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MEGAPAYS Slots

Big Time Gaming has built a strong reputation for innovation in online slots, most notably with the MEGAWAYS mechanic. In 2021, the studio followed up with MEGAPAYS, a progressive jackpot system now built into specific titles. MEGAPAYS links participating games to a shared prize pool with four tiers: Mini, Midi, Major, and Mega. Unlike many jackpots that depend on landing particular symbols or wagering a set amount, MEGAPAYS can trigger at random on any spin.

When the feature activates, a symbol is chosen at random to become the MEGAPAYS symbol. Respins then follow, and collecting these symbols determines which jackpot tier is awarded.

This guide explains how the mechanic works in practice and highlights the MEGAPAYS slots currently available at LeoVegas.

The Bonus Of MEGAPAYS

The MEGAPAYS mechanic introduces qualities that make slot gameplay more varied and engaging. Below are some of the key advantages this feature brings to slots.

Extra Slot Outcomes

MEGAPAYS introduces another potential outcome to the standard slot results by linking jackpots to symbol collection. The standard winning combinations remain in place, but at any moment, the feature may trigger and shift the focus to gathering MEGAPAYS symbols, which decide the jackpot tier awarded.

Accessible Design

MEGAPAYS is accessible in the sense that it does not require a specific reel combination or symbol alignment to trigger. The feature remains separate from the base game outcomes, meaning the jackpots are always available in the background without any additional conditions.

An Extra Element During Play

MEGAPAYS runs in the background throughout the base game, creating suspense on every spin. The possibility of the feature appearing at any time adds variety to the rhythm of play, giving each round more to follow than just the standard reel outcomes.

How MEGAPAYS Work: A Step-By-Step Guide

The MEGAPAYS mechanic follows a precise sequence:

1. Trigger: The feature may activate at random on any spin, working independently of specific symbols or combinations

2. Activation: Once triggered, a symbol is randomly chosen as the MEGAPAYS symbol. The reels then shift into a special round where only this symbol can appear

3. Symbol Collection: Each time the chosen symbol lands, it is collected, and respins are awarded. The round continues until no new MEGAPAYS symbols appear

4. Jackpot Tiers: The number of symbols collected determines which jackpot tier is reached:

  • 4-7 symbols: Mini Jackpot
  • 8-11 symbols: Midi Jackpot
  • 12-14 symbols: Major Jackpot
  • 15 or more symbols: Mega Jackpot

5. Outcome: A jackpot may be awarded if enough MEGAPAYS symbols are collected, though this depends entirely on chance. If a jackpot is won, the prize is paid out from the shared pool contributed to by wagers across the MEGAPAYS network

6. Reset: After a jackpot round concludes, the prize pool linked to that tier returns to its seed value and begins increasing again with further wagers placed across all connected MEGAPAYS titles

The Progressive Jackpots

These jackpot pools start at a fixed seed value and build steadily as eligible wagers are placed. A small portion of each bet contributes to the pool, which continues to grow until the feature awards a jackpot. Once that happens, the pool for that tier resets to its seed and begins to climb again.

These jackpots can be stand-alone, limited to a single game, or networked, where multiple titles and casinos share the same pool. Networked systems accumulate more quickly because contributions come from a broader base of wagers, and their values are displayed in real time within the game. MEGAPAYS falls into this category, operating as a networked system across multiple titles.

In many traditional progressive slots, jackpots are either tied to symbol-based requirements or triggered through bonus features, though some also allow for random activation. MEGAPAYS adopts a clear version of the random approach. The feature may activate at any time, and once it does, the result depends on how many MEGAPAYS symbols are collected during the round.

Since MEGAPAYS connects four jackpot tiers through a shared network, each round has the potential to draw from one of those linked pools. As established, when a tier is awarded, its value resets to the seed and begins building again through wagers placed across all connected titles. The possibility of winning a jackpot depends entirely on chance, but the system is designed so that each pool continues to grow until it is awarded.

Factors To Consider When Playing MEGAPAYS Slots

The MEGAPAYS mechanic functions similarly across all titles, but each game incorporates it with its own unique rules and features. Before choosing a slot, it is worth examining a few key details that influence how the mechanic is integrated and how the jackpots are triggered.

Game Mechanics

Getting to know how a slot works is always a wise starting point, no matter the type of game. MEGAPAYS itself functions the same across titles, but the surrounding mechanics can differ. RTP and volatility vary from game to game, while bonus features and symbol behaviour also change depending on the design. Looking into these details in advance, or trying a demo version, helps build a clearer picture of how a slot is structured before playing.

Jackpot Prize Pools

Each MEGAPAYS jackpot tier grows with wagers and resets to its seed value once awarded, a process noted earlier. Because the system is networked, the exact totals appear in real time across all connected titles.

Before starting a MEGAPAYS slot, it’s useful to check the prize pool to see the live values for each tier. These figures update in real time and indicate the size of the jackpots, not the likelihood of them being awarded.

Minimum Bet Requirements

MEGAPAYS jackpots can trigger on any wager size, so there is no strict minimum stake required to be eligible. Higher bets in games, including The Great Pigsby MEGAPAYS, may slightly raise the chances of entering the jackpot round, but the mechanic remains random, and outcomes depend entirely on chance. Checking the stake options in the game details is the best way to understand how betting works in a particular title.

Responsible Play

Maintaining control while playing is a crucial aspect of casino gaming, and LeoVegas offers tools to support this with LeoSafePlay. Access is restricted to those over 18 through verification, and additional features are available to help manage play. Such options include a self-assessment tool, player history, time alerts, and the option to pause an account.

Setting A Bankroll Limit

Establishing a clear bankroll before starting helps keep gambling under control. LeoVegas provides options to set limits on deposits, wagers, losses, and session length, helping to keep play within a chosen budget. Having these boundaries in place also makes it easier to step away when limits are reached, keeping play balanced over time.

Avoid Chasing Losses

Chasing losses by increasing bets after a losing streak often leads to greater losses rather than recovery. Taking a break and returning with a clear bankroll limit is a more effective way to maintain control.

MEGAPAYS Slots Available At LeoVegas

LeoVegas currently features one title with the MEGAPAYS mechanic: The Great Pigsby MEGAPAYS. This slot combines its own set of features with the networked jackpot system, making it the flagship MEGAPAYS option in the casino’s library. Below is a closer look at how the game is structured and how the mechanic functions within it.

The Great Pigsby Megapays Slot

Developed by Relax Gaming, The Great Pigsby MEGAPAYS builds on the original 2019 release by adding the MEGAPAYS jackpot system to its feature set. The high volatility slot runs on a six-reel layout where each reel can display between two and seven symbols per spin, creating anywhere from 64 up to 117,649 possible ways to win.

The theme takes inspiration from the 1920s, with a mansion backdrop that reflects the style of The Great Gatsby. Symbols include Art Deco-style royals alongside higher-value icons, such as cigars, gramophones, jewellery, and character symbols. Wilds appear on reels two to six, expanding to cover the reel and substituting for standard symbols.

PLAY THE GREAT PIGSBY MEGAPAYS

MEGAPAYS Feature

In line with the standard MEGAPAYS format, the feature can trigger at random during play. Higher stakes slightly increase the likelihood of entering the jackpot round (though, as mentioned, this does not guarantee a jackpot). When the feature activates, one of the royal symbols is chosen as the MEGAPAYS symbol.

Each time this symbol lands, it is collected at the bottom of the grid, and respins are awarded. As long as new MEGAPAYS symbols appear, the round continues, moving progress up the jackpot ladder displayed on the left. The number of symbols collected decides which jackpot tier is reached.

Other Bonus Features

Several other bonus features are available in addition to MEGAPAYS. Expanded wilds add coins to the piggy bank above the reels, which can unlock extra rounds at random. These include:

  • Free Spins: Ten free spins are awarded when the feature triggers. Additional scatters add two more spins and gradually remove low-value royals from the reels
  • Great Pigsby Respin: Between three and nine high-value Pigsby symbols are placed across the reels before the spin completes
  • Wild Respin: Two to five reels become entirely wild before stopping