Tag: #spin

Understanding Megaways Slots: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Want to learn how one of online slots’ hottest mechanics works? Read our complete Megaways slots explained guide. Megaways slots are completely different to your typical spin-the-reels-and-match-the-scatters style of online slot game. They’re constructed differently, they play differently, and they pay out differently.

The Problem…

Players start playing Megaways slots without understanding how the mechanic works. That’s a big problem because knowing how Megaways slots work before you play gives you the upper hand.

We cover everything you need to know below.

Megaways Slots Explained: Table of Contents

  1. What Are Megaways Slots?
  2. How Does the Megaways Mechanic Work?
  3. Key Features Beginner’s Should Know
  4. Best Megaways Slots
  5. Tips For Playing Megaways Slots

What Are Megaways Slots?

If you’re new to online slots then knowing what are Megaways slots is where we start. Megaways slots refer to a group of online slot games that use a unique reel modifier engine developed by Aussie studio Big Time Gaming (BTG).

Instead of traditional paylines Megaways slots have multiple symbols per reel that change with each spin.

Effectively, they have a fluctuating number of ways to win that increase with each pull of the lever.

Why? More on that below.

The Megaways slot engine first appeared in 2016 when Big Time Gaming released Bonanza, a gold rush-themed Megaways slot that caught the eyes (and reels) of players around the world. Since then more than 30 game studios have created over 200 unique Megaways titles.

Who knew Aussie dev’s would blaze such a trail for slots?

How Does the Megaways Mechanic Work?

Okay. Let’s break down the Megaways slot engine…

Standard Megaways slots have 6 reels. When you spin the reels, each reel will randomly show between 2 and 7 symbols at once. To work out the total ways to win you multiply the total number of symbols across all 6 reels together.

Formula Example: Ways to win = Reel 1 X reel 2 X reel 3 X reel 4 X reel 5 X reel 6

So if every reel shows 7 symbols down, you have 7,176 possible ways to win on that spin (7X7X7X7X7X7).

At full capacity most Megaways slots offer up to 117,649 ways to win per spin. Some games like Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Megaways pushes that ceiling even higher at 1,000,000 possible ways to win.

Now compare that to your average online slot with 20 fixed paylines.

Here’s the thing…

More ways to win increases the amount of potential win combinations per spin.

Having more ways to win doesn’t guarantee you a win. Most Megaways slots are high-volatility games. Winning combinations will often land in big clusters — and go missing for longer stretches. That’s normal. Know the signs before playing.

Key Features Beginner’s Should Know

Megaways slots have a variety of features you won’t find on regular slot games. Knowing what’s what is essential.

Cascading Reels

A winning combination will cause the winning symbols to disappear from the reels. New symbols will fall into place to take their place. If new symbols complete another winning combination — they too will vanish.

Creating multiple consecutive wins from one spin.

This feature is known as cascading reels, and it’s what makes Megaways slots so much fun.

Win Multipliers

Most Megaways slots feature a win multiplier that increases during the free spins round. The multiplier starts at 1x and grows with each consecutive win. By the end of a massive cascade players have seen their multiplier reach astronomical figures.

Big wins are had during this stage.

Free Spins Bonus Round

Like most online slots, Megaways feature a bonus round where players can win free spins. When triggered by scatter symbols, the free spins round is where the win multiplier feature comes into play.

Slot hunters should do everything they can to trigger this bonus feature. It’s the difference between a good and bad Megaways experience.

The Extra Horizontal Reel

Have you noticed how a lot of Megaways slots have an extra horizontal reel resting above the main 6 reels? Well, that reel multiplies the total ways to win even higher, getting you closer to the maximum amount on each spin.

Best Megaways Slots

With hundreds of Megaways slots to choose from online today, beginners should start with these top three:

  • Bonanza Megaways — The original Megaways slot game from Big Time Gaming. Featuring up to 117,649 ways to win, a 96% RTP and a max win of 26,x your stake. A true Megaways classic!
  • Gonzo’s Quest Megaways — Originally developed by NetEnt, this long-running Megaways slot features multipliers that climb to 15x during free spins.
  • The Dog House Megaways — If you haven’t heard of The Dog House yet then where have you been? Developed by Pragmatic Play, the slot features a 96.55% RTP and max win of 12,305x your stake. Consistently one of the top performing Megaways slots online.

Pick one of these three Megaways slots to learn the basics. Get familiar with how cascading reels work and how the free spins bonus round affects your total winnings. From there you can start exploring bigger and better Megaways games.

Tips For Playing Megaways Slots

Ready to start playing Megaways slots online? First, read these tips:

Know the volatility. Megaways slots don’t pay out small wins as often as you’d think. There will be longer periods without wins that test your patience. Adapt your session budgets accordingly. Don’t get panicked during a cold streak.

Look at the RTP%. Return to player percentages can vary from Megaways slot to Megaways slot. Always look for games with an RTP of 96% or greater. Bonanza has 96% RTP, The Dog House Megaways has 96.55%. Learn the others before diving into a new Megaways game.

Play demo mode. Don’t jump into a new Megaways game without testing out the demo version first. Learn how the cascading reels interacts with the free spins multiplier. Get a feel for the game in question without risking real money.

Budget your session. Unlike low or medium volatile slots, Megaways games can run through a bankroll quickly during a cold-loss streak. Set a budget before you start playing and stick to it.

The Bottom Line

Megaways slots are an exciting addition to the online slots industry. Learning how Megaways slots work is the first step to getting the most out of your sessions.

Here’s a quick recap:

  • Megaways slots use special mechanics that change the number of ways to win on every spin.
  • While most Megaways slots have a maximum of 117,649 ways to win. Some offer over 1 Million ways!
  • Megaways slots have unique features like cascading reels and win multipliers.
  • Megaways slots are generally high-volatility. Don’t get discouraged if wins come less frequently.
  • If you’re new to Megaways start playing Bonanza Megaways, Gonzo’s Quest Megaways or The Dog House Megaways — three of the most popular Megaways slots available online today.

 

How Live Entertainment Technology Is Changing Traditional Table Games

If you’ve spent any time wandering through the quiet, prestigious streets of Mayfair, you know that the atmosphere of a high-end gaming room is nearly impossible to bottle. It’s the sound of a shuffled deck, the weighted click of a chip, and that unspoken nod between a dealer and a regular. For a long time, the digital world simply couldn’t compete with that. But things have shifted. We’ve moved far beyond the clunky, cartoonish graphics of the early internet. Today, the tech driving live entertainment is doing something quite remarkable: it’s making the screen disappear.

While 4K streaming is certainly a treat for the eyes, the most significant change isn’t found in pixel counts alone—it’s in the depth of the immersion. With the integration of Augmented Reality (AR), you’re no longer just looking at a video feed of a table. You’re seeing digital overlays that track every card movement and betting pattern in real-time. It’s a bit surreal, honestly. You might be sitting on your sofa, but the visual data makes the game feel more transparent than ever.

Bridging the Gap to the Physical Floor

I’ve often wondered if a digital interface could ever truly replicate the “soul” of a physical club. Interestingly, advances in live dealer casino technology are often compared to the experience offered in physical venues across Mayfair, specifically in how they prioritize the human element. The dealers aren’t just there to flip cards; they are trained entertainers and facilitators.

High-speed, low-latency 5G has been the real hero here. Without it, the “live” part of the experience would be a stuttering mess. Now, the interaction is instantaneous. When you ask a question or place a late bet, the response is immediate. This lack of lag creates a kind of psychological bridge. Before you know it, your brain stops treating the screen like a “game” and starts treating the whole thing like a genuine event. It’s a strange shift. This seamlessness happens because of several layers of tech humming away in the background—stuff you’d never notice unless it broke.

Take Optical Camera Recognition, for instance. It’s basically the “eyes” of the operation, instantly translating a physical card shuffle into digital data. Then you have the cinematography. It isn’t just a static webcam anymore; automated cameras now pivot and zoom based on where the action is, much like how your own eyes would dart around a table in a real room. Some setups are even experimenting with haptic feedback, where your phone gives a tiny, tactile buzz to mimic the vibration of a roulette ball hitting the pocket. It sounds small, but those little touches really pull you in.

Why It Matters Beyond the Fun

It isn’t all just bells and whistles, though. I’ve noticed that as the tech gets more sophisticated, the people running the show have to be more responsible, too. It’s a bit of a double-edged sword. There’s a lot of talk about how AI monitors these games now. While that sounds a bit “Big Brother,” it’s actually there to spot patterns of risky behavior that a human eye might miss. I think it’s a positive step.

It’s how regulations drive responsible online casino gaming that really defines the current era. By using data to ensure players are staying within their limits, the industry is trying to prove it can be both high-tech and high-standard. It’s about longevity, not just a quick thrill.

What do you think about this digital shift? Does the convenience of a high-tech live stream ever truly beat the feeling of a night out in a classic London venue, or is the technology finally getting close enough to call it a draw? I’d love to hear your thoughts on whether you prefer the haptic buzz of a phone or the weight of a premium gaming chip.

 

A blast from the past: the fruity reels worth a spin

With so many Slots available to play online in the modern-day, there’s nothing quite like going back to your roots and sinking your teeth into some of the sweetest retro slot games, inspired by classic fruit machines. 

If iconic gameplay takes your fancy, then these casino Slots will get your tastebuds tingling as we transport you back in time to spin some of the fruitiest reels of all time. 

Read on to find out more. 

Bonus Fruits

In this fruity take on a retro slot, the action takes place on six reels and three rows, with 40 paylines, wild, scatter and bonus symbols, as well as the chance to bag yourself some free spins. 

When gameplay is first launched, you’ll find yourself faced with what seems like a classic slot, despite there being more reels than usual. 

When you land three or more bonus symbols, you’ll be able to choose whether you want to claim free spins or gain entry into the ‘spin and win’ bonus game. Free spins can be re-triggered, and in the ‘spin and win’ mode, each diamond symbol has a random cash value attached to it, waiting for you to uncover. 

Seven classic fruit symbols make up the base game icons, and two lucky 7s are the most lucrative symbols. With an upbeat soundtrack, four fixed jackpots on offer and the sweetest fruit twist to a retro slot, this game is sure to get your tastebuds tingling! 

Super Hot Fruits

Super Hot Fruits is another game that’s given the classic fruit machine a twist. Set the five reels and three rows alight with this fiery slot that’s bound to sizzle your gameplay. 

Enter the bright red background, where gameplay is framed by fire and cartoon-style fruit has the potential to pay out a fruity feast filled with some pretty big rewards. Alongside the lemons, grapes, plums, oranges and cherries, you’ll find some lucky 7s, the golden bell and iconic crown adding even more zest to your gameplay. 

There’s a Hot Spins game feature in which the reels will split into four sections with each of the new reels playing out like a separate set. There’s the special addition of a stacked wild during this round, and with a Diamond Jackpot up for grabs, will this game satisfy your sweet tooth? 

Fruit Stack

Another fruit machine-inspired slot with a modern take is Fruit Stack. Standing out from the rest, this game comes with a maximum jackpot of 10,000x your stake, alongside five reels and nine paylines. 

The theme pays homage to the retro fruit machines we know and love and features watermelons, cherries, lemons, oranges and grapes, as well as the single, double and triple bar symbols. The wild is represented by a blue diamond, and there’s a golden bell that can unlock free spins when a minimum of three land on the reels. Three bonus wheel icons can activate the bonus round, where a Wheel of Fortune mini game can help you bag additional wins. 

With a gamble feature, massive jackpots and a fruit salad full of bonuses, will you be the next to spin and win with this slot? 

Survey suggests that e-scooters could bring economic uplift, including potential business boost in Ireland at Christmas, in addition to environmental benefits

Following the passing of preliminary legislation by the Dáil that will allow for the use of e-scooters on public roads in Ireland, e-scooter company, Spin – a subsidiary of the Ford Motor Company – carried out a survey* of Irish adults to gauge their attitudes towards this new mode of transport and specifically how small businesses in urban areas would benefit from it, including during the crucial Christmas sales period.

One in six (16 percent) said that e-scooters could have the potential to provide a significant boost for small businesses, such as cafes and bookshops, by bringing more customers to their premises. During busy retail periods, like Christmas, such benefits would be expected to further increase.

Availability of rental e-scooters in towns and cities in Ireland would enable people to get out and about more frequently, likely resulting in higher consumer spending. More than a third (36 percent) of respondents said they would consider visiting local shops, restaurants, cafes and other outlets more frequently to make a purchase of goods or services if an e-scooter scheme was available in their area.

The survey also showed clear environmental benefits resulting from an expected mode-shift.  More than a third of respondents (36 percent) said they would consider or strongly consider using an e-scooter sharing scheme, rather than a car, for travelling to their main urban centre for Christmas shopping for small items or for socialising with friends or work colleagues during the festive period. Nearly half of Irish people (45 percent) believe that e-scooters can help reduce the number of cars in city centres, particularly at busy times like Christmas, further suggesting that Irish people recognise the environmental benefits of e-scooters.

Steve Pyer, Spin Country Manager for the UK and Ireland, said: “We know that the introduction of e-scooters has a positive economic impact for local enterprises, in particular small businesses in the food and beverage industry. For example, a recent study by Emory University in the US** showed that local economies experienced a significant boost from shared e-scooter systems due to an estimated $13.8 million in additional sales in four city locations across the US over six months in 2019.  This is in fact one of the priority research areas that we’ll be looking closely at next year in Ireland when we launch e-scooter rentals”. 

“Our survey further underpins that there is a huge potential for urban centres across Ireland too when e-scooter rentals launch. Whether it’s Christmas or just a nice spring day, it’s clear that micromobility can provide a significant boost to small businesses like cafés, restaurants and shops by increasing the number of potential customers for these businesses.  Hopefully very soon the Irish consumer will be able to roll up with a Spin e-scooter to get their hair cut at the local barber’s or attend their favourite yoga class at their neighbourhood studio, promoting less congested roads and ultimately, cleaner air ”.

Given the recent approval of legislation by the Dáil, it is expected that during 2022, we will see the launch of e-scooter sharing schemes in many towns and cities across Ireland – similar to the bike sharing schemes that are already running in cities across the country.

*The Spin survey was carried out among a sample of 1,000 people across Ireland during the last week of November 2021

**Wheels to Meals: Measuring the Impact of Micromobility on Local Food Sector Demand, Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, US.

JOBY is Giving Away $1M of Products on Black Friday in Honor of its New Line of GorillaFeet

Ahead of Black Friday, the GorillaPod maker will give customers a chance  to spin & win up to $200 of products, including the brand accessory line for  its famous tripods, and other colorful creator gear

The busy holiday season is almost here, and JOBY – the one-stop  brand for content creation – is changing the way we ‘Black Friday!’ Today, JOBY is  announcing a series of new accessories, and a special edition line of new Custom  GorillaPods. To celebrate the new gear and its community , JOBY is giving away one  million dollars worth of product over the coming weeks, including the brand new  GorillaFeet, Bum Bags and so much more.

JOBY’s Million Dollar Wheel 

Consumers can visit JOBY.com for their chance at winning incredible  content creation gear, by entering their email address and spinning JOBY’s Million Dollar  Wheel – no purchase necessary! In addition to product prizes ranging from $10 to $200  in value, discount codes of up to 50% off on GorillaFeet are available to win. The full list  of winnable prizes are below: 

  • GorillaPod Custom 1K Kit – $54.95 
  • GripTight PRO 2 Custom GorillaPod – $84.95 
  • GorillaPod Mobile Vlogging Kit – $199 
  • Bum Bag – $69.95 
  • 20% off JOBY.com 
  • 30% off JOBY.com 
  • 50% off GorillaFeet 
  • Free Lightstream Subscription for 30-Days 

GorillaFeet 

The iconic GorillaPod has grown to be one of the most recognizable creator accesories  in the world. It’s helped create award winning content, and continues to be relied upon by  artists and consumers of all kinds. Now, GorillaPod is ready to stand on its own three feet,  and do so with the ultimate style. Introducing GorillaFeet: a line of colorful and fun stability  clips that will add personality and flare to the new Custom GorillaPod Kits. GorillaFeet  come in several colors, shapes and sizes, including playful duck feet, suction cups and  legendary sneakers, and easily clip on and off of new Custom GorillaPods. GorillaFeet  are available today with any new Custom GorillaPod Kit purchase, starting at $54.95. 

Bum Bags 

Available in three of the wildest colors we could think of, the Bum Bag’s roomy design fits  your favorite GorillaPod®, HandyPod™, or TelePod™ along with other personal items you  need to get through your day. It can even fit an entire GorillaPod Mobile Vlogging Kit!  Need extra space? Transform your Bum Bag pouch into an 8L backpack. The Bum Bag  comes with three additional accessories: the JOBY Carabiner keychain, a GorillaPod  Ring that can attach to your phone, and a screen cleaner to keep your smartphone ready  to create at any moment. JOBY’s new line of Bum Bag’s are available today for $69.95 

To learn more about JOBY’s new lineup of gear, or win prizes, visit: JOBY.com