Online casinos are becoming increasingly popular in Canada, even though the country legalized physical ones a couple of decades ago. While players can legally visit land-based casinos, many often prefer online platforms for several reasons.
One reason is the variety of games that isn’t available at physical casinos. For instance, there are probably more than 20,000 slots in total from various software developers. Moreover, online casinos offer unique mechanics beyond the classic fruit slots found in land-based venues.
Megaways are one of such innovations. Megaways slots Canada offer thousands of ways to win instead of standard paylines. They often include features like cascades, bonus buy, cluster pays, “pays everywhere” mechanics, multipliers, and so on.
These machines are truly packed with goodies. This article explores the main functions of Megaways to help you learn more about the reasons for their popularity and how to play these slots responsibly.
How Megaways Function
Megaways were first introduced by Big Time Gaming. The system uses a random reel modifier that changes the number of symbols on each reel after every spin.
Each reel can show between two and seven symbols. One spin can have 324 ways to win, and the next can have 117,649. Every reel combination affects the total number of possible outcomes.
The system calculates wins according to its unique rules, and users still need to match identical symbols. Megaways slots often have six reels, and some versions include an additional reel that can unlock randomly.
The Megaways mechanism creates constantly changing rounds, but players can’t predict the number of ways before pressing spin. The game engine randomizes it every time.
Cascading Symbols and Their Effect on Payouts
Megaways often have cascading reels. It’s a feature that removes all winning symbols after each win. New symbols then appear in their place, giving another chance for winning combinations within the same spin. Every cascade can trigger another win until no new combinations appear.
Cascades increase the potential of small wins in one round. Players often use them to stretch their balance, as one spin can generate multiple results. Every cascade recalculates the number of ways, so the grid can change shape during the same round.
Most Megaways slots apply identical rules for cascades in both the base game and the free spins round. However, in some versions, the free spins feature may include a progressive multiplier that grows with each cascade. This multiplier doesn’t reset until the round ends.
Free Spins and Multipliers in Megaways Games
Free spins are the main bonus feature in most slots. Players activate them by getting three or more scatter symbols. The number of free rounds depends on how many scatters appear. In many cases, four scatter symbols give from 5 to 20 free spins, but there may also be respins within those rounds.
Most slots introduce unlimited multipliers. The multiplier grows after each cascade and doesn’t reset until the end of the feature. This rule means the final spins can reach very high multipliers if the cascades continue.
Bonus Buys and Their Use in Megaways Slots
Some Megaways have a Bonus Buy feature. It’s an option that lets players purchase instant access to the free spins round without waiting for scatter symbols. The price usually depends on the total bet amount. For example, if the game sets the Bonus Buy price at 100x the current bet, a bet of $CAD 2 means the feature costs $CAD 200.
Bonus Buys guarantee immediate access to the free rounds. However, using this option can empty your balance faster if luck doesn’t support good cascades or multipliers. Players who prefer longer sessions usually activate bonuses naturally through regular spins.
Each Bonus Buy round still has the same RTP and rules as normal bonuses. This means the feature doesn’t increase your chances of winning. That’s why you should play in demo mode first to test whether buying the round at such a high price is worth it.
How to Use Megaways Features Wisely
Although these slots are based on luck, you can still apply a strategy. Here are the simple rules that help:
- Define a session budget before starting. It’s better to use smaller bets to extend playing time and see more cascades and multipliers in action.
- Play demo versions. These are free games with all the same mechanisms, but you play them free of charge. It’s a safe way to understand how the variable reel system and cascades behave before moving to real bets.
- Never place big bets. It’s important to understand that most Megaways have high volatility. This means you can spin dozens of times without a reward, but then one big win appears. Placing large stakes can quickly deplete your entire budget, which is why it’s best to place smaller stakes to drag out the balance.
To conclude, Megaways are popular because they’re unique. They feature random reel modifiers, cascades, multipliers, high RTPs, massive wins, and more. They’re also visually appealing and often have top-notch animation. Despite the foregoing, play responsibly to not losing everything at once.
