The slot that invented Megaways — Big Time Gaming's gold mine masterpiece with up to 117,649 ways to win and a free spins multiplier that starts at 1x and grows without limit through every cascade win.
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Bonanza is a landmark in slot history. Released in 2016 by Big Time Gaming, it was the first slot to use the Megaways mechanic — the variable reel height system that generates up to 117,649 ways to win on a single spin. Nearly a decade later, it remains one of the most exciting games available. The free spins feature is the core of its appeal: letters spelling G-O-L-D appear on a horizontal reel above the main grid; landing all four triggers the bonus, where every cascade win in free spins increases the multiplier by 1x, with no cap. A long cascade sequence at a high multiplier produces the kind of win that players remember for years. The 12,000x ceiling is achievable, and the 96% RTP keeps the maths respectable. Essential.
18+ | T&Cs Apply | Gamble Responsibly
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18+ | T&Cs Apply | Gamble Responsibly
18+ | T&Cs Apply | Gamble Responsibly
Bonanza is the game that changed slot gaming. Released in 2016 by Sydney-based developer Big Time Gaming, it introduced the Megaways mechanic: a patented system where each reel randomly displays a different number of symbols (2 to 7) on every spin, creating a variable grid that generates up to 117,649 ways to win. The concept was revolutionary. Before Bonanza, slots used fixed paylines. After Bonanza, hundreds of games from dozens of developers licensed the Megaways engine — and BTG has continued to innovate with it ever since.
Set in a gold mine in the American West, Bonanza uses gems and playing card symbols against a rocky subterranean backdrop. The G-O-L-D letters on the top reel are the game's central tension mechanic — landing all four during the base game triggers free spins, which is where the game's legendary multiplier system activates. This mechanic has been the blueprint for virtually every Megaways free spins feature released since.
6 reels each displaying 2—7 symbols per spin, plus a horizontal reel across the top showing 4 symbols. The main grid generates up to 117,649 ways to win when all reels are at maximum height. Every spin is a different configuration — the Megaways count displays in real time.
The horizontal top reel shows 4 symbols per spin, including the letters G, O, L, D. Landing all four letters — in any order — simultaneously on the top reel triggers the free spins bonus. This is the game's primary trigger mechanic.
During free spins, every cascade win increases the global multiplier by 1x. This multiplier has no upper limit. A sequence of 10 cascades from a single spin produces an 11x multiplier that applies to all subsequent wins in the feature. Long cascade chains at high multipliers are where the 12,000x ceiling is reached.
All winning symbols are removed after each win, and new symbols fall in from above. This continues until no new wins form. Cascades work in both base game and free spins, with the multiplier increment only active during the bonus.
Want more Megaways action? Read our Bonanza Billion review — Big Time Gaming’s direct sequel featuring a 50,000x max win, an enhanced cascade multiplier, and a Bonus Buy option for instant bonus access.
