The days of simple three-reel fruit machines with a single payline are practically ancient history in the modern casino industry.

Software developers are in a constant arms race to invent the next big mechanic that will captivate millions of players.

The Megaways Revolution

The single most important innovation of the last decade was the invention of the ‘Megaways’ engine by Big Time Gaming.

On every single spin, the number of symbols that land on each reel changes randomly, altering the total number of winning combinations.

• These games are notoriously brutal on small bankrolls due to their incredibly high variance and long dry spells
• The massive win potential is usually locked behind a free spins bonus round featuring an unlimited progressive multiplier
• Almost every classic slot (like Gonzo’s Quest or Dog House) has been remade with the Megaways engine added

Exploring Cascading Symbols and the Bonus Buy Feature

Another massive trend is the use of ‘Cascading’ or ‘Avalanche’ reels, where winning symbols literally explode and disappear.

Furthermore, many modern slots now include a highly controversial ‘Bonus Buy’ or ‘Feature Drop’ button.

Always understand the extreme volatility of these modern mechanics before you press the spin button.