Megaways, Infinity Reels, and Modern Slot Mechanics Explained
Last reviewed: June 2026
Megaways, Infinity Reels, DoubleMax, and similar branded mechanics are licensed reel engines that change how wins are counted and how the game’s math is structured. They’re not just visual novelties — each one produces a genuinely different expected distribution of wins.
Megaways
Developed by Big Time Gaming (BTG) in 2016, Megaways is the most widely licensed reel mechanic in modern slot gaming. Hundreds of titles use it, from original BTG games (Bonanza, Extra Chilli) to licensed versions from Pragmatic Play, Red Tiger, and others.
How it works:
- Each reel randomly displays 2–7 symbols per spin (instead of a fixed 3 or 4).
- The number of symbols per reel is independent on every spin.
- Ways to win = the product of all reel heights. On a 6-reel game: maximum = 7×7×7×7×7×7 = 117,649 ways.
- The current ways count is displayed during play and changes every spin.
Cascade mechanic: most Megaways games use a cascade (also called avalanche or tumble) feature. When a win occurs, the winning symbols are removed and new symbols fall in from above. If the new symbols form another win, the process repeats — creating chains of wins from a single spin event.
Free spins with multiplier: the signature Megaways bonus is typically a free spins round where a multiplier increases by 1 with each cascade win. A single bonus round can chain 20+ cascades, with the multiplier reaching 20× or 30×, turning a modest base win into a massive payout.
Volatility: Megaways games are almost universally high volatility. The math is designed so most of the RTP is concentrated in the free spins round, producing the dramatic bonus-or-bust feel associated with the format.
Infinity Reels
Developed by ReelPlay and licensed by Evolution, Infinity Reels starts with a standard reel configuration (usually 3–4 reels) and adds a new reel with each consecutive win.
How it works:
- The game starts with, say, 3 reels.
- If a win occurs, a new reel is added to the right.
- If another win occurs, another reel is added.
- This continues until a spin produces no win — resetting to the base configuration.
- Some games add a jackpot for reaching a certain reel count (e.g., 7 reels).
What this creates: an escalating win-chain mechanic where each win simultaneously pays out and extends the opportunity for another win. A lucky streak can result in 8, 9, or 10+ reels.
DoubleMax
Developed by Kalamba Games, DoubleMax adds a growing reel multiplier based on the number of wild symbols landed.
How it works:
- Each wild that lands increases a multiplier counter by 1×.
- The multiplier applies to all wins on that spin.
- Landing 3 wilds on a spin creates a 3× multiplier on all wins.
- In the free spins round, the multiplier is typically carried across spins (doesn’t reset), so it can grow to 10×, 20×, or more.
What this creates: a multiplier-building mechanic that can make ordinary wins very large without requiring the complex cascade chains of Megaways. The game can feel more predictable in how the multiplier grows.
Link & Win / Cash Link / Cash Collect
Several providers (Light & Wonder, Aristocrat, Konami) use a mechanic where filling a board with money symbols triggers a jackpot. These go by different branded names.
How it works:
- Certain symbols display cash values when they land.
- Triggering the bonus requires filling a set number of positions (e.g., 6 out of 15) with cash symbols in a single spin or over a sequence of re-spins.
- During the re-spin phase, each spin either adds new cash symbols or ends the bonus.
- The bonus ends when no new cash symbols land, and the player collects the total of all landed cash symbols.
What this creates: a tension mechanic where the board is partially filled and each re-spin determines whether it expands or ends. Very popular with players who find it more engaging than standard free spins.
Why it matters which mechanic you’re playing
Each mechanic distributes wins differently, which affects:
| Mechanic | Where big wins come from | Volatility |
|---|---|---|
| Megaways | Free spins cascade multiplier | High |
| Infinity Reels | Extended win chains | High |
| DoubleMax | Multiplier accumulation | High–medium |
| Link & Win | Board-filling bonus | Medium–high |
| Standard fixed paylines | Symbol combinations | Low–high (varies by game) |
Knowing the mechanic tells you what you’re waiting for and how the session will feel. Megaways players are waiting for a bonus trigger. Link & Win players are building toward a full board. Understanding this lets you set realistic session expectations before you spin.
Educational explanation only. No real-money gambling happens on LearnTheOdds.
Responsible gambling: Play for entertainment, not income — the math favors the house over time. Set limits, never chase losses, and if it stops being fun, take a break. 21+. Need help? Call 1-800-MY-RESET (1800myreset.org).