When it comes to Ontario online slots, and indeed slots across America and Europe, two types certainly stand out from the crowd. There’s the classic slot, which uses a 5x3 format, anywhere from 10-50 paylines on average, and, typically special symbols like wilds and scatters and bonus features such as free spins. Then, there’s the Megaways slot, a concept that debuted in 2016 via the release of Big Time Gaming’s Bonanza slot. Including thousands of ways to win (117,649 in typical Megaways games) largely thanks to the cascading reels mechanic, it wasn’t surprising that this concept was going to change the online slot world forever.
Join us in today’s article as we explore the differences between Megaways slots and traditional slots.
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What Are Megaways Slots?
Megaways Slots are video slots that use the Megaways random reels modifier. The random reel modifier mechanic, developed by Big Time Gaming of Australia, then a little-known developer, catapulted to online slot stardom in 2016 with their Bonanza slot, changing the slot game forever. Before Megaways, there were a few traditional slots that could boast a then-incredible 524 or 1024 ways to win, but with the traditional Megaways model able to play with up to 117649 win ways per spin; these games were blown out of the water.
Megaways slots work by changing the number of symbols that appear on the reels with each spin, providing players with far more opportunities to win than traditional online slots. Megaways slots use a unique mathematical model and include a random reel modifier, which changes the number of symbols and paylines that appear on the reels with each spin. At any given time, players can unlock between 2 and 7 unique symbols, as well as 524 and 117,649 winning combinations.
Alongside the variable reel set per spin, the second factor which allows Megaways games to have such stratospheric payline numbers is the use of avalanching reels. Also called cascading reels and tumbling reels by other developers, avalanching reels remove winning combinations from the reels once they have been highlighted to the player, which in turn allows for more symbols to fall down and fill the spaces. This can lead to a chain reaction of wins, and more than one symbol win per spin in a Megaways game isn't too uncommon. Something to note if this is your first time exploring Megaways games is that at first glance it may seem like the paytable of these games is super stingy, with payouts typically ranging from 0.1-20x, but as players can win multiple times per spin through the avalanche mechanic, these values can add up pretty quickly.
One of the best things about Megaways games that sets them apart from other proprietary game models such as 'win what you see' or 'cash collect' is the fact that Big Time Gaming decided to share their creation with other developers in the business and leases the Megaways concept to many of the top developers.
This means that many of the most popular games from developers such as Games Global (formerly Microgaming), Red Tiger, Blueprint, and more have released their own spin on the Megaways system. This means that when it comes to Megaways titles players are spoiled for choice; especially as BGT also allowed other developers to experiment with the math model, meaning that there are now Megaways titles with just 15,525 possible win ways up to an awe-inspiring 586,971 ways!
What Are Traditional Slots?
Traditional slots are the types of games you probably first picture in your head and may have played in a pub, casino section of an arcade, or a brick-and-mortar casino in the past. With a history starting in the 1880’s it is not surprising that traditional slots can be split into two distinct forms; retro/fruit machine slots which use a 3x3 reel configuration, and the modern video slot which has a 5x3 reel configuration. For the sake of clarity, brevity, and fairness, we will be focussing on this second type as video slots are far more common at online venues and compare more closely to Megaways titles. Traditional slots often have wild symbols, scatter symbols, and bonus rounds like free spins, trail bonuses, and pick-and-win features.
As mentioned, traditional slots follow a classic pattern with a set number of reels and paylines, making them instantly recognisable and somewhat familiar/comforting to returning players. The concept is straightforward: to win, participants must arrange matching symbols along the designated lines. Most commonly this will be from the first, leftmost reel, moving to the right. Outside of scatter symbols, winning combinations will need to appear across an active payline and usually, 3-5 matching symbols are required (though some games may only require 2 on select symbols).
The appeal of default slots arises from their simplicity as well as the huge range of games available. Players may easily grasp the game fundamentals with a constant number of reels and paylines, making these slots ideal for individuals who prefer a more calm and predictable gaming experience or are just learning the ropes when it comes to online slot gaming.
Classic symbols like fruits, bars, and sevens contribute to the nostalgic atmosphere, and are most common in the 3x3 fruit machine genre, with 5-reel games commonly featuring low-p[aying symbols such as playing cards 9-A, or card suits like hearts, diamonds, spades, and clubs, alongside premium symbols designed to suit the titles’ chosen theme. While a common payline range for traditional slots is between 10 and 40 paylines/win ways, with thousands of variants there are plenty which go higher than this number including some with 243 to 1024 win ways out there.
The Showdown: Comparing Megaways and Traditional Slots
We’ll let you into a secret; no type of slot is the best or better than any of the others. Instead, different slot types are designed to appeal to different players; after all, the online slots community is a bustling and diverse place and there are plenty of game types, themes, and niches that will appeal to each player's individual tastes.
The table below provides you with an at-a-glance look at the differences between Megaways slots and traditional slot games so you can make an informed decision on which type is the best fit for you.
Criteria | Megaways Slots | Traditional Slots |
RTP | Megaways slots have a general range of RTP statistics of 95.7-97%, with the majority of these games having an RTP of 96.1-96.3%. | A larger number of games leads to a larger RTP average range of 94-98%. The general average is 96%, with lower averages tending to apply to retro-inspired games and the majority of titles falling within the 95.7-96.5% range. |
Volatility and Payout Rates | Megaways slot games tend to be on the higher end of the volatility scale. Even though these games contain a large variety of ways to win, larger wins are less common. Only a few Megaways titles are medium volatility, and even fewer are classed as low volatility. In terms of payout rates, the paytable of Megaways games at a glance is far lower than traditional slots, but wins are cumulative, and multiple wins can be achieved per spin. Some Megaways slots are also connected to a progressive jackpot network. | Traditional slots can have a huge range of volatility ratings. The last couple of years have seen a shift to medium-to-high and high-volatility games, but there is a broad selection of popular titles ranging from very low volatility to very high. When it comes to payouts, traditional slot games can be just as broad, with payouts starting from 0.1-10x for low-value symbols, and payouts of 10-500x and even 1000 or 5000x for premium symbols. Most commonly only the highest valued symbol combination is awarded per payline. Traditional slots may include fixed jackpot prizes as well as affiliation with a progressive jackpot network. |
Bonus Games and Features | The stand out feature of all Megaways games is the Megaways system with its changing reel size and avalanching reels. Megaways slots frequently have various additional features such as free spins and multipliers and can also be incorporated with other propriety features like Jackpot King, Cash Collect, and more. | Modern video slots tend to feature a wild symbol, a scatter symbol/bonus symbol, and free spins or respins bonus round at the very least (though some don’t!), but may also include other common features such as pick and win bonuses, trail bonuses, hold and win jackpot games, and gamble features. Like Megaways they may also be connected to a progressive jackpot network, such as Drops and Wins, or feature extra proprietary features such as Cash Collect. |
Gameplay Experience | Megaways slots frequently have sophisticated themes, multiple reels, detailed graphics, immersive sound effects, and complex extra features. As a result, they appeal to individuals looking for exciting and dynamic gaming experiences, making them ideal for experienced players or ambitious new players. | The gameplay experience of traditional slots can be just as varied as the online slot players who spin their reels. With a variety of math models and volatility ratings, as well as themes and storytelling, traditional slots can range from sedate retro titles to high volatility exciting adventure-themed games. |
Knowing Which Slot Is Right For You
As we mentioned earlier, there is no definitive way to say which type of slot game is best; traditional or Megaways. Instead, the answer is much more individual and depends upon who you are as a player and the types of elements and gameplay features which appeal most to you. Here are some things to consider when choosing a slot online:
Aesthetics and Theme
Firstly, consider the game's appearance and feel. Which visual and audio experiences do you prefer? What topics are you interested in other areas of your life; such as movies, sports, and so on that could inspire you to play? Due to the greater number of games, you’re more likely to find niche themes within traditional slots, but if you love all things action and excitement Megaways slots may be perfect for you.
The Stats
Check out the RTP and the volatility of any games you consider playing. Low-volatility games have high win probabilities but low rewards and multipliers, while high-volatility slots have lower odds of winning, but provide larger, more gratifying wins. Middle-volatility slots have a range of payout potential(s). So, if you’re a more relaxed gamer, a low volatility slot should give you the experience you’re looking for, while if you’re more of a high-octane person, a slot with a greater volatility rating; which is common in most Megaways games, would likely be the best choice.
Bonuses
If you’re brand new to online slots, you might want to opt for a traditional slot with minimal features so you can get to grips with the basics. However, if you have a basic knowledge of slots, and enjoy games with lots going on; the changing reels of Megaways games should keep you well entertained.
Demoplay
Most traditional and Megaways slot games can be played in demo mode which allows you to test them out before committing to real money wagers. You can read all the reviews in the world, but sometimes it takes actually playing the game to know if it's right for you.
What Makes You Unique?
Lastly, why not think about who you are as a player and what makes you unique - there is probably a slot; either traditional or Megaways that perfectly fits your niche. Whether you’ve always dreamed of being a fisherman, wanted to be at the heart of a bank heist or see your favourite franchises brought to life, there is plenty to explore within both traditional and megaways slot genres.
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