5 Lions Megaways Slot Review: Demo, RTP 96.5%, 20,000x Max Win by Pragmatic Play
18+ | Play responsibly

18+ | Play responsibly
5 Lions Megaways
Game overview and basic information
Picture six reels expanding until nearly 200,704 ways to win light up at once, with a lion symbol landing just as a scatter tips the reels into free spins. That moment is the pull of the 5 Lions Megaways slot, a High volatility title from Pragmatic Play. The published headline prize climbs to 20,000x your stake. As a result, the tension sits in the wait rather than in constant returns.
Pragmatic Play released this Megaways release in August 2020. Because the ways count shifts every spin, the six reels vary between two and seven rows in height. The Megaways engine drives that movement, so no fixed grid ever locks into place. Meanwhile, the default return-to-player figure is listed at 96.5%, though operator-dependent variants may apply.
The stake range keeps the entry point accessible. The minimum bet is listed at 0.20 per spin, and the maximum reaches 100.00. Therefore both cautious and heavier sessions fit within the same interface. High volatility remains the defining trait to keep in mind.

| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Provider | Pragmatic Play |
| Release date | August 2020 |
| Reels and rows | 6 reels, 2 to 7 variable rows |
| Paylines or ways | Up to 200,704 ways (Megaways) |
| RTP | 96.5% default, operator-dependent variants may apply |
| Volatility | High |
| Max win | 20,000x bet |
| Min bet | 0.20 |
| Max bet | 100.00 |
| Bonus features | Tumbles, free spins with progressive multiplier, Money Respin, Ante Bet |
| Jackpot | Not disclosed by the provider |
Easy, fast, comfortable
Operating the reels stays straightforward from the first spin. A central spin button sits beside a bet selector that scales the stake up or down. Because the controls cluster along the bottom bar, nothing forces a hunt through menus. First-time users reach every setting quickly.
Autoplay handles hands-free sessions, and a quick-spin option shortens each round. However, the standout control is the Ante Bet toggle. Activating it raises your total stake and shifts how often the bonus entry appears. Consequently, players who prefer chasing the feature can adjust their approach without changing games.
An info button opens the in-game paytable at any point. Although the interface is dense with movement, the layout keeps these buttons fixed. Therefore you can pause, check a rule, and resume in seconds. Accessibility here favours clarity over decoration.

Game design
Theme and graphics
An oriental Asian theme frames the whole presentation. Lions and jungle wildlife decorate the reel border, painted in warm reds and gilded gold. Because the reels change height each spin, the frame stretches and contracts visibly. That variable reel-height presentation gives the screen a living, shifting shape.
Detailed carved trim wraps the reel set like a temple gate. Meanwhile, the background layers distant foliage behind the spinning symbols. The art leans into ornate craftsmanship rather than flat minimalism. As a result, each drop of symbols feels set against depth.
Sounds and gameplay experience
An oriental-style soundtrack underscores the session with strings and percussion. Every tumble triggers a crisp cascade sound as winning symbols clear and new ones fall. Because these effects fire on each successful combination, the audio tracks the action closely. The rhythm builds as chains extend.
A distinct bonus-trigger cue lifts the moment the feature lands. However, the music never overwhelms the reels. Instead, it swells at the right beats and settles between spins. Consequently, the pacing feels deliberate rather than frantic.

Bonuses and symbols
Symbols in the game
The lion stands as the premium symbol, sitting at the top of the value order. Below it, animal symbols such as the elephant, monkey and toucan form the mid tier. Meanwhile, the royals A, K, Q, J and 10 fill the low-paying spots. This split keeps the ranking easy to read at a glance.
A wild substitutes for standard symbols to complete combinations across the ways. The scatter, shaped as a temple emblem, is the key that unlocks the feature. Because a separate money symbol appears as a fireball, it carries its own role in the cash feature. Each type serves one clear job.
Bonus rounds and free spins
Landing enough scatters can trigger the free spins round. During free spins, a progressive win multiplier climbs as tumbles keep resolving. Because that multiplier does not reset between drops in the round, extended chains may build serious momentum. High volatility still shapes how those spins land.
The tumble mechanic runs in both base play and the feature. Winning symbols clear, and fresh symbols fall into the gaps. Meanwhile, a Money Respin feature can award cash values shown on the fireball symbols. The Ante Bet option, when active, alters how frequently the bonus entry appears.
- Collect enough scatter symbols on the reels to trigger free spins.
- Let tumbles resolve so the progressive multiplier can climb across the round.
- Watch for fireball money symbols that may award the Money Respin feature.
- Toggle the Ante Bet to adjust how often the bonus entry can appear.

Paytable and winning combinations
The in-game paytable ranks symbols from the lion down to the royals. Because the ways count changes every spin, the same symbol can pay across a shifting number of positions. Therefore payouts scale with both the ways active and your chosen stake. The relative order stays constant even as the totals move.
Exact per-symbol payout values are not disclosed by the provider, so the table below shows structure rather than fixed amounts. You can open the info panel mid-session to confirm current values. This keeps the reading grounded in what the game actually shows.
| Symbol | Symbol type | Payout basis |
|---|---|---|
| Lion | Premium | Highest tier, scales with ways and stake |
| Elephant, monkey, toucan | Mid | Mid tier, scales with ways and stake |
| A, K, Q, J, 10 | Low (royals) | Lowest tier, scales with ways and stake |
| Wild | Substitute | Completes combinations, no standalone value shown |
| Scatter (temple) | Trigger | Unlocks free spins, not a line payout |
| Fireball | Money symbol | Carries cash value in the Money Respin feature |
Jackpot
No fixed or progressive jackpot is confirmed for this title. Instead, the 20,000x maximum win serves as the top-prize ceiling. Because the Money Respin feature can award cash values on fireball symbols, that mechanic fills the role a jackpot might play elsewhere. The reward structure sits in the features, not in a separate pool.

Mobile device compatibility
Built in HTML5, the game runs directly in a mobile browser. Because the layout responds to screen size, the reels resize without breaking the ornate frame. Portrait and landscape orientations both work. Therefore no separate download stands between you and a spin.
The demo loads on phones and tablets the same way it does on desktop. Meanwhile, the fixed control bar keeps the spin and bet buttons within thumb reach. As a result, the shifting reel heights stay legible even on smaller displays.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
- A large 20,000x maximum win ceiling gives the reels serious upside.
- Up to 200,704 ways to win keep the combination potential wide.
- The progressive multiplier in free spins can build across successive tumbles.
- The Ante Bet option adds flexibility over how often the bonus entry appears.
- A free demo lets you test the mechanics before staking real money.
Limitations
- High volatility means wins can arrive irregularly rather than at a steady pace.
- The 96.5% RTP is operator-dependent, so some variants may run lower.
- Activating the Ante Bet raises your total stake per spin.
- The 20,000x ceiling is a rare outcome, not a routine result.

Conclusion
As a whole, the 5 Lions Megaways slot suits players drawn to High volatility and a wide Megaways engine. The shifting reels, the progressive free-spins multiplier and the Money Respin feature give the session distinct rhythm. Because the top prize reaches 20,000x, the appeal lies in the chase rather than in frequent returns.
Fans of Pragmatic Play’s lion-themed game will find the Ante Bet a useful lever. However, the same volatility that fuels the upside demands patience and clear limits. Test it in the demo first, then decide whether the pacing fits your style.
Responsible gambling
This game is entertainment, not a way to earn income. Every result comes from a random number generator, so outcomes cannot be predicted or influenced. Because no strategy changes the odds, treat each spin as an independent event.
Set deposit and time limits before you play, and never chase losses. Meanwhile, take breaks and keep your stakes within a budget you can afford to lose. If gambling stops feeling enjoyable, step away and seek support from a dedicated help service.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free demo available?
Yes, a free demo runs in the browser with virtual credits. Because it uses the same engine as real-money play, you can test the tumbles and features first. This lets you learn the controls before committing any funds.
What are the RTP, max win and volatility?
The return-to-player is 96.5% by default, though it is operator-dependent and may vary. The maximum win reaches 20,000x your stake. Volatility is High, so wins tend to arrive irregularly rather than steadily.
Is there a jackpot?
No progressive or fixed jackpot is confirmed for this title. Instead, the 20,000x ceiling acts as the top prize. The Money Respin feature can also award cash values on fireball symbols.
How do I trigger the free spins?
Landing enough scatter symbols on the reels can trigger the free spins round. During that round, a progressive multiplier climbs as tumbles resolve. Therefore extended chains may lift the round’s potential.
What does the Ante Bet option do?
The Ante Bet raises your total stake per spin. As a result, it changes how frequently the bonus entry can appear. It is optional, so you can leave it switched off.
How many ways to win are there?
The Megaways engine offers up to 200,704 ways to win. Because the six reels vary between two and seven rows, the active ways change every spin. This keeps the combination count in constant motion.
Can I play on mobile?
Yes, the HTML5 build runs in mobile browsers without a download. It adapts to portrait and landscape orientations. Meanwhile, the fixed control bar keeps the buttons within easy reach.



