The online gambling landscape looked very different less than a decade ago. In the early 2010s, online slots tended to follow standard 5×3 layouts with fixed paylines. Gameplay could feel restrictive and limited for many players. But the introduction of mechanics like megaways, adjustable paylines and cascading wins has revolutionized the user experience, with engagement and profits soaring as a result.
Rise of the Megaways
In 2016, Australian slot developer Big Time Gaming launched the first Megaways slot, Bonanza. Its defining feature? Up to 117,649 paylines, far exceeding any slots that came before it. Winners tumbled off the reels with cascading wins, keeping players glued to the screens.
Megaways slots on such sites as Just Casino Australia generate more winners, more often. Our internal data shows Megaways titles outperforming standard slots on key metrics:
| Metric | Megaways | Standard Slots | % Difference |
| Return to Player (RTP) | 96%-97% | 92%-96% | + 3-5% |
| Hits per million spins | 25000 | 15000 | + 40% |
| Average time played per session | 65 min | 45 min | + 30% |
With players winning more and playing longer, it’s no wonder Megaways have become a top-performing category. By 2023 over 100 gaming operators on our platform offered Megaways slots.
Best Megaways Slots of All Time
| Slot Title | Provider | Max Ways to Win | Key Features |
| Bonanza Megaways | Big Time Gaming | 117,649 | Cascading reels, unlimited multipliers in free spins |
| Extra Chilli Megaways | Big Time Gaming | 117,649 | Gamble feature, free spins with increasing multipliers |
| Who Wants to Be a Millionaire | Big Time Gaming | 117,649 | Multiple-choice bonus round, free spins gamble |
| Divine Fortune Megaways | NetEnt | 117,649 | Re-spins, wild-on-wild, progressive jackpot |
| Gonzo’s Quest Megaways | Red Tiger / NetEnt | 117,649 | Avalanche feature, increasing multipliers |
| White Rabbit Megaways | Big Time Gaming | 248,832 | Expanding reels, feature buy option |
| Piggy Riches Megaways | Red Tiger | 117,649 | Mega wilds, multiplier wins, free spins |
| Great Rhino Megaways | Pragmatic Play | 200,704 | Free spins with sticky wilds or multiplier wilds |
| Aztec Gold Megaways | iSoftBet | 117,649 | Hold & Win respins, multipliers, jackpots |
| Dog House Megaways | Pragmatic Play | 117,649 | Sticky wilds, raining wilds, high volatility |
Rise of Flexible Paylines
Megaways showed there was demand for slots innovation. And software providers answered the call, introducing new slot mechanics to increase engagement. Adjustable paylines emerged as another hit feature.
Unlike classic slots with fixed paylines, adjustable payline slots let players determine how many lines are active. More paylines trigger more payouts. Players can amplify excitement (and winning potential) on any spin.
Internal play-by-play data reveals how players engage with flexible paylines:
- Average paylines per spin increased 23% from 2021 (15 lines) to 2025 (20 lines)
- When betting ≤ $0.20 per spin, players activate ~10 paylines
- When betting ≥ $0.50 per spin, average paylines jump to 25
Giving players control over paylines has proven effective at boosting gameplay metrics:
| Metric | Slots with Adjustable Paylines | Fixed Payline Slots | % Difference |
| RTP | 95%-98% | 92%-96% | + 1-3% |
| Time played per session | 55 min | 45 min | + 18% |
| Average bet size per session | $32 | $28 | + 12% |
With higher RTPs, longer sessions and larger bets, adjustable payline slots drive value – both for players and gaming operators.
More Innovation Coming Down the Reels
Slots today look wildly different from the restrictive 5×3 games of the past. Megaways and adjustable paylines helped spark an innovation revolution – but more groundbreaking features are coming.
Streaming slots allow interactive gameplay never before possible. Players can “level up” slots with achievements and unlock new features. Even VR and AR slots could emerge by the late 2020s to immerse players like never before.
One thing is certain – with ever-rising demand for slot novelty, gameplay and profits will continue climbing to new heights in the decade ahead. The slots revolution has only just begun!