How Megaways Works in Bonanza Slot: A Comprehensive Guide

The world of online pokies boasts a myriad of innovative features designed to keep players entertained and increase their winning potential. One such innovation that revolutionised online slots is the Megaways mechanic. If you've been exploring pokies online in Australia, chances are you've come across Big Time Gaming’s iconic slot, Bonanza Megaways. This game perfectly showcases how the Megaways system works, creating a fresh and exhilarating gaming experience.

In this detailed article, we'll take a deep dive into how Megaways works in Bonanza slot, unpacking the mechanics, gameplay, features, and why it appeals so strongly to Aussie pokie enthusiasts.

What is Megaways?

Before we get into the specifics of Bonanza, let’s clarify what Megaways slots are.

Megaways is a game mechanic developed by Big Time Gaming (BTG) that uses a random reel modifier system. Unlike traditional pokies where each reel has a fixed number of symbols, Megaways pokies vary the number of symbols displayed on each reel with every spin. This results in potentially tens of thousands of ways to win on a single round.

Key characteristics of Megaways slots:

• Variable number of symbols per reel on every spin.
• Paylines are replaced by "ways to win": adjacent matching symbols on consecutive reels.
• Typically feature many reels—often six or more.
• Offer thousands to hundreds of thousands of ways to win (Bonanza offers up to 117,649 ways).

Megaways has gained massive popularity because it adds unpredictability and excitement to slots, vastly increasing the winning pathways and boosting engagement.

Overview of Bonanza Megaways Slot

Launched by Big Time Gaming in 2016, Bonanza Megaways stands out as a true legend in the Australian pokie scene. Set in a gold mine, its theme revolves around the thrill of striking it rich while mining the earth for sparkling treasures.

• RTP (Return to Player): Approximately 96%
• Reels: 6 (variable symbols per reel)
• Ways to Win: Up to 117,649
• Betting Range: Suitable for both casual players and high rollers
• Features: Cascading reels, free spins, increasing multipliers

Bonanza pioneered the Megaways format, and its innovative layout and rewarding potential make it a go-to choice for pokies players down under.

How the Reel Layout Works in Bonanza

Unlike traditional 5-reel slot setups with fixed symbols, Bonanza uses 6 reels, but here's the twist:

• The first five reels can display between 2 to 7 symbols each, changing every spin.
• The sixth reel is special: it acts as a mine cart reel positioned vertically to the right of the other reels and contains 4 symbols.

Symbol configuration

On any given spin, the varying number of symbols per reel determines the total possible combinations or 'ways to win'. The maximum number of symbol ways is calculated by multiplying the visible symbols on each reel:

For example,

• Reel 1: 7 symbols
• Reel 2: 7 symbols
• Reel 3: 7 symbols
• Reel 4: 7 symbols
• Reel 5: 7 symbols
• Reel 6: fixed 4 symbols (mine cart)

Total Ways = 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 4 = 117,649 ways to win

This dynamic symbol count creates suspense and huge potential win opportunities on every new spin.

Understanding the Megaways Win Mechanism in Bonanza

Traditional pokies link wins along predetermined paylines. In contrast, Megaways replaces paylines with “ways to win,” focusing on adjacent matching symbols.

How to Win with Megaways?

• Matching symbols must land on adjacent reels, starting from the leftmost reel.
• The winning combination is created by symbols appearing anywhere on each reel, not on fixed paylines.
• Since multiple matching symbols can appear on one reel, they can create multiple winning combinations simultaneously.

This system is perfect for delivering massive payout windows during gameplay. Bonanza’s richly varied ways to win make it easier to land multiple wins, including large multi-symbol cluster payouts.

Cascading Reels – Another Powerful Mechanic in Bonanza

Bonanza's gameplay complements Megaways through its cascading reels (or tumbling reels) feature:

• Winning symbols explode and disappear.
• New symbols fall into place, potentially creating more winning combos on the same spin.
• Cascades continue as long as wins keep occurring.

This cascading action, combined with the Megaways system, increases the opportunity for chain reactions of wins on a single bet, resulting in a thrilling playing experience.

Bonus Features: Unlocking Free Spins and Increasing Multipliers

One of the greatest appeals of Bonanza is its Free Spins feature, triggered by scatter symbols aligned on the reels.

How to Trigger Free Spins?

• 4 or more Scatter Barrel symbols landing anywhere on the reels activate the Free Spins round.
• Players can opt for a Buy Feature option (where legal) to purchase entrance into the Free Spins round immediately, bypassing waiting to trigger naturally.

Free Spins Round and Increasing Multipliers

• During free spins, Bonanza unlocks a special winning multiplier mechanic.
• Starting at 1x, the multiplier increases by one after each cascade.
• This multiplier is unlimited and applies to all wins in the free spins round.
• This mechanic can create astronomical payout potential for players lucky enough to sustain long winning streaks.

Symbols and Payouts in Bonanza

The game features thematic symbols rooted in the mining theme. This includes:

• High-value symbols: Gold bars, dynamite sticks, mining helmets, carts.
• Low-value symbols: Standard playing card icons like A, K, Q, J, and 10.
• Scatter symbol: Barrel of dynamite.

Because of the Megaways layout, winning combinations aren't tied to traditional fixed paylines but to combinations of these symbols on adjacent reels.

Why Australian Players Love Bonanza Megaways

• High Volatility: Suitable for Aussie players chasing big wins.
• Immersive Theme: The mine setting appeals to players attracted to fun and engaging narrative.
• Engaging Mechanic: The ever-changing ways to win and cascading reels keep gameplay fresh consistently.
• Mulitiplier-Fueled Big Wins: Multipliers in free spins are a huge drawcard.
• Mobile Friendly: Fully optimised for playing on-the-go.

Strategy Tips for Playing Bonanza Megaways

Even though pokies rely primarily on luck, these tips can help enhance your playing experience:

• Manage Your Bankroll: Megaways slots like Bonanza can be volatile, so set betting limits.
• Try Demo Mode: Several Australian online casinos offer free demos of Bonanza — expensiveising the gameplay mechanics risk-free.
• Activate Buy Features Carefully: Buying free spins can heat up gameplay but only do it if within your budget.
• Play with the RTP in Mind: Bonanza has decent RTP (~96%), giving players fair returns over the long term.

Conclusion: Megaways Mechanics Make Bonanza a Must-Play Poke in Australia

Bonanza Megaways marks a landmark moment in online pokies history, thanks to Big Time Gaming’s innovative Megaways system. By dynamically varying reel symbols and shunning fixed paylines, Bonanza reshapes the slot experience with ever-changing ways to win.

For Australian online casino players, Bonanza continues to offer countless hours of entertainment with its potential for massive multipliers, dynamic reel action, and captivating mining theme. Whether you’re new to pokies or a seasoned spinner, Bonanza Megaways is a shining example of how clever game design and fresh mechanics ensure an exhilarating session at any Aussie online casino.

Ready to strike gold? Play Bonanza Megaways today and experience the full power of Megaways pokies!