online slots mainly have a fixed reel structure, which means each reel has a set number of symbol positions for every spin. Mostly, there are three, four, or five symbol positions, depending on the slot. However, Big Time Gaming slots with Megaways change this structure with their variable reel heights, where each reel’s visible symbol count is randomly determined by the game’s engine. For instance, in a standard 6-reel Megaways format, each reel can independently display 2-7 symbols. This means that Reel One might show 7 symbols, while the reel two shows three, and so on. And this configuration can change on the next spin.
In this case, the total number of ways becomes flexible and is calculated by multiplying the visible symbol count on each reel. So, if all 6 reels display the minimum two symbols, the active ways will be 64, calculated as 2x2x2x2x2x2. And if all the reels display 7 symbols, it becomes 117,649 (7x7x7x7x7x7), which is the number associated with classic Megaways titles like the Bonanza Megaways slot. Since each reel height changes independently on every spin, the active way count also changes every spin. This creates fluctuating win-path structures rather than a static payline model.

From the players’ perspective, this means the same stake can produce different winning volumes from one spin to the next. The Megaways variance comes specifically from reel-height fluctuation and dynamic way count calculation. Also, cascades, multipliers, sticky wilds, or free spins are separate game features layered on top. The mechanic itself is the mathematical framework controlling reel structure and patch count.
A small studio based in Sydney developed a mechanism, patented it, and watched as it spread throughout the industry. Here is how it all unfolded.
Big Time Gaming was established in Sydney, Australia, in 2011 as a slot software provider. And in 2016, BTG introduced Megaways publicly through the Dragon Born slot, establishing its patented variable-reel model. In 2021, Evolution acquired BTG, but the provider continues to operate as a distinct game development brand within Evolution’s broader distribution structure.
With the Megaways patent, the company is able to commercially license the mechanic to external studios, helping to generate revenue and expand the Megaways library beyond BTG’s own releases. This licensing model is why players can now find Megaways titles from other providers like Pragmatic Play, Blueprint Gaming, NetEnt, Red Tiger, and more, alongside BTG originals.
Since the acquisition in 2021, BTG titles have benefited from Evolution’s wider operator network and integration infrastructure. For players, this simply means broader access to BTG original games and licensed Megaways titles across more regulated online gambling platforms compared to when BTG was a standalone brand.
Since its introduction in 2016, the Megaways concept has grown beyond Big Time Gaming’s software catalogue, but here are some of BTG’s original Megaways slots you can check out at the trusted online casino sites.
White Rabbit Megaways is one of Big Time Gaming’s most distinctive originals. It introduces an expanding reel mechanic that extends beyond the standard 6-reel Megaways format. During the base game, caterpillar symbols can add symbol positions to any reel, pushing the active way count beyond the standard 117,649 maximum, up to 248,832 ways on a fully expanded grid. The standard RTP sits at 97.24%, and the volatility is high. The main limitation is that the top RTP figure is not universally available; many operators configure a lower variant.
The Bonanza Megaways slot comes with the classic 6-reel Megaways with a top horizontal reel, cascading symbols, and free spins with unlimited multipliers. The game’s standard RTP is 96.00%, while the Bonus Buy RTP is 96.11%. It has 117,649 max win ways and high volatility. The main drawback is that most of the game’s upside comes from the free spins round, while the base game has a noticeably different variance profile and may deliver extended low-return periods before the bonus is triggered.
Extra Chilli retains the 117,649-way structure but replaces the standard bonus game with a gamble feature for free-spin entry that allows players to win up to 24 free spins. The RTP for this game commonly reaches 96.82%, and it has high volatility. The limitation here is that the gamble access introduces an additional risk to the player’s bankroll, which is not present in conventional feature buys.
This BTG original adapts Megaways into the popular Who Wants to Be a Millionaire TV show. This branded IP uses life-line modifiers and quiz-show-themed free spins. Aside from its Megaways mechanics, it has a V-Gamble Hot Seat feature, Dual Reaction, Unlimited Retriggers and Multipliers. The game has multiple RTP variants, the most common of which is 96.20%. There are max win ways up to 117,649, and high volatility. The negative for this popular game is that having a regional IP licence may restrict availability in certain locations.
Danger High Voltage Megaways applies the classic 6-reel BTG structure with dual free spins: Gate of Hell delivers escalating unlimited multipliers on cascades, while Gate of Heaven applies sticky wilds without multiplier escalation. Base game Electric Eel wilds substitute across multiple reels simultaneously. The RTP is around 96.00%, volatility is very high, and max ways reach 117,649. We should mention that a “Megapays” version of this title exists with a different mathematical model entirely. You should confirm which version your casino carries before playing. The main drawback is significant bonus dependence, with base game returns modest until a free spins trigger lands.
To verify the casinos with the largest Megaways library size, measure both BTG original games and Megaways slots across all licensed providers’ catalogues instead of relying on homepage claims. So, here are the steps we take to verify these casinos.
We filter casino lobbies by the Big Time Gaming provider specifically, then confirm flagship BTG originals, including Bonanza, Extra Chilli, and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Megaways, by testing them across multiple desktop and mobile sessions.
We use the “Megaways” lobby filters or title search functions to document the total Megaways count in the BTG library and all licensees. Then, we combined the active title count, not BTG count alone, to determine the primary ranking.
We exclude geo-restricted titles from active counts even when visible in lobby previews. Also, BTG originals and IP-restricted variants are tested separately because displayed availability does not always equal playable availability.
The casino’s licence registry data is verified directly, and after that, bonus terms are reviewed for Megaways exclusions, reduced wagering contribution, or feature restrictions. This is because many operators apply title-specific bonus limitations.
Both Big Time Gaming and Pragmatic Play rank among the most popular slot providers at online casinos, and both have significant titles in the Megaways structure. The practical difference for players comes down to features and how each studio’s game restrictions are in the casino bonus terms and regional availability.
BTG’s licensing strategy transformed Megaways from a single-studio mechanic into one of online slots’ largest structural ecosystems. Nowadays, Megaways casinos outnumber BTG originals substantially, so knowing each provider’s participation matters when it comes to evaluating the true Megaways depth.
| Provider | Megaways Titles | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pragmatic Play | Sweet Bonanza Megaways, Gates of Olympus Megaways | One of the largest Megaways portfolios by volume, with frequent new releases |
| Blueprint Gaming | Fishin’ Frenzy Megaways, Vikings Unleashed Megaways | Early Megaways adopter; strong UK-facing catalogue |
| NetEnt | Starburst Megaways | Active in selective markets; title count smaller than Pragmatic or Blueprint |
| Red Tiger | Dragon’s Fire Megaways | Part of Evolution: tightly integrated distribution |
| iSoftBet (Acquired by IGT in 2022) | Aztec Gold Megaways, Gold Digger Megaways | Confirmed licence via released titles; smaller, non-core Megaways output |
A casino’s Megaways depth doesn’t solely rely on BTG alone, but more on how many active Megaways licensees it carries. Online casinos with many provider portfolios typically produce significantly larger Megaways libraries.
Finding a BTG casino takes more than checking whether a site lists Megaways on its homepage. That label now covers titles from a dozen different studios, so the steps below show you how to confirm you’re actually getting access to BTG originals, a fair bonus structure, and responsible gaming tools before you deposit.
BTG games are built on HTML5. So they run directly in mobile browsers like Chrome on Android and Safari on iOS, without an additional app. Performance is generally stable across different titles, but a few considerations are worth knowing before playing on a smaller screen.
From our research and tests of BTG and Megaways online casinos, we noticed two statements that held over time, and one claim repeated many times that simply doesn’t hold true.
The BTG’s Megaways system is about various reel heights and dynamic win ways. This patented framework now extends beyond BTG releases to licensed third parties with proven track records and increasing portfolios. With that, a casino’s Megaways depth depends on the total provider coverage rather than Big Time Gaming alone. To confirm BTG games, using the filter is the most reliable tool. If you’re looking to play games at Big Time Gaming casinos, ensure you verify the licence status and bonus terms and rules for Megaways slots before registering. The Megaways structure can make sessions feel unpredictable, which can lead to extended losses. Recognise the signs of problematic play, reach out to organisations like Gambling Therapy, and use the casinos’ limits.
Megaways is BTG’s patented variable-reel system, where each reel independently changes symbol height with every spin. For the standard 6-reel versions, the visible combinations range from 64 to 117,649 active ways, depending on reel configuration.
Pragmatic Play, Blueprint Gaming, NetEnt, and Red Tiger are among the major providers with Megaways licences, with additional, lesser-known brands.
BTG originals are designed directly by Big Time Gaming, such as Bonanza or Extra Chilli. Meanwhile, licensed Megaways titles use the same patented mechanic but are developed and published by third-party studios.
No, more ways only change available symbol path structures on that spin. RTP and volatility govern hit frequency and payout behaviour, so 117,649 ways does not translate to a better win frequency.
Use the Megaways search filter or dedicated section to measure the total Megaways catalogue, then combine all the verified title counts to determine the casino’s true library size. The one with the most games from providers with the Megaways licence has the largest library.
Megaways and Megapays are two separate patented mechanics developed by Big Time Gaming. Megaways is a variable reel system, and Megapays is a fixed jackpot network mechanic layered on top of a slot’s base structure.