StarSpins underwent a major rebranding in early 2021, transforming into Megaways Casino under the Gamesys umbrella. This transition marked a strategic shift toward focusing on the popular Megaways slot mechanic, offering players access to thousands of ways to win across a diverse game portfolio.
The online casino landscape experienced a notable shift when StarSpins announced its rebranding to Megaways Casino in February 2021. This transformation was not merely cosmetic but represented a fundamental repositioning of the platform's identity and game offering strategy. For existing players and newcomers alike, understanding what this change means for gameplay, bonuses, and overall casino experience is essential for making informed decisions about where to play.
The rebranding raised important questions among the player community, particularly regarding licensing arrangements with Big Time Gaming for use of the Megaways trademark, the fate of existing StarSpins jackpots, and whether the operational standards under Gamesys would remain consistent. This comprehensive analysis examines every aspect of the StarSpins Megaways transition and what players can expect from the rebranded casino.
In early 2021, StarSpins customers received notification that the casino would be undergoing a complete rebrand to become Megaways Casino. This decision by Gamesys, the parent company, reflected the growing dominance of Megaways slots in the online casino market and the desire to capitalize on this popular game mechanic's brand recognition.
The rebranding process was designed to be seamless for existing players. Customer accounts, balances, and gaming history were transferred automatically to the new Megaways Casino platform. Players retained access to their funds and could continue playing without interruption, though the visual identity, branding elements, and game selection focus shifted significantly toward Megaways titles.
The decision to rebrand from StarSpins to Megaways Casino was driven by market analysis showing that Megaways slots had become among the most searched and played game types in online casinos. By adopting this name, the casino positioned itself to capture search traffic and player interest specifically focused on this game mechanic. The move also differentiated the platform in an increasingly crowded market where generic casino names struggle to stand out.
The use of the Megaways name raised questions about licensing arrangements with Big Time Gaming, the original developer of the Megaways mechanic. While Big Time Gaming licenses the Megaways engine to numerous game developers, using the trademark as a casino name represents a different commercial arrangement. The specifics of any licensing agreement between Gamesys and Big Time Gaming have not been publicly disclosed, but the rebranding proceeded with apparent legal clearance.
To appreciate what Megaways Casino offers, players must understand the fundamental mechanics that make Megaways slots unique. Developed by Big Time Gaming, the Megaways engine introduced a revolutionary approach to slot game design that has since been licensed to dozens of other developers.
Traditional slot machines feature a fixed number of paylines, typically ranging from 10 to 50 ways to win. Megaways slots operate differently by using a random reel modifier system that changes the number of symbols appearing on each reel with every spin. Most Megaways games feature six reels, with each reel displaying between two and seven symbols per spin.
The total number of ways to win is calculated by multiplying the number of symbols on each reel. For example, if all six reels display seven symbols, the result is 7x7x7x7x7x7, equaling 117,649 ways to win on that single spin. The next spin might produce a different configuration, creating dynamic and unpredictable gameplay that keeps players engaged.
Beyond the variable payline structure, Megaways slots typically incorporate several signature features. Cascading reels are common, where winning symbols disappear and new symbols drop down to replace them, potentially creating consecutive wins from a single spin. Many Megaways titles also include multipliers that increase with each cascade, free spin bonus rounds with enhanced mechanics, and the option to purchase bonus features directly.
The Return to Player percentages for Megaways slots vary by title but generally range from 95 percent to over 97 percent. Volatility tends to be high, meaning wins occur less frequently but can be substantially larger when they do hit. Maximum win potential varies significantly, with some games offering payouts exceeding 20,000 times the stake.
Following the rebrand, Megaways Casino naturally emphasizes its collection of Megaways titles, though the platform also offers other game types. The casino features Megaways slots from multiple developers who have licensed the mechanic from Big Time Gaming, providing variety in themes, features, and mathematical models.
The casino's portfolio includes many of the most popular Megaways releases. Gonzo's Quest Megaways, developed by Red Tiger Gaming under license from NetEnt, combines the beloved Gonzo character with the Megaways engine and offers up to 21,000 times stake maximum wins. Rainbow Riches Megaways brings the Irish luck theme to the Megaways format with a 25,000 times stake potential.
Blood Suckers Megaways stands out with an exceptionally high RTP of 97.66 percent, making it one of the most player-friendly Megaways options available. The vampire theme is executed with high-quality graphics and includes sticky wilds, free spins, and raining wild features. Who Wants to be a Millionaire Megaways offers the highest maximum payout at 50,000 times stake, incorporating the famous game show's progressive question format into the slot mechanics.
The rebranding from StarSpins to Megaways Casino represented a strategic repositioning in the competitive online casino market. By adopting the Megaways name, the platform aligned itself with one of the most popular slot mechanics in the industry, developed by Big Time Gaming. This transition involved updating the entire brand identity while maintaining operational continuity under Gamesys management.
The Megaways mechanic revolutionized online slots by introducing dynamic reel structures where the number of symbols per reel changes with each spin. This creates anywhere from hundreds to over 117,000 potential winning combinations. The casino's focus on this mechanic provides players with high-volatility gaming experiences, cascading wins, and significant maximum payout potential across multiple game titles.
While Megaways slots form the core of the casino's identity, the platform also provides access to traditional slots, table games, and live dealer options. This diversification ensures that players seeking different gaming experiences can find suitable options without leaving the platform. The inclusion of non-Megaways content also serves players who prefer lower volatility gameplay or different mathematical models.
The transition from StarSpins to Megaways Casino brought changes to the bonus structure and promotional offerings. Understanding these changes helps players maximize value and set appropriate expectations for their gaming sessions.
New players at Megaways Casino can access introductory offers that typically include free spins on selected Megaways titles. The specific terms vary over time, but the casino has offered packages including 20 or more free spins with deposit requirements. Wagering requirements apply to bonus winnings, and players should carefully review the terms before claiming any promotional offer.
Unlike some competitors, the casino's bonus structure tends toward simplicity rather than complex multi-tier packages. This approach reduces confusion but may offer less total value compared to casinos providing matched deposit bonuses alongside free spins.
Beyond the welcome offer, Megaways Casino provides periodic promotions tied to new game releases or seasonal events. The frequency and generosity of these promotions vary, and players should monitor the promotions page or opt into marketing communications to stay informed about current offers.
One notable change from the StarSpins era was the removal of the StarSpins-branded progressive jackpots. These jackpots were specific to the old brand identity and did not transition to the Megaways Casino platform. For players who enjoyed chasing these jackpots, this represented a significant change in the gaming experience.
The Megaways Casino platform is optimized for both desktop and mobile play, reflecting industry standards for responsive design. The interface prioritizes easy navigation to the Megaways game collection while maintaining access to other casino sections.
On desktop computers, the casino presents a clean layout with prominent game categories and search functionality. The Megaways collection is featured prominently, allowing quick access to the platform's signature content. Game loading times are generally fast, and the platform supports play directly through web browsers without requiring software downloads.
Mobile optimization is critical for modern online casinos, and Megaways Casino delivers a functional mobile experience. The platform adapts to various screen sizes, and Megaways slots translate well to touchscreen controls. Players can access their accounts, make deposits and withdrawals, and play games through mobile browsers on both iOS and Android devices.
The simplified interface on mobile devices focuses on core functionality, which may limit access to some informational pages but ensures smooth gameplay performance. Most Megaways titles are available on mobile, though some older or less popular games may be desktop-only.
Megaways Casino supports multiple payment methods for deposits and withdrawals, covering the most common options used by UK and European players. Transaction processing times and any associated fees vary by payment method.
Players can fund their accounts using major credit and debit cards including Visa and Mastercard. E-wallet options such as PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller are also supported, providing faster processing and an additional layer of privacy. Some players may also have access to bank transfer options or prepaid voucher systems like Paysafecard, depending on their location.
Minimum deposit amounts are typically set at reasonable levels to accommodate casual players, while maximum deposits may be subject to limits based on payment method and account verification status.
Withdrawal times vary significantly by payment method. E-wallets generally offer the fastest processing, with funds often available within 24 to 48 hours after approval. Card withdrawals typically take three to five business days, while bank transfers may require up to a week for funds to appear in player accounts.
The casino implements standard verification procedures requiring players to submit identification documents before processing their first withdrawal. This Know Your Customer process is a regulatory requirement and helps prevent fraud and money laundering.
Operating under Gamesys, Megaways Casino maintains responsible gaming tools and player protection measures required by UK Gambling Commission licensing. These features help players maintain control over their gaming activity and prevent problem gambling behaviors.
Players can set deposit limits on daily, weekly, or monthly timeframes, preventing them from wagering more than predetermined amounts. Loss limits and session time reminders provide additional control mechanisms. The casino also offers cooling-off periods and self-exclusion options for players who need to take breaks from gambling.
The self-exclusion system at Megaways Casino allows players to block access to their accounts for specified periods ranging from six months to permanent exclusion. During self-exclusion periods, the casino will not send marketing materials, and players cannot reopen their accounts until the exclusion period expires. For UK players, the casino participates in GAMSTOP, the national self-exclusion scheme that blocks access across multiple licensed operators.
The transformation from StarSpins to Megaways Casino represents a strategic repositioning that aligns the platform with one of the most popular slot mechanics in the online gaming industry. For players who enjoy high-volatility gameplay and the excitement of variable payline structures, the casino offers a focused collection of quality Megaways titles from multiple developers.
The rebranding brought both benefits and trade-offs. The specialized focus on Megaways content creates a clear identity and attracts players specifically interested in this game type. However, the removal of StarSpins-branded jackpots and the narrower thematic focus may disappoint players who valued the previous platform's broader approach.
Operationally, the casino maintains the standards expected from a Gamesys-operated platform, including proper licensing, responsible gaming tools, and reliable payment processing. The bonus offerings are straightforward if not particularly generous compared to some competitors, and the mobile experience meets modern expectations for responsive design.
For players evaluating whether Megaways Casino suits their preferences, the decision largely depends on their interest in Megaways slots specifically. Those who enjoy this game mechanic will find a well-curated selection and a platform designed around their preferences. Players seeking more diverse game portfolios or lower-volatility options may find better fits elsewhere in the competitive online casino market.
All StarSpins accounts were automatically transferred to Megaways Casino with balances, gaming history, and account settings intact. Players retained full access to their funds and could continue playing without interruption.
No, the StarSpins-branded progressive jackpots were discontinued as part of the rebranding. These jackpots were specific to the StarSpins brand identity and did not transition to the new Megaways Casino platform.
Most Megaways slots offer between 324 and 117,649 ways to win per spin, depending on how many symbols appear on each reel. The number changes dynamically with every spin due to the random reel modifier system.
Return to Player percentages for Megaways titles typically range from 95 percent to over 97 percent. Blood Suckers Megaways offers one of the highest RTPs at 97.66 percent, while most titles fall between 96 and 96.5 percent.
Many Megaways titles are available in demo mode, allowing players to test gameplay mechanics and features without risking real money. However, not all games offer free play options, and some features like bonus buys may be restricted in demo versions.
No, the casino operates entirely through web browsers on both desktop and mobile devices. No software downloads or app installations are required to access games and account features.
E-wallet options including PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller typically offer the fastest withdrawal processing, with funds often available within 24 to 48 hours after the casino approves the request.
Yes, Megaways Casino operates under the licensing and regulatory oversight of the UK Gambling Commission through its parent company Gamesys, ensuring compliance with strict player protection and fair gaming standards.
Leading software developers contributing to the Megaways Casino game portfolio
Red Tiger Gaming's vampire-themed Megaways slot offers the highest RTP in the category at 97.66 percent, combining player-friendly mathematics with engaging features including sticky wilds and cascading reels.
The beloved Gonzo character returns in this Megaways adaptation featuring avalanche mechanics, increasing multipliers, and earthquake features that can dramatically boost winning potential during bonus rounds.
Gamesys-operated StarSpins officially transitioned to Megaways Casino, focusing the platform entirely on the popular Megaways slot mechanic with seamless account transfers for existing players.
Red Tiger Gaming released Blood Suckers Megaways featuring an industry-leading 97.66 percent RTP, setting a new standard for player-friendly Megaways titles.
Big Time Gaming's Megaways mechanic continues dominating the online slots market with over 100 licensed titles now available across multiple casino platforms.