Megaways vs. Jackpot Slots – Which Is Better?
If you enjoy feature-rich gameplay, dynamic reels, and frequent bonus action, Megaways slots are your best bet. But if you’re spinning for the hope of becoming a millionaire from a single lucky spin, progressive jackpot slots take the crown.
- Best for Entertainment & Features: Megaways
- Best for Big Payout Potential: Jackpot Slots
- Play both types if you want a mix of consistent wins and the dream of a millionaire moment.
What Are Megaways Slots?
Megaways slots are a modern innovation that reimagines how paylines work. Created by Big Time Gaming, the Megaways mechanic uses a dynamic reel system where the number of symbols per reel changes with every spin.
This leads to hundreds of thousands of potential ways to win, up to 117,649 ways on a typical 6-reel slot with different casino game providers and games changing the number of ways but keeping the same underlying mechanics.
Key features of Megaways slots:
- Changing ways to win with variable symbols per reel
- Cascading wins (symbols drop away after a win)
- Free Spins with increasing multipliers
- High volatility and frequent base game action
Top Megaways slots to play online include Bonanza Megaways, Extra Chilli Megaways, and Big Bass Bonanza Megaways. These games combine clever gameplay with RTPs of around 96%, and offer maximum wins often exceeding 10,000 times your stake.
Best for: Players who love dynamic, high-volatility action and consistent bonus feature variety.
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What Are Jackpot Slots?
Jackpot slots are all about the big prize. These casino games offer either fixed or progressive jackpots, meaning the top prize either stays the same or grows over time with every player spin. Some progressive jackpots, such as Mega Moolah and Wowpot Book of Atem, have turned players into overnight millionaires.
Key features of Jackpot slots:
- One or more jackpot tiers (Mini, Major, Mega)
- Bonus rounds or random triggers to win the jackpot
- Lower base game payouts to fund the jackpot pool
- Typically low to medium volatility
- Lower RTP due to jackpot contributions
While jackpot slots may not always feature flashy mechanics like cascading reels or variable paylines, they offer a unique thrill: the chance at a life-altering win, even from a minimum bet.
Best for: Players that don’t mind playing with a lower RTP to win the potential big win jackpot prizes.
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Which Type of Slot Should You Play?
This comes down to preference. There’s no right or wrong answer, and in fact, many players enjoy spreading their bets, playing on a variety of different Megaways games for the constant change in action, while then turning to jackpot slots, especially slots with progressive jackpots, when their Mega or top prize reaches what it usually pays out at.
Choose Megaways slots if:
- You prefer action-packed gameplay with lots of variation
- You’re in it for regular, medium-to-large wins
- You enjoy Cascading Reels and Changing Ways to Win mechanics
Choose Jackpot slots if:
- You want to win more than a few thousand times your bet
- You’re okay with long gameplay sessions but with lower return to player rates
- You don’t mind that there’s less choice and variety in gameplay
Compare Megaways Slots vs Jackpots Slots
| Feature | Megaways Slots | Jackpot Slots |
|---|---|---|
| Max Win Potential | Often 10,000x–100,000x stake | €1M+ (progressive) |
| Volatility | High | Low to High |
| Base Game Returns | More frequent mid-tier wins | Often low to preserve jackpot funding |
| Bonus Variety | Free Spins, multipliers, cascading reels | Bonus pick games, jackpot wheels, free spins |
| Visual Design | Dynamic, modern, often branded | Traditional or themed for mass appeal |
| RTP Range | 95%–97% | 88%–96% (varies with jackpot structure) |
| Appeals To | Strategic players who want depth | Casual or hopeful players wanting to win millions |
Top 5 Megaways Slots to Play Online
Here are some of the best Megaways slots that offer thrilling mechanics, strong RTPs, and big-win potential:
- Bonanza Megaways (Big Time Gaming) – the original Megaways blockbuster—set in a mining theme with explosive visuals and up to 117,649 ways to win. RTP: 96% | Max Win: ~26,000x | Features: Cascades, Free Spins with unlimited multiplier
- Extra Chilli Megaways (Big Time Gaming) – Spicy volatility with gambleable Free Spins and re-triggerable multipliers. RTP: 96.82% | Max Win: ~20,000x | Features: Gamble wheel, multipliers, re-triggers
- Big Bass Bonanza Megaways (Reel Kingdom) – A fishing-themed favourite with a progressive Free Spins bonus and transforming symbols.
RTP: 96.7% | Max Win: 4,000x | Features: Collect symbols, retriggers, Megaways mechanic - Gonzo’s Quest Megaways (Red Tiger) – A reimagined classic with tumbling wins, multipliers, and stunning animations. RTP: 96% | Max Win: ~21,000x | Features: Earthquake wilds, Free Falls bonus, Megaways
- Madame Destiny Megaways (Pragmatic Play) – A mystical-themed slot with high multipliers and customizable Free Spins outcomes.
RTP: 96.56% | Max Win: 5,000x | Features: Randomized multipliers and Free Spins
Top 5 Jackpot Slots to Play Online
Looking for huge payouts in the millions to rival the lottery? These are the top progressive and fixed jackpot slots worth spinning:
- Mega Moolah (Microgaming) – The most iconic jackpot slot in history. Multiple millionaires made. RTP: 88.12% | Jackpot: Often over €5 million | Features: Wilds, Free Spins, 4-tier progressive jackpot wheel
- Divine Fortune (NetEnt) – A Greek mythology-themed jackpot slot with excellent graphics and frequent Mini/Major hits. RTP: 96.6% | Jackpot: Local progressive | Features: Falling wilds, re-spins, jackpot bonus game
- Hall of Gods (NetEnt) – A Norse-themed classic with huge progressive payouts and cinematic bonuses. RTP: 95.3% | Jackpot: Often over €1 million | Features: Bonus pick game, expanding wilds
- The Goonies Jackpot King (Blueprint Gaming) – Combines nostalgic branding with the Jackpot King system. RTP: 95.03% | Jackpot: Jackpot King linked pot | Features: Multiple bonus games, modifiers, progressive
- Money Train Origins Dream Drop (Relax Gaming) – A Western-themed, high volatility game that combines multiple bonus feature. RTP: 95.03% | Jackpot: Network | Features: Wilds, Money Cart Bonus with Special Features.
You can also find some jackpot slots that come with Megaways, covering both aspects of gameplay, one of which is the popular Wolf Blaze Wowpot Megaways slot.
Best Online Casinos to Play Megaways & Jackpot Slots
Looking for where to play safely with a massive game selection? Here are some top-rated, player-trusted platforms:
Play Now at Leo Vegas »Leo Vegas Review
Play Now at Casumo »Casumo Review
Play Now at Casino Friday »Casino Friday Review
Play Now at Hyper Casino »Hyper Casino Review
FAQs
Can I win a jackpot from a small bet?
Yes! Many progressive jackpots, such as those in Mega Moolah, can be won from a minimum stake of 0.25 to 0.50.
Are Megaways slots better for consistent wins?
Generally, yes. While volatile, their cascading wins and bonus rounds result in more frequent action than jackpot slots.
Why is the RTP lower in jackpot slots?
A portion of each spin funds the jackpot pool, slightly lowering the overall payout percentage to players.
Are Megaways slots safe and fair?
Absolutely. All licensed Megaways games use RNG-certified systems and are audited by regulators.
Which Will You Be Playing?
Both Megaways and jackpot slots are among the best online slots to play, but your ideal pick depends on your mindset.
If you’re after frequent thrills and intricate mechanics, play Megaways slots online. If you’re holding out for that once-in-a-lifetime payout, jackpot slots are your arena.
Whichever you choose, play responsibly and may the reels be ever in your favour.
