Megaways is a Big Time Gaming mechanic with changing numbers of participating reel positions. The ways count describes potential combinations of positions, not the probability of a payout. The familiar 117,649 figure is not a mandatory maximum for every implementation.
Where 117,649 comes from
In a simple ways layout, multiply the participating position counts on each reel. Six reels with seven positions each give 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 = 117,649.
Six reels with only two participating positions each give 64. A top reel or special symbol may affect the count; the individual rules determine what is included.
Potential ways versus actual payouts
The displayed ways count concerns combinations of positions. For those positions to form winning combinations, qualifying symbols must appear on the required reels under the paytable.
In a standard ways implementation, combinations for one symbol are also counted by multiplying its qualifying occurrences across participating reels. Check Wild rules, direction and minimum reel count separately. More ways do not imply proportionately more chances.
Cascades are an additional rule
Many games combine Megaways with removing winning symbols and refilling their positions. One paid spin can then include a sequence of outcomes.
That combines mechanics; it is not a necessary condition for every game carrying the name. Check refill direction, reel-height changes and when the sequence ends.
Multipliers and free spins vary
A multiplier may grow after cascades, apply only in a feature or persist between spins. The game defines its cap and reset conditions.
Do not transfer one slot’s uncapped multiplier to all Megaways games. Even an uncapped multiplier does not remove an overall payout limit where the rules specify one.
RTP, risk and feature purchases
The ways count does not establish RTP, volatility or bonus frequency. Those belong to the mathematical model and version, not simply the grid shape.
A feature purchase, where available, has its own price and mode. There is no universal 50–100-stake cost or maximum stake across all Megaways games.
Counting ways for a particular symbol
Bonanza combines Megaways with cascades that can refill positions in both directions. The ways available across the whole grid and the paid combinations of one symbol are different quantities.
Take an illustrative result with two matching symbols on reel one, two on reel two and one on reel three. If the rules pay that combination over three consecutive reels, it produces 2 × 2 × 1 = 4 ways. Assume each pays 0.10 of the total stake. The award is 0.40 stakes, or 0.80 currency units at a stake of 2.
Another matching symbol on the next reel requires applying the combination-length rule first. Do not automatically add three-reel awards to four-reel awards: the game may pay only the longest combination. Wilds follow their substitution rules, while Scatters can have a separate award.
Payout units are part of the game specifications. With a feature purchase, also account for its entry price. A large displayed multiplier does not turn a stake-based payout into net profit.