Big Time Gaming at a Glance
- Founded
- 2011, in Sydney, Australia
- Founder
- Nik Robinson
- Owner
- Evolution, since 2021
- Key licences
- UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, Alderney Gambling Control Commission
- Known for
- Inventing Megaways, high-volatility games
- Signature game
- Bonanza Megaways
- Games we review
- Bonanza Megaways
Company Background
Big Time Gaming was founded in Sydney in 2011 by Nik Robinson, a gaming industry veteran and former chief executive of NewTech Media. The studio set out to design slots with new mechanics rather than familiar formats.
Its breakthrough was Megaways, a patented system in which the number of symbols on each reel changes on every spin. The mechanic first appeared in Dragon Born and was made famous by Bonanza, released in December 2016. Big Time Gaming then began licensing Megaways and its other trademarked mechanics to other studios, which is why so many Megaways games now exist from developers such as Pragmatic Play, NetEnt and Blueprint Gaming.
In 2021, Big Time Gaming was acquired by Evolution, which also owns NetEnt, Red Tiger and Nolimit City.
What Big Time Gaming Is Known For
Megaways
Megaways is Big Time Gaming's best-known invention. In the standard format, six reels each show between two and seven symbols on every spin, creating up to 117,649 ways to win. Some games use larger layouts. White Rabbit Megaways, for example, can expand to 248,832 ways in its bonus round. See Megaways Slots Explained.
Reactions and Rising Multipliers
Big Time Gaming games often combine Megaways with cascading wins, which the studio calls Reactions, and multipliers that grow during free spins. In Bonanza Megaways, the free spins multiplier increases with every Reaction and has no upper limit. See Cascading Reels Explained and Slot Multipliers Explained.
Other Mechanics
Big Time Gaming has also developed other trademarked mechanics, such as Megaclusters and Megapays, and is credited with helping to pioneer bonus buy systems. See Slot Buy Features Explained.
High Volatility
Many of its games are rated high volatility, with long gaps between big wins and much of the value concentrated in free spins. See Slot Volatility Explained.
Big Time Gaming Games We Review
Other well-known titles include Danger High Voltage, Extra Chilli and White Rabbit Megaways. Browse all titles in our Slot Game Reviews.
RTP and Volatility
Big Time Gaming's well-known titles generally publish RTPs of around 96% to 97%. Always check the RTP shown in the game's information screen, because figures can vary between versions. See Pokies RTP Explained.
Licensing and Testing
Big Time Gaming holds licences from regulators including the UK Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority and the Alderney Gambling Control Commission, and its games are independently tested and certified. See Slot RNG Explained.
In Australia, it is illegal for companies to offer online casino games, including online pokies, to people in Australia under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Invented one of the most influential slot mechanics of recent years
- Australian roots, founded in Sydney
- Innovative games with distinctive mechanics
- Licensed by major regulators
Weaknesses
- Many games are high volatility, with long dry spells
- Smaller catalogue than the largest studios
- Megaways variety means results vary widely from spin to spin
- Bonus buy options, where available, increase the amount at risk
Playing Responsibly
No studio makes games that are more likely to pay on any given spin. If you choose to play, set a budget and time limit before you start. Our guides on setting gambling limits and recognising gambling harm explain practical steps, and Gambling Help Online offers free, confidential support 24/7 on 1800 858 858.