Beginner’s Guide to Bonanza Megaways Online Slot

Game Overview

Bonanza Megaways uses 6 reels with anywhere from 2 to 7 symbols per reel on each spin. This creates up to 117,649 possible winning combinations, thanks to the Megaways mechanic. The mining theme, complete with dynamite scatter symbols and tunnelling carts, adds personality to the game while keeping the interface clean and beginner-friendly.

 Core details:

·     Reels: 6

·     Rows: 2–7 (varies per spin)

·     Win Mechanic: Up to 117,649 Megaways

·     RTP: Around 96.00%

·     Volatility: High

·     Theme: Gold mining

·     Developer: Big Time Gaming

·     Launched: 2016

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About the Developer: Big Time Gaming (BGT)

BTG revolutionised online slots with the introduction of Megaways. Their focus on innovative mechanics, high volatility math models, and clean, memorable design helped establish a new era of dynamic slots. Bonanza remains one of their flagship titles and is often recommended to beginners who want an introduction to Megaways.

Its success led to countless licensed Megaways versions of classic slots across the industry.

Theme, Symbols and Atmosphere

Bonanza’s theme centres around a rugged gold mine with wooden supports, rock textures and gem symbols.

Symbols include:

·     Low-value: 9, 10, J, Q, K, A

·     High-value: Green, blue, red and purple gems

·     Special symbols: Dynamite scatter, Wild cart symbol

The musical soundtrack is upbeat and country-inspired, adding character without distracting from gameplay.

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How Bonanza Megaways Works

Bonanza’s Megaways system means reels change height with every spin. If a reel shows more symbols, it increases the number of potential winning combinations. Wins pay left to right, and the game uses cascading (or “reaction”) mechanics: winning symbols explode and new ones fall into place.

Basic steps:

·     Choose your stake

·     Spin the reels

·     Check how many Megaways you have

·     Match symbols left to right

·     Trigger reactions for chain wins

This makes each spin feel dynamic and varied.

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The Cascading Reels (Reactions) Feature

Whenever a winning combination appears:

·     Winning symbols are removed

·     New symbols fall from above

·     More wins can form automatically

This continues until no further wins appear, making a single spin often capable of producing multiple payouts.

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RTP and Volatility Explained

Bonanza’s RTP sits around 96.00%, which is an industry standard. Volatility, however, is high:

·     Wins can be sporadic

·     Bonus rounds contain the biggest multipliers

·     Balance may swing significantly

Beginners should understand that high-volatility Megaways games often rely heavily on the free spins round for major wins.

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The Cart Row (Top Reel)

Above reels 2–5 is a horizontal cart track containing an extra reel. Each cart adds one symbol to the reel directly below it.

These extra symbols:

·     Help form winning combinations

·     Substitute for other symbols when wild carts appear

·     Increase Megaways potential

This top reel is critical for triggering long reaction chains.