Big Time Gaming: Guide to the Inventors of Megaways
Big Time Gaming provider guide: the small Australian studio that invented Megaways (117,649 ways), the history, best slots and why they matter.
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Every time you read "Megaways" on a slot, you're reading a Big Time Gaming trademark. The small Australian studio invented the mechanic that revolutionized the sector — 117,649 ways to win — and licensed it to half the world. Here's the story of the provider that changed the rules of the game.
Who Is Big Time Gaming
Founded in Australia in 2011 by industry veterans, BTG is small in catalog but gigantic in influence. In 2016 it launched Bonanza, the first Megaways slot, forever changing the way slots are conceived. In 2020 it was acquired by Evolution Group but retains creative autonomy. Few slots, all impactful.
Megaways: The Mechanic That Conquered the World
The genius idea: instead of fixed lines, each reel shows a variable number of symbols (2-7) on each spin. With 6 reels, the maximum is 6^6 combinations = 117,649 ways to win, which change with every spin. Add the cascades (Tumble) and free spins with an unlimited multiplier, and you have the formula that hundreds of studios licensed: from Pragmatic to Blueprint, everyone pays royalties to BTG.
The Slots That Matter
| Slot | RTP | Max win | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonanza | 96.00% | 10,000x | The first Megaways in history |
| Extra Chilli | 96.82% | 20,000x | Megaways + Feature Drop |
| White Rabbit | 97.24% | 13,000x | Very high RTP, Alice theme |
| Bonanza Megaways 2 | 96.41% | 50,000x | The masterpiece's sequel |
| The Final Countdown | 96.80% | 44,446x | Rock Megaways |
Not Just Megaways
BTG keeps innovating: Megaclusters (clusters that multiply by splitting), Feature Drop (an "ethical" path to the Bonus Buy) and other minor mechanics. Every release of theirs is studied by the other providers — they are the sector's researchers, the ones who invent what everyone copies the year after.
Why They Matter Even If You Don't Know Them
Many Italian players have played dozens of Megaways slots without knowing the mechanic is BTG's. Bonanza Megaways, Fruit Shop Megaways, Gonzo's Quest Megaways: all pay royalties to the small Australian studio. When you see "Megaways" in the name, now you know who to thank for those 117,649 ways.
Responsible Gambling
Online gambling should be a form of entertainment, not a source of income. If you feel gambling is becoming a problem, free support resources are available:
- ADM — Responsible Gambling
- GiocoHelpline freephone: 800 558822 (free, 24/7)
- Every ADM casino offers self-exclusion tools, deposit limits and reality-check reminders of time played.
