Classic slots, video slots, jackpot slots, Megaways… there’s so many different ways for players to spin the reels these days.
Which is the best? The answer is, quite simply, different for every individual player. However, then it comes to higher risk, higher potential reward style gaming, most would agree that jackpot slots are a popular choice.
And yet, for the possibility of more regular wins and higher RTP action, others choose Megaways slots.
But which one is right for you? And which is the game type of choice for UK players? Here’s some extra context to the Megaways vs jackpot slots debate to consider.
What are Jackpot Slots?
As the name implies, a jackpot slot features a sizable prize as its most appealing feature.
This could be a set jackpot for spinning a specific combination of symbols on your reels, or a progressive jackpot slot – in which players from all over the globe ‘seed’ the jackpot prize fund with a portion of their stakes.
Jackpot slots have created millionaires over the years, while the base game mechanics also mean that players can win more standard payouts for matching (typically) three or more of the same symbol on an active payline.
However, in jackpot slots, the standard gameplay can lack the unique features and touches of other forms of slot – the emphasis here is on the possibility of landing huge wins.
Often, but not always, jackpot slots have a lower RTP; that’s because there’s fewer base game prizes to be won. Sometimes, jackpot slots have higher minimum stake limits than traditional slot games, which is something else for players to ponder.
What are Megaways Slots?
First created by Big Time Gaming more than a decade ago, Megaways is a unique mechanic that does away with the traditional payline scheme used by slots – the sort of thing you would have read about in our guide on how to play real money slots.
Instead, with Megaways activated, players can land winning combinations across their reelset – there’s no need to start from the left-most reel, as is the norm.
Matching symbols in patterns across the reels is the aim of the game, with some slots offering thousands of different ways to win with each spin.
Sometimes, the Megaways slot mechanic is paired with another unique feature, such as tumbling or cascading reels. In these slots, symbols that form a winning combination disappear, which sends the reels tumbling or cascading with new icons to replace them.
If these new symbols then form a winning combination, the chain continues – so there’s the possibility of landing a streak of wins here.
Megaways vs Jackpot Slots: Key Differences
These are real money slots games that are different in style and nature.
Although this is a sweeping generalisation, Megaways slots generally offer a higher RTP than jackpot games, but with a lower payout potential.
Because every spin has thousands of ways to win, the general idea is that Megaways slots pay out more often than other games – however, this may not be the case for your next gaming session, so don’t take this as set in stone.
This little-and-often style is in complete contrast to jackpot slots, where the emphasis is – typically – on landing a major payout, with occasional base game wins thrown in for good measure.
Readers may already be formulating an idea of which they would prefer: the possibility of more consistent wins (generally speaking, remember each session of play is different), or the chance that the next spin could be a big winner, as is the case with jackpot slots.
In reality, your personality type and bankroll size will determine which players prefer. While the general gameplay of jackpot and Megaways slots is the same – select your stake, spin the reels, cross your fingers and toes for a win, the psychology behind them is entirely different.
Do UK Players Favour Jackpot or Megaways Slots?
You only need to look at the size of some of the progressive jackpots attached to games like Mega Moolah to realise how popular this type of slot is.
But on the other hand, look how many Megaways games are available today: there’s in excess of 300 different options at Prime Slots alone, with more and more developers opting to licence the Megaways mechanic from Big Time Gaming – and for the sake of balance, we have hundreds of jackpot slots available too.
Try Megaways and Jackpot Slots at Prime Slots
So what are the most popular UK slots preferences? The answer is that both jackpot and Megaways slots are immensely popular, with thousands of games available in each category.
And as developers continue to push the boundaries in their game design and features, they’re only likely to attract more fans in the future, too.
So why not come and try all of the various slot game types right here at Prime Slots?
